Jerry Costello Director of Illinois Department Of Agriculture | Official Website
Jerry Costello Director of Illinois Department Of Agriculture | Official Website
The Illinois State Fair Grandstand is set to open its 2023 season with harness racing on County Fairs and Horse Racing Day, scheduled for Thursday, August 10. The races will take place on the one-mile track, recognized as one of the fastest in the world, featuring only horses that are either conceived or foaled in Illinois.
Jerry Costello, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), expressed enthusiasm about the event: "To be able to provide an expanded showcase of Illinois horses on our State's biggest stage and on one of the world's fastest tracks is a tremendous way to start off our state fair." He added, "Our hope is that those who have never experienced harness racing at the fair will come out and enjoy these races and the ones that follow throughout the fair."
The opening day will include a split card with races starting at 11 a.m. and again at 5 p.m. Additionally, there will be a giveaway of kids activity bags for the first 200 spectators, courtesy of the Illinois Horsemen Association. Entry to these races is free for all fairgoers.
Further harness racing events are scheduled throughout the fair with post times at 11 a.m. on various days: August 11 includes a T-shirt giveaway; August 12 offers stuffed horse giveaways; and both August 16 and August 17 feature family ice cream socials presented by Prairie Farms.
Tickets for other grandstand shows during the fair are available through Ticketmaster or in person at the ISF Box Office. Notable performances include Old Dominion with Alexandra Kay on August 11, The Doobie Brothers on August 12, Alanis Morissette with Tennille Townes on August 13, REO Speedwagon with Edwin McCain on August 15, Alter Bridge with Mammoth WVH on August 16, Tim McGraw with Landon Parker on August 17, Maren Morris with Brittney Spencer on August 19, and Nelly with Ashanti & Ja Rule on August 20.
The Illinois State Fair runs from August 10-20 in Springfield. Attendees can stay informed about updates via social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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