Prairie State Wire

The Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), will host a free fishing day for children on Tuesday, July 8 at 9 a.m. Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, highlighted the benefits of such events: "Fishing is a great sport that exposes kids to nature while teaching them the importance of patience and persistence." He added that these activities encourage community engagement with the fairgrounds beyond just during the annual fair.

The event will provide fishing poles, bait, and basic instruction courtesy of IDNR. Participation is limited to the first 25 children who register in advance. While those under 16 do not need a fishing license, participants aged 16 and older must have one. Licenses are available for $15 at various vendors across Illinois or online. Exemptions apply for fishers who are blind, disabled, or on active military service.

For further details or registration inquiries, individuals can contact (618) 542-1511 during office hours from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., excluding holidays.

Participants should gather at Expo Hall on the fairgrounds by 9 a.m. on event day and are advised to bring sunscreen, bug spray, water, and a chair.

Besides this fishing clinic, the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds offers numerous free activities throughout summer. These include sidewalk chalk events every Friday in June as well as nature trails suitable for hiking and biking. Visitors can also enjoy picnics in shaded areas. A full calendar of events is available online along with information about camping opportunities.