It’s finally here. Gov. JB Pritzker cut the ribbon Thursday morning officially kicking off the 2024 Illinois State Fair.
The governor, alongside Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II and Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher welcomed attendees to the 171st rendition of the state fair, touting the infrastructure improvements and new attractions that they can expect.
More: Who’s performing, how much is admission?: Your 2024 Illinois State Fair questions answered
It could be a tall order to top last year’s record-breaking attendance numbers, surpassing 700,000 over the course of the 2023 fair. But with music headliners like the Jonas Brothers and Lil Wayne coming to town, fair officials are confident it will be another barnstorming year.
Of course, much is dependent on the favorability of the weather.
“A full year of dreaming, planning and hard work comes to this,” Illinois State Fair manager Rebecca Clark said. “We are proud to be an economic engine to our state’s and local economy and one of the last getaways for families before the start of a new school year.”
Last year’s fair brought in $7.6 million in revenue for the state, but also provides a chance to emphasize the state’s $51.1 billion agriculture industry. Agriculture Day will be held on Friday, where livestock exhibitors and youth in agriculture will celebrate farmers
Joined with this year’s theme of “It’s Showtime!,” daily themes are as followed:
Aug. 10: Kids DayAug. 11: Veterans & Gold Star Families DayAug. 12: Senior & Scout DayAug. 13: TwosdayAug. 14: Governor’s DayAug. 15: Republican DayAug. 16: First Responder & Healthcare Heroes DayAug. 17: Park District Conservation DayAug. 18: Family Day
Pritzker, who has championed Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz this week since being named Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate, was asked which fair was better. For the governor, the choice is clear.
“We’ve been working hard to make our state fair the best state fair in the country and I want to make sure we have the highest attendance,” Pritzker said. “So, I haven’t looked at the numbers for Minnesota. All I can tell you is don’t miss this state fair.”
Through the Rebuild Illinois Infrastructure Program — Pritzker’s 2019 capital improvements plan — $85.3 million has been allocated towards the Springfield fairgrounds as part of a multi-year and ongoing upgrades and repair plan.
Costello reiterated the work done to the Coliseum plus newly paved roads and parking lots as what attendees will most notice this year. Upkeep for the fairgrounds, named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990, is all the more important he said.
“It’s our responsibility to safeguard this state treasure,” he said.
The 2024 Illinois State Fair runs from Aug. 8 through Aug. 18.
Contact Patrick M. Keck: [email protected], twitter.com/@pkeckreporter.
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Publish date : 2024-08-08 08:16:00
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