The DuQuoin State Fair returns once again! After Covid-19 prevented the DuQuoin State Fair from taking place last year, it has come back just in time for the 100th Anniversary. The fair started on August 26th and went through September 5th. Many different lineup entertainment options took place at the grandstand throughout the week. Country music artists Cole Swindell, Randy Houser, Jordan Davis, Chase Rice, and Lainey Wilson, as well as comedian Jeff Foxworthy, are scheduled to perform. 

The DuQuoin State Fair started in the Spring of 1923 when a group of successful and ambitious DuQuoin business leaders came up with an idea to sponsor an event that would attract people from all over Southern Illinois. Several of the business leaders also owned horses and wanted a convenient place for them to compete. According to the DuQuoin State Fair website, “They wanted it to become as lovely, as attractive, and as well accepted in the area as the Illinois State Fair in Springfield.” 

Quite a few students have gone to the fair within the past year, freshmen Alexis McClellan and Mallory Beach attended the Cole Swindell concert on Saturday, August 26th. “Going to this concert with my mom was fun. I was not sure how I felt about going to the concert at first but after hearing some of Cole’s songs I started to enjoy the concert more. After Covid-19 hit I was unable to go last year so, this was one of the best weekends I’ve had in a long time” said McClellan.

Blake Cole also attended the fair many times throughout the week. Cole said “It was a lot of fun going there, I was able to see a lot of my friends and go on many rides as well as win a few prizes by playing the games there. Many of the rides were new such as the swings. Last year, they weren’t there but did indeed scare me from how high they went.” 

 The DuQuion State Fair was the best experience just like it has been the past few years.