Route 66 Named Honorary Grand Marshal of the 2026 Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade

SPRINGFIELD, IL - In celebration of the centennial anniversary of Route 66, the Illinois State Fair announces that the legendary Mother Road will serve as the honorary Grand Marshal of the 2026 Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade. Classic cars will lead the parade as a symbol of the iconic highway.

For 100 years, Route 66 has connected communities and inspired generations of travelers from around the world. Established in 1926 and beginning in downtown Chicago, Route 66 has shaped Illinois' identity while becoming a global symbol of freedom, adventure and the American road trip.

The highway's influence extends far beyond transportation. Route 66 has inspired bestselling books, classic songs, television series, and blockbuster films that introduced millions to the romance of the open road. From John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath, which immortalized the highway as the "Mother Road," to Bobby Troup's iconic song "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66," and Disney-Pixar's Cars, generations have experienced the spirit of Route 66 through American popular culture. Its nostalgic roadside diners, vintage neon signs, quirky attractions, and small-town charm continue to draw travelers from around the world to Illinois and the communities that helped define the Route 66 experience. Many of those moments are captured in the Route 66 Experience, a self-guided educational exhibit located at Gate 2 on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

"Illinois is the birthplace of this iconic highway and ours is the only fairgrounds in the nation to sit on Route 66, making it the perfect honorary Grand Marshal for this year's Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade," said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. "Just like Route 66 has connected communities and created lifelong memories, this parade invites everyone to take part in a tradition that celebrates what makes Illinois special."

The Twilight Parade will start at 5:30 p.m. in Lincoln Park and travel onto Sangamon Avenue, entering the fairgrounds through the Main Gate. From there, the parade marches down Main Street, turns left onto Illinois Avenue, and then marches down Grandstand Avenue to exit through Lot 21.

"We invite fairgoers from across Illinois and beyond to join us in celebrating 100 years of Route 66 during the Illinois State Fair," said Rebecca Clark, Illinois State Fair Manager. "From the Twilight Parade to Route 66 exhibits, entertainment and special events, we're looking forward to welcoming visitors for a celebration that honors our state's history."