‘It’s Showtime!’: Illinois State Fair announces 2024 theme

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) – The Illinois State Fair is coming up next month, and this year’s theme is “It’s Showtime!” State Fair officials shared how the mantra will capture the spirit of the fair from day one, onwards.

“It’s Showtime!” aims to embody the State Fair’s many impressive events, from livestock shows to Grandstand performances. It will also influence the Twilight Parade, which will start at 5:30 p.m. on August 8 — the fair’s opening day.

“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.”

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The Twilight Fair will include marching bands, muscle cars, and everything in between. Entrants are still able to sign up for the parade until July 8.

“There’s so much to experience, and it all starts with the iconic Twilight Parade,” State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark said. “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.”

Later in the evening, the Monsters of Destruction will kick off in The Arena at 7:30 p.m. To avoid parade traffic, attendees are advised to enter Gate 6 and utilize parking in the infield. The pit party starts at 5:30 p.m.

Upcoming county fairs across Central Illinois

Opening day tickets on Aug. 8 will be $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and free for kids 12 and under. All carnival rides will be $3 all day and will open at noon. The day’s “Double the Fun” promotion will also allow visitors who pay to park on the fairgrounds to redeem their parking pass for free parking on any day between Aug. 13 – 15.

The Illinois State Fair will be Aug. 8 – 18 in Springfield. Go to statefair.illinois.gov for tickets and more information. For updates, follow the fair on Facebook or Instagram.

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