THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Jodi Watts of Carterville holds on to her daughter, Haven, 2, while sliding down a ride in 2011 at the Du Quoin State Fair.
One & the same
City of Du Quoin synonymous with state fair BY LES O’DELL FOR THE SOUTHERN
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u Quoin and the Du Quoin State Fair are almost synonymous, and why not? Every year, the 10-day event brings more than 325,000 people to the Perry County community, not to mention millions and millions of dollars. Plus, it continues to grow in scope and influence. “Almost every aspect of the fair is better and nicer now than it ever has been,” Fred Huff says. Huff is a former fair manager and serves as a sort of unofficial historian for the fair and is president of the Du Quoin Chamber of Commerce. “Back in the ‘70s, we had great events, but the fair — as great as
we thought it was then — was nothing compared to what it is now.” He remembers when visitors used to be able to park inside the gates. “Now there are exhibits and concessionaires there,” he says. The 2012 fair, which celebrates the event’s 90th anniversary, builds on the tradition of great family entertainment. “We have people who come every year,” says Assistant Fair Manager Norm Hill. “I hear them share the stories of coming here and of their own history with the fair. Now, they are bringing their grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.” Hill says the fair is one of the best entertainment values in the nation.
“It’s just $7 to park, and then there are so many free things to see and do,” he says. This year’s free offerings include a circus, a demolition derby, bull riding demonstrations, a ranch rodeo, free entertainment tents, displays in the Expo Hall and many other activities. “You can spend a whole day and not spend a penny on the grounds, if you wish,” Hill says. Even the midway is a great deal, he adds, with unlimited rides for $20 per person. Hill says even the grounds are welcoming. “There’s plenty of shade, trees and grass,” he says. “This is a laid-back event and great family entertainment,” he adds. The 2012 fair, “A Circus of Fun,” runs Aug. 24 through Sept. 3.
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DU QUOIN SPOTLIGHT
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THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012
Connect with the customers Fair offers business owners new outlet BY LES O’DELL
the Du Quoin State Fair since we’ve been in business,” he says. Pinkston says while ure, the Du Quoin moving inventory and State Fair is many things. For some, it’s staff to the fairgrounds for 10 days can be a all about fun on the challenge, the benefits midway, great food and outweigh any seeing things you may inconveniences. not see anywhere else. “Where else can you For others, the fair means reach that many people in great entertainment, exciting racing and games just a few days?” he says. “We have a huge display, of skill. But for many about 40 motorcycles; it commercial exhibitors, the fair is all about doing is a great opportunity for us. There are so many business. In fact, the Du Quoin State Fair is a great people who are there, we have to be there, too.” place for businesses to Like Jackson, Pinkston connect with customers. says the fair leads to “The Du Quoin State Fair is a humungous part sales. “I can look historically of our business,” says at the two weeks in Dave Jackson, owner of September that follow Jackson Pool and Spas. the fair, and see an “We have one of the increase in motorcycle biggest displays out sales,” he says. there, complete with He adds that the fair is swimming pools and also a great platform for spas, and we actually introducing Southern make sales at the fair.” Illinoisans to new He says the exposure Harley-Davidson models his business receives and new products. from being involved at All of the business the fair is tremendous. being conducted at the “We’ll have people Du Quoin State Fair is no come into one of our surprise to Norm Hill. As stores throughout the assistant fair manager, he next year, all saying that knows that displaying they had seen us at the wares at the fair gets fair.” results for businesses of Jackson doesn’t even care what sort of weather all kinds. “It amazes me the greets fairgoers. amount of business that “The heat is good for is done during the fair. us; we sell more pools Everything from small when it’s hot, but if it turns off cool, people are items to $20,000 player pianos in the Expo Hall — interested in spas. The it all sells,” he explains. “I weather plays for us had one recreational either way,” he says. vehicle dealer tell me that Jeremy Pinkston, he sold nearly 20 units— marketing director for campers and fifth wheels Black Diamond HarleyDavidson in Marion, says — at the fair. People do come to the Fair for the fair is a great entertainment, but they opportunity for his also can do some serious dealership, too. shopping, too.” “We’ve been a part of FOR THE SOUTHERN
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THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Fairgoers stand in line to ride the Ferris wheel at the 2011 Du Quoin State Fair.
Millions and Millions Economic impact of Du Quoin State Fair big for city, region BY LES O’DELL
economy benefits from other aspects of the annual event. Dozens of people gain temporary hile the Du Quoin employment in the weeks State Fair runs for leading up to the opening only 10 days, the to the fair as well as during economic benefits of the the course of the fair’s annual event are long10-day run. Additionally, lasting, both for the city of many of the vendors at the Du Quoin and much of fair are local, meaning Southern Illinois. money spent by Southern “For the communities THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO surrounding, it’s millions Ann Sharp (left) and Matt Sharp, 10, of St. Charles, Mo., fish at Illinoisans during the fair stays in Southern Illinois. and millions of dollars in one of the tents set up near the lake in 2011 at the Du Quoin Huff says it all adds up economic impact, says State Fair. Ann said they camp at the fairgrounds every year. to benefit both the region Fair Manager John explains. “Even if people fairgrounds during the and Du Quoin. Rednour Jr. come and just attend the year have a bigger impact “The fair definitely has “It is very difficult to fair, they’ll get part way on area merchants than an impact on the city, and measure accurately the home and buy gas or food some of our businesses do financial impact of the Du the fair itself.” along the way, it helps the a lot of business because Huff says many Quoin State Fair,” says businesses in Du Quoin do whole area.” of their proximity to the Fred Huff. Huff, a former In fact, an analysis by see an increase in business fairgrounds and how fair manager, is the the University of Illinois a convenient they are for and revenue during the current president of the fair, especially restaurants, decade ago showed the fairgoers. Without the fair Du Quoin Chamber of annual benefit to Perry and the fairgrounds, I’m Commerce. “The fair itself gas stations, convenient County alone was more stores and area motels. not sure what the city of has some impact on the than $8 million. “The fair benefits not Du Quoin would be. We’re city, but some people say Besides purchases made all very grateful for the that all of the other events just Du Quoin, but the during the fair, the local entire region,” Huff Du Quoin State Fair.” that go on at the FOR THE SOUTHERN
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Latest ag technology on display BY LES O’DELL
Many agriculture equipment manufacturers display their wares inside griculture has always the fairground gates. “If you come to the played a major role in Du Quoin State Fair, you fairs of all sorts. For can spend all day looking at generations, producers of things from cattle handling everything pumpkins to equipment to tractors and cattle have gathered at combines — practically county and state fairs to anything that has to do display the fruits of their with agriculture,” Hill labors and to learn about the latest in techniques and explained. “Plus, farmers technology. The Du Quoin can talk with sales representatives and learn State Fair is no different. more about the equipment “We’re very proud that we do a very, very good job on display.” The fair also features an at sharing agriculture at the fair,” says Assistant Fair opportunity for visitors to taste agricultural products Manager Norm Hill. “Our at the Illinois Wine. This ag expo is one of the best show offers companies the around.” chance to showcase their The fair’s ties with Illinois food products to a farming come very large audience of fairgoers. naturally. After all, the It is courtesy the SIU event is administered by Carbondale the state department of Entrepreneurship and agriculture’s division of Business Development unit fairs and horse racing.
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and the Illinois Department of Agriculture. By definition, an Illinois food product is produced, processed or packaged in Illinois Wine and Food Products show in the Expo Hall during Labor Day weekend. The show features Illinois grown and produced products or products from Illinois-based companies which are clients of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at SIU Carbondale. Each participating company will offer product samples, promotional information and items available for the public to purchase. The “marketplace” will be in the north end of the Expo Hall and it will be open from noon to 7 p.m. Sept. 1 and from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 2. Each featured
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
This hefty watermelon grown by Rex Ferrero of Pinckneyville took the blue ribbon in its category at the 2011 Du Quoin State Fair.
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DU QUOIN SPOTLIGHT
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THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012
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Racing lights up ‘Magic Mile’ BY LES O’DELL
“The staff puts a lot of effort into maintaining the track,” he says. “They have added six here’s a reason the track at the Du Quoin inches of soil to the track. With new dirt on the State Fairgrounds is track, there are two known as “The Magic schools of thought. Some Mile.” For years, racing — people say it will make it a both horse racing and faster track, others say automobile racing — and that it will slow the horses Du Quoin have gone hand down. So that in itself, will in hand. “The harness racing here make the racing this year interesting.” is really good,” says Fans of auto racing also longtime fair historian Fred Huff. “Du Quoin has flock to Du Quoin for an one of the fastest tracks in exciting Labor Day the county. It can produce weekend of racing action. Sunday features the USAC records.” Silver Crown series under For lovers of harness racing, the fair will feature the lights. “This racing will be a three sessions. 100-lap event, with the “People love coming open-wheel, open-cockpit here for harness racing,” style cars,” says promoter Assistant Fair Manager Bob Sargent of Macon. “It Norm Hill says. “It’s still the magic mile and one of is very reminiscent of the old days like people would the best — if not the best have seen in the Indy 500.” — mile-long dirt track Sargent says the USAC around. Of course, we cars only run on three or have a great tradition of four dirt tracks each year, harness racing at the Du so racing at Du Quoin is Quoin State Fair.” something drivers look Huff says recent modifications to the racing forward to. On Labor Day, the ARCA surface should make this cars will take to the track. year’s racing even more The race often features interesting. FOR THE SOUTHERN
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THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Tim Tetrick drives Suprizemeagain in the $50,000 Hayes race at the 2008 Du Quoin State Fair.
familiar names to racing fans. In fact, last year, Kenny Schrader won the event with NASCAR champion Tony Stewart placing second. “Where else can you see
NASCAR legends race locally,” Hill adds. “They love coming here and love the support of the fans of Southern Illinois.” Sargent says both races are sure to be exciting.
“Du Quoin is perhaps the best track around,” he says. “The dirt track is just special and it brings back many of the old traditions and memories. Many people say The Magic Mile
is special because the surface changes throughout the event. That makes is more strategically interesting for the drivers and for the fans.”
Events going on all All sorts of tasty treats await at the fair year at fairgrounds BY LES O’DELL FOR THE SOUTHERN
t’s easy to think of all of the happenings on the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds that take place during the week, but there’s so much more than happens on the 600-plus acres during the rest of the year. “There are so many activities at the fairgrounds that most people in Southern Illinois are not aware of, and they are things that are happening regularly such as horse shows, car shows, recreational vehicle gatherings, family reunions and other events,” says Fred Huff of the Du Quoin Chamber of Commerce.” Sometimes there are even multiple unique events taking place on the grounds at the same time. There’s almost always something happening. “We talk about ‘event days’ to talk about the things that are happening,” explains Assistant Fair Manager Norm Hill. “We had over 360 event days last year. There’s something going on every single weekend.” Hill says a recent 10-day long horse show drew attendees from 38 states. The American Quarter Horse Association which organized the event
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estimated its economic impact to the region at $1.6 million. From motocross races to flea markets, wedding receptions to family reunions, the fairground calendar is pretty full. The upcoming Red Power Roundup, the largest gathering of vintage International Harvester tractor and farm equipment enthusiasts, will fill a majority of the fairgrounds. More than 1,000 International Harvester, Farmall and McCormick tractors are expected to be on exhibit. The event is expected to attract up to 50,000 visitors. “These will be people from all over the country who will be spending the day on the grounds,” Huff says. “They’ll be eating downtown and at our other restaurants. Even those who camp and can cook in their vehicles still have to buy their food. They have a great impact on the area.” Hill says the fairgrounds are popular sites for events. “We have great facilities, we’re centrally located and have so many venues and buildings to choose from. “Plus, we have an amazing staff that works really hard to bring in these events and to really take care of people. That’s what people are looking for.”
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
A fairgoer enjoys a corndog in 2011 at the Du Quoin fair. BY LES O’DELL FOR THE SOUTHERN
orn dogs. Funnel cakes. Taffy. Lemon shake-ups. Pork chop sandwiches. Deep-fried versions of practically anything you ever dreamed of. Mouth-watering treats of all kinds await visitors at the Du Quoin State Fair each year. Throughout the grounds, the smells of fantastic fair food fill the air as concessionaires — some local and others from miles away — cater to the snacking and dining tastes of thousands. It’s something many of the food vendors have been doing for years. Joanie Foster of Decatur is one of them. She has been a fixture at the fair for nearly 30 years with her homemade cinnamon rolls and private-recipe hamburger buns. Long enough, she says, that her customers are now the children of other customers.
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THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Josh Herring of Murphysboro loads up a bun while making a barbecue sandwich in the 17th Street Bar & Grill booth at the 2010 Du Quoin State Fair.
Despite setting up shop at dozens of events throughout the Midwest every year, she says Du Quoin is special. “This is one of our favorite events, if not our absolute favorite,” she says of the fair. “I feel like Du Quoin is the rocking chair of Southern hospitality. I’ve been across the country and can honestly say that no place beats the hospitality of the fairgoers at the Du Quoin State Fair.” She says Du Quoin also holds a special place in her heart because her wedding anniversary falls during the fair each year. In fact, 10 years ago she celebrated with her husband by renewing their vows at the fair.
“The fair made it special,” she recalls. “We had a white gazebo and celebrated with a helicopter ride over the fairgrounds.” Foster says the 50th anniversary celebration this year will be more low key. “I’m going to be doing what I love with the one I love,” she says, adding that she does have a special “apron of memories” ready for signatures from well-wishers who stop by her stand. “Why do anything else to celebrate?” Pinckneyville’s Paulette Keene of Paulette’s Concessions says she enjoys coming to the Du Quoin State Fair, too.
“We do about 12 fairs a year, but we always look forward to Du Quoin,” she says. “Of course, we went there as kids, so we always enjoy going back. We get to see a lot of friends.” Keene has been a vendor at the fair for a decade. “It’s been an enjoyable 10 years. The fair has always been good to work with,” she says. While it’s fun for the vendors, the fair also is a lot of work. Foster says concessionaires must keep in mind the reason they are there. “The fair gives us thousands of people right in front of our window; It’s up to us to keep them happy,” she says.
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