August 11, 2026

Miles of Smiles: Illinois State Fair gearing up for Route 66 centennial

By AgriNews Staff
Located just inside Gate 2 near the Sky Glide at the state fairgrounds, the Route 66 Experience is a free, self-guided journey through Illinois' rich Route 66 history. Explore vintage billboards, a classic drive-in movie theater, the Legends Neon Sign Park featuring restored signs that once lit up businesses along the route and a tribute to the iconic Muffler Men.

Located just inside Gate 2 near the Sky Glide at the state fairgrounds, the Route 66 Experience is a free, self-guided journey through Illinois' rich Route 66 history. Explore vintage billboards, a classic drive-in movie theater, the Legends Neon Sign Park featuring restored signs that once lit up businesses along the route, and a tribute to the iconic Muffler Men. (Provided photo/Illinois State Fair)

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The 2026 Illinois State Fair theme, “Miles of Smiles,” celebrates the 100th anniversary of historic Route 66.

“Every great road trip is filled with memorable stops — and the Illinois State Fair is one of Illinois’ favorite destinations,” said Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark.

“Whether you are enjoying a lemon shake-up along the parade route, discovering a new favorite carnival ride, or revisiting annual family traditions, we invite everyone to come experience the smiles, nostalgia and adventure at this year’s fair.”

The road to the Illinois State Fair officially begins with a state tradition: the Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade, starting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 13.

The parade kicks off the 11-day celebration of Illinois agriculture, community and creativity, winding through Springfield streets and into the heart of the fairgrounds.

From high school bands and community groups to classic cars and creative floats, the Twilight Parade is an annual tradition.

“The Twilight Parade has always been about bringing people together, and this year’s ‘Miles of Smiles’ theme captures that spirit perfectly,” said Jerry Costello II, director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

“Just like Route 66 has connected communities and created lifelong memories, this parade invites everyone to take part in a tradition that celebrates the people, places and pride that make Illinois special.”

The Illinois State Fairgrounds, located at 801 Sangamon Avenue in Springfield, is on the historic path of Route 66, providing a front-row seat to the 100th anniversary celebration.

Now through Aug. 20, visitors to the Illinois State Museum’s “Miles of Memories: Stories of Route 66” exhibit can receive a voucher for one adult weekday admission to the Illinois State Fair.

The Twilight Parade will start at 5:30 p.m. in Lincoln Park and travel onto Sangamon Avenue, entering the fairgrounds through the Main Gate.

From there, the parade marches down Main Street, turns left onto Illinois Avenue and then marches down Grandstand Avenue to exit through Lot 21.

Buy $5 tickets in limited-time sale

The Illinois State Fair is making it even easier to plan your visit with a limited-time flash sale on daily admission tickets.

Now through Aug. 12, fairgoers can purchase single-day admission tickets for just $5 each online at tinyurl.com/Any-Day-Flash-Sale.

These special tickets are valid on any day of the 2026 Illinois State Fair, to be held Aug. 13-23 in Springfield.

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AgriNews Staff

AgriNews Staff

The Illinois AgriNews and Indiana AgriNews staff is in the field each week, covering topics that affect local farm families and their businesses. We give readers information they can’t get elsewhere to help them make better farming decisions.