By Andi Anderson
The 2024 Illinois State Fair has set a new record with over 773,000 attendees, making it the most visited fair in recent history under Governor JB Pritzker’s administration.
This marks the fourth time that attendance records have been broken during his tenure, with the growth attributed to new attractions, a lineup of popular artists, and cooler weather.
Governor Pritzker highlighted the fair’s success, noting that the Illinois Department of Agriculture continues to enhance the event with innovative offerings, diverse entertainment, and a strong emphasis on showcasing Illinois agriculture.
The Grandstand drew large crowds with performances from big names like the Jonas Brothers, Keith Urban, and Miranda Lambert. Lil Wayne made history by breaking the Grandstand attendance record, selling over 15,000 tickets for his performance.
The fair’s attendance increased by nearly 66,000 from 2023, a testament to the continuous improvements made each year. Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II emphasized that the fair’s goal is to highlight Illinois’ rich agricultural heritage and provide a top-notch summer destination for families.
A notable addition to this year’s fair was a naturalization ceremony held on Governor’s Day, where nearly 200 new U.S. citizens were welcomed from 49 countries. This event underscored the fair’s broader commitment to community and inclusion.
The 2024 fair offered a variety of attractions, including horse and auto races, truck and tractor pulls, a circus, rodeo, and demolition derby. Expanded free entertainment options and promotional discounts made the fair more accessible for families, further boosting attendance. Carnival revenue also saw a significant rise compared to the previous year.
The Governor’s Sale of Champions set new records, with the Grand Champion Steer selling for $110,000 and the Land of Lincoln Grand Champion Steer fetching $65,000. These sales raised $323,775 to support youth in agriculture.
The economic impact of the 2024 fair was substantial, with an estimated contribution of over $86 million to the local and regional economy. Sales tax revenue reached $2.6 million, reflecting the fair’s popularity and economic significance.
Looking ahead, Governor Pritzker and the Illinois legislature have invested over $85 million in infrastructure improvements across the fairgrounds, enhancing facilities like the Coliseum with new seating, plumbing, and an HVAC system for year-round use.
Planning is already underway for the 2025 Illinois State Fair, scheduled for August 7-17, with a focus on introducing new elements while preserving beloved traditions.
Photo Credit: illinois-state-fair-
Categories: Illinois, Rural Lifestyle