By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributor
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – The 2025 Illinois State Fair is being praised for its affordability and accessibility to families across the state, but it’s also a major public investment, with more than $140 million in taxpayer dollars contributing to the event’s infrastructure and programming.

At Thursday’s kickoff in Springfield, officials highlighted lower admission prices as part of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s effort to make the Illinois State Fair more accessible. While Agriculture Director Jerry Costello credited the governor, most funding came from taxpayer-backed programs like Rebuild Illinois and the department’s own budget.

“Over the next several days, take a look at some of the signs you’ll see on the fairgrounds. If you look at those signs you’ll see $85.5 million represented in the Rebuild Illinois program, as well as $55.3 million from our Department of Agriculture budget taken out to revitalize these fairgrounds,” said Costello.

Costello acknowledged that families are struggling financially amid a challenging national economy, with entertainment budgets tighter than ever.

“Governor Pritzker has hammered into us: make the fair affordable,” Costello said. “He wants Illinoisans, regardless of income, to have a chance to experience the Illinois State Fair.”

This year’s fair offers free admission for kids under 12, $2 entry on select days for adults and seniors, $5 admission on most days, $3 food specials, and 165 hours of free entertainment across 14 stages.

The Springfield mayor revealed during the state fair Thursday kickoff event that fairgoers will be “hard pressed” to find a hotel room in the city. Mayor Misty Buscher publicly thanked Pritzker for “his investment” in the capital city and invited attendees to join her in expressing their gratitude.

“Please come out, see the facilities, see the investment from the state,” Buscher said. “It’s your tax dollars going to this wonderful facility.”

This year’s attractions include livestock competitions, carnival rides, concerts and new events like a pickleball tournament, a craft beer competition and literacy activities with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The free Monday night grandstand concert is also returning, credited to Pritzker by Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark.

“Family budgets are tight. And that’s why we’ve done everything we can to ensure that families who walk through these gates can create lasting memories without breaking the bank,” said Clark.

Pritzker said $86 million renovated the fairgrounds, including a new coliseum, repaved roads, and improved restrooms. He also noted the fair generated $86 million in local and regional economic impact.

“I have invested $86 million into improving and renovating the fairgrounds,” said Pritzker. “Our new investments truly are paying off for the people of Illinois. We didn’t just do that because I love the fair so much.”