SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - The 2024 Illinois State Fair's theme will be "It's Showtime!"
State Fair officials said the theme captures the spirit of the fair which includes, livestock shows, Grandstand performances, circuses, rodeos, diving shows, ice skating performances and more.
The theme also influences the Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade that goes through down Springfield streets and through the main gates, kicking off the 11-day showcase of Illinois agriculture, arts and crafts, food, carnival rides and entertainment.
Fair gates open at 7 a.m. on Thursday, August 8. The annual parade steps off at 5:30 p.m.
The Illinois State Fair is looking for groups interested in participating in the parade. Parade entries will be accepted online until July 8. Visit statefair.illinois.gov to learn more.
“The Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade is a Springfield tradition,” said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “This year’s theme of ‘It’s Showtime!’ has so many meanings with the wide variety of activities available throughout the fair. We invite everyone to come out and find their favorite.”
“There’s so much to experience, and it all starts with the iconic Twilight Parade,” said Rebecca Clark, Illinois State Fair Manager. “Families are encouraged to line the streets inside the fairgrounds, grab their favorite fair food and witness this time-honored tradition. Every year, the Illinois State Fair gets bigger and better, and we cannot wait for you to experience it all.”
The Twilight Parade starts in Lincoln Park and travels onto Sangamon Avenue, entering through the Main Gate. From there, the parade will proceed down Main Street to Grandstand Avenue and turn left, marching past the Grandstand and exiting into Lot 21.
Admission to the fairgrounds on Thursday, August 8 is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and free for children ages 12 and under. All carnival rides, including those in Adventure Village, will be open at 12 p.m. On opening day of the Fair, all carnival rides are just $3.00 all day.
Fairgoers are encouraged to take advantage of Thursday’s Double the Fun promotion. Fairgoers who pay to park on the fairgrounds on Thursday, August 8 can redeem their parking pass for free parking on a return trip to the Illinois State Fair on either Tuesday, August 13, Wednesday, August 14 or Thursday, August 15.
The 2024 Illinois State Fair runs from August 8 through August 18 in Springfield.
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