DU QUOIN, Ill. (KFVS) - The 2025 Du Quoin State Fair runs Friday, August 22 through Monday, September 1.
The theme days include:
- Friday, August 22 – Family Night
- Saturday, August 23 – Governor’s Day
- Sunday, August 24 - Veterans Day
- Monday, August 25 – Agriculture Youth Day
- Tuesday, August 26 – Republican Day
- Wednesday, August 27 – Senior Day
- Thursday, August 28 – Sponsor Appreciation Day
- Friday, August 29 – Illinois Tourism Day
- Saturday, August 30 – Coal Heritage Day / SIU College Day
- Sunday, August 31 – First Responders Day
- Monday, September 1 – Labor Day
“Theme days are a fun way to show off everything that makes the Du Quoin State Fair special over the next 11 days,”said Luke Davison, Du Quoin State Fair manager. “We’re always working to make the fair better and add more to the lineup, especially when it comes to agriculture—it’s the heart of what we do and the number one industry in Illinois.”
Organizers say admission to the fair is free, and parking is free on Aug. 22. For other fair dates, parking is $15 for Gate 1 and $10 for all other gates.
On Thursday, August 14, Governor JB Pritzker announced Dr. Glenn Poshard will serve as grand marshal. The parade theme is “Adventure Awaits.”
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The Twilight Parade will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 22 from the south end of Grandstand Avenue and make its way to Main Street. From there, it will turn west of Main Street and continue to Pacer Avenue. The parade will then turn south onto Pacer and exit Gate 6 back onto Bob Green Avenue.
“Glenn Poshard dedicated his life to public service through both elected and volunteer roles,” Governor Pritzker said. “His passion for the people of southern Illinois makes him uniquely deserving to serve as Grand Marshal for the annual Twilight Parade.”
According to a news release from the governor’s office, Dr. Poshard has more than 50 years of public service, serving as the president of Southern Illinois University from 2006 to 2014. He formerly served as vice chancellor for administration at SIU Carbondale and as chairman of the SIU Board of Trustees.
A former high school teacher and Carbondale resident, he served more than four and a half years as a state senator in the Illinois General Assembly and 10 years in the U.S. Congress.
In 1999, the White County native founded the Poshard Foundation for Abused Children in southern Illinois. The foundation has raised more than $10 million in support of these children.
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“As a fixture in southern Illinois and a friend and mentor to many, Glenn Poshard has left his mark in ways both big and small,” Jerry Costello II, Illinois Department of Agriculture director, added. “Glenn is one of the true treasures of Southern Illinois. It’s an honor to have him serve as Grand Marshal of the Du Quoin State Fair where his roots run deep.”
Tickets for the Grandstand acts are on sale now.
The final Du Quoin State Fair Grandstand act was announced earlier.
According to the fair’s Facebook page, country music artist Tucker Wetmore will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 30.
Wetmore is known for his tunes “Wind up Missin’ You,” “Brunette,” and “Wine Into Whiskey.”
The other Grandstand performers at the fair this year include:
- David Lee Roth on Saturday, Aug. 23
- Little River Band on Sunday, Aug. 24
- Tesla on Thursday, Aug. 28
- Jake Owen on Friday, Aug. 29
- Gabby Barrett on Monday, Sept. 1
USAC Silver Crown Series Race and ARCA Super Series will also return to the Grandstand.
Fairgoers are also encouraged to visit the Illinois Product Expo located at the Expo Hall during the second weekend of the fair.
Organizers say this is a great way to celebrate Illinois agriculture.
Local products will be for sale Friday, Aug. 29, from 5 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 30, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 31, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Nearly two dozen vendors will be offering free food samples and selling seasonings, jellies and jams, hone, freeze-dried candy, salsa, coffee, herbal tea, soaps, lip balm, birdhouses, wood and gourd crafts, essential oil products, candles and much more. In addition, several Illinois wineries will offer wine tasting.
For more information on events, attractions and more at the Du Quoin State Fair, click here.
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