The Illinois State Fair, a summertime staple since the 1800s, is set to tantalize taste buds with an array of new food vendors when it kicks off on August 8. In a statement obtained by NBC Chicago, state fair manager Rebecca Clark expressed excitement about the culinary delights awaiting fairgoers. "From everything fried to everything fresh, it's amazing," Clark said. "It's always fun to see what kind of crazy concoctions our venders are going to come up with." The fair promises a lineup of 17 new vendors, among them Home Run Inn and Potbelly's, as well as a variety of novel treats like Alligator burgers and Korean corn dogs.
Alongside the feast of new flavors, visitors will also be able to more easily navigate the sprawling fairgrounds. The Illinois State Fair is reintroducing trams, offering guests complimentary rides to conveniently carry them to various hotspots on the grounds. Sponsored by the IL Corn Growers Association, the trams are set to facilitate movement across the 366-acre venue. "We want to make the experience accessible with tram stops at popular spots around the grounds," Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, told Newschannel abc20.
Accessibility and affordability remain core themes of this year's fair as well. With $5 parking and multiple days of free or discounted admission, Clark emphasized the aim to build memories and introduce new audiences to the fair experience. "A lot of people don't realize is how affordable it is to come and attend the Illinois State Fair," Clark mentioned in an NBC Chicago interview. And for those looking for some thrills in between bites, the fair's Grandstand Stage will feature performances from renowned acts like The Smashing Pumpkins, Mötley Crüe, and the Jonas Brothers.
For those curious about the ever-mysterious butter cow, an "unofficial icon" sculpted from 500 pounds of unsalted butter, its theme and story remain top secret until its reveal on August 7. Details on these attractions and the full event, including ticket sales, can be found on the Illinois State Fair website, as per NBC Chicago.
