Free Admission: Veterans and Gold Star Families Day at the 2023 Illinois State Fair
SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA), the Illinois Department of Agriculture, and the Illinois State Fair invite veterans and their family members to enjoy a free day at the Illinois State Fair on Sunday, August 13, 2023. This annual event offers exciting events, programs, and music. It concludes with a parade led by state officials and IDVA Assistant Director Anthony Vaughn along with veterans’ organizations, JROTC teams, and IDVA staff. This year’s theme is “No One Fights Alone.” Veterans and their families can show any form of military ID for free admission. Parking is not included. The schedule of events is as follows: 10:00 a.m. JROTC competition begins 10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. Veteran Benefit Expo: The Shed 11:00 a.m. Main Program 11:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. Entertainment: Lincoln Stage 3:00 p.m. JROTC Award Ceremony 4:00 p.m. Veteran Parade: