Springfield, Illinois – Illinois State Fairgoers will once again enjoy dairy in a delightful new way during the 2026 Illinois State Fair. Midwest Dairy is excited to bring back the Flavor of the Fair milkshake for its fourth year, available exclusively at the Dairy Goodness Bar.
This year’s featured flavor is Cruisin’ Candy Crunch, a fun, nostalgic treat inspired by the Illinois State Fair’s 2026 theme, “Miles of Smiles,” and the 100th anniversary of historic Route 66. Fairgoers can choose a rich and creamy vanilla or chocolate milkshake layered with colorful candy-coated chocolate pieces for a delicious new twist on a fair favorite.
“The Illinois State Fair is a great opportunity to bring people together and celebrate the dairy industry in our state,” said Brent Mueller, Illinois dairy farmer and Midwest Dairy Illinois Division Chair. “We’re proud to share the fresh, wholesome dairy products our farm families produce every day. We hope fairgoers stop by the Dairy Goodness Bar, enjoy a refreshing treat, and celebrate Illinois dairy with us.”
In addition to the limited-time Flavor of the Fair milkshake, the Dairy Goodness Bar offers a variety of dairy favorites, including classic vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and fan-favorite cookie dough milkshakes, soft-serve ice cream cones, cold milk, and the always-popular cream puffs. This year, the strawberries used in the strawberry milkshakes are once again locally sourced from Flamm Orchards in Cobden, Illinois, continuing Midwest Dairy’s commitment to supporting Illinois farmers from farm to fair.
Dairy fun doesn’t stop at the ice cream counter. Fair goers can learn how ‘Dairy Does More’ throughout the dairy building. The dairy building will feature family-friendly exhibits, hands-on learning opportunities, and great photo opportunities. Visitors can follow the self-guided Dairy Does More Discovery Trail, completing three interactive stops that showcase how dairy supports nutrition, sustainability, and animal care. Dairy ambassadors and interns will also be available to answer questions, share what life is like on today’s dairy farms, and help visitors learn more about how dairy gets from the farm to their favorite fair treats.
“Flavor of the Fair is a fun way to celebrate the delicious, nutritious dairy foods that Illinois farm families work hard to produce,” said Kendra Anderson, Illinois Farmer Relations Manager at Midwest Dairy. “From enjoying a cool dairy treat to meeting the farmers behind it, visitors can experience firsthand how dairy connects our communities. Thanks to dairy farmers’ checkoff investment, we’re able to create memorable experiences that showcase the value of dairy and the dedication of the people who produce it.”
The Dairy Goodness Bar is located on Central Avenue next to the Illinois Fire Museum and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to stop by for a Cruisin’ Candy Crunch milkshake, enjoy other favorite dairy treats, and experience everything the Dairy Building has to offer during the 2026 Illinois State Fair.
For more information about the Illinois State Fair and the Dairy Goodness Bar, click here.
Midwest Dairy® represents 3,600 dairy farm families and works on their behalf to build dairy demand by inspiring consumer confidence in our products and production practices. We are committed to Bringing Dairy to Life! by giving Consumers an Excellent Dairy Experience and are funded by farmers across a 10-state region, including Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma. For more information, visit MidwestDairy.com, and follow us on Facebook and YouTube.