Route 66 named honorary grand marshal for Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Route 66 has been named the honorary grand marshal for the 2026 Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade.

In celebration of 100 years of the Mother Road, classic cars will lead this year's parade as a symbol of the highway.

"Illinois is the birthplace of this iconic highway and ours is the only fairgrounds in the nation to sit on Route 66, making it the perfect honorary Grand Marshal for this year's Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade," Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II said. "Just like Route 66 has connected communities and created lifelong memories, this parade invites everyone to take part in a tradition that celebrates what makes Illinois special."

The parade will start at 5:30 p.m. in Lincoln Park and travel onto Sangamon Avenue, entering the fairgrounds through the Main Gate. From there, the parade marches down Main Street, turns left onto Illinois Avenue, and then goes down Grandstand Avenue to exit through Lot 21.

"We invite fairgoers from across Illinois and beyond to join us in celebrating 100 years of Route 66 during the Illinois State Fair," Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark said. "From the Twilight Parade to Route 66 exhibits, entertainment and special events, we're looking forward to welcoming visitors for a celebration that honors our state's history."