Prairie State Wire

DU QUOIN, IL - The Du Quoin State Fair is set to highlight Illinois agriculture through the 2024 Illinois Product Expo. This event aims to connect buyers with local farmers and producers, offering insight into the origins of their food.

"The Illinois Product Expo connects buyers with farmers and producers and allows the community to learn more about where their food is coming from, which is increasingly important to people," said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. "The demand for locally grown products continues to rise, so we are excited to create this opportunity to showcase Illinois agriculture at the Du Quoin State Fair."

Located in the Expo Hall, the Illinois Product Expo will be open during the second weekend of the fair. Attendees can shop for local products on Friday, Aug. 30 from 5 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 31 from noon to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 1 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More than 15 vendors will provide free food samples and sell various items including kettle corn, seasonings, jellies and jams, honey, freeze-dried candy, salsa, coffee, herbal tea, alpaca products, soaps, lip balm, birdhouses, wood and gourd crafts, essential oil products, candles and more. Several Illinois wineries will also offer wine tasting.

"Sampling and purchasing local food offers direct support to local producers in southern Illinois," said Jackie Sambursky, Bureau Chief of Marketing at the Illinois Department of Agriculture. "The Illinois Product Expo gives fairgoers the opportunity to taste what makes Illinois Products unique."

The Du Quoin State Fair runs through September 2. Admission is free; parking is free on August 23 but costs $15 for Gate 1 and $10 for other gates on remaining dates. Additional information including seasonal parking and handicap parking details can be found at dsf.illinois.gov.