DU QUOIN, Ill. — The Du Quoin State Fair kicked off Friday with the ribbon cutting followed by the annual Twilight Parade. An array of floats, bands, and specialty units were featured encompassing this year’s theme, Generations of Fun. Like the taffy, corndogs, and lemon shakeups featured on the historic fairgrounds, the Twilight Parade is a Du Quoin State Fair tradition that has been enjoyed by generations of fairgoers. Fairgoers come as kids, then as adults bring their kids, and then their grandkids. It is a family affair that could be seen throughout the crowds that gathered to watch this year’s parade.
The theme was further reflected in this year’s grand marshal selection. Dinger Bats out of Ridgway, IL is co-owned by father-son duo, Randy & Kyle Drone. Dinger Bats is currently making a huge splash in Major League Baseball, providing bats for the likes of Kyle Schwarber and Jason Heyward of the Chicago Cubs, Starling Marte and Sean Rodriguez of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Matt Adams of the Atlanta Braves, and many more! We are proud to say Dinger Bats is based right here in southern Illinois.
Below are the results of the 2017 Du Quoin State Fair Twilight Parade:
Governor’s Award
Most Fitting Presentation of Theme
Perry County Shrine Club
Director’s Award
Most Beautiful Entry
Christian Fellowship
Du Quoin, IL
Hayes Memorial Award
Best Display of Originality
Southern Illinois Duck Derby
Special Olympics
Carbondale, IL
Judge’s Special Award
Judge’s Favorite Entry
Outback Stables
Du Quoin, IL
Manager’s Award
Excellence in Craftsmanship
General Cable
Du Quoin, IL
Check out all of the fun activities planned for the 2017 DuQuoin State Fair by visiting our website, http://www.duquoinstatefair.
— Du Quoin State Fair
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