Du Quoin State Fair Wins National Awards for Nature Area Improvements (Du Quoin, IL) – The Du Quoin State Fair has earned national praise for its ongoing efforts to connect visitors with Illinois’ natural landscape. The International Association of Fairs & Expositions (IAFE) awarded the fair first place for Facility Beautification and second place for Unique Marketing Tactics for projects tied to the Du Quoin State Fair Nature Area.
The beautification award recognizes improvements made to a cabin, patio and pathway near Main Street and Expo Drive. The project added 66 native Illinois plants — including Big Bluestem, Purple Coneflower, Bee Balm and Rattlesnake Master — alongside educational signage explaining the role of pollinators in the state’s agricultural ecosystem.
The fair also received a second-place marketing award for its “DQSF Nature Area” initiative, which promotes the fairgrounds as a year-round hub for outdoor recreation and learning. The initiative includes a new Nature Area logo, pollinator plots, a short interpretive trail and collaborative projects involving Du Quoin High School students.
“The Du Quoin State Fair staff continues to lead with creativity and innovation,” said Jerry Costello II, director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “These projects show how agriculture and the natural environment can work hand-in-hand to enhance the fairgrounds and create meaningful experiences for the community.”
Fair manager Luke Davison said the recognition highlights the pride local residents take in the expanding Nature Area. “From native plantings to student collaborations, we are creating a space that serves families throughout the year,” he said.
The Nature Areas are open daily from dawn to dusk at no cost. More information is available at dsf.illinois.gov/nature-areas.
Du Quoin State Fair Wins National Awards for Nature Area Improvements
