American Business Club of Springfield Announced as the Grand Marshal of the 2025 Twilight Parade

For Immediate Release – August 1, 2025

SPRINGFIELD, IL – In celebration of more than 70 years of volunteering at the Illinois State Fair and philanthropic donations in excess of $6 million, the American Business Club of Springfield (ABC) has been named Grand Marshal of the annual Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade by Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois State Fair.

“ABC’s commitment to philanthropy and service sets a gold standard for other AMBUCS chapters across Illinois – and the nation,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I applaud their century-long commitment to the community, and it’s my pleasure to celebrate ABC’s hundreds of dedicated members at this year’s fair. Their steadfast efforts to uplift local organizations reflect Illinoisans’ incredible ability to foster connected, thriving communities across the state.”

ABC is a group of 300 members from the Springfield area, the largest AMBUCS chapter in the nation, whose volunteer fundraising has generated over $6 million to benefit local organizations, with their main source of fundraising being obtained at the Illinois State Fair.

“Our volunteers have served Grandstand concessions since 1954 and staffed admissions gates since 2004,” said Jerry Boster, 2025 President of ABC. “With our club enjoying its 100th anniversary in Springfield, we are thrilled to be given the opportunity to share our celebration with all attending the Twilight Parade and joining us at this year’s Illinois State Fair.”

“Congratulations to the American Business Club of Springfield on their 100th anniversary and for being named this year’s Grand Marshal. The Club is synonymous with the Illinois State Fair, with their volunteerism on display throughout the fairgrounds – from the parking lots to the grandstand,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “Their spirit of generosity extends beyond the fairgrounds through scholarship programs and empowering children with custom-fit tricycles. Thank you, ABC of Springfield for uplifting our communities!”

“We are grateful for the outstanding partnership between ABC and the Illinois State Fair,” said Jerry Costello II, Illinois Department of Agriculture Director. “I am delighted they accepted our invitation to serve as Grand Marshal. What better way to mark their 100th anniversary than by kicking off the fair.”

All of ABC’s profits are donated towards a wide variety of local organizations and causes. Among the most visible is the Amtryke Adaptive Tricycle program that provides therapeutic tricycles to children and veterans free of charge. Dozens of custom-fit tricycles are donated throughout the year, including a special presentation during the fair. ABC has delivered hundreds of Amtrykes worth tens of thousands of dollars since the program began more than 20 years ago.

ABC is hosting an Amtryke giveaway presentation during Sunflower Hours at the Illinois State Fair on Saturday, August 9 at 10 a.m. on Grand Central Stage at the Reisch Pavilion. The presentation offers an opportunity for the public to learn about the club and see their contributions to the community.

The 2025 Twilight Parade will step off on Thursday, August 7 from Lincoln Park at 5:30 p.m. and head east down Sangamon Avenue before turning into the Main Gate on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The parade will follow Main Street then turn left onto Illinois Avenue, marching past the Grandstand and exiting into Lot 21.

The 2025 Illinois State Fair runs from August 7 through August 17 in Springfield. Stay up to date with all the latest news and announcements by connecting with us via Facebook and Instagram.