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Illinois State Fair sets attendance record

The 2024 Illinois State Fair was a record setter.

Governor JB Pritzker says more than 773,000 people attended the 11-day event, the highest number on record, and 66,000 more than 2023.  Officials tout excellent weather and a diverse grandstand lineup for the surge.  Carnival revenue was also up over last year.

As previously reported, the Governor’s Sale of Champions also posted some record-breaking sales this year. The Grand Champion Steer sold for a combined $110,000, and the Land of Lincoln Grand Champion Steer sold for $65,000.

It’s estimated the Illinois State Fair has local/regional economic impact of more than $86 million.