Prairie State Wire

Two popular summer events will join forces as the Illinois State Fair hosts a special takeover of the Illinois Product Farmers Market on July 24. The event is scheduled to take place at the Shed on the Illinois State Fairgrounds from 3:30 to 7 p.m.

Attendees can expect discount deals, giveaways, food offerings, and access to the weekly farmers market. There will also be opportunities to win tickets for various attractions at the upcoming Illinois State Fair. Prize packages include two tickets each for any Grandstand concert—including the sold-out Megan Moroney concert—Monsters of Destruction Truck Show, ITPA Truck & Tractor Pull, and Rodeo by Wooten Rodeo Co.

“With only two weeks until the 2025 Illinois State Fair, we’re combining forces with the Illinois Product Farmers Market to give families another chance to save money on summer fun at the Illinois State Fair,” said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

The Grandstand Box Office will be open during this event for ticket sales. Mega and Jumbo Passes can also be purchased onsite, with photos available at the Credentials Office in the Emmerson Building.

Three fair-themed food trucks—OnPoint Concession (corndogs and potato tornadoes), Taft’s Mr. Ribeye (ribeye sandwiches), and Johnnie O’s (mini donuts)—will serve food. The first 300 visitors will receive free ice cream provided by Prairie Farms.

Live entertainment by Robert Sampson is scheduled for the Lincoln Stage across from The Shed. Attendees may pre-purchase beer tent and Grandstand beer tickets from representatives of local organizations such as Combined Veterans Association and American Business Club.

Special events contests registration will also be available at this market event. Contests include Baby Photo, Pet Photo, Cutest Little Farmer, Fiddle & Banjo, Ponytail Contest, Decorated Diaper Contest, and Diaper Derby Contest.

Visitors can try pickleball onsite without needing equipment or prior experience. This activity promotes participation in a new competition—the Dill-inois State Fair Pickleball Showdown—which takes place August 16 in the Orr Building starting at 10 a.m.

The event will also offer copies of “Illinois’ Best Blue Ribbon Recipes,” which is this year’s official state fair cookbook.

Updates about these activities are shared through Facebook and Instagram channels managed by organizers.