A weekly update on issues from Illinois State Senator Gary Forby

A big event for Southern Illinois is happening this week—the Du Quoin State Fair. The Du Quoin Fair is one way that we acknowledge that Illinois is a geographically diverse state. I like the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, and go most every year, but the Du Quoin Fair is a true Southern Illinois tradition. It provides us with a chance to celebrate the things that make our part of the state unique and to draw tourists to the area.

This has been a difficult year. The economic slump has hit a lot of people, and they’ve had to cancel or scale back vacations. Events like the Du Quoin Fair give us a chance to get away without actually going away - at a fair price. I look forward to seeing the sights, attending the events and talking to the folks who visit the fair.

Every year, I swing by the Ag Expo to see what’s new with Southern Illinois farming. I know how important farming is for the economy of our state, especially in the rural parts of Southern Illinois. Illinois farmers have a long tradition of working hard and producing high-yield, high-quality crops. The corn, soybeans and other grains, vegetables and fruits grown here in Illinois feed people and livestock all over the county. They also help supply green fuel producers who need raw materials to manufacture ethanol, bio-diesel and other important plant-based products.

I also like seeing the livestock raised by local farmers and young people. The livestock competitions are a good reminder of our relationships with the food we eat and with the work animals that our economy depended on before modern machinery. They are also a good opportunity for farmers and young people to demonstrate their skill at raising animals and the quality of local farms’ livestock. Food competitions, art shows, craft shows and talent shows give other Illinoisans a chance to demonstrate the greatness of the people of our state.

Of course, another good reason to go to the fair is to see the events at the grandstand, tracks and tents. The fair is justifiably famous for its harness racing, and there are exciting motor sports, demolition derbies and musical performances. There are carnival rides and games for the young and young-at-heart, too.

Though the Du Quoin State Fair is a regional event—a chance for Southern Illinoisans to show off and have some fun, it is still a state fair that draws tourists from other parts of Illinois and our neighboring states. Tourism is good for the economy, and I always do what I can in Springfield to encourage Southern Illinois tourism. Our part of the state has a lot to offer—beautiful natural parks, festivals like the Du Quoin Fair, camping, hunting, fishing, wineries, historic sites and more. I hope that the people who come for the fair will visit some of the other local sites as well.