Illinois e-News Release

For Immediate Release

July 23, 2025

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SPRINGFIELD, IL – Two of your favorite summertime activities are coming together when the Illinois State Fair takes over the Illinois Product Farmers Market. 

Make plans to be at the Shed on the Illinois State Fairgrounds on Thursday, July 24 from 3:30 – 7 p.m. for Illinois State Fair discount deals, giveaways, food, and of course, the weekly farmers market.

Don’t miss the chance to win free tickets to an exciting event, and you don’t have to be present to win. Prize packages include:

- Two tickets to any Grandstand concert (including the sold-out Megan Moroney concert!)

- Two tickets to the Monsters of Destruction Truck Show

- Two tickets to the ITPA Truck & Tractor Pull 

- Two tickets to the Rodeo by Wooten Rodeo Co.

“With only two weeks until the 2025 Illinois State Fair, we’re combining forces with the Illinois Product Farmers Market to give families another chance to save money on summer fun at the Illinois State Fair,” said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. 

The Grandstand Box Office will be open for ticket sales. Purchase your Mega or Jumbo Pass and get photos at the Credentials Office (located inside the Emmerson Building). 

Get your Fair food fix early with three State Fair themed food trucks. OnPoint Concession will offer corndogs and potato tornadoes, Taft’s Mr. Ribeye will be serving up ribeye sandwiches, and Johnnie O’s will have hot and fresh mini donuts. 

The first 300 visitors will enjoy free ice cream, thanks to our partners in agriculture, Prairie Farms. 

Robert Sampson will provide live entertainment on the Lincoln Stage directly across from The Shed.

Pre-purchase your beer tent and Grandstand beer tickets. Representatives from the Combined Veterans Association and American Business Club will be onsite to pre-sell tickets for this year’s fair.

Don’t forget to register for fan-favorite Special Events contests while you’re at the farmers market. You might earn a blue ribbon at the Illinois State Fair in August!

- Baby Photo 

- Pet Photo 

- Cutest Little Farmer

- Fiddle & Banjo

- Ponytail Contest

- Decorated Diaper Contest

- Diaper Derby Contest

While you’re here, learn how to play pickleball, the fastest growing sport in America. No equipment needed to learn or participate – just show up and have fun. Then join us at the Illinois State Fair for our newest competition – the Dill-inois State Fair Pickleball Showdown. Register to play or just come and watch the competition Saturday, August 16 in the Orr Building starting at 10 a.m.

 

Illinois’ Best Blue Ribbon Recipes, the 2024 State Fair cookbook, will also be available for purchase during the event. 

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