Ag Connections at the Illinois State Fair
The Illinois State Fair 2025 took place from August 7 – 17th. This year’s theme was “Adventure Awaits”. While it is no doubt that the Illinois State Fair doesn’t have agricultural roots as deep as in the past, those that love the farming way of life could still see agricultural connections in 2025. I attended the fair with my daughter Carrie. We went to check it out and go to the Jake Owens concert. While there, we kept our eyes peeled for ag connections, because ag is big in the State of Illinois, and as a farmer’s wife, I care.
According to an article I read in Farmonaut, “Around 75% of the state’s land area remain dedicated to farming activities.” Illinois ranks in the top states for both soybean and corn production, and that trend is evident throughout the Illinois State Fair where visitors were still able to have an agricultural adventure.
The Sky Glider
A good way to get a bird’s eye view of the agricultural connections and more is from the sky glider. The glider became a permanent part of the fair in 1968. This is one of my families favorite things to do at the fair.
Ag Day at the Fairgrounds
Agriculture Day and one of the best ways to celebrate is a visit to the Dairy Barn to see the famous butter cow, and the Prairie Farm competitors. This year there was a miniature butter cow contest. Mot entries were based on farm scenes, but there were a variety of other sources as well. Current events even inspired a Kiss Cam entry.
The butter cow that draws visitors year after year. This year’s sculpture is comprised of 800 lbs. of butter and shows a cow with an adventurer seeking hidden treasure. The sculpture like in years past, was sculpted by Iowan sculptor Sarah Pratt.
The Route 66 Experience
The Route 66 Experience is open year round and is a huge draw. Located near Gate 2, visitors enjoy a journey from Chicago to the Chain of Rocks Bridge in Madison Illinois. Along the way, agricultural stops like Raymond Schultz Round Barn are profiled. Located in Pontiac, Illinois, the 60-foot diameter barn is made with vertical siding, and asphalt shingles. Another farm mentioned along the Mother Road is the Wilmington Midewin National Tall Grass Prairie where they have reintroduced bison
A big draw for the farm crowd is always the Illinois Department of Agriculture Tent. Here visitors could connect with Illinois producers and makers and sample products from the source.
The Budweiser Clydesdales
The Budweiser Clydesdales have been coming to the Illinois State Fair for the past 15 years. There were several events that visitors could have watched them like the Twilight Parade, and the full hitch parade.
They were also on display in the Clydesdale barn where Hudson eyed visitors as they saw this massive horse that weighs 1,745 pounds and is a whopping 5’11’ tall. While visitors could not get close enough to touch the beautiful horses they could see the legendary stars.
More ag connections
Agriculture was evident in the food tents as well. A sign shared, “Illinois corn farmers support Illinois pork.” In the pork tent porkchop sandwiches, which Carrie tried pork on a stick, and even bacon wrapped pork on a stick that I had to have.
The FFA barn was open offering opportunities for fairgoers to pet baby animals and see some of the FFA students’ livestock.
The barn had pigs, Leo and Leonard which were Duroc & Crossbred. In the barn there were goats, rabbits and more. 4H and FFA activities bring students, families and education to the fair each year.
The Tractor Pull
During the tractor pull, they had the flag raising. Friend Jeff Hendricks caught this photo and gave permission to share it!
Many farmers are fans of the ITPA tractor pulling that takes place at the show. There are various classes that compete for prizes. While these tractors have been modified, they continue to reflect their agricultural origins. My husband Keith went with brothers Wayne and Craig to see this fun event.
The fair is winding down now, but there are more ag connections to be had at the Duquoin State Fair that takes place from August 22 to September 1.
Did you go to the fair? If so, what memories are you taking away?
