Holiday Lights Fair again an immense success
DU QUOIN - The annual Holiday Lights Fair on the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds will again draw thousands of motorists to view from their vehicle the abundance of outdoor light sculptures. And many of those patrons will also stop inside the expo hall, where they will have the opportunity to partake in even more Christmas merriment.
There are dozens of craft vendors on site with food and drinks available. The decor is exquisite featuring a number of themed Christmas trees decorated by various groups in the county. There is a small indoor train on hand to transport children. There is also musical entertainment - the Du Quoin High School Jazz Band - performed last Friday night, which was Opening Night. And of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus were on hand to greet one and all, listen to children's wish lists and pose for photos.
Kendra Humphreys, who owns Dr. Grammy's Garden, LLC in Elkville, said she has set up a craft booth at the expo hall for the last five years.
"I work the farmers markets during the summer and events like this one give me a place to sell my crafts during the winter," Humphreys said. "And it's especially nice coming here because everything is so nicely decorated. It puts you in the Christmas mood."
Another vendor, Trish Dusch, owns Trish's Bakery & Grill, a mobile concessions business. Her specialty is cinnamon rolls.
"I think this is my third year here," Dusch said. "I bought what was formerly known as Joanie's Cinnamon Rolls. I enjoy coming here to the Holiday Lights Fair."
Other vendors seemed to be pleased with the turnout as a couple hundred had made their way into the expo hall by 7 p.m. on Friday.
"It starts filling up pretty fast in here around 6:30," said Du Quoin Mayor Guy Alongi, who was all smiles filming the performance of the DHS Jazz Band and showcasing a bright red sweater.
Alongi's wife, Rose, who serves as vice president of the Du Quoin Tourism Commission, was busy visiting with vendors and the public. It is the tourism commission that sponsors the Holiday Lights Fair.