Once again, Illinois State Fair attendees will have the opportunity to visit the popular Piglets on Parade at the Birthing Center, sponsored by the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA), which allows fairgoers to see newborn piglets up close.
“Educating those around us and promoting agriculture is what stewards of agriculture do each day,” said JoBeth Matli, 2024 Pork Ambassador from Raymond. “The Birthing Center welcomes all fairgoers to come visit the pigs and ask any questions they may have. The center strives to build a 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 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 at Live Piglet Cam.