Early Start: Register Now for 'Festival of Trees'

Du Quoin Tourism is holding their 13th annual Holiday Lights Fair at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds from Nov. 23 to Dec. 30, 2012. On the weekends of Dec. 7 - 9, 14 - 16 and 21 - 23, the Expo Hall will be open with exhibits, food, crafts, visits with Santa, live stage entertainment and more.

The Tourism Commission is looking for youth groups to participate in decorating a tree for exhibit in the Expo Hall. There are three age groups: Pre K through 4th grade, 5th through 8th grade and 9th through 12th grade. Each group will receive $10 to defray the cost of entering. The trees will be judged and a 1st place prize of $50 will be awarded to each group.

Tourism is also looking for clubs, organizations or businesses to enter trees in the Expo Hall and also to participate in decorating an outside display. This is a great way to advertise your business, club or organization. The Expo Hall participants and the outside displays will each receive the following: 1st place - $100, 2nd place - $75 and 3rd place - $50.

All three of the following groups must submit a registration form for each exhibit:

Youth groups Clubs or Organizations/Businesses (inside Expo Hall) and Individuals/Clubs/Organizations/Businesses (outside displays).

Judging will be held on Dec. 4. Outside displays must be up before Nov. 23. If you are interested or have any questions, please call Sharon at 618-542-4186.