Governor Quinn Opens Du Quoin State Fair

DU QUOIN - Governor Pat Quinn today opened the Du Quoin State Fair, the annual 10-day southern Illinois showcase of agriculture, entertainment and some of the world's best harness racing. The Governor marched in the opening parade along with grand marshal Jeannine Baxter and more than 110 total entries, the largest opening night parade in recent memory. The theme of the Aug. 22 - Sept. 1 fair is "Love A Fair."

"What a great way to start the fair and once again open one of the premier events in the Midwest," Governor Quinn said. "The theme this year is ‘Love A Fair' and it's evident by the numbers at tonight's parade that southern Illinoisans love this longtime tradition."

The 110-unit parade featured Clydesdales, hall of fame wrestler Jerry "the King" Lawler and 2,000 marchers. Grand Marshal and Du Quoin resident Jeannine Baxter, who has worked at the fair for the past 25 years, was selected to lead the parade because of her commitment and dedication to the 92-year-old fair.

A large crowd is expected to converge at the Du Quoin State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 23 to see the legendary rock group Foreigner. Other major grandstand attractions include Kenny Rogers on Aug. 24; Travis Tritt on Aug. 25; John Henninger Band on Aug. 26; USA Championship Wrestling on Aug. 27; .38 Special on Aug. 28; Rodney Atkins on Aug. 29; and KC & The Sunshine Band on Aug. 30. Free acts on the fairgrounds include 92 different bands and musical groups playing in both the beer tent and free entertainment tent.

The Du Quoin State Fair is world renowned for its harness racing, and this year's schedule includes horse racing Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 22 - 24. The USAC Silver Crown Series auto race will be held Aug. 31 and the ARCA Car Series race Sept. 1.

All vendor space at the fair was leased out early this year with a number of new vendors on hand to serve fairgoers. Added to the fair menu this year is a deep fried horseshoe, a version of the delicacy created in Springfield with a special Du Quoin State Fair twist.

"Governor Quinn's commitment and support of the Du Quoin State Fair is unsurpassed," Du Quoin State Fair Manager Shannon Woodworth said. "It is also a great honor to serve the people of southern Illinois and to be able to offer such an incredible fair experience this year."

The Du Quoin State Fairgrounds was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. The fairgrounds started as a private horse racing track developed by William R. Hayes in 1923. It featured a half-mile track, grandstand and horse stables. Hayes wanted the fairgrounds to be like the ideal southern horse farm, complete with grand entrances, long drives and a mansion, so he hired St. Louis architect Oliver W. Stiegemeyer in the 1940s to design almost every building. The result is an Art Deco style of architecture throughout the fairgrounds.

Horse racing has always been the main attraction at the fairground. In 1924 the fair hosted the first night horse race in the United States thanks to the novelty of electric lighting. Hayes always wanted Du Quoin to host the Grand Circuit of Harness Racing, and his wish came true in 1942 when World War II suspended horse racing at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield. When William Hayes died, his sons Eugene and Don continued their father's legacy and were able to bring the Hambletonian, a premier national harness race, to Du Quoin.

A walk through the carefully maintained Du Quoin State Fairgrounds reflects its horse racing history and its well-planned architecture: The Original Track, built in 1923; Horse Barns, built between 1937 and 1942; the Hayes Mansion Residences, 1942; Administration and Main Stable Building, 1945; Concession Stands and Exhibit Hall, both 1946; Grandstand and Race Track, both 1947; and the Main Entrance, 1948.

For more information about the Du Quoin State Fair, visit www.agr.state.il.us/dq/.