Prairie State Wire

The Illinois State Fair Grandstand will host harness racing to commence County Fairs and Horse Racing Day on Thursday, August 8. Recognized as one of the fastest dirt tracks globally, the one-mile track will feature races exclusively sponsored by the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) on opening day. Every horse participating will be either Illinois conceived or foaled.

"We are proud to showcase harness racing at the Illinois State Fair," said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II. "We invite everyone, particularly those who have never experienced harness racing, to join us at the fair for these exciting events."

The harness races on August 8 will include a split card with the first post time at 11 a.m., followed by a second post time at 5 p.m. The first 200 spectators will receive a free t-shirt, courtesy of the Illinois Harness Horsemen's Association. Admission into the Grandstand to watch harness races is free for fairgoers.

"There's no better way to watch horse racing than on one of the world's fastest tracks," said Rebecca Clark, Illinois State Fair Manager. "The beauty and strength of the horses, coupled with the speed and excitement of the races, creates an unforgettable experience. Best of all, it's free!"

The remainder of the Illinois State Fair harness races are scheduled as follows with post times each day at 11 a.m.:

- Fri., Aug. 9: First 200 spectators will receive a free plush horse.

- Sat., Aug. 10: First 200 spectators will receive a kids' coloring kit.

- Wed., Aug. 14: First 200 spectators will receive free ice cream from Prairie Farms.

- Thurs., Aug. 15: First 200 spectators will receive free ice cream from Prairie Farms.

Tickets are currently available for all Grandstand shows and races via ticketmaster.com and in-person at the ISF Box Office:

- August 9: Keith Urban with MacKenzie Porter

- August 10: Motley Crue with Phil X and The Drills

- August 11: Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit with Ashley McBryde

- August 13: Jordan Davis with Ashley Cooke

- August 14: Lil Wayne

- August 15: Jonas Brothers

- August 16: The Smashing Pumpkins with PVRIS

- August 17: Miranda Lambert with Gavin Adcock

- August 18: Shaboozey

Races on the world's fastest dirt track include:

- August 17: USAC Silver Crown Series Racing

- August 18: ARCA Super Series Racing

The Illinois State Fair runs from August 8 through August 18 in Springfield. Stay updated with all news and announcements from the Illinois State Fair via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

###