Illinois state police stepping up security at 2017 Duquoin state fair

Press Release from the Illinois State Police, District 13, DuQuoin IL

DuQuoin, IL — Illinois State Police (ISP) is again providing additional security to fairgoers at the 2017 DuQuoin State Fair.

The DuQuoin State Fair is expected to draw thousands of visitors,” said ISP District 13 / 22 Commander, Lieutenant Michael Alvey.  “The fair is an opportunity for families and friends to take advantage of the celebrations with safety in mind,” he added.

The Illinois State Police will have officers assigned to the State Fair to provide public safety with walking patrols, gate security, monitored surveillance cameras, and undercover officers.

The DuQuoin Fire Department and area ambulance services are also prepared for emergency medical services during the event, and the First Aid Station is located on the north end of the Grandstand.  Fairgoers are reminded to stay hydrated as the DuQuoin area is expected to have moderate heat and high humidity throughout the fair.

The ISP Safety Education Tent is located on Hayes Avenue across the street from the First Heat building.  Parents / caregivers are encouraged to stop there on the way into the fairgrounds and obtain a free armband for their small children.  Should they become separated from their kids, this will enable Troopers to reunite them quickly with their caregivers.

Fair attendees are reminded, under the Firearm Concealed Carry Act, Illinois law prohibits concealed carry license holders from possessing a firearm on any DuQuoin State Fairgrounds property to include the parking lots.  Violators will be subject to arrest and fines in accordance with the Firearms Concealed Carry Act.  For additional information please read the Act from the Illinois General Assembly’s website:  http://ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=3497&ChapterID=39   or visit the Firearm’s tab of the ISP’s home page located at http://www.isp.state.il.us/ for an FAQ section.

Additionally, we want to remind attendees of the Unlawful Use of Weapons statutes concerning the possession of illegal weapons on DuQuoin State Fairgrounds property.  A complete list of prohibited items can be found on the Illinois General Assembly’s website:  http://ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=072000050HArt%2E+24&ActID=1876&ChapterID=53&SeqStart=68600000&SeqEnd=72000000

While we do not anticipate any issues, we are prepared and want to encourage the public to come and safely enjoy all the fair has to offer!  Fairgoers are also asked to do their part as well in making the event a success for everyone attending.  If they should see something out of the ordinary, they are encouraged to report it to the nearest Trooper on the grounds, call the Illinois State Police at (618) 542-2171, or if it is an emergency, call 911.