42 musical performers, beer tent lineup, Safari & Musical Mutts only the beginning

What may be the most well-thought-out Du Quoin State Fair in memory is coming together quickly. The fair trams are back. More than a dozen family refreshment stations will be on the grounds. Show goers say they will camp out in front of the ticket window next Wednesday to get those seats in the first three rows being offered for the first time to the public. Fair manager Shannon Woodworth has already had a call for a block of 100 tickets for the .38 Special show and 26 tickets to see Foreigner. Forty-two musical groups and 80 band members will perform during the 10 days. The Marvelous Mutts (dogs rescued from shelters) will join an Elvis impersonator, rodeos, the Grizzly Experience, Magic Mike, cooking shows--possibly the Clydesdales--horse whisperer Mark Schwarm, rodeos, more than 20 special events, a solid grandstand lineup and trackside schedule is only the beginning.

"We feel good about ticket sales and are proud of our ability to make this a family-friendly fair," said Woodworth.