State fairgoers will get a break on admission, at least for part of this year's event. The State Fair Manager Kevin Gordon announced today that daily admission will be lowered to $5 for adults on Sunday through Thursday. That's half the regular price. Senior admission will remain $3 and children 12 and younger get in free. Gordon said the change is an attempt to make the fair a more affordable, family-friendly experience.
Fair attendance was down 8% last year compared to 2017. Many vendors complained about the slow foot traffic.
From a news release:
The Discount Admission Booklets which provide an adult 11 any day admissions for the fair are still only $45—a savings of $30. Tickets can be purchased on-line anytime at IllinoisStateFair.info, or by calling (217-782-6661), and in person at the Emmerson Building on the fairgrounds from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
"With the lowering of our adult admission price, the Illinois State Fair continues to be the most affordable state fair in the midwest," says Kevin Gordon, ISF Manager. "We offer a variety of fun, family events such as livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, top music entertainment in our grandstand, 13 stages with free entertainment and carnival rides for the young or old at heart—just to mention a few."
In addition to the already low daily admission prices, the fair also offers free admission to special attendees with proper ID on the theme days listed below:
- Sunday, August 11 – Veterans (includes immediate family members) & Gold Star Families Day
- Monday, August 12 – Senior Day for Seniors 60 years and over
- Friday, August 16 – First Responders Day
Mark your calendars for the 2019 Illinois State Fair, August 8 through 18, in Springfield.