Corn Dogs and Contests at Du Quoin Fair

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA["Wagon wheels and ferris wheels" is the Du Quoin State Fair's official theme for its 89th run in history, but contests and corn dogs are two items that may attract more visitors to this year's extravaganza that opens Aug. 26 and runs through Labor Day, Sept. 5.

For many years the Fair has sponsored such basic competition as for talent, a diaper derby and pigtail / ponytail contests and this year has added a category which will select the "Little Mr. & Mrs. Du Quoin State Fair". Contestants may pre-register or simply sign up the day of the new contest, Sunday, Aug. 28, at the Exposition Hall. More than 30 titles are to be awarded and those interested in more information may e-mail Stephanie at "reynolds@aol.com".

Among other contests at this year's fair are the "cutest little farmer", "smile", "back-seat driving", "washer tournament" and FFA Farmyard Follies which normally attracts entries from more than a dozen area high schools.

It's all part of the happenings at Du Quoin where 40 years ago journalist Pete Axthelm, a Time staff member, wrote an ten-page story, which included 22 pictures. on the Fair which appeared in "Signature" magazine. An excerpt read:

"The excitement (in Du Quoin) begins several days before the Hambletonian, as farmers in pickup trucks and families in cars full of kids, begin the trek down the winding roads of Illinois to enjoy delights that rural America has cherished for generations. The women plunge into the needlecraft or pie-baking competitions. The men worry about the judges in the hog-raising or corn-growing contests. And the children stroll the midway, their faces bright with wonder as they choose between the dizzy heights of the Ferris wheel and the horrifying specter of the "Gorilla Girl".

The Hambletonian and the "Gorilla Girl" are gone, but not too much else has changed.