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Agri-Bot … is a fully interactive educational exhibit that is designed to entertain and inform. The Agri-Bot is a transforming Camaro bringing agriculture to life like never before seen. The real excitement happens as you watch the high-tech Camaro shift into a full robot form in a display of engineering and imagination. This exhibit runs for up to 10 hours a day located off Expo Drive near the Thank a Farmer area.
Bubble Bus … will be here two days spreading joy and bubbles to people of all ages with a continuous sea of bubbles filling the air while playing pre-recorded music. Make sure to “pop” over to check it out on Saturday, August 29 and Saturday, September 5. It will be in action both days from 1 – 6 pm at the Southern Illinoisan Free Entertainment Tent just off Midway Drive.
Fisherman Dan’s OFF THE HOOK Show … is best known for drawing crowds of all ages with his high-energy routines filled with laughter and lunacy. From contorting his body effortlessly through a tiny fishing net, balancing on his cutting board, straitjacket escape atop a 7-foot unicycle, and the list goes on. Get ready to get “hooked, line and sinkered” with laughter. See Fisherman Dan’s OFF THE HOOK Show on Main and Grandstand Avenue throughout the Fair.
… This program benefits Region K Special Olympics athletes. Special Olympics transform the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to realize their potential in sports and in life. Their programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family and community support. This family event begins at 1 pm. At 3:00 pm, a minimum of 5,000 duckies splash into the pond and waddle their way to the finish line at the Lake near the Expo Hall. Don’t forget to adopt your ducky!!
Illinois Product Expo … will be at the Expo Hall Friday, Sept. 4,
5 – 9 pm; Saturday, Sept. 5, 9 am – 8 pm; and Sunday, Sept. 6, 11 – 5 pm. Vendors will be bringing free food samples, kettle corn, soaps, lip balm, essential oil products, birdhouses, wood & gourd crafts, honey, jelly, salsa, seasonings, coffee, herbal tea and much more. Plus, several Illinois wineries will be on board for wine tasting.
IL Dept. of Natural Resources . . . provides many ways to enjoy the outdoors. This year at the Du Quoin State Fair you can enjoy the following:
- 2,800-Gallon Native Fish Aquarium: See native Illinois fish species and learn about the state's aquatic habitats.
- Casting Activities at the Lake: Visitors can enjoy casting each evening during the week from 4:00–7:30 p.m. and on weekends from 12:00–7:30 p.m.
- Illinois State Parks and Outdoor Recreation: Learn about state parks, State Recreation Areas, hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and other outdoor opportunities across Illinois.
- Conservation Police: Meet Conservation Police Officers and visit their educational trailer featuring wildlife mounts, hides, and information about conservation law enforcement and outdoor safety.
- Mines and Minerals: Explore exhibits highlighting Illinois' geology, mining history, and mineral resources.
- Natural Resources Information: Talk with IDNR staff about wildlife, conservation, hunting, fishing, and other ways to enjoy and protect Illinois' natural resources.
- Indoor Kids Fishing Clinics: Young anglers can learn basic fishing skills with guidance from IDNR staff. The clinic schedule is as follows:
Saturday, August 29: 1 – 3 pm and 4 – 7:30 pm
Sunday, August 30, 1 – 3 pm and 4 – 7:30 pm
Friday, September 4: 4 – 7:30 pm
Saturday, September 5: 1 – 3 pm and 4 – 7:30 pm
Sunday, September 6: 1 – 3 pm and 5 – 7:30 pm
Monday September 7: 12 N – 2 pm
Luca Chainsaw Carving … specializes in chainsaw art carvings and a wide range of other services, such as custom carvings, signs and on-site art. These stunning chainsaw signs are sure to catch the attention of passersby and add a touch of rustic charm to any setting. On Aug. 29, Sept. 5 and Sept. 6 Luca will be located just off Midway Drive/Hayes Ave. on Aug. 30, Sept. 1-3. He will also be at the Thank-a-Farmer location just off Expo Drive. While at this location he will be using a tree to carve a 12-foot ear of corn. Drop by to see his progress with this project during the fair.
Pompeyo’s Dog Show … is a traveling circus-style performance featuring highly trained rescue dogs. They were fan favorites during Season 12 of America’s Got Talent. These talented pups are bringing high-flying jumps, unbelievable tricks, plenty of personality and entertainment the whole family will love. They will provide two shows a day with three shows on the weekend just off Expo Drive. You won’t want to miss these paw-some performers!
Pro Wrestling Epic … will be providing high-flying, body-slamming fun on Friday, Aug. 28 following the parade; and Monday, Sept.7 at 3 pm. You don’t want to miss out on seeing this epic entertainment located on Grandstand Avenue (cross from the Grandstand).
Sponsored by Prysmian Cables
and Systems USA
The Rusty Truck Vintage Market … consists of a group of local small businesses that will have their unique items available for purchase. Craft boutiques, handmade signs, tumblers, food, freeze-dried candy, soaps and candles, just to name a few, will be available for your viewing. The “vintage market” will be located at the 1st and 2nd Heat buildings on Friday, August 28 from 5 – 10 pm; Saturday, August 29 from 12 – 10 pm; and Sunday, August 30 from 12 – 8 pm. Don’t miss out on these 3 days to help support local small businesses. You never know what treasure you might find!
Saluki Central at the Fair … will be located at the south Roundhouse on Grandstand Avenue (across the street from the Grandstand). If you are looking for information about SIU Carbondale, Saluki Central is the place to go. The SIU Alumni Association will provide information and swag; University Bookstore will have Saluki apparel and gifts. Saluki Athletics will feature ticket promotions and sales, as well as information on the upcoming seasons. Giveaways will be provided by WSIU and the Daily Egyption student-run newspaper. The STEM Education Research Center will also host Spaceship Earth, located next to the Roundhouse, from 11am – 10pm on Aug 29-30 and from 4 – 9 pm on Sept 4-5. Look for the SIU maroon flags and banners!
Scronce Caricature Art … will be creating quick 10-minute drawings during the Fair. Stop by and check out her artwork and you could become her next project located on Grandstand Avenue.
Show-Me Safari’s Petting Zoo … is family-owned and provides the public with an opportunity to interact with a variety of animals in a safe, educational environment. The interactive area allows you to meet some wonderful farm animals. Feed is available to purchase. Pony rides are also available for our youngest fairgoers to enjoy. This complete petting zoo is fun for the entire family. Show-Me Safari is located on Expo Drive and will open at 4:00 pm on August 28 and 11am during rest of the fair.
Thank-a-Farmer … is a free educational hands-on exhibit. Children of all ages become farm hands as they are provided the opportunity to experience the agricultural process from beginning to end. Children and their families will put on their aprons and engage their imaginations as they assist with farm chores, gather goods for sale at the farmer’s market, and use their earnings to purchase authentic farm-made products at the grocery store.
Xtreme Strong Man … blends raw physical power with entertainment, i.e. pulling vehicles using a mouth harness, breaking chains with his chest, driving nails and juggling massive tires. This exhibition can be seen three times a day on the Asphalt Pad located off North Main Street next to the beer tent.
Wander Community Arts … is a free interactive art display located at the SIU Dome on Main Street north. Kids, as well as adults, can create, learn and express your creativity through art. It will be open weekdays 5 pm – 9 pm; Weekends 11 am – 10 pm; and Labor Day 11 am – 8 pm. Sponsored by WSIU
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