Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – “We are ready for miles of smiles.”

With those words from fair manager Rebecca Clark (pictured, far right), the 2026 Illinois State Fair opened Thursday for its eleven-day run. “Miles of Smiles,” the fair theme, is a riff on the centennial of Route 66. The state is promoting the state fairgrounds’ location as the only one along the Mother Road.

For years, the fairgrounds have suffered the effects of deferred maintenance and, even before Pritzker took office, has been on a long road back. “This year, we are excited to announce a total upgrade of all the electrical systems throughout the grounds to replace outdated electrical infrastructure and ensure that the fairgrounds have safe, reliable power year-round,” said Gov. JB Pritzker (pictured, center) After a round of applause, the governor joked, “Getting applause for electrical wires is one of our great accomplishments.”

At Thursday morning’s ribbon-cutting ceremony, the governor said his administration has invested $117.8 million in modernizing the fairgrounds.

The fair runs through Sunday, Aug. 23.