The Illinois State Fair has been canceled for this year. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Governor JB Pritzker is issuing an executive order canceling both the Illinois and Du Quoin State Fairs this year. The Department of Agriculture is working on a way to ensure that youth can still get a chance to put out their work.
ISF State Fair Manager Kevin Gordon says this was not an easy decision.
The Department of Agriculture will host a junior livestock expo in Springfield in September for exhibitors ages 8-21 to showcase their animals. The 4-H General Project Show will take place virtually. Ribbons will be distributed by the Department of Ag.
Gordon said a decision for the Fair that takes place in August, had to be made now.
The last time the State Fair was canceled was 1942-1945 during World War II. The fairgrounds had been used as an Airforce Supply Depot. The Fair was also canceled in 1862 due to the Civil War and 1893 was replaced by the World Columbia Expo in Chicago.
No Grandstand announcements have been made yet for the Du Quoin State Fair. The staff is still working on logistics. If you have purchased an Illinois State Fair mega pass, admission booklet, or parking pass please contact the State Fair office at 782-6661 or email agr.fairinfo@illinois.gov
The State Fairs are expected to return in August of 2021.
