Illinois State Fair Announces 2025 Twilight Parade Winners

For Immediate Release – August 11, 2025

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois State Fair celebrates the following winners from the 2025 Twilight Parade held Thursday evening.

Marching Band Contest

First – Mighty Marching Machine
- Richton Park, Illinois
  - The Rich Township High School Band program has a reputation as one of the outstanding concert, marching, pep, and jazz bands in Illinois. Over the past 15 years, the bands have earned hundreds of awards and honors, including winner of the Chicago Classic Battle of the Bands and the Indianapolis Circle City Classic Parade.
Second – Rochester Marching Rockets
- Rochester, Illinois
  - The Rochester Marching Rockets were first formed in the 1950’s, and today’s musicians are proud to be representing their school and community. You can also catch them in a few weeks at the Pana Labor Day Parade and a just little further south when they perform at Disney World in next March!
Third – Auburn Marching Trojans
- Auburn, Illinois
  - The Auburn High School Marching Trojans participate in many parades and competitions throughout the area winning awards along the way. The Marching Trojans have also marched through Magic Kingdom at Disney World.

Specialty Units

First – Cool Cruisers Car Club
- Edinburg, Illinois
  - Cool Cruiser’s Car Club is the largest car club in central Illinois, driving a variety of makes and models that date from 1969 to 2024. Cruise-ins are scheduled from the Spring to Fall.
Second – Zwie Dumm
- Springfield, Illinois
  - Zwei Dumm is a Springfield-based clown troupe that entertains with dance, improv, and music. Formed in 2023, these clowns try to spread joy wherever they go!
Third – Lanphier High School Cheer and Poms
- Springfield, Illinois
  - Lanphier High School Cheer Squad and Poms dance team show commitment to their pursuit of excellence in cheering and dance. Under the direction of their coach Haley Varela, the teams’ members practice all summer in order to perform at over 40 football and basketball games during the school year. You can see them perform the last day of the Fair in the Sangamon County Cheer and Dance Showcase at the Illinois Building.

Non-Commercial Floats

First – Springfield Youth Hockey League
- Springfield, Illinois
  - Springfield Kings Youth Hockey Association has been providing hockey opportunities for kids from 3-18 since 1961. Each year, the Springfield Kings aim to foster good sportsmanship and fair play through competitions.
Second – Sustainable Springfield
- Springfield, Illinois
  - Sustainable Springfield is a non-profit dedicated to working on solutions aimed at the environmental well-being of our community. They promote action by our local units of government through working groups involving businesses, educators, and other community advocates. Sustainable Springfield’s focus is on waste reduction, climate change, and habitat restoration.
Third – No Entry

Commercial Floats

First – B’s Creative Studio
- Springfield, Illinois
  - At B’s Creative Studio, they believe in the power of fun, friendship, and artistic expression. Their mission is to support and uplift local artists, connect creatives, and make every visit to their studio a chance to explore, learn and celebrate.
Second – Sunroom, Inc.
- Springfield, Illinois
  - Operating for over 37 years, the Sunroom Tanning has grown from a single salon in 1987 to seven tanning locations throughout Central Illinois. This family-owned business and has become the #1 choice for tanning enthusiasts.
Third – Bank of Springfield
- Springfield, Illinois
  - With service locations throughout Illinois and Missouri, BOS will be ready for all your life adventures. At Bank of Springfield, they take the time to understand your goals and show you how to turn possibilities into realities!

Governor’s Sweepstakes Award (First Overall)

HOPE
- Springfield, Illinois
  - Established in 1957, Hope is a non-for-profit agency serving individuals with disabilities and their families across 6 states. Through their vast network of educational, residential, and clinical services, Hope’s ground-breaking programming for children with multiple disabilities impacts over 6000 individuals annually.