DuQuoin State Fair to begin charging $2 admission fee

DUQUOIN, Illinois (AP) - The DuQuoin State Fair will begin charging a $2 admission fee this summer. Visitors under age 13 will still be admitted for free.

Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Raymond Poe says the fee is aimed at reducing the amount of money the event loses each year.

The department says the fair will still be the least expensive in the Midwest.

DuQuoin Mayor Guy Alongi says the decision to charge a fee wasn't easy. He hopes it will help keep the fair in Southern Illinois for years to come.

The fair is holding several theme days when some guests - such as college students and veterans - will get in free with proper ID.

Parking will remain $12 daily inside the fairgrounds and $7 outside the grounds.

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Online:

www.agr.state.il.us/dq/