DU QUOIN — Gov. Bruce Rauner cut the ceremonial ribbon at the Du Quoin State Fair today, kicking off the eleven-day celebration of Southern Illinois agriculture and the Illinois Bicentennial.
Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti, Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Raymond Poe, State Fair Manager Luke Sailer, Assistant Manager Tibretta Reiman, and the twilight parade grand marshals joined in the launching of the 2018 fair, which runs through September 3.
“The Du Quoin State Fair features the best aspects of Southern Illinois, particularly its agriculture and farm families,” Rauner said. “Southern Illinoisans have played a major role in the history of Illinois, and the fair will highlight their contributions to Illinois agriculture and the state’s economic and cultural life.”
“The state’s farm families are a top priority for me and the rest of the governor’s administration,” said Sanguinetti, who serves as the Chair of the Governor’s Council on Rural Affairs. “I am happy to be back in Southern Illinois for the fair to celebrate agriculture’s importance to the state of Illinois.”
Twilight parade grand marshals Gerald and Betty Brown are the first family to be designated as a Bicentennial Farm by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The family has farmed in Illinois since 1816, and Gerald Brown is the fifth generation of the Brown family to own the same piece of land in Union County.
“We are extremely proud of the generations of Southern Illinoisans like the Browns who have made the Du Quoin State Fair possible year after year,” Poe said. “We’re excited to honor farm families’ commitment to agriculture and the future of Illinois.”
“As a native of Southern Illinois, coming to the Du Quoin State Fair was a family tradition,” Sailer said. “We’re excited to welcome another generation of families to celebrate with us at the 2018 Du Quoin State Fair as we honor everything that’s born, built and grown here in Southern Illinois.”
“I am proud to be the Representative for the city of Du Quoin and the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds,” 115th district State Representative Terri Bryant said. “The Department of Agriculture is always innovating and making the fair new again. This year the grandstand lineup features great entertainment, the parade has been moved inside the fairgrounds for a new twist, and I’m greatly looking forward to taking my grandchildren for a ride on the double ferris wheel. I want to wish everyone a great 10 days at the Du Quoin State Fair!”
“We’re only days away from the state’s Bicentennial, and it’s only fitting that we celebrate this significant event in Illinois’ history as part of the festivities at the Du Quoin State Fair,” said state Sen. Paul Schimpf (R-Waterloo). “Generations of local residents have fond memories that they have made at the Du Quoin State Fair over the years. Over the next week, I look forward to continuing the long tradition of honoring Illinois agriculture and the contributions our farm families make to our region and our state.”
The Du Quoin State Fair is Southern Illinois’ most popular attraction and has featured many of the nation’s most prominent entertainers since its founding in 1923. New this year is a free admission night on August 24 and the return of the lumberjack show, which features demonstrations and audience participation. Fair events include two days of harness racing, live music, livestock competitions, and more. More information about the state fair can be found here.
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