The DuQuoin State Fair has been an annual festival for all towns in southern Illinois since 1923 when a group of Du Quoin business leaders came up with an idea to sponsor an event that would attract people from all over Southern Illinois.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the DuQuoin State Fair was canceled, the first cancellation since the state purchased the fairgrounds. Before that, only World War II interrupted the fair, but in 2021, the State Fair made a big comeback, resulting in letting us be able to experience this annually. “We’ve got a lot going on. We’re really looking forward to having the fair,” said Director of Agriculture Jerry Costello II. “Canceling it last year was a huge decision and was done in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Public Health. Health and safety of Illinoisans is the most important thing.”

The DuQuoin State Fair 2023 was held from August 25th till September 4th, ending on Labor Day. The fair has so many different fun events to offer, such as different rides for both older and younger kids to enjoy, face painting, delicious foods, live music, shopping, and much more. One of this year’s new rides was the bumper cars. Sophomore Addyson Gill said, “They were so fun, and I think that they’re a good add on to the fair.”

The DuQuoin State Fair next year should be on your bucket list for next year.