Impassioned Du Quoin State Fair manager tells chamber fair's economic impact pales by fair's 'human impact'
Du Quoin State Fair manager Shannon Woodworth told Chamber of Commerce members Wednesday that the economic impact of the fair on Du Quoin and surrounding communities is between $10 and $15 million during the 10-day run of the fair. But, what he called the "human impact" of bringing families together, making a father feel like a "king" for bring his wife and kids to the fair, or letting a woman tell her inspiring story to an entertainer like rocker Bret Michaels back stage is priceless.
Woodworth's remarks and bringing the human condition into focus with his story-telling abilities left the 30 members in attendance riveted to every next word. The new manager shared the night with Du Quoin Mayor Rex Duncan, who talked about a very visionary Perry County CEO program that brings young high school talents together under one program with the idea of "growing our own" entrepreneurs--young thinkers--here in Perry County. Chamber president Dr. Gary Kelly said the need for that program is huge because right now schools "train our students to leave." You will hear more about this as the program develops.
Woodworth said he was told that agriculture officials decided on his appointment because of his passion for the 91-year history of the fair.
He introduced staff members Angela Wildermuth, Fred Huff and Norm Hill--"tremendous" team players. He said for the first time in memory the fair booked its entire grandstand lineup by April 1 and is waiting for contracts to be signed with an announcement expected by May 1.
He talked about his staff working alongside Department of Corrections boot camp superintendent Clem Campanella to fill sandbags--ahead of the flood season. The fair will store the pallets of bags under roof and Nikki's Place--a gaming parlor--will pay for 104 tons of sand and the bags. "I told my staff the one thing I will require is teamwork," said Woodworth. "We will have each other's backs" to give the people of Southern Illinois some of the best entertainment and educational experiences of their lives.
And, he talked about a woman fairgoer's need to talk to singer Bret Michaels about her son who was refused a trauma test by a Texas hospital after her son's skateboard injury. She sued the hospital, not for money, but to require that hospital to administer that test to everyone. She won and needed to convey to Michaels, who had the same kind of injury and was treated at the same hospital that he lived because he had the test that her son was denied. Woodworth was there and saw Michaels come to tears because of the meeting. "That's the human impact of this fair," he said. "The human impact is more important. It's a bond with fairgoers," he said. "I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am about being manager of this fair."
Southern Illinois veterans will get a hero's welcome from the Du Quoin State Fair on Labor Day Monday, September 1, Woodworth said. Veterans will share the day with about 10,000 union members who will again picnic in the area known as the corral on the north side of the grounds. Veterans will park in the VIP parking area alongside the half mile track, then will walk across the road to VIP Tent No.1. They will be guests of a special luncheon with live entertainment provided by Keenan Rice and his band "We've Got It Covered."
Chamber members were reminded of the upcoming home and garden show in 10 days. The show will be held on Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13 at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall.
At this writing 44 vendors have been signed for the show. More about the meeting, the home show and the work of a Du Quoin senior standout, Aubrey Davis, in Friday's newspaper.
In the past, over 50 vendors have participated in this event to share items relevant to home and garden care.
Back this year will be the Du Quoin Garden Club to sell and market plants and flowers grown by members of the club. You may participate in this event by becoming a sponsor or by signing up to be a vendor at the show, but do it quickly.
A 10X10 booth is $125 and $100 for chamber members. At this time there are 41 vendors signed up toward a goal of 60 vendors for the show.
Admission to the show is $1 for adults with children under 12 being free. On average nearly 800 people attend this show each year. Doors are open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. A food concession will also be located in the exhibition hall. We ask that all Chamber members come to the show either day or stop in for lunch on Saturday. We hope to see you there!