DU QUOIN, Ill. (AP) - A spokeswoman with the Illinois Department of Agriculture says the Du Quoin State Fair is on track to be ready for August, despite not having a director.
Fair director Shannon Woodworth was let go in January by Gov. Bruce Rauner. The Southern Illinoisan (https://bit.ly/1NMTxjW ) reports it’s not uncommon for a new governor replace staff, but a new director has not been named.
Department of Agriculture spokeswoman Kristi Jones said planning for the Du Quoin fair continues, and that there are still four full-time staff members. She said summer hiring opportunities were posted this week.
Jones said the state isn’t behind on announcing acts for the Du Quoin fair, despite a partial list for the Illinois State Fair in Springfield being unveiled in late March. She said Du Quoin acts weren’t released until early July last year.
The Du Quoin State Fair annually follows the Illinois State Fair. The Du Quoin fair is scheduled Aug. 28 to Sept. 7.
Du Quoin Mayor Rex Duncan said he’s not worried right now about the fair in his city.
“I am optimistic because I think planning is taking place,” he said. “They are booking events for the fair on a year-round basis, as well as planning for the fair.”
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Information from: Southern Illinoisan, https://www.southernillinoisan.com
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