Du Quoin State Fair going strong in 101st year, visitors embrace family time

DU QUION, Ill. (KBSI) – Robbie Reeder said going to the Du Quoin State Fair has become a sort of tradition. 

“This is our 10th or 11th year. We like to come every year,” he said. “It’s great because you get to hang out and be close with your family. You spend these times and make memories because as we all are busy throughout the week, you’ve got to take time to have that family time. You get something like this, you just set aside time and make sure you have that family time.” 

Reeder also says this fair: “Helps the whole southern Illinois area come out and at least get the big town feeling and a big-town fair in our small community.” 

Fairgrounds Manager Josh Gross described what makes the fairgrounds so special.

“We’re one of the only fairs that has just gone 100 straight years without taking a break at some point,” he said. “I think it’s just the history of everything that’s come through these fairgrounds is kind of what makes it special.” 

And what makes all the hard work worth it? 

“We do it for the smiles. We do it because we impact southern Illinois and all of the communities,” Gross said.