Prairie State Wire

The Illinois State Fair is setting the stage for a countdown event, "100 Days Out," as it prepares for the grand opening of the 2025 Fair. The celebration is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 29, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Reisch Pavilion on the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

Fairgoers will be treated to a preview of the culinary delights that the state fair has to offer. Participating vendors include Taft's Mr. Ribeye, Food Baby, 17th Street Barbecue, Vose's Korndogs, and Hae's Bakery & Coffee Shoppe. Each food purchase will provide attendees with a raffle ticket, entering them for a chance to win the ultimate prize package which includes two track tickets to every Grandstand concert at the 2025 Illinois State Fair. The fair itself will commence on August 7 and continue until August 17.

For those planning to attend the fair in August, discounted mega passes, jumbo passes, admission booklets, and parking passes can be purchased during the "100 Days Out" event.

Jerry Costello II, the Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, expressed his enthusiasm about the upcoming fair: "We are proud to showcase the Illinois State Fairgrounds following another record-breaking year. This 100 Days Out Celebration is an opportunity to look ahead in anticipation for the 2025 Illinois State Fair, which promises to be the biggest and best yet."

Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark echoed his sentiment, emphasizing the building anticipation: "This event is all about building excitement as we count down to opening day. It's a great way to sample some of the Fair's most beloved foods, stock up on money-saving passes to the fair, and get the community energized for what's to come in August."

Attendance at the "100 Days Out" event is free, and parking on the fairgrounds does not require a fee.