Du Quoin State Fair offers free Randy Houser tickets to first responders

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

DU QUOIN, Ill. (KBSI) — Southern Illinois first responders are being offered free tickets to an upcoming Randy Houser concert at the Du Quoin State Fair following Wednesday’s massive downtown fire.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture, Du Quoin State Fair and Houser announced Thursday that first responders and one guest can attend the Sept. 7 concert at the fair’s Grandstand free of charge.

The offer is meant to recognize firefighters, police officers, EMTs and other emergency personnel who responded to the fire in downtown Du Quoin.

Officials praised the crews for their “extraordinary efforts, courage and commitment” while protecting the community.

First responders can begin picking up complimentary tickets Friday at the Du Quoin State Fair box office by showing a badge or department ID.

The box office opens at 8 a.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Tickets are available while supplies last.

Wednesday’s fire brought a large mutual-aid response to Du Quoin, with dozens of fire departments and emergency agencies assisting at the scene.

“To every first responder who answered the call: thank you for being there when your community needed you most,” organizers said.