Du Quoin State Fair
EVENTS GALORE!
Mark Your Calendars for Fall Events in ILLINOISouth’s Central Region
DU QUOIN STATE FAIR
PINCKNEYVILLE MARDI GRAS
HILL’S FORT RENDEZVOUS
Simply put, this is a big one. Sure, many folks have likely heard of the Du Quoin State Fair because it lasts nearly two weeks, and attracts tens of thousands of folks every year for concerts, racing, rides, and food. But this year is special because it is the 100th Anniversary of the Fair! “Obviously anytime you celebrate a 100th anniversary it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity,” says Du Quoin State Fair Manager, Josh Gross. “I don’t want to give too many things away but I can tell you that we are excited to increase the amount of free entertainment we have brought to the grounds,” he adds. Visitors will also notice some impressive upgrades happening at the Fairgrounds. “We are repainting, repairing mortar, resurfacing the stage, and turning back on the historic neon lights,” Gross explains. “We are also working on improving the front entrance way and a number of smaller structures throughout the grounds,” he adds. This year’s Du Quoin State Fair is set for August 26th through September 5th and is definitely one that you won’t want to miss.
Wait…Mardi Gras in October? The short answer is, yes indeed. Folks in Pinckneyville say that it started as a celebration for harvest time in the farming community, but it’s a bit of a mystery as to why it’s called Mardi Gras. This year actually marks the 100th Anniversary of the Pinckneyville Mardi Gras, so the celebration will be even more special than it usually is. It is slated for the weekend of October 29th, and in terms of entertainment, there will be a vendor fair, parades, business trickor-treating, costume contests, and a ton more.
There is a place in Bond County that immediately transports you back a couple of centuries once you step foot inside. Hill’s Fort is located on the grounds of the American Farm Heritage Museum in Greenville, which is host to the Hill’s Fort Rendezvous September 16-17 this year. It’s a weekend full of reenactments, cannon firing, bullet molding, blacksmithing, rope making and more.
6 2022 Fall Tourism Times
OKAWVILLE WHEAT FEST Here is yet another tradition that is decades in the making. For 74 years, the Okawville Wheat Festival has drawn not only Okawville natives, but folks from Washington County and other neighboring counties. This year’s festivities are scheduled for September 16-18, and folks can experience washers and bags tournaments, tractor pulls (including one for just kiddos), live entertainment, and of course food. Plus, everyone here is so friendly – you’ll probably leave with a few new friends!
KINMUNDY LOG CABIN VILLAGE FALL FESTIVAL & HAUNTED TRAIL The Kinmundy Log Cabin Village in Marion County is a really cool place to check out, especially if you have someone associated with the Village give you a tour of the 12 cabins on-site. The best time to visit this area is the fall, because it comes to life with their Annual Fall Festival celebration, and their everpopular Haunted Trail around Halloween time! The Fall Festival is always the last two weekends of September, and features craft and food vendors, demonstrations, and pony rides for kids. The Haunted Trail is set for the last two weekends in October. They had a whopping 1,760 folks Central Region Events
