Illinois Pork Party Returns in 2025

By Andi Anderson

The Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) is gearing up for another exciting year at the 2025 Illinois State Fair, offering fairgoers a taste of delicious pork and a chance to learn about pork production.

Pork Patio

This year, the Pork Patio, located in the Commodities Pavilion across from the Grandstand, will be open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The menu includes fan favorites like pork chop sandwiches, pork burgers, and BBQ pulled pork.

Returning dishes include the Chop on a Stick and the Pork Twister, a bacon-wrapped brown sugar marinated pork kebab. New this year is the Pulled Pork BBQ Mac & Cheese, a tasty addition to the menu.

While enjoying these treats, visitors can support the Pork Power program by donating $15, which helps purchase ground pork for local food banks. In return, donors will receive the limited edition 2025 Pork Power t-shirt.

The Pork Power program, in collaboration with the Illinois Soybean Association, Illinois Corn, and the Illinois Association of Meat Processors, has donated over a million pounds of pork to food banks across Illinois since 2008.

Piglets on Parade

Fairgoers can also visit the Piglets on Parade at the Birthing Center, open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. This interactive experience lets visitors walk through a simulated pig barn to observe sows and their newborn piglets.

IPPA youth ambassadors and volunteers will educate visitors about how pigs are raised, and children will receive pork-related mementos. The Birthing Center is located near the Department of Agriculture tent, east of the Coliseum.

If you’re interested in attending these events, or need more information or resources, feel free to reach out to Jackie Wible at the IPPA office at 217-529-3100 or via cell at 812-564-8585 during the fair.

Photo Credit: illinois-pork-producers-association-