Prairie State Wire

The Illinois State Fair has announced its theme for 2024, "It's Showtime!" This theme encompasses a variety of activities including livestock shows, Grandstand performances, circuses, rodeos, diving shows, and ice skating performances.

The theme also extends to the Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade, which will travel through Springfield streets and the main gates to inaugurate the 11-day event. The fair opens at 7 a.m. on Thursday, August 8 with a full day of events and entertainment. The annual parade is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.

Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, emphasized the significance of the parade: "The Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade is a Springfield tradition," he said. "This year's theme of ‘It's Showtime!' has so many meanings with the wide variety of activities available throughout the fair. We invite everyone to come out and find their favorite."

Rebecca Clark, Illinois State Fair Manager, added: "There's so much to experience, and it all starts with the iconic Twilight Parade. Families are encouraged to line the streets inside the fairgrounds, grab their favorite fair food and witness this time-honored tradition. Every year, the Illinois State Fair gets bigger and better, and we cannot wait for you to experience it all."

The Twilight Parade will commence at Lincoln Park at 5:30 p.m., proceed onto Sangamon Avenue through the Main Gate down Main Street to Grandstand Avenue before concluding in Lot 21.

Additionally, opening night features Monsters of Destruction in The Arena. Attendees are advised to enter Gate 6 and park infield to avoid parade traffic. Early arrival is recommended for those attending both events; festivities begin with a pit party at 5:30 p.m., followed by the main event at 7:30 p.m.

Admission on Thursday costs $5 for adults and $3 for seniors; children aged 12 and under enter free. Carnival rides open at noon with an all-day price of $3 per ride on opening day.

Fairgoers can benefit from Thursday's Double the Fun promotion by redeeming their parking pass for free parking on August 13-15 if they pay for parking on August 8.

The fair runs from August 8 through August 18 in Springfield. Updates are available via Facebook and Instagram.