Illinois State Fair announces Route 66-themed fair, seeks parade entries
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (KBSI) — The Illinois State Fair has announced “Miles of Smiles” as the theme for its 2026 fair, celebrating the 100th anniversary of historic Route 66.
The annual Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade will kick off the fair at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 13. Organizers are accepting parade applications from community groups, marching bands, businesses, classic car owners and other participants through July 6.
The parade will begin in Lincoln Park, travel along Sangamon Avenue and enter the fairgrounds through the Main Gate before proceeding down Main Street and Grandstand Avenue.
The 2026 Illinois State Fair runs Aug. 13-23 in Springfield.
The Route 66-themed fair will recognize the highway’s centennial with special events and activities throughout the fairgrounds, which sit along the historic route. Fair officials said the theme celebrates the road’s legacy of connecting communities and creating lasting memories.
Visitors to the Illinois State Museum’s “Miles of Memories: Stories of Route 66” exhibit through Aug. 20 can also receive a voucher for one weekday adult admission to the Illinois State Fair.
