The Official 2025 Du Quoin State Fair Pocket Guide by jacksonstreetpublishing

Welcome to the Du Quoin State Fair!

As governer of the great state of Illinois, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2025 Du Quoin State Fair. Whether you have come for culinary delights, Grandstand concerts, carnival rides or world-class livestock, Adventure Awaits you and your family.

These eleven days showcase the very best that Illinois has to offer. From the creativity on display in the 2025 Home Show to the thrilling races on the Magic Mile Track, the Du Quoin State Fair has something for everyone.

Following more than $10 million in upgrades, the 750-acre Du Quoin State Fairgrounds is ready to host visitors from across the nation to celebrate the culture, people and products of Illinois.

The Du Quoin State Fair is a fun, family-friendly way to wrap up the summer. But it also serves a more meaningful purpose - to connect our farmers with the communities and people they feed. The fair celebrates our agricultural success while educating the next generation about where our food comes from, what responsible and sustainable farming looks like, and the role of agriculture in the Illinois economy.

Agriculture is Illinois’ number one industry, and the Du Quoin State Fair is putting it on display for more than 200,000 attendees. With more than 27 million acres of land dedicated to farms, Illinois is proud to be national leader in an abundance of agricultural staples –soybeans, corn, horseradish, pumpkins, pork, wheat and more.

You can experience all of Illinois’ bounty at the fair. I encourage you to explore the exhibits, meet our farmers and artisans, sample new foods and enjoy countless entertainment options.

We hope you made lasting memories and invite you to join us again next year!

Thank you,

JB Pritzker Governor

MK Pritzker First Lady

Du Quoin State Fair!

We are delighted to have you join us for 11 fun-filled days and unforgettable nights of summer fun. This year’s theme is Adventure Awaits.

We hope you will take the time to explore the grounds and the endless opportunities for adventure at the Du Quoin State Fair.

When you think of the fair, you may imagine enjoying a classic corn dog and ice-cold lemon shake up or a ride on the Ferris wheel. Those are iconic fair experiences. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find USAC and ARCA racing on Magic Mile Track. Magic shows. A demolition derby. Grandstand concerts. Truck and tractor pulls. Excitement and adventure awaits around every corner.

Looking for a slower pace? Shop for unique finds at the Rusty Truck Vintage Market. Taste samples and stock up at the Illinois Product Expo where you’ll meet the farmers and producers behind your favorite local goods.

The Du Quoin State Fair highlights agriculture and the hardworking farmers who make it our state’s number one industry. For an immersive agricultural experience, spend some time in the barns where livestock is on display. Take the time to see cattle, goats, sheep and swine up close. Talk to the students showing their animals after raising them from birth. The exposure to agriculture in all its forms is second to none on the fairgrounds.

I am proud to say that the grounds have never looked better following countless upgrades sure to improve your experience. Thanks to the Pritzker administration and the General Assembly, over $10 million has been allotted for infrastructure improvements, allowing for deferred maintenance to be addressed.

Thank you for attending the Du Quoin State Fair. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you back next year.

Warm regards,

Jerry and Lori Costello

To the 2025 Du Quoin State Fair

ADMISSION INFORMATION

Parking Location

South Gate Lot (Illinois State Rt. 14 entrance) ....................... $10 daily

Gate 1 Parking Lot (U.S. 51 entrance) ..................................... $15 daily

Gate 4 Parking Lot (Jackson St. entrance) ............................. $10 daily

Seasonal Parking Pass – Good for 11 days of Fair

Gate 1, Gate 3 and Gate 4 Parking (Best Value) ................................ $30

No weather-related reimbursements.

Theme Days

August 22 ....................................................................... Family Night

August 23 ..................................................................... Governor’s Day

August 24 ................................. Veterans Day presented by WSIL-TV3

August 25 ................................................................................. Ag Day

August 26 ...................................................................Republican Day

August 27 ............................................................................Senior Day

August 28 ........ Sponsor Appreciation Day presented by Pepsi MidAmerica

August 29 ............................ Illinois Tourism Day presented by KBSI

August 30 ........... Coal Heritage Day/SIU Day presented by WPSD-TV6

August 31 ............................................................ First Responder Day

September 1 .......................................................................... Labor Day

Fair Hours Fairgrounds: Gates open: ...................................................................... 8 am – daily Fair

North American Midway Carnival Times: POP: Pay one Price (unlimited rides for one person) Wristbands are available at the Midway Ticket Booth. $35 on weekends, opening day and Labor Day; $30 on weekdays.

Single Tickets $1.50; 20 Tickets $25; 50 Tickets $60 Child under 42 inches must ride with a PAYING ADULT. Mon. thru Fri. ........................................................................ 5 – 11 pm Sat. & Sun. ....................................................................... Noon – 11 pm

Day ..........................................................................Noon – 9 pm

Guest Services

AT THE DU QUOIN STATE FAIR

LOST CHILDREN

The Illinois State Police Safety Education Tent is located on Midway Drive (south) across the street from the Second Heat Building. Fairgoers with children are encouraged to stop by to obtain a free child ID armband. If a child becomes separated from their parents/ caregivers, having an ID armband will enable Troopers to contact the parents/caregivers more quickly.

The carnival also has a Customer Service booth where a lost child/ person can be reported.

LOST-AND-FOUND ARTICLES

Lost-and-found items should be turned into the Central Cash office, located inside the Grandstand between the hours of 8 am – 4:00 pm daily. After these hours, items can be turned in at the Illinois State Police Safety Education Tent or to any State Trooper on grounds.

ACCESSIBILITY

Any Fair attendee requiring a reasonable accommodation under the American with Disabilities Act should contact the Administration Office at 618-542-1515 as soon as possible prior to visiting the Fairgrounds so appropriate arrangements can be made.

An accessible tram unit is available on the grounds.

FIRST AID STATION

The First Aid Station is located at the north end of the Grandstand.

TRANSPORTATION TRAMS

Du Quoin State Fair runs trams daily from parking lots and gates throughout the Fairgrounds.

REST STOPS

Fairgoers will find many places to rest throughout the Fairgrounds.

Cooling shelters can be found inside our First and Second heat buildings, located on the north corner of Midway and Hayes, right inside the Walk-In Plaza and Expo Hall located on the north end of the fairgrounds. At these locations you will find an airconditioned environment with restrooms.

Our Free Entertainment tent located on the north side of Midway, offers plenty of room for little ones to move around, in addition to plenty of picnic table seating to enjoy your favorite fair food or get off your feet for a bit.

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES

The Du Quoin State Fair administrative offices are located in the Grandstand. Fair Office hours are 8 am - 6 pm during the Fair.

A Quick History Lesson

The Du Quoin State Fair

The Du Quoin State Fairgrounds has been “home” to many things . . . many, many events . . . in its 103-year-old lifetime. Huge camping rallies, national car shows and races, horse events of all kinds, rodeos, livestock shows, reunions, motorcycle races, weddings, tractor pulls. You name it, it’s probably been held at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds. The most popular? By far, the best-known event has been “The Du Quoin State Fair”, now in its 39th year under the ownership of the State of Illinois. It all started back in the spring of 1923 when a group of successful and ambitious Du Quoin business leaders came up with an idea to sponsor an event that hopefully would attract people from all over Southern Illinois. Several owned horses and needed a convenient place for them to compete. Not shy about making big claims, even from the very start, the group called it “The Du Quoin State Fair” because they wanted it to become as nice, as attractive, as well accepted in the area as the Illinois State Fair in Springfield. It didn’t happen overnight. Crowds were somewhat modest in the beginning, in the roaring twenties. Nevertheless the Fair did attract crowds of 50,000 or so, at least as reported by probably biased area sources. Now after reaching the century mark, the Du Quoin State Fair can accurately make many impressive claims. Millions, yes millions, have passed through its gates down through the years as more than an estimated 300,000 do so each year for the Fair itself. For many years -- 1957 through 1980 -- it was “Home of the Hambletonian”, harness racing’s “Kentucky Derby”. Almost equally as important auto racing has been an attraction for years. Other than “Elvis”, Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand, one would have difficulty in naming a prominent entertainer who has not appeared on stage at the Du Quoin State Fair. It proudly has become Southern Illinois’ most popular attraction as it has appeal to all ages and fans of all type events. This year’s dates are Aug. 22– Sept. 1.

Beer Tent Stage

FREE Entertainment 2025

BrowTine Blades – Blacksmith Demonstration...Ryan Pierce will be doing knife smithing and light blacksmithing demonstrations. He will be located on Grandstand East. His blacksmithing skills are some of the finest you will ever see. Along with his demonstrations, he will also have knives, leather tooling, and a lot more available for purchase.

Bubble Bus ...will be here two days spreading joy and bubbles to people of all ages. The Bubble Bus is the only mobile business of its kind with its interactive bubble-making magic. It provides a continuous sea of bubbles filling the air while playing pre-recorded music. Make sure to “pop” over to check it out on Saturday, August 23 and Saturday, August 30. It will be in action both days from 1 – 6 pm at the Southern Illinoisan Free Entertainment Tent.

DockDogs®

An organized canine aquatic dock diving show. This fun-filled event for dogs and their handlers includes the disciplines of Big Air – a long jump for Dogs, Speed Retrieve® – an Olympic-like sprint, swim, retrieve, for dogs, and Extreme Vertical® – a high jump for dogs, along with other events. This event will be held east of the Expo Drive. There will be competition and performances each day. See times for these events in the DSF Pocket Guide booklet.

Ducky Derby...will be benefiting Region K Special Olympics athletes on Sunday, August 31. Each duck adoption purchased helps people with disabilities. Special Olympics transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to realize their potential in sports and in life. Their programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourages family and community support. This all-day event will begin at 1:00 pm on race day so come join in the family fun. A dump truck filled with rubber ducks will be on display. At 3:00 pm, a minimum of 5,000 duckies splash into the pond and waddle their way to the finish line at the Expo Hall Lake. Don’t forget to adopt your ducky!!

Helping Hands...is an agricultural education exhibit for kids located just outside the Expo Hall. Children (ages 3-10) become farm hands at this free, hands-on exhibit as they are provided the opportunity to experience the agricultural process, beginning at the farm

and ending at the market. The children and their families don their work apron and fire up their imaginations to help with farm chores, collect goods to sell at the farmer’s market, and then spend their “earnings” on real products made from the farm at the grocery store.

Illinois Products Expo...will be here three days only – Friday, August 29, 5 – 9 pm; Saturday, August 30, 12 – 8 pm; and Sunday, August 31, 11 – 5 pm. More than 15 vendors will be bringing free food samples, as well as kettle corn, soaps, lip balm, essential oil products, birdhouses, wood & gourd crafts, honey, jelly, salsa, seasonings, coffee, herbal tea and much more. Plus, there will be several Illinois wineries on board for wine tasting. Check out these vendors at the Expo Hall.

Luca Chainsaw Carving … specializes in chainsaw art carvings and a wide range of services. He does custom carvings, signs and on-site art which is his favorite. Luca can create stunning chainsaw signs to catch the attention of passersby and add a touch of rustic charm to any setting. Opening around 11 am with ongoing demonstrations each day at the corner of Midway/Hayes Avenue near the Walk-in Plaza.

Nathan’s Spray Monay… is an award-winning and recognized spray paint artist. Nathan Bassett is known as the “Spray Monay –Rattle Can Ninja of the Midwest.” How fast can you paint a picture? In just five minutes he will entertain and wow you with his live performance art. He will be located on Grandstand West providing 6 daily performances with a free painting to be given away at each performance. Come experience this August 22 at 5 pm. Check out the Du Quoin State Fair Pocket Guide for a more detailed schedule.

Polka Dot Entertainment … features Penelope Fratelli and Peter Brunette who are professional, stupendous strolling experts while on stilts!! You can see them participating in the parade on August 22. They will also be providing strolling entertainment throughout the fair. You won’t want to miss their “Don’t Try This at Home Show” – a comedy magic and escape show. In addition, each is an accomplished solo performer. They work together to make each other better. Each will be forming their own solo shows on Main Street north (on the Asphalt Pad). See the DSF Pocket Guide for a more detailed time schedule.

Peter’s One-Man Danger Circus Spectacular … Polka Dot Entertainer, Peter Brunette, provides a family-friendly memorable experience. He creates a high energy comedy juggling and stunt show on a tight rope! Providing a variety of thrilling acts, his audiences will be captivated throughout the performance. See his unique entertainment on Main Street north (on the asphalt pad). Check out the DSF Pocket Guide for daily times.

Poppin Penelope … Polka Dot Entertainer, Penelope Fratelli, is a worldfamous balloon artist, and an incredible magician & escape artist. Her hilarious magic show is sure to entertain both children and adults. There will be scheduled times for her shows, face painting, giant bubbles, and much more on Main Street north (on the asphalt pad). More detailed time schedules can be found in the DSF Pocket Guide.

The Rusty Truck Vintage Market … consists of a group of local small businesses that will have their unique items available for purchase. Craft boutiques, handmade signs, tumblers, food, freeze-dried candy, soaps and candles, just to name a few, will be available for your viewing. The “vintage market” will be located at the 1st and 2nd Heat buildings on Friday, August 22 from 5 – 10 pm; Saturday, August 23 from 12 – 10 pm; and Sunday, August 24 from 12 – 8 pm. Don’t miss out on these 3 days to help support local small businesses. You never know what treasure you might find!

Scronce Art … is a local caricature artist. Erin Scronce uses her Facebook page to showcase her art and projects done for others. She will be creating quick 10-minute drawings during the Fair. Stop by and check out her artwork and you could become her next project. She will be located across the street from the Grandstand. A more detailed schedule is in the Du Quoin State Fair Pocket guide.

Show-Me Safari’s Petting Zoo … is family-owned and provides the public with an opportunity to interact with a variety of animals in a safe, educational environment. The interactive area allows you to meet some wonderful farm animals. Feed is available to purchase. Pony rides are also available for our youngest fairgoers to enjoy. This complete petting zoo is fun for the entire family. Show-Me Safari is located on Expo Drive and will open at 4:00 pm on August 22 and 11am the rest of the fair.

Wander Community Arts … is a free interactive art display located at the SIU Dome on Main Street north. Kids, as well as adults, can create, learn and express your creativity through art. It will be open on Monday – Friday: 5 – 9 pm; Saturday – Sunday 11 am – 10 pm; and Labor Day 11 am – 8 pm.

Free Entertainment Tent

Aug.

(Located on Midway Drive) SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN

(music)

DAILY SCHEDULE

Friday, Aug. 22, 2025 – FREE PARKING TONIGHT

Family Night

4 - 11 pm J & J Gaming Inside Grandstand

4 pm Show-Me Safari Petting Zoo Expo Drive

4 – 9 pm IDOA Conservation Scavenger Hunt (ages 3-13) Cabin on Main Street

5 pm Browtine Blades – Blacksmith Demonstration Grandstand East

Nathan’s Spray Monay Grandstand West Dirtwater Fox Beer Tent Stage

5 – 9 pm Scronce Art – (Caricatures) Across street from Grandstand Wander Community Arts Main Street north – SIU Dome

5 – 10 pm The Rusty Truck Vintage Market 1st & 2nd Heat Bldgs

5:30 pm Ribbon Cutting Grandstand

6 pm Twilight Parade Inside fairgrounds

Marching Band Contest Inside fairgrounds Fun with Poppin’ Penelope Main Street north (Asphalt Pad)

6:30 pm Nathan’s Spray Monay Grandstand West

7 pm Pro Wrestling Epic Across from Grandstand

7 – 9 pm Dee James music Southern Illinoisan Free Entertainment Tent

7:15 pm

8 pm

Nathan’s Spray Monay Grandstand West

9 pm Sister Hazel Beer Tent Stage Nathan’s Spray Monay Grandstand West

Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025

Governor’s Day

A special welcome today to DCFS and Pepsi MidAmerica located at the VIP tents. Enjoy your day at the Fair!

Every day of the fair Kid’s of Personality Contest (results) Expo Hall Exhibit

8 am............................................ Draft Horse ......................................................... Horse Arena Dairy Show C-Bar Land & Cattle Co Pavilion

9 am Generation Showdown: Kids vs Kin .................................... Expo Hall Stage

11 am 4-H Food Challenge: Pretzels in a Bag Expo Hall Stage Show Me Safari Petting Zoo Expo Drive Browtine Blades – Blacksmith Demonstration Grandstand East

12 pm – 7 pm Luca Chainsaw Carving Midway/Hayes

11 am – 10 pm

Wander Community Arts Main Street north – SIU Dome

11:30 am Back Seat Driving Contest Competition Corner

Nathan’s Spray Monay Grandstand West

12 pm Sizemore MX Race (practice 10:30 am) Half Mile Track

Poppin Penelope’s Magic Show Main Steet north (Asphalt Pad) Teams & Hitches Horse arena

All Horse/Pony/Mule Parade following

12 – 3 pm Kyle Woodside Beer Tent Stage

12 – 10 pm .....................The Rusty Truck Vintage Market ..............................1st & 2nd Heat Bldgs

12 – 11 pm J & J Gaming Inside Grandstand

1 pm .................................... Swine Jr Showmanship ............................................ Cattle Barn #6 Jr. Gilts following Ginger Barn Challenge ...................................................... Expo Hall

1 – 6 pm Bubble Bus Southern Illinoisan Free Entertainment Tent

1:30 pm ................................Nathan’s Spray Monay ..........................................Grandstand West

2 pm Meat Goats C-Bar Land & Cattle Co Pavilion Fun with Poppin’ Penelope ................... Main Steet north (Asphalt Pad)

2:30 pm Waffle Adventureland Showdown Expo Hall Stage

Nathan’s Spray Monay ..........................................Grandstand West

4-7 pm Doctor Wobble Beer Tent Stage

6 pm ..................................... Whippoorwill Rodeo ................................................... Horse Arena

Don’t Try This at Home Show Main Steet north (Asphalt Pad)

Nathan’s Spray Monay ..........................................Grandstand West

7 – 9 pm

Jonah Winter music Southern Illinoisan Free Entertainment Tent

7:30 pm .................................. David Lee Roth ............................. River Radio Pepsi MidAmeica Grandstand Stage

Nathan’s Spray Monay ..........................................Grandstand West

8 pm – 11 pm Murphy 500 Beer Tent Stage

9 pm

Peter’s One-Man Danger Circus Show ............ Main Steet north (Asphalt Pad)

Nathan’s Spray Monay Grandstand West

Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025

Veteran’s Day presented by DAILY SCHEDULE

A special welcome today to our Veterans located in the Expo Hall; and also to SIH in VIP Tent 1. Enjoy your day at the Fair!

located on Lake

just north of (registration begins at 10:00 am).......................

12 – 3 pm Darla’s Crush Beer Tent Stage

4 – 7 pm The Natives Band Beer Tent Stage 4:30 pm............................Nathan Spray Monay ................................................Grandstand West 5 pm .................................. Bobby Ford Band ..................................................... Beer Tent Stage Don’t Try This at Home Show Asphalt Pad – Main Street north 5:30 pm ............................ Go Bananas Contest .................................................... Expo Hall Stage 6 pm ................................ Whippoorwill Rodeo ........................................................ Horse Arena Nathan Spray Monay Grandstand West Not So Newlywed Show .......................................................... Expo Hall

7:30 pm ............................ Little River Band ...... River Radio Pepsi MidAmerica Grandstand Stage Nathan Spray Monay Grandstand West

8 – 11 pm ................................. Backline5 .......................................................... Beer Tent Stage

Monday, Aug. 25, 2025

Ag Day

Every day of the fair Kid’s of Personality Contest (results) Expo Hall Exhibit

11 am Show Me Safari Petting Zoo Expo Drive Browtine Blades – Blacksmith Demonstration ................................ Grandstand East

3 pm Nathan’s Spray Monay Grandstand West

4 pm Harness Racing Magic Mile Track

4 – 8 pm .................................. DockDogs ..................................................................Expo Drive

4 – 10 pm J & J Gaming Inside Grandstand

4:30 pm Fun with Poppin’ Penelope Main Street north (Asphalt Pad) FFA Farmyard Follies ........................................................ Horse Arena Nathan’s Spray Monay Grandstand West

5 – 9 pm ........................Wander Community Arts............................ Main Street north – SIU Dome

6 pm .............. 4-H Food Challenge: Cake Decorating Contest .................................. Expo Hall Stage Peter’s One-Man Circus Spectacular Main Street north (Asphalt Pad) Nathan’s Spray Monay ...............................................Grandstand West

6 – 8:30 pm ........................ Dee James music .............. Southern Illinoisan Free Entertainment Tent

6 – 9 pm Cat Daddy’O Beer Tent Stage

7 pm.......................... ITPA Truck & Tractor Pulls ..............................................Half Mile Track Peter’s Magic & Circus Skills ...................... Main Street north (Asphalt Pad)

7:30 pm Nathan’s Spray Monay Grandstand West

8:15 pm ...........................Nathan’s Spray Monay ...............................................Grandstand West

9 pm ...............................Nathan’s Spray Monay ...............................................Grandstand West

DAILY SCHEDULE

Republican Day

Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025

Sponsor Appreciation Day

Special Events SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

Dairy Queen of Christopher

Filson Appraisal

First National Bank of Pinckneyville

Heritage Family

Crafted

Kalin’s Café

ZR Roadhouse

Fenton’s Collision

Lee’s Sports

Murphysboro

Smile Design

Ward Chrysler

Riechmann Bros.

Subway of Christopher

Vogler Ford

STAR SPONSORS

Checkered Flags & Lemonade Stands

The Flower Patch

Gifts and Framing

DAILY SCHEDULE

Illinois Tourism Day presented by KBSI

Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025

Coal Heritage/ SIU Day presented

by WPSD-TV6

A special welcome today to Knight Hawk at the VIP tent; and SIUC at the 2nd Heat 12 – 3 pm. Enjoy your day at the Fair!

Every day of the fair Kid’s of Personality Contest (results) Expo Hall Exhibit

9 am Jr. Dairy Goat Show Cattle Barn #4

9:30 am ............................. Jr. Beef Showmanship .........................C Bar Land & Cattle Co Pavilion

9:30 am – 3 pm.........................Lego Contest ............................................................... Expo Hall

10 – 8 pm.................................... DockDogs ........................................................ Expo Drive area

10:30 am ........................... Nathan’s Spray Monay.............................................Grandstand West 11 am Show Me Safari Petting Zoo Expo Drive Browtine Blades – Blacksmith Demonstration Grandstand East 11 am – 7 pm Luca Chainsaw Carving Midway/Hayes

12 pm – 8 pm Illinois Products Expo Expo Hall

11 am – 10 pm Wander Community Arts Main Street north – SIU Dome DOA Conservation Scavenger Hunt ............................... Cabin on Main Street

12 – 3 pm .............................. Whiskey and Rust.................................................. Beer Tent Stage 12 – 11 pm .................................J & J Gaming ...........................................................Grandstand 1 pm ................................ Heavy Horse Puller’s Assn ................................................. Horse Arena Jr. Show Breeding Beef C Bar Land & Cattle

2 – 8 pm ........................ Scronce Art – (Caricatures)......................Across street from Grandstand

3 pm................................Fun with Poppin’ Penelope .................. Main Street north – (Asphalt Pad) Nathan’s Spray Monay Grandstand West

4 pm Market Lambs Show Cattle Barn #6 Moo Moo Chug-a-Lug Contest Expo Hall

4 – 7 pm The Hoot N Holler Band Beer Tent Stage

4:30 pm Nathan’s Spray Monay Grandstand West

5 pm Don’t Try This at Home Show Main Street north – (Asphalt Pad)

6 pm ........................................ Demo Derby........................................................Half Mile Track Beard/Mullet Contest ........................................................ Beer Tent Nathan’s Spray Monay.............................................Grandstand West

7 pm Poppin Penelope’s Magic Show Main Street north – (Asphalt Pad)

7 – 9 pm Jonah Winter music Southern Illinoisan Free Entertainment Tent

7:30 pm Tucker Wetmore River Radio Pepsi MidAmerica Grandstand Stage Nathan’s Spray Monay Grandstand West

8 – 11 pm Southern Grit Beer Tent Stage

8:30 pm................... Peter’s One-Man Danger Circus Show .......... Main Street north – (Asphalt Pad)

9:00 pm ............................ Nathan’s Spray Monay.............................................Grandstand West

Thank You, Knight Hawk Employees

We thank the Knight Hawk family for creating one of the safest & most productive coal companies in the country. Enjoy the fair & the Labor Day weekend.

DAILY SCHEDULE

Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025

First Responder Day

Every day of the fair Kid’s of Personality Contest (results) Expo Hall Exhibit

9 am Open Show Dairy Goats Cattle Barn #4 Jr Breeding Sheep Show… ............................................. Cattle Barn #6 Jr Showmanship following 9:30 am Open Show Breeding Beef C Bar Land & Cattle Co Pavilion

10 am Gorgeous Goat Contest Open Air Barns by horse arena

10 – 8 pm.................................... DockDogs ........................................................ Expo Drive area

10:30 am Nathan’s Spray Monay Grandstand West 11 am Show Me Safari Petting Zoo Expo Drive area Browtine Blades – Blacksmith Demonstration ............................. Grandstand East 11 am – 5 pm ....................... Illinois Products Expo ......................................................... Expo Hall 11 am – 10 pm Wander Community Arts Main Street north – SIU Dome IDOA Conservation Scavenger Hunt Cabin on Main Street

12 pm ....................... Pedal Pull Competition (Pull at 1pm) ............................................... Expo Hall Peter’s Magic & Circus Skills ................... Main Street north (Asphalt Pad) Nathan’s Spray Monay Grandstand West

12 – 3 pm ..................................Dirtwater Fox ..................................................... Beer Tent Stage

12 – 11 pm .................................J & J Gaming ..................................................Inside Grandstand 1 pm Ducky Derby/Jeep Day Expo Drive-East on the Long Cut Lake (events all day)

1 – 3 pm ................................Chris Owens music .......... Southern Illinoisan Free Entertainment Tent

1 – 7 pm ............................. Luca Chainsaw Carving ............................................... Midway/Hayes

1:30 pm Nathan’s Spray Monay Grandstand West

2 pm Peter’s magic/circus skills/juggling Main Street north (Asphalt Pad) Polka Dot Entertainment .................................. Strolling entertainment

2 – 8 pm Scronce Art – (Caricatures) Across street from Grandstand

3 pm Nathan’s Spray Monay Grandstand West

4 pm ............................. Don’t Try This at Home Show ................... Main Street north (Asphalt Pad)

4 – 6 pm ................................ Dee James music ........... Southern Illinoisan Free Entertainment Tent

4 – 7 pm Kyle Woodside Beer Tent Stage

4:30 pm Pro Wrestling Epic Across from Grandstand Nathan’s Spray Monay.............................................Grandstand West

6 pm ........................... Poppin’ Penelope’s Magic Show ................. Main Street north (Asphalt Pad) Not So Newlywed Game Expo Hall Nathan’s Spray Monay.............................................Grandstand West

6:30 pm............................. ARCA Racing Series.......................... Magic Mile Track So IL 100 Mile

7 – 9 pm Jonah Winter music Southern Illinoisan Free Entertainment Tent

7:30 pm Fun with Poppin’ Penelope Main Street north (Asphalt Pad)

Nathan’s Spray Monay.............................................Grandstand West

8 – 11 pm ....................Zack Fedor & The Long Goodbyes ....................................... Beer Tent Stage

9 pm Nathan’s Spray Monay Grandstand West

Monday, Sept. 1, 2025

Labor Day

Every day of the fair Kid’s of Personality Contest (results) Expo Hall Exhibit

9:30 am ................................Jr Steer Show................................... C Bar Land & Cattle Co Pavilion

10 – 8 pm DockDogs Expo Drive area

10:30 pm Nathan’s Spray Monay Grandstand West

11 am .......................... Show Me Safari Petting Zoo ...................................................... Expo Drive Browtine Blades – Blacksmith Demonstration Grandstand/Midway

11 am – 4 pm .................. Luca Chainsaw Carving ................................................... Midway/Hayes

11 am – 8 pm .......................... Wander Arts .......................................Mainstreet north (SIU Dome) IDOA Conservation Scavenger Hunt Cabin on Main Street

11 am – 12:30 pm .......... Fun with Poppin’ Penelope ............................ Expo Hall (Labor Union picnic)

12 pm ............................. Nathan’s Spray Monay ................................................ Grandstand West Washer Tournament (register 11 am) Beer Tent

12 – 9 pm .............................. J & J Gaming .............................................................. Grandstand

12:30 pm ...................... (IBRA) Illinois Barrel Race ......................................................Horse Arena

1 pm Peter’s One-Main Danger Circus Main Street north (Asphalt Pad)

1 – 3 pm ............................. Dee James music ............... Southern Illinoisan Free Entertainment Tent

1 – 4 pm............................ The Lug NutZ Band .....................................................Beer Tent Stage Scronce Art – (Caricatures) Across street from Grandstand

1:30 pm .......................... Nathan’s Spray Monay ................................................ Grandstand West

2 pm Pro Wrestling Epic Across from Grandstand

2:30 pm Cornhole Tournament (register 1:30 pm) Beer Tent

3 pm............................... Nathan’s Spray Monay ................................................ Grandstand West

4 pm Don’t Try This at Home Show Main Street north (Asphalt Pad)

4 – 6 pm Chris Owens music Southern Illinoisan Free Entertainment Tent

4:30 pm.......................... Nathan’s Spray Monay ................................................ Grandstand West

5 – 8 pm Well Hungarians Beer Tent Stage Nathan’s Spray Monay Grandstand West

7:30 pm .............................. Gabby Barrett ....... River Radio/Pepsi Mid-America Grandstand Stage

Open-Air Horse SHOW EVENTS 2025

(Located north, one block past Horse Arena) All Events FREE Admission

Saturday, August 23

8:00 am ...........................................................................................Draft Horse 6:00 pm ............................................................................ Whippoorwill Rodeo

Sunday, August 24

8:00 am ........................................................................................... Mule Show 6:00 pm ............................................................................ Whippoorwill Rodeo

Monday, August 25

4:30 pm ........................................................................... FFA Farmyard Follies

Tuesday, August 26

8:00 am (all day) Cowboy Mounted Shoot

Saturday, August 30

1:00 pm ........................................................................ IL Horse Pullers Assoc.

Monday, September 1

12:30 pm ............................................................. (IBRA) Illinois Barrel Racing

Competitive/Special EVENTS

2025 Schedule

Friday, Aug 22

Saturday, Aug 23

8 am.............................................Draft

Tuesday, Aug 26

8 am – 3 pm

Wednesday, Aug 27

4 pm

4 – 8 pm

Thursday, Aug 28

9 am – 2 pm

Friday, Aug 29

5 – 9 pm

Saturday, Aug 30

9 am ..........................................

9:30 am – 3 pm

10 am – 8 pm

1:30 – 4 pm

Sunday, Aug 31

Monday, Sept 1

LIVESTOCK SCHEDULE 2025

BEEF CATTLE

Jr Showmanship ........................ 8/30 at 9:30 am .................. NA .......................................NA

Jr Show Breeding Beef 8/30 at 1:00 pm 8/29 by Noon 8/31 after Open Show

Open Show Breeding Beef ........... 8/31 at 9:30 am........... 8/29 by Noon...... 8/31 after Open Show

Jr Show Steers 9/1 at 9:30 am 8/31 by Noon 9/1 after Steer Show

DAIRY CATTLE

Jr Show Animals ........................ 8/23 at 9:00 am ........... 8/21 by 6 pm ..... 8/24 after Open Show Open Show Animals .................... 8/24 at 9:00 am ........... 8/21 by 6 pm ..... 8/24 after Open Show

DAIRY GOATS

Jr Show Dairy Goats ...................8/30 at 9:00 am .......... 8/29 by 6 pm ...... 8/31 after Open Show

Open Show Dairy Goats............... 8/31 at 9:00 am .......... 8/29 by 6 pm ...... 8/31 after Open Show

MEAT GOATS .............................. 8/23 at 2:00 pm ...........8/23 by 8 am ..............8/23 after show

SHEEP

Jr Breeding Sheep ...................... 8/31 at 9:00 am ...........8/30 by 9 am ......8/31 after BreedShow

Jr Market Lambs ........................8/30 at 4:00 pm ...........8/30 by 9 am ......8/31 after BreedShow

Jr ShowmanshipNA 8/31 after BreedShow NA NA

SWINE

Jr Gilts 8/23 after Showman 8/22 by noon 8/24 aft BarrowShow

Jr Barrows ................................ 8/24 at 9:00 am ...........8/22 by noon ...... 8/24 aft BarrowShow

Jr Showmanship 8/23 at 1:00 pm NA NA

DRAFT HORSES, PONIES & MULES

Horse & Pony Halter Classes 8/23 at 8:00am 8/22 by 6 pm 8/24 after show Teams & Hitches ....................... 8/23 at 12:00 pm...........8/22 by 6 pm ..............8/24 after show

All Horse/Pony/Mule Parade 8/23 after last class NA NA

Mule Halter Classes .................... 8/24 at 8:00 am ...........8/22 by 6 pm ..............8/24 after show

Carts & Hitches 8/24 at 12:00 pm 8/22 by 6 pm 8/24 after show

Du Quoin State Fair Thanks our Generous Livestock-Related Donors:

Frank Bigham Family

Alan, Lori, Bradley Bowers

Bramlet Simmentals

Buy-A-Farm

(Wayne/Jamie Keller & Don Bailey)

Carl & Julie Price

Friends of Ed Thompson

Illinois Beef Association

Illinois Pork Producers

Knight Hawk Coal

Lakeland College

Lane Rinderer

Modern Woodmen of America (Lisa Garver)

Nutrien Ag (Bruce Pittman)

R & B Agronomy & Agro Liquid (Kevin Broster)

Seed Life/Brian Pittman

Toenyes Show Pig

Unverfehrt Farm Supply

Inside the

Expo Hall

(Open daily 10 am – 9 pm. and air-conditioned!)

This year’s Veteran’s Day celebration will be held in the Expo Hall on Sunday, August 24 beginning at 9:00 am.

State Agencies:

Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs will be available for the promotion of state and federal benefits, and other services available for military veterans, family members and surviving family members.

Illinois Department of Corrections will be promoting department initiatives, programs and job recruitment.

Illinois Department of Transportation will have exhibits and free handouts on current construction projects in the area.

Illinois State Treasurer’s Office will be on hand to visit with you on State Treasurer Programs and on-site unclaimed property searches.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources have a display, “Discover Illinois State Parks: A Century of Beauty.” Step into an immersive journey through Illinois’ rich natural landscapes with this all-new indoor exhibit. Take time to explore this display, featuring a curated collection of historic mementos that tell the story of how Illinois parks have grown and evolved over the past century.

Browse vendor booths for great home improvement and decorating ideas, hand-made items and tasty treats! Join the U of I Master Gardeners for pop-up programming on plant propagation, house plant care, snake ID and more.

Exhibits and food:

“Kid’s of Personality Contest” results will be on exhibit throughout the fair. Make sure to check out this exhibit while browsing other things of interest.

Bianco’s hand-scooped ice cream will be available to serve up your favorite flavor.

Shantyman will have meat sticks, beef jerky and bottled honey.

Illinois Products Show will have booths set up three days on:

Fri, Aug 29: 5 pm – 9 pm

Sat, Aug 30: 12 pm – 8 pm

Sun, Aug 31: 11 am – 5 pm

There will be more than 20 vendors bringing their free food samples, as well as kettle corn, soaps, lip balm, essential oil products, birdhouses, wood & gourd crafts, honey, jelly, salsa, seasonings, coffee, herbal tea and many more. Plus, there will be several wineries on board for wine tasting.

COOKING

Saturday, August 23 ........... 9:00 am ........... Generation Showdown: Kids vs Kin Expo Hall (Sponsored by Kalin’s Café) 11:00 am ......... 4-H Food Challenge: Pretzels in a Bag (Sponsored by U of I Extension-Franklin/Jackson/Perry/Randolph/Williamson counties) 1:00 pm ............................. Ginger Barn Challenge (Sponsored by Banterra Bank of Du Quoin) 2:30 pm ............. Waffle Adventureland Showdown (Sponsored by Eclipse Insurance)

Sunday, August 24 ............. 5:30 pm ................................ Go Bananas Contest Expo Hall (Sponsored by Dairy Queen of Christopher, Illinois)

Monday, August 25 ............6:00 pm ................................. 4-H Food Challenge: Cake Decorating Contest Expo Hall (Sponsored U of I Extension-Franklin/Jackson/Perry/Randolph/Williamson counties)

Tuesday, August 26 6:00 pm My Favorite State Fair Food Expo Hall (Sponsored by Checker Flags and Lemonade Stands) 7:00 pm ................. Mystery Sack Cooking Contest (Sponsored by The W Restaurant)

Wednesday, August 27 .......6:00 pm .................. Crazy Over Cupcakes Contest Expo Hall (Sponsored by Emily Eatery and Events)

Thursday, August 28 ..........6:00 pm ...................... Charcuterie Board Contest Expo Hall (Sponsored by Fare Food)

Friday, August 29 6:00 pm Afternoon Tea Contest Expo Hall (Sponsored by Two Raggedy Sisters)