Prairie State Wire

Governor JB Pritzker announced today that the 2024 Illinois State Fair set a new attendance record with over 773,000 attendees during its 11-day run. This marks the fourth consecutive year of record-breaking attendance under Pritzker's administration.

"Each year, the hardworking team at the Illinois Department of Agriculture manages to improve the Illinois State Fair with innovative new offerings, bigger and more diverse entertainment options, and an unwavering commitment to spotlighting Illinois agriculture," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Grandstand artists like the Jonas Brothers, Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert drew big crowds. We were especially excited to have Lil Wayne break the Grandstand attendance record by selling more than 15,000 tickets."

The fair's attendance in 2024 surpassed last year's figures by nearly 66,000 visitors.

"While it's gratifying to break attendance records, our real aim is to create an event that highlights all the things that make Illinois special, especially agriculture, our number one industry," said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II. "The numbers are proof that the Illinois State Fair is a summer destination for families and second to none in the nation."

This year's fair included a naturalization ceremony on Governor's Day where nearly 200 new citizens from 49 countries were welcomed into U.S. citizenship by Governor Pritzker.

Additional attractions contributing to this year's success included horse and auto races, truck and tractor pulls, a circus, rodeo, demolition derby, and significantly increased carnival revenue compared to last year.

"Some of the credit goes to mother nature for the cool, dry weather, but that's only part of the story. We worked purposefully to offer something for everyone at the Illinois State Fair. Promotions and discounts made the fair more budget-friendly for families with expanded free entertainment options as well," said Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark. "Planning is already underway for the 2025 Illinois State Fair with an emphasis on introducing new elements while maintaining the traditions people expect and love."

The Governor's Sale of Champions also posted record-breaking sales figures with a Grand Champion Steer selling for $110,000 and another steer from Land of Lincoln fetching $65,000.

Key statistics from this year's fair include:

- Estimated local/regional economic impact: Over $86 million

- Sales tax revenue: $2.6 million

- Funds raised at Governor's Sale of Champions: $323,775

- Service hours contributed by volunteers: Over 20,000

Illinois state agencies provided numerous community services during the fair including issuing driver's licenses and ID cards as well as hunting licenses and permits.

Significant investments totaling over $85 million have been made into infrastructure improvements across the fairgrounds addressing deferred maintenance issues such as roof repairs and upgrades to key facilities including The Coliseum.

Preparations are already underway for next year's fair scheduled from August 7-17.