For Immediate Release – August 21, 2026
Illinois’ Favorite Food on a Stick Takes Center Stage During Cozy Dog Weekend at the Illinois State Fair
Springfield, IL — To the world, it may be a corn dog, but to Springfield, it’s a Cozy Dog. While the basics are the same – a battered and deep-fried hot dog on a stick – history and tradition separate the two.
Springfield is widely recognized as the birthplace of the corn dog, which was first introduced at the Illinois State Fair in 1946 and quickly became a staple of American fair food. The Cozy Dog Drive-In, founded in Springfield in 1949, helped make the corn dog on a stick a beloved local tradition along historic Route 66. Over time, the Cozy Dog name became a distinctive Springfield term that honors the Waldmire restaurant and captures the community’s fondness for this classic fair food.
Cozy Dog Weekend at the Illinois State Fair will honor the iconic corn dog, highlight Illinois’ corn dog history, and invite fairgoers to join in on fun-filled activities for all ages.
“Cozy Dog Weekend is a chance to celebrate the food, memories, and traditions that make the Illinois State Fair special,” said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “We invite everyone to grab an iconic corn dog and be part of the celebration.”
Friday: Cozy Dog Challenge
On Friday, August 21, the Illinois State Fair looks to make history as thousands of fairgoers attempt to set a world record for the most Cozy Dogs eaten simultaneously at the sold-out Ella Langley concert at the Illinois Lottery Grandstand Stage.
Saturday: Celebrating Illinois Cozy Dog History
Join us to kick off Saturday’s festivities at 10:30 a.m. at the Route 66 Experience on the Illinois State Fairgrounds with the dedication of an exciting new addition celebrating the birthplace and enduring legacy of the iconic Cozy Dog. State and local leaders, along with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Office of Tourism, Visit Springfield, the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, the Illinois State Fair, and the Waldmire family, will honor the rich history of the Mother Road and unveil the newest stop along the Route 66 Experience. Guests will also learn more about the special events planned throughout the year as Illinois celebrates the centennial anniversary of Route 66.
Sunday: Family Day and #CozyDogSunday
Cozy Dog Weekend will wrap up Sunday with Family Day, encouraging fairgoers to celebrate their favorite fair food memories by sharing photos of themselves enjoying a corn dog.
Fair guests are invited to post their photos on social media using #CozyDogSunday and join the statewide celebration of one of the Illinois State Fair’s most delicious traditions. Be sure to let us know if you’re Team Ketchup or Team Mustard.
The 2026 Illinois State Fair continues through August 23 in Springfield.
Stay up to date with all the latest news and announcements from the Illinois State Fair by connecting with us via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Comments