Illinois State Fair unveils Route 66 themed butter cow

The Illinois State Fair, running from August 13 to August 23, has unveiled its annual butter cow sculpture. Governor JB Pritzker introduced the 2026 butter cow, which features the theme ‘Miles of Smiles’ to celebrate the centennial of Route 66. The sculpture includes a girl eating ice cream and a companion piece depicting a dog and a scooter on a Route 66 adventure.

Route 66 serves as the grand marshal for this year’s Twilight Parade. To further commemorate the historic highway, the fairgrounds feature the ‘Route 66 Experience,’ a self-guided educational exhibit located at Gate 2. Jerry Costello II, director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, noted that the Illinois State Fairgrounds is the only fairgrounds in the nation situated on Route 66.

In addition to the fair's main attractions, various musical performances are scheduled throughout the region. These include a retrospective live performance by William ‘Bill’ Furry in Petersburg and a reunion concert by the Rochester High class of ‘86 Pop Concert Band, Live Wire, at Library Pizza and Sports Bar.