The DuQuoin State Fair is an excellent end-of-summer tradition for thousands of Illinois families. It features a carnival, tractor and truck pull show, livestock shows, exhibits, contests, and national music stars on the grandstand. The Fair is held for 11 days beginning in late August and ending on Labour Day, in the southern Illinois town of Du Quoin. The admission is just $2.
Each year, a Twilight Parade is held to mark the opening of the annual fair in Du Quoin. The staging area for the parade takes place on the half-mile track. The procession starts from the south end of Pacer Avenue and makes its way to Midway Drive. The parade then goes to the Grandstand, turning north to Main Street, and will end at the half-mile track.
The DuQuoin State Fair has been held since 1923 and specialized in harness racing. The mile-long DuQuoin State Fairgrounds Racetrack was built on the fairgrounds, which is still used for ARCA and USAC motor sporting events.
