'Off Season' at the Du Quoin State Fair includes seven weddings, three 5Ks, motor cross and more
There may have been a smile on his face, but Du Quoin State Fair manager Shannon Woodworth said, "Perhaps we need to add the word 'chapel' onto our name."
Although obviously said in jest after discussing the fairground's October schedule with staff members this week, it had some merit as seven wedding celebrations were reported to be held at various locations during the month.
Seven, with the most extravagant being held in the SI Center lobby to perhaps the least at the popular "white bridge" north of the main grounds.
In addition to the weddings, however, there's an unusually busy schedule on the books including:
• Three 5-K benefit runs.
• A motor cross.
• A demolition derby.
• A cutting horse show.
• A flea market.
• A five-day instructional meeting for would-be construction workers sponsored by area unions.
• A weekend camping convention.
• A fund-raising dinner in the main grandstand.
• A testing opportunity for two state agencies.
• A three-day hands-on session for approximately 3,000 grade school-age students from six counties studying outdoor life.
The three-day event has been held this week through Thursday for students from Washington, Williamson, Perry, Franklin, Randolph and Jackson counties.
"This is the 24th year for the event," Shelly Harre, administration coordinator for the Conservation District in Nashville, said.
"It's been our most popular project and actually we're maxed out," Harre said. "We're not looking for additional students simply because we can't handle more than what we're attracting already.
"The kids from all of our area schools truly look forward to visiting the fairgrounds. And, I know it's because of the variety of subjects they're exposed to while here. Oh, I'm sure they enjoy getting out of school for a day, too, but our staff, many of whom are volunteers, simply do a fabulous job of showing and teaching the kids about the many aspects of outdoor life," Harre said.