By Dave Dahl
SPRINGFIELD – The theme of the 2021 Illinois State Fair is “One Illinois,” but perhaps it should instead be “Safety First,”
“We will be following CDC guidelines,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture director Jerry Costello at Friday’s preview announcement. “Masks will be required indoors. We also encourage everyone to wear a mask when they are in large gatherings. This would include the Twilight Parade,” carnival rides, and Grandstand shows.
The ribbon-cutting Thursday afternoon and parade Thursday evening serve to kick off the week-and-a-half celebration of agriculture, conservation, stage shows, politics, and calories.
New this year: a “Route 66 experience” inside Gate 2; and a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math) expo in the Orr Building.
Dave Dahl can be reached at News@WJBC.com.
