It will be time to break out the maroon when Southern Illinois University Carbondale again is heavily involved in the 100th edition of the Du Quoin State Fair.
SIU has several activities set during the fair, starting with the annual twilight parade at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26. Chancellor Austin A. Lane, the Marching Salukis, Saluki Spirit Squads, and WSIU will all be participating.
On Saturday, Aug. 27, students in the hospitality, tourism and event management and nutrition and dietetics programs will have a demonstration and provide taste tests of copi (formerly Asian carp) from 2-3 p.m. in the fairgrounds’ Exhibition Hall.
SIU/College Day/Coal Heritage Day is set for Saturday, Sept. 3. The fairground is open from noon to midnight, with SIU activities from noon to 4 p.m. Parking is free for all SIU students, faculty and staff with a valid ID, and everyone is encouraged to have fun and wear maroon!
SIU activities will be in the Second Heat building, located on Midway Drive across from the walk-in plaza (Gates 5-6) and an adjacent outdoor area. The building is air conditioned, with access to electricity and internet. There is outdoor space immediately outside the building for activities better suited for that setting.
Activities will include:
- WSIU Public Broadcasting will provide PBS KIDS’ activities and giveaways.
- Jim and Vicki Blair and their salukis will be available for a meet-and-greet and photos.
- Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center climbing wall.
- Promotional items and child ID kits by the Department of Public Safety and the School of Justice and Public Safety.
- School of Human and Behavioral Sciences kinesiology demonstrations.
- STEM Education Research Center
Faculty and staff from the School of Automotive, along with a display of vehicles, will be on hand to discuss the nationally known program during the USAC and ARCA races, Sept. 3-4.
Information is availableon the University Events and Protocol website.
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