25-foot-tall Cozy Dog

A 25-foot-tall Cozy Dog statue, complete with neon mustard and ketchup, now stands at the Illinois Route 66 Experience at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

 Gem PR & Media

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - The Illinois State Fair is celebrating Springfield’s unique culinary history this weekend with "Cozy Dog Weekend," featuring a world-record attempt, historical dedications, and family activities.

Springfield is widely recognized as the birthplace of the corn dog, which first debuted at the state fair in 1946 before the iconic Cozy Dog Drive-In opened in 1949. To honor this local Route 66 tradition, the fair is hosting events from Friday, Aug. 21 through Sunday, Aug. 23:

  • Friday: Concertgoers at the sold-out Ella Langley show will attempt to set a world record for the most Cozy Dogs eaten simultaneously.
  • Saturday: Officials and the Waldmire family will dedicate a new Route 66 Experience exhibit on the fairgrounds, highlighting the history of the Cozy Dog ahead of the Route 66 centennial.
  • Sunday: The celebration wraps up with Family Day, where guests are encouraged to share their favorite corn dog photos on social media using the hashtag #CozyDogSunday.

The 2026 Illinois State Fair runs through Sunday, August 23.

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