The 100th Anniversary of The DuQuoin State Fair begins Friday, August 26 with a 10 -day run to Labor Day. If the weather cooperates, it could be a record-breaking year for animal exhibits, harness racing, carnival, food, fun and stage shows and much more. The Clydesdales come to the fair for a weeklong stay. See them lead the Twilight parade Friday, Aug. 26 through the fairgrounds, and every evening at 6 p.m. when fairgoers can see the Clydesdale up close and personal.
Cheers to this southern Illinois tradition, a star in the crown of DuQuoin and the founding Hays family. For many this is the summer wrap, a final fling of fun and frivolity at a magical place, The DuQuoin State Fair
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SPECIAL PROGRAM – HERRIN CITY LIBRARY, Herrin History Room area. It’s an Ice Cream Social, Friday, August 26 at 2 p.m. Ibbie Jean Boren will discuss and play the vintage Edison Victrola owned by her husband Tom Boren who kept it through generations of his own family. She donated the Victrola to the History Room last year. Enjoy the music and the ice cream.
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BEACH BARS- Planning an autumn trip to warmer climes, want to experience the last of that summertime life before the winds of November bring on the chill here at home. Some of the best spots for a cold libation with views of the Gulf include Pink Pony Pub, Gulf Shoes, AL, Schooners in Panama City Beach, FL, Frenchy’s Original Café, Clearwater Beach, and how about Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar and Restaurant, Biloxi, MS, and for those who love the southern Texas coast, Clayton’s Beach Bar and Grill, South Padre Island.
DOGS and CATS need our assistance at Herrin Animal Control, 1225 Weaver Road, Herrin, IL 62948. They need dog food and cat litter. Many see the request on Facebook and share the call for help with others. The Animal Control Center does a remarkable job in saving lost and stray dogs and cats. Their work is unending. If you can’t share product, monetary donations are always welcome for medical bills, food, and building maintenance. Contact is 618-964-4711. We can do this. Thank you.
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PIERCE FARM scheduling a first Butterfly Release Saturday, August 27 Owners are Kevin and Jennifer Pierce, 14644 Bandyville, Road, Herrin. A ticket is NOT required to attend or to pick flowers. Caribbean Hut Food Truck will be on site and face paintings by Molly McHargue
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HERRIN TIGERS for the first time in 11 years, meet the MARION WILDCATS in a varsity football game, Saturday night, August 27,7 p.m. on the Marion field for a kick-off football game with great Williamson County rivals.
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SNAPSHOTS:
American Red Cross Blood Drive, Monday, August 29 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Herrin Civic Center. Donate Blood. Save Lives. That is their motto, much is needed.
Meredith Ashe McDearmon is chair of the Annual Bratwurst Dinner at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Marion. Date is set for Sunday, October 9, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s a tradition. Her working days are spent at her M Boutique on North Market near Tower Square. Save the date and stay tuned
Thanks to all who came to the 2022 River to River All Corvette Show, Saturday, August 20 on the grounds of Herrin Elks Lodge. And to those who attended Keith Pursell Memorial Scholarship Car Show at Herrin City Park same day. It was a bustling day in Herrin. Cheers to Dennis Avripas and his team for the Corvette show and to Brenda Pursell and her family for a family car show in memory of her husband.
Herrin High School Class of 1962 celebrates their 80th birthday year with a Birthday Reunion Herrin Homecoming Weekend Sept. 30 Oct. 1. Contact Keith Swim at 217-823-4413 or Rena Absher 217-549-5754.
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CLOUDS: As August slips away, gauzy clouds hang like decorated ornaments tooled from a magical palette in the heavens, aqua blue skies are an infinite canvass as far as the eye can see.
Is there someone up there with a talented brush, an angel or a fairy, an artist of great renowned sketching charming caricatures of people and animals that may last for an hour before another evolves? Look up. Let’s talk next week.
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Cheryl is a free-lance columnist who writes about her native southern Illinois. She left for college and came right back. Home is home in her heart. Contact her at 618-993-8173 or CRTheSouthern@aol.com
