The Illinois State Fair enjoyed a thoroughly packed first weekend, with parking climbing to maximum capacity each afternoon. Animal shows continued through the weekend, with the Illinois Farm Bureau awarding $8,000 in prizes to winners of the 24th Annual Master Showmanship Contest, celebrating the animal husbandry of 4-H students aged 14-18 from across the State.
The Fair’s second week started on Monday with Senior & Scout Day, with special events throughout the day for the elders of Illinois, who enjoyed free admissions throughout the day.
Tuesday, August 13 is Twosday: Discounted admission is offered for adults and seniors on this day, and all rides in the Carnival Midway and Adventure Village will be just $2 each.
Wednesday, August 14 marks Governor’s Day, in which Illinois Governor JB Pritzker hosts special guests and events, such as the Governor’s Sale of Champions auction at 4:30pm in the Coliseum of Champions. Wednesday will also feature a public naturalization ceremony, welcoming 200 people from 49 countries across the world who have completed the arduous process of naturalization as US citizens.
Thursday, August 15 will be Republican Day.
Friday the 16th of August is First Responder & Healthcare Heroes Day, honoring the State’s emergency first responders with free tickets, as well as special discounts and offers at various food vendors.
Saturday, August 17 is Park District Conservation Day, with representatives of 45 of Illinois’s Park Districts present to entertain and educate fairgoers with activities throughout the fairgrounds and Conservation World.
And finally, Sunday August 18 is Family Day, one last chance for families to enjoy this year’s fair. Abe’s Amble 10K/5K Race kicks off the day’s events at 7:30 AM, shortly after gates open; events continue throughout the day with a variety of shows planned to cap off the 2024 Illinois State Fair from 8:00 until gates close.
Live shows with performances by special guests is planned to cap off each night of the Fair. For more information on entertainment and schedules, fairgoers can visit the Illinois State Fair’s website at https://statefair.illinois.gov/info/schedules.html.
