Illinois State Fair Teams Up with Special Olympics to Expand Accessibility with New Sunflower Showmanship Program

SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Illinois State Fair announces the launch of the Sunflower Showmanship program, a new event in 2026 that connects Special Olympics athletes with opportunities to participate in the Fair's livestock exhibition alongside more seasoned FFA and 4-H exhibitors. Sunflower Showmanship will be held in the Coliseum on Saturday, August 15 at 10 a.m.

Sunflower Showmanship is designed to create a welcoming, supportive environment where Special Olympics athletes can experience the excitement of the show ring, learn about animal agriculture, and celebrate their accomplishments at the Illinois State Fair.

"Sunflower Showmanship displays the very best of Illinois agriculture," said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. "We look forward to this event bringing people together, creating meaningful connections, and giving more young people the opportunity to experience livestock at the Illinois State Fair."

Each participant will be paired with an experienced livestock exhibitor who will serve as a one-on-one mentor throughout the event. Participants will learn how to:

- Groom and care for livestock

- Safely lead an animal in the show ring

- Present their animal to the judge

- Understand what to expect during a livestock showmanship competition

"Providing Special Olympics athletes with the opportunity to participate in Fair events and experience the world of livestock exhibition is an exciting milestone for the Illinois State Fair," said Rebecca Clark, Illinois State Fair Manager. "Every year, we look for new and innovative ways to make the fair more inclusive and accessible to all who attend."

"Programs like Sunflower Showmanship demonstrate the power of partnerships and the impact of creating inclusive and accessible experiences for all youth," said Tara Nickerson, Assistant Director, Special Olympics of Illinois - Region H. "We are grateful for the opportunity to give our Special Olympics athletes an authentic exhibition experience that encourages confidence, connection and exposure to Illinois agriculture."

"At its heart, 4-H is about helping young people discover their potential through mentorship, belonging, and hands-on learning," said Kevin Carey, Assistant Dean/Director, 4-H Positive Youth Development. "Illinois Extension and Illinois 4-H are grateful for the opportunity to have Illinois 4-H youth and volunteers serve as mentors, guiding athletes in and out of the show ring while building meaningful relationships. We are excited to welcome these athletes as participants in the Illinois 4-H program and celebrate the confidence, skills, and sense of community that this experience fosters for everyone involved."

"FFA is built on leadership, service and creating opportunities for every young person to grow," said Mindy Bunselmeyer, Executive Director of the Illinois Association FFA. "The Sunflower Showmanship reflects those values, and we're proud and honored to team up with the Illinois Department of Agriculture and Illinois 4-H to help create an experience where every participant feels welcomed, encouraged and celebrated in the show ring."

The Sunflower Showmanship program is the latest step in the Illinois State Fair's ongoing commitment to making the Fair more welcoming and accessible for everyone.

In recent years, the Fair has introduced several accessibility initiatives, including:

- Sensory Station - Daily, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Located inside the Emmerson Building. Children and adults with sensory processing sensitivities can come inside to refocus, recharge and destress. Trained staff and helpful tools will be available to assist fairgoers during their Illinois State Fair experience.

- Sunflower Hours - Saturday, August 15; 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. A sensory-friendly morning designed to be more inclusive for children and adults with sensory processing sensitivities. Join us for a calmer fair environment, with fewer lights and sounds to accommodate those with specials needs.

Route 66 Centennial Celebrations