Du Quoin State Fair Announces Twilight Parade Grand Marshal and Theme (Du Quoin, IL) – A familiar face in southern Illinois public life will lead the 2025 Du Quoin State Fair Twilight Parade. Governor JB Pritzker announced that Dr. Glenn Poshard, former Southern Illinois University president and longtime public servant, will serve as Grand Marshal for the August 22 event, themed “Adventure Awaits!”
Poshard’s career spans more than five decades in education, politics, and philanthropy. He served as SIU president from 2006 to 2014, previously holding positions as vice chancellor for administration at SIU Carbondale and chairman of the SIU Board of Trustees.
A former high school teacher from Carbondale, Poshard represented southern Illinois for more than four years in the Illinois Senate and a decade in the U.S. House of Representatives. In 1999, he founded the Poshard Foundation for Abused Children, which has raised over $10 million to prevent child abuse and support children in 25 downstate communities.
“Glenn Poshard dedicated his life to public service through both elected and volunteer roles,” Gov. Pritzker said. “His passion for the people of southern Illinois makes him uniquely deserving to serve as Grand Marshal for the annual Twilight Parade.”
Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II called Poshard “one of the true treasures of Southern Illinois,” noting his deep roots and wide-reaching impact in the region.
The Twilight Parade will step off at 6 p.m. Friday, August 22, from the south end of Grandstand Avenue, travel to Main Street, turn west to Pacer Avenue, then south to Gate 6, exiting onto Bob Green Avenue.
The Du Quoin State Fair runs August 22 – September 1. Parking on opening day is free, and admission is free throughout the fair.
Du Quoin State Fair Announces Twilight Parade Grand Marshal and Theme
