Prairie State Wire

SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Illinois State Fair has announced its 2024 theme, "It's Showtime!" The theme reflects the diverse array of events at the fair, including livestock shows, Grandstand performances, circuses, rodeos, diving shows, and ice skating performances.

The theme will also influence the Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade. The parade will travel through Springfield streets and enter the main gates to kick off the 11-day event. The fair opens on Thursday, August 8 at 7 a.m., with the annual parade starting at 5:30 p.m.

"The Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade is a Springfield tradition," said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. "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."

"There's so much to experience, and it all starts with the iconic Twilight Parade," said Rebecca Clark, Illinois State Fair Manager. "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 parade will begin at Lincoln Park at 5:30 p.m., proceed onto Sangamon Avenue through the Main Gate, continue down Main Street to Grandstand Avenue, turn left past the Grandstand, and exit into Lot 21.

On opening night in The Arena, Monsters of Destruction will perform. Attendees are advised to enter Gate 6 and park infield to avoid parade traffic. Early arrival is recommended for festivities starting with a pit party at 5:30 p.m., followed by the main event at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at StateFair.Illinois.gov.

Admission on Thursday, August 8 is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, and free for children aged 12 and under. Carnival rides open at noon on opening day with all rides priced at $3 each.

Fairgoers can benefit from Thursday's Double the Fun promotion by redeeming their parking pass for free parking on a return visit on August 13-15.

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