|
"The DuQuoin State Fair is a great place for families, and once
again the fair will offer a fun and affordable concert lineup,"
Blagojevich said. "There's something for everyone to enjoy in
DuQuoin in addition to great shows, including standout harness horse
and motorized racing."
Alice Cooper, who several decades ago virtually invented rock as
it is known today, is presently on a worldwide tour performing in
South America, Europe and Australia as well as several other
countries. He and his group will be returning to the U.S. in early
August and are scheduled to play fair dates in Wisconsin and Iowa
prior to arriving in DuQuoin for the opening-night show on Aug. 25.
Multi-platinum country recording artist Gary Allan will entertain
Aug. 29. Allan's 2005 album, "Tough All Over," earned him
nominations for Academy of Country Music Album of the Year as well
as Single Record of The Year. Allan earned platinum status for his
1999 album, "Smoke Rings in the Dark; his 2001 album, "Alright Guy";
and his 2003 album, "See If I Care."
Despite his numerous hits, Gary Allan was nominated for the
Country Music Association Horizon award -- given to newcomers -- in
2003. He spent much of 2006 touring with Rascal Flatts, playing for
more than a million fans. Allan's newest album, a greatest hits
collection, was released in March 2007.
Country music artist Joe Nichols will hit the stage Aug. 31. His
2002 album, "Man With a Memory," included "The Impossible," which
earned three Grammy nominations, and "Brokenheartsville," a No. 1
hit. In 2003 he won the CMA Horizon award. In 2004, Nichols issued
his second album, "Revelation," which offered two top 10 hits, "If
Nobody Believed in You" and "What's a Guy Gotta Do." He also
released "A Traditional Christmas" at the end of the year. His
latest album, "III," was released in October 2005 and was quickly
certified gold.
Visitors of all ages to the DuQuoin State Fair will also enjoy
other fair attractions, including the farm and home show exhibit, a
demolition derby, bull riding, a petting zoo, and the carnival
midway. The fair will again feature an Ag Expo, where millions of
dollars in farm equipment will be on display to showcase the latest
in farm technology.
The World Trotting Derby, with an estimated purse of $500,000,
features the five-day harness horse program. The last three days of
the event, Aug. 30-Sept. 1, will feature grand circuit harness
racing. The United States Auto Club Silver Crown and Automobile
Racing Club of America Car Series races highlight Labor Day weekend
events.
[to top of second column]
 |
 Tickets for all grandstand shows will be available starting June
27 at the main grandstand office, which will be open on a daily
basis Monday through Saturday. The office will be open Monday
through Friday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m.
until 1 p.m.
A day-by-day listing of the key events at DuQuoin follows:
Saturday, Aug. 25 -- Alice Cooper will kick off the main
grandstand night entertainment with a 7:30 show. Tickets are $25 and
$30.
Sunday, Aug. 26 -- The 26th annual Colgate Country
Showdown show, starring Lorrie Morgan, as well as Gary Nichols and
others, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20.
Monday, Aug. 27 -- Harness racing, 6:30 p.m. Free.
Tuesday, Aug. 28 -- Harness racing, 6:30 p.m. Free.
Wednesday, Aug. 29 -- The Gary Allan Show along with Jake
Owen, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and $30.
Thursday, Aug. 30 -- Harness racing at noon followed by
the Southern Illinois gospel music show starring the Martins, the
Homeland Quartet with guest Ben Speer and others. Both Thursday
events are free.
Friday, Aug. 31 -- Harness racing at noon (event is free)
and the Joe Nichols Show at 7:30 p.m. In addition to Nichols, Trent
Tomlinson and Jennifer Thompson will be appearing. Tickets are $25
and $30.
Saturday, Sept. 1 -- Harness racing featuring the World
Trotting Derby at noon. Tickets are $10 for reserved seating and $5
for general admission. Chevelle will be the main attraction at the
7:30 night show, with Evans Blue also appearing. Those tickets are
$20.
Sunday, Sept. 2 -- USAC Silver Crown Series racing,
beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for the event are $20 for adults and
$10 for children.
Monday, Sept. 3 -- ARCA Car Series racing, beginning at 11
a.m. Tickets for the event are $20 for adults and $10 for children.
The Jerry Ford Orchestra will close grandstand entertainment at 7
p.m. Those tickets are $10.
[Text
from file received from the
Illinois Office of Communication and Information] |
