Once again, Illinois State Fair attendees will have the opportunity to visit the popular Piglets on Parade at the Birthing Center. The Birthing Center, which is sponsored by the Illinois Pork Producers Association, allows fairgoers to see newborn piglets up close.

“Educating those around us and promoting agriculture is what stewards of agriculture do each day,” says JoBeth Matli, 2024 Pork Ambassador from Raymond, Illinois. “The Birthing Center welcomes all fairgoers to come visit the pigs and ask any questions they may have. The center strives to build the bridge between those who may not come from an agricultural background as opposed to those who do.”

Children will enjoy free goodies and paper pig ears as a memento of their visit. Volunteers who have a background in the pork industry will join Matli in answering questions about pigs, pig farming and pork production as they walk through the barn and see sows (mother pigs who have farrowed) with their newborn piglets.

Piglets on Parade is located next to the Illinois Department of Agriculture tent just East of the Coliseum and North of the Expo Building.

There is also a live "Piglet Cam" if you want to watch the piglets 24/7. You can view the piglets anytime during the fair here at Live Piglet Cam.

Visit the Pork Patio

Attendees can also visit the Pork Patio, a family tradition for over 30 years at the Illinois State Fair. This year, fairgoers can get their favorite pork products from Aug. 8-18.

The menu will feature budget friendly classics, including chop on-a-stick, pork twister, pork burgers, pork chops and BBQ pulled pork sandwiches.

JBS, Smithfield, Tyson and Rantoul Foods have generously donated pork for the patio. Illinois pig farmers, industry organizations, sports teams and other volunteers graciously spend time working shifts at the fair to serve customers and make the patio a success.

“While serving food, Illinois pig farmers get to connect with consumers firsthand, which is something everyone in our industry is passionate about," says Jennifer Tirey, Illinois Pork Producers Association executive director. "Each year, we have countless volunteers to whom we are endlessly appreciative; without their hard work, the Pork Patio wouldn’t be possible.”

The Pork Patio is located under the Illinois Commodities Pavilion across from the Grandstand on the corner of Grandstand Avenue and Avenue of Flags. The Pork Patio opens every day at 10:30 a.m. and will accept cash, debit and credit cards ($10 minimum purchase required). Be sure to look for the $1 off pork item coupon in the official Illinois State Fair maps brochure located at the information booths.

Additionally, with a $15 donation, fairgoers can stop by the Pork Patio and go home with the 2024 Pork Power T-shirt, Illinois "PIG" t-shirt. All t-shirt proceeds go towards the Pork Power program to donate ground pork to food banks across the state of Illinois at the end of the year.