Prairie State Wire

The Du Quoin State Fair has set a new attendance record, with over 204,000 visitors attending the 2024 event. This surpasses the previous record of 171,000 set in 2022 and marks the first time attendance has exceeded 200,000 since industry standards were established.

Governor JB Pritzker highlighted the fair's success: "This year, the Du Quoin State Fair shattered previous attendance records—hosting more than 204,000 people and injecting hundreds of thousands of dollars into the southern Illinois economy." He attributed this growth to new attractions, cooler temperatures, and improvements across the fairgrounds. The governor emphasized his administration's commitment to supporting the fair through investments aimed at maintaining its status as a key tourist destination.

The combined attendance for both the Du Quoin State Fair and Illinois State Fair reached over 977,000 visitors in 2024. This consistent growth benefits Illinois' leading industry by providing increased exposure.

IDOA Director Jerry Costello commented on the fair's impact: "The Du Quoin State Fair continues a 100-year tradition of showcasing Illinois agriculture and fueling the economic engine for southern Illinois." He noted that youth livestock exhibitors are his favorite part of the fair and expressed optimism about future growth in this area.

The next Du Quoin State Fair is scheduled for August 22 to September 1, 2025.