Admission charge planned at 2016 Du Quoin State Fair

In what they said is an effort to maintain sustainability, organizers of the fair announced the establishment of a minimal admission fee for the 2016 Du Quoin State Fair in Du Quoin.

The fair is scheduled Friday, Aug. 26, through Monday, Sept. 5. All adult fairgoers who want to attend the 2016 Du Quoin State Fair will be charged $2 to enter the grounds. Children under the age of 13 will be admitted for free.

In addition, the fair will introduce new theme days which will give select fairgoers free admission to the fairgrounds on specific days.

In addition to charging a $2 adult admission fee, fair organizers have adjusted camping fees, renegotiated contracts and brought in new sponsors to the fair. Similar actions were taken at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield.

Parking rates for the 2016 Du Quoin State Fair will remain unchanged. All public parking inside the fairgrounds will be $12 per day and all public parking outside the grounds will be $7 per day. In addition, seasonal parking passes can be purchased for $30.

According to an economic impact study conducted by the University of Illinois in 2000, the Du Quoin State Fair has an economic impact of $6 million dollars. This includes $2 million for wages and salaries and more than $500,000 in sales tax revenue.

The theme days which are planned at the fair include:

Friday, Aug. 26, will be College Night. Any college student with a current student ID will receive free admission to the fair.

Saturday, Aug. 27, will be Governor’s Day.

Sunday, Aug. 28, is set as Veterans Day. With proof of proper identification, veterans and their immediate family members get free admission.

Monday, Aug. 29, is planned as Agriculture Youth Day.

Tuesday, Aug. 30, is Democrat Day.

Wednesday, Aug. 31, will be Senior Day. Adults age 60 and older will receive free admission to the fair. Thursday, Sept. 1, will be Illinois Tourism Day.

Friday, Sept. 2, is Sponsor Appreciation Day.

Saturday, Sept. 3, will be Coal Heritage Day.

Sunday, Sept. 4, is First Responder Day. Firefighters, police officers and EMTs who show their badge will receive free admission.

Monday, Sept. 5, is Family Day.