New manager: Du Quoin State Fair has human impact
For 92 years, Southern Illinois has celebrated the arrival of the the Du Quoin State Fair. On Thursday, while speaking at the West Frankfort Lions Club, Fair Manager Shannon Woodworth opened up about his own passion for the 10-day event that draws in headline shows, novelty and fun.
"The Du Quoin State Fair is the greatest place on Earth to be involved," Woodworth said. "Now to be the manager is literally one of the greatest things to happen in my life," he said. Aside from talk of economics, Woodworth focused on the "human factor" that fuels the love for his career.
"The economic impact is huge and that's great," said Woodworth. "But the human impact is even greater."
This year's theme, "Love A Fair," encompasses Woodworth's vision of 1,400 acres packed-full with the familiar sights and sounds of families creating memories together as they leave their everyday worlds and indulge in all the rides, shows, carnival food and free entertainment his fair has to offer.
"Some parents can't do much all year long and this is their one opportunity a year to be entertained," Woodworth said. "Mom and Dad can feel like a king and queen when they are able to look at their children and tell them to look at all that's in front of them," Woodworth said.
Woodworth says he knows the economic struggles that limit a family's ability to travel for outside entertainment. For some parents it's disheartening to have to tell their children they can't do something because of finances. Luckily at the fair, 22 miles of road are open for their leisure.
"We work hard planning for the best entertainment so we can guarantee they have a good time," Woodworth said.
Besides a $7 charge for parking, the fairgrounds are open free of charge to everyone.
"You can't do everything that's free here in just one day," Woodworth said. From the famous "Marvelous Mutts" traveling show of rescued pooches displaying their "unbelievable" tricks, to lions, tigers and bears, the Du Quoin State Fair is pulling out all the stops to keep the nostalgia alive and the bond between the fair and festival goer's cemented.
Woodworth was especially proud of this year's return to wrestling. WWE professional wrestler Jerry "The King" Lawler will hit the mat against 15-year wrestling veteran Scott Steiner. Woodworth said Lawler has talked a lot of smack and is turning up the heat on his opponents, should they enter the ring.
On Tuesday night, the Jon Henninger Band, a contemporary gospel group, will take the grandstand stage. Never in the fair's history has a local band been asked to perform. Woodworth said he was proud and excited of having such amazing talent.
Also, students from Du Quoin High School will backup legendary rockers Foreigner as they play their most famous song, "I Want to Know What Love Is."
Woodworth is also expecting quite a crowd to gather around "Sir Tow Mater", or "Mater" from the animated Pixar film Cars. Mater will be parked in front of the Grandstand, courtesy of Weeks in West Frankfort.
"Du Quoin State Fair isn't motivated solely by dollars and cents, but the hearts of the people of Southern Illinois," said Woodworth.
But the "dollars and cents" can hardly be ignored. The most recent student on the economic impact of the fair reported a $15 million surplus to the region.
"This is your fair, I'm asking you to come out and enjoy it," said Woodworth.