The Pork Patio at the Illinois State Fair has been a family tradition for more than 30 years. This year, fairgoers can get their favorite pork products from August 8-18. The menu features 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 generously have 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, 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 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 a pork item coupon in the official Illinois State Fair maps brochure 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.