Dinger Bats co-owners Kyle and Randy Drone of Ridgway are this year's parade Grand Marshals.
Geoff Ritter/Du Quoin Call
With the usual pomp and tradition, the Twilight Parade kicked off this year's Du Quoin State Fair in style.
The annual parade, which followed the official opening of the fair Friday, stepped off at 6 p.m. and snaked south on Rt. 51 toward the main entrance to the fairgrounds.
Highlights included performances from the Marching Salukis, as well as the Du Quoin High School Marching Indians and the Du Quoin Middle School Marching Warriors.
The usual slate of political figures also was in tow, including State Treasurer Mike Frerichs and Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti. Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls including Chirs Kennedy and J.B. Pritzker also joined the march, as did local city leaders.
The theme for this year's parade was "Generations of Fun." Awards included:
<h3 class="breakHead">Governor's Award, for most fitting presentation of theme</h3>
Perry County Shrine Club
<h3 class="breakHead">Director's Award, for most beautiful entry</h3>
Christian Fellowship, Du Quoin
<h3 class="breakHead">Hayes Memorial Award, for best display of originality</h3>
Southern Illinois Duck Derby, Special Olympics, Carbondale
<h3 class="breakHead">Judge's Special Award, for favorite entry</h3>
Outback Stables, Du Quoin
<h3 class="breakHead">Manager's Award, for excellence in craftsmanship</h3>
General Cable, Du Quoin
The Illinois State Police personnel manning the main gates at the fairgrounds salute the Illinois Capitol Police Honor Guard.
Geoff Ritter/Du Quoin Call
Illinois Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti walks the parade route, greeting parade-goers.
Geoff Ritter/Du Quoin Call
Du Quoin officials in the parade include Mayor Guy Alongi, left, and Commissioners Dale Spencer, Michael Ward and Gerry Whitley.
Geoff Ritter/Du Quoin Call
Du Quoin High School cheerleaders made sure the Indians spirit was on prominent display in the parade.
Geoff Ritter/Du Quoin Call
The Du Quoin Marching Indians' brass section.
Geoff Ritter/Du Quoin Call
The Du Quoin Middle School Marching Warriors.
Geoff Ritter/Du Quoin Call
The Marching Salukis color guard at the main gate of the fairgrounds.
Geoff Ritter/Du Quoin Call
Abbi Williams of Pinckneyville is this year's Special Olympics Duck Derby Ambassador. The Duck Derby will be held Sept. 3.
Geoff Ritter/Du Quoin Call
Perry County Sheriff Steve Bareis walks the parade route.
Geoff Ritter/Du Quoin Call
Southern Illinois University President Randy Dunn.
Geoff Ritter/Du Quoin Call
Newly seated Southern Illinois University Chancellor Carlo Montemagno waves to the crowd.
Geoff Ritter/Du Quoin Call
The Du Quoin Fire Department had multiple vehicles in the parade.
Geoff Ritter/Du Quoin Call
J.B. Pritzker, Democratic candidate for Illinois governor, walks the parade route.
Geoff Ritter/Du Quoin Call
The Williamson County Shriners buzz around the parade route.
Geoff Ritter/Du Quoin Call
The West City Fire Department in the State Fair parade.
Geoff Ritter/Du Quoin Call
Vincent Rolves, an Illinoisan who was a World War II prisoner of war, is honored with his own entry in the parade.
Geoff Ritter/Du Quoin Call