Former Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee to be Grand Marshall for State Fair parade
The Illinois State Fair along with Governor JB Pritzker, announced Olympic Gold Medal winner and East St. Louis native Jackie Joyner-Kersee will serve as the Grand Marshall for the Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade.
The retired American track and field athlete won three gold medals and is ranked among the all-time greatest athletes in the heptathlon as well as long jump. On top of her athletic accomplishments, Joyer-Kersee is an active philanthropist giving back to her Illinois hometown though her work supporting children’s education, racial equality and women’s rights.
“A six-time Olympic medalist who has spent her life inspiring young women and fighting for a quality education for all children, racial equality and women’s rights, Jackie Joyner-Kersee represents the best of Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker.
“I couldn’t be prouder to join a legendary East St. Louis native to kick off the Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade.”
“We are thrilled to have Jackie Joyner-Kersee kick off the 2019 Twilight Parade,” said Kevin Gordon, Illinois State Fair Manager. “Her mission to encourage young people in our state to pursue athletics and academics fits perfectly with our theme Building our Future.”
Admission to the fairgrounds is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for seniors (60 and older) and kids 12 and under are free on Preview Day (Thursday). All carnival rides, including those in Adventure Village, will be open by 5:00pm and offered at a discounted price.
Following the Twilight Parade, a FREE concert will be offered in the Grandstand. Montgomery Gentry will perform around 8pm following the conclusion of the Twilight Parade. No concert tickets are necessary and all seating is general admission.
The 2019 Illinois State Fair will take place August 8 – August 18 in Springfield, IL. Start planning your trip today by visiting www.IllinoisStateFair.info or by downloading our free mobile app, available for both Apple and Android devices.
His award winning columns can be found at www.HANANIA.COM Subscribe FREE today
Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.
Email Ray Hanania at [email protected].
Follow RayHanania at Twitter
- Ray Hanania Radio and Podcasts - December 26, 2025
- After Mother’s Death, Child Finds Safety in Dad’s Home - December 24, 2025
- Author Charlene Wexler Earns International Impact Book Award for We Won’t Go Back - December 22, 2025
