The Illinois State Fair is an annual festival, centering on the theme of agriculture, hosted by the U.S. state of Illinois in the state capital, Springfield. The state fair has been celebrated almost every year since 1853. In 2008 there were more than 700,000 visits, up five percent from 2005, making it the 13th largest state fair in the United States. Currently, the fair is held annually over an 11-day period in mid-August of each year. In 2015, the State Fair will be held from August 13-23, and an admission fee will be charged.