Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Illinois State Fair organizers should hope the weather the next week and a half is as beautiful as that Thursday morning for the ribbon-cutting that marked the official start of the fair.
The last several years, state agriculture director Jerry Costello II has had upgrades on the fairgrounds to tout.
“The historic Coliseum, built in 1901, considered the crown jewel of the fairgrounds, has undergone significant upgrades – over $30 million. there. Countless improvements, but to name a few: ADA accessibility, new seating, elevators, HVAC – which allows year-round use of the facility.”
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton touched on the 2025 fair’s theme, “Adventure Awaits.”
“Adventure can look really different for each of us: from pickleball to craft beer; from nightly concerts in the Grandstand to the butter cow. Or how about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library! This year, there are so many ways to choose your fun.”
Stratton then invited the crowd to join her at the Illinois Department of Agriculture tent for an apple cider slushy and sweet corn on the cob.
The fair runs through Sunday, August 17.
