With the Illinois State Fair right around the corner, State Fair officials have announced new security measures to help keep fairgoers safe. From stricter entry screenings to updated rules on carry-in items, here’s what you need to know ahead of the fair’s August 7 opening.
The expanded list of items not allowed on fairgrounds includes:
- Firearms (all guns, with concealed carry prohibited)
- Weapons of any kind – from knives and pepper spray to stun guns, brass knuckles, batons, and bats
- Illegal substances
- Drones or laser pointers
- Fireworks or flammable materials
These measures are implemented to ensure the safety of all fairgoers and to eliminate the risk of potential hazards.
Additionally, there will be metal detectors and bag checks at all Grandstand entrances, and no bags of any kind larger than 14”x8” are permitted in the grandstands. Fair officials are also urging those who bought tickets with their mobile devices to download their tickets to their phones to avoid line pileups due to spotty Wi-Fi around the grandstand.
With these precautions in place, everyone can look forward to enjoying the fair safely this year. The fair will run from August 7 through August 17.
Admission is $10 for adults on Fridays and Saturday ($5 on Sunday through Thursday), $3 for senior citizens (60+), and free for kids (0-12). For daily schedules and lists of vendors, competitions, attractions, and the Grandstand lineup, check out the Illinois State Fair website.