Aug 7-Sep 6 2010 DuQuoin State Fair Grandstand Announced

Officials with Illinois' second state fair, the DuQuoin State Fair, have announced grandstand events for the event coming up August 27-September 6, 2010.

On stage will be an assortment of performances by Lee Ann Womack, the Nitty Gritty Dirt band, Styx, Ray Price, b.J. Thomas, Billy Joe Royal, Cinderella, Dierks Bentley with The Greencards, and others.

Other major events include harness racing and stock car racing.

The fair kicks off with the Twilight Parade Friday, September 27th at 6pm.

Notwithstanding budget cuts, the 88th annual DuQuoin State Fair will include an always popular carnival midway, exhibits presented by numerous state agencies, and plenty of events and exhibits not affiliated with government. Naturally, there will be plenty of food for visitors as well as cooling stations as at the Senior Citizen's Building, where those visitors can kick back and recover from the hot sun. Animal exhibits will also be featured in the jungle section of the fair.

On Saturday, August 28th, Lee Ann Womack, who charted with "I Hope You can Dance," opens the grandstand music entertainment schedule with a 7:30pm performance. Ray Price, B.J. Thomas, and Billy Joe Royal are featured together Sunday, August 29th, Cinderella is Monday, August 30th, Dierks Bentley with The Greencards is Wednesday, September 1st, Styx is Tuesday, September 2d, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is Friday, September 3d with Asleep at the Wheel as opening act, and Seether concludes the week of musical acts Saturday, September 4th.

The Southern Illinois Gospel Night is on the main stage Tuesday, August 31st. Admission is a mere $10 for this perennial favorite.

Free harness racing is featured opening night Friday, August 27th, then again Sunday afternoon, August 29th. The USAC Silver Crown Series is Sunday, September 5th and ARCA Car Series is Labor Day Monday, September 6th.

There's plenty of free music, as well, at the free entertainment tent. Performers are still being scheduled but you can check the website for updates.

As with any state fair, the agricultural events will be extensive. There'll be livestock shows and judging, various home economics and art exhibits as part of the Home Show at the Ag Expo Hall, as well as farm machinery on display by vendors.

Among the special events are the high school marching band contest, high school pom pon contest, the Cutest Little Farmer Contest, Smile Contest, Ponytail/Pigtail Contest, Diaper Derby, and Back Seat Driver Contest.

The DuQuoin State Fair is Illinois' second state fair which is located in Southern Illinois and follows the Springfield State Fair by one week.

August 28th is Preview Day, August 29th is Agriculture Day, August 30th is Veterans Day, August 31st Family Day with free parking, September 1st is Republican Day and Family Day with free parking, September 2d is Senior Day and Kids Day, September 3d is Vendor Appreciation Day, September 4th is Kids Day, September 5th is Governor's Day and Trotting Day, September 6th is Super Charged Sunday, September 7th is Labor Day.

For information on parking fees (actual admission is free), and the latest on scheduled events, check out the website here.