Three Mega Events Scheduled at Du Quoin Fairgrounds

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The Du Quoin State Fairgrounds in recent months landed three super shows--the international Airstream travel trailer and Holiday Rambler campventions in June and July 2011--and the International Harvester farm equipment national show in July 2012.

Royce Jackson, director of space rental at the Du Quoin State Fair, said he expects up to 900 RVs for the national Airstream RV rally in Du Quoin June 13 through July 5 (yes, parts of three weeks). The Du Quoin State Fair will also host the Holiday Rambler international rally (up to 600 RVs) July 18-22.

The two events have caught the attention of both the City of Du Quoin and the Du Quoin Tourism Commission. Airstream travel trailer rally organizers have even asked for a parade of vintage Airstream trailers on the streets of Du Quoin. Judy Smid, Du Quoin Tourism director, said the commission is already planning for the two events.

The Du Quoin Tourism Commission met on Tuesday, January 23 at 7 p.m. Those present were: Judy Smid, President, Ellen Conte, Treasurer, Luana Maxton, Wanda Rednour, Karen Jackson, Pene Harbuck, Linda Paris, Ralph Hemmer, Sharon Hemmer and Rev. Rich Luh, Secretary.

The meeting was concerned with setting earlier dates to prepare welcome bags (approximately 2500 bags ) for the RV conventions for the upcoming season and it was decided to order pens for the give-a-ways to be put in the bags and also to be given out at fair time. If you are a business or organization that wants materials included in these bags please contact Du Quoin Tourism or the Du Quoin Chamber as soon as possible.

Tourism will also purchase fans, advertising the Holiday Lights Fair, that will be distributed at the Du Quoin State Fair and other events.

The next meeting will be on February 8 at 7 p.m. at the Tourism office, by the rail station.

Jackson said Mr. and Mrs. Marion Greer of Coulterville are helping organize the World International Harvester farm equipment show at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds planned for July 19-21, 2012.

The show is expected to attract the owners of over 1,000 pieces of IH farm machinery. It is estimated the show will attract up to 20,000 visitors over three days.

The Greers are instrumental in helping organize the annual American Thresherman Association events at the Pinckneyville City Park.