Prairie State Wire

In Springfield, Illinois, the Illinois State Fair and Governor JB Pritzker have announced that the Illinois State FFA Officers will be the Grand Marshals for this year's Twilight Parade. This announcement comes in a year marked by significant growth in youth participation in agriculture.

Governor Pritzker's 2022 initiative to cover FFA dues for all students enrolled in agriculture classes has led to an increase in membership from 23,000 to over 41,000. Additionally, 5,500 students not taking agricultural courses have joined the FFA.

"Here in the Land of Lincoln, we are making agricultural education more accessible for all young Illinoisans because it is our current students who represent our future agricultural leaders—young minds who will grapple with and solve the challenges of tomorrow," said Governor JB Pritzker. "I couldn't be prouder to announce that, this year, the Illinois State FFA Officers will serve as Grand Marshals for the annual Twilight Parade. Here's to another wonderful Illinois State Fair and the next generation of agricultural leaders."

Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, also commented on the progress: "These FFA leaders represent the future of agriculture in Illinois. I am proud to have ag education grow immensely over the past two years, including in our urban communities providing young adults opportunities in our state's number one industry."

The Grand Marshals include President Thaddeus Bergschneider from Franklin FFA; Vice President Eric Wisely from Nashville FFA; Reporter Cooper Nelson from Canton FFA; Secretary Riley Kessler from Staunton FFA; and Treasurer Benjamin Bremmer from Pearl City FFA.

The Twilight Parade will begin at Lincoln Park at 5:30 p.m., proceeding east down Sangamon Avenue before turning onto Main Street at the fairgrounds. It will continue along Main Street and turn right onto Illinois Avenue before dispersing after passing a firehouse.

Admission fees for entering the fairgrounds are set at $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for seniors aged 60 and older, while children aged 12 and under can enter free of charge.

The 2023 Illinois State Fair is scheduled to run from August 10 through August 20 in Springfield. Visitors can plan their trip by visiting statefair.illinois.gov or downloading a free mobile app available on Apple and Android devices.