Role Reversal in Du Quoin State Fair Livestock Show; Available Funding Shifts Emphasis to Youth Events
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[For the most part, scenes around the Du Quoin State Fair's livestock show ring s will be reversed this year . . . youths ages 8 to 21 will be inside showing their prize animals while the dads and grandpas will be outside beaming with pride.
To some extent, the fair's livestock show has gone to the kids. Competition among the youth will take on a major level this year although there will be a few exceptions. And, too, all judging will be taking place on the two weekends of the fair which opens Friday, Aug. 26, and winds up Labor Day, Sept. 5.
Illinois Department of Agriculture budget considerations will eliminate many of the open and adult livestock events and since the clear focus is on the next generation of livestock producers that's where the money is going.
Gilts and barrow will dominate judging Saturday, Aug. 27, while the junior beef show is scheduled for the following day, Aug. 28. Lambs and dairy cattle will dominate the following weekend for the young showmen who will be competing for major prize money provided by Buy-A-Farm Land & Auction Company and Vita Ferm of Bio Zyne Inc.
Not to be totally idled, competition in the heavy horses and mules divisions will be open to all and is expected to be a spectator's delight in that it will be held Sunday and Monday, Sept. 4-5, in the open air horse arena.
The youth movement is extending over into the Expo Hall where the fair's home show has been a major attraction for years.
For the first time, there will be a "Little Mr. & Mrs. Du Quoin State Fair Pageant" on Sunday, Aug. 27. It'll follow other such contests as "Ponytail/Pigtail" and "Cutest Little Farmer" held the previous day. Both have attracted much interest in previous years as has the "FFA Farmyard Follies" competition held Monday, Aug. 29.
Other new divisions of the home show are: "Homemade Pizza Contest" sponsored by the Du Quoin Chiropractic Center, "Churn Your Old Time Homemade Family Recipe Ice Cream" sponsored by Du Quoin Ice Co., "Roll Your Dough for the Best State Fair Pie" sponsored by Banterra, "Cupcake Challenge" sponsored by Toler's and "Turn Your Wheels for a Best Cookie" sponsored by Fare Foods.
Entries in all divisions of the home show have been extended by director Danette Mohr until July 22 while livestock entries will be accepted until Aug. 8. For more information those interested may call 542-1515.