The ribbon has been cut, officially marking the start of the 2016 Du Quoin State Fair.
Governor Bruce Rauner cut the ribbon to open the fair before walking in the annual Twilight Parade. The ceremony kicked off the 11-day Southern Illinois exhibition of agriculture. This year’s theme is “Producing Our Future.”
The Governor says the state fair is important as it shows off Southern Illinois and all the assets it has to offer.
“This year’s theme is Producing Our Future, which is a great reminder of how important this industry is to our great state, not just in the goods that we produce, but in the longstanding tradition and values it represents,” Rauner explains.
The Governor was joined at the ceremony by Lieutenant Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti, Department of Agriculture Director Raymond Poe, State Fair Manager Kevin Gordon, Department of Natural Resources Director Wayne Rosenthal, Du Quoin Mayor Guy Alongi, 2016 Du Quoin Twilight Parade Grand Marshal Senator David Luechtefeld, Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Abby Foster, along with other local leaders and agricultural representatives.