August 07, 2025

Pickleball to Parton: What’s new at Illinois State Fair

By Tom C. Doran
“Adventure Awaits” those attending the Illinois State Fair Aug. 7-17 in Springfield. Various highlights of the fair were outlined during a media preview on July 31. Participants included Fair Manager Rebecca Clark (from left); Jerry Boster, American Business Club of Springfield; Commander Josh Adcock, Illinois State Police Troop 6; Kendra Anderson, Midwest Dairy; Kayla Graven, Illinois Department of Agriculture domestic marketing manager; and Natalie Finnie, Department of Natural Resources director.

“Adventure Awaits” those attending the Illinois State Fair Aug. 7-17 in Springfield. Various highlights of the fair were outlined during a media preview on July 31. Participants included Fair Manager Rebecca Clark (from left); Jerry Boster, American Business Club of Springfield; Commander Josh Adcock, Illinois State Police Troop 6; Kendra Anderson, Midwest Dairy; Kayla Graven, Illinois Department of Agriculture domestic marketing manager; and Natalie Finnie, Department of Natural Resources director. (AgriNews photo/Tom C. Doran)

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Several new features are on tap at this year’s Illinois State Fair, ranging from pickleball tournaments to a Dolly Parton reading program.

“‘Adventure Awaits’ at the 2025 Illinois State Fair. The staples that you have come to know and love about this Illinois State Fair are still here, but we have sprinkled in some great new entertainment that will appeal to fairgoers, both young and old,” said Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark.

The “Dill-inois” Star Fair Pickleball Showdown, a round-robin doubles tournament for youth and adult divisions is slated for Saturday, Aug. 16, at the Orr Building.

“Registration is required and you can find that on our website. If competition is not your speed, there will be a free demonstration and challenge board so fairgoers can learn more about the sport. No equipment is necessary. Just bring a great attitude in some comfy shoes,” Clark said.

A new collaboration will be held with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library with Dolly Days story time at 2 p.m. daily inside the Sensory Station at the Emmerson Building.

“Every month, the Imagination Library mails over 3 million books to children, including children in Illinois. Parents and caregivers, even grandparents, are encouraged to come out and learn more about the organization’s amazing contributions to literacy, music and creativity,” Clark said.

A craft beer competition will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 8-9 at The Shed and visitors, 21 and over, are the judges.

“This is a joint initiative with the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild. More than a dozen Illinois craft breweries will be competing for the title of Best of Show. So, buy a pint or a ‘sample pass,’ which will allow you to sip your way across 10 different 5-ounce samples and enjoy some of the best breweries Illinois has to offer,” Clark said.

The iconic Budweiser Clydesdales returns to the Illinois State Fair for the first time since 2021. They will be featured in several parades during the fair and at Barn 118 at Avenue of Flags.

Another new feature is the Sangamon County High School Cheer and Dance Showcase at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17, at the Illinois Building. Best in Show will be awarded in each division based on audience participation.

The State Fair runs Aug. 7-17. For information, visit https://statefair.illinois.gov.

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Tom Doran

Tom C. Doran

Field Editor