2014 DuQuoin State Fair Grandstand Lineup Includes Foreigner, Kenny Rogers

Two of the greatest performers in American music history will appear this summer at the Du Quoin State Fair. Fair Manager Shannon Woodworth announced today the
2014 event will open with an all-star weekend of entertainment featuring Foreigner and Kenny Rogers.

"We have assembled a top-notch lineup of grandstand entertainers to go along with an outstanding array of free entertainment and educational opportunities on the grounds in an effort to make this the most family-friendly fair ever," Woodworth said. "Our goal is the best 11 days of entertainment and education offered in Du Quoin's long history."

"This year's fair is going to be something you don't want to miss," Agriculture Director Bob Flider said. "There will be something for every member of the family, from agriculture, to games and rides, to a terrific grandstand lineup, so mark your calendars and plan to visit the fair August 22 to September 1."

Foreigner has 10 multi-platinum albums to its credit as well as 75 million digital downloads, more than any other classic rock act in history. Its hits include such rock staples as "Juke Box Hero," "Waiting For A Girl Like You," "Hot Blooded" and "Double Vision."

When the band performs its best-known song, "I Want To Know What Love Is," during its Saturday, Aug. 23, concert, a choir of Du Quoin High School students will sing backup.

"This is an incredible opportunity for these wonderful high school students to take the stage and perform alongside one of the greatest and most popular rock acts of all-time," Woodworth said.

Country music Hall of Famer Rogers will bring his long list of timeless classics and number one singles to Du Quoin Sunday, Aug. 24. That list that includes such memorable tunes as "The Gambler," "Lady," "Lucille," "Islands In The Stream" and "We've Got Tonight."

"Between these two shows, nearly every song that is sung will have been a hit at some point," Woodworth said. "America's greatest music and greatest performers are coming to Du Quoin.

"On Monday, Aug. 25, two-time Grammy Award and three-time CMA Award-winning artist Travis Tritt will perform. Tritt, who is known for hits like "Here's A Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares)," "It's A Great Day To Be Alive" and "T-R-O-U-B-L-E," has sold more than 25 million albums in his illustrious career.

On Tuesday night, the Jon Henninger Band will take the grandstand stage. The contemporary gospel group's hit song "We Will Stand" was featured at the Daytona 500 and is the theme song for the Code Of Support Foundation, which assists American troops and military veterans.

The following night, pro wrestling Hall of Famer Jerry "The King" Lawler will be featured in the main attraction against Scott Steiner as USA Championship Wrestling comes to the Du Quoin State Fair. "There will be a number of wrestling greats who enter the ring at the grandstand that night," Woodworth said. "This is a family event where children and their parents can spend time together while enjoying professional wrestling at its best."

.38 Special has been booked Thursday, Aug. 28. The southern rock band charted several singles in the 1980s, including "Hold On Loosely," "Rockin" Into The Night,"  "Caught Up In You" and "Fantasy Girl."

On Friday, Aug. 29, country music's Rodney Atkins is the featured entertainment. Atkins' song "If You're Going Through Hell" was not only a number one hit in 2006, but also the most played country song of the year. His other number one hits are "These Are My People," "Take A Back Road" and "It's America."

The grandstand performances conclude on Saturday, Aug. 30, with KC and the Sunshine Band. Founded in 1973, this band used a mix of funk, R&B and disco to create such super hits as "Get Down Tonight," "Shake Your Booty" and "That's The Way (I Like It)."

All the grandstand shows are scheduled to start at 7:30 p. m. With the exception of the gospel show, which costs $10 a seat, and the wrestling match, which is priced at $20 for adults and $10 for children, tickets cost either $25 or $30.

Tickets will go on sale Wednesday, June 18 at 9 a. m. at the fairgrounds ticket window. Phone orders will be taken beginning at 10 a. m. that day. Seats in the first three rows will be made available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

"For a chance at the best seats, it's best to be waiting at the window at 9 a. m.," Woodworth said. Harness racing will begin the fair with three sessions at the grandstand on the opening weekend, while championship auto racing will conclude it Labor Day weekend with 100-mile races scheduled for both Sunday and Monday (Aug. 31 and Sept. 1). 

In addition to the grandstand lineup, free attractions will be offered daily on the grounds throughout the fair's 11-day run. Two of the featured shows will be "The Marvelous Mutts" and "The Grizzly Experience." Others include Mater, the tow truck from the Disney movie 'Cars,' Elvis impersonators, The Enchanted Wagon, Magic Mike, The Horse Whisperer and Riverboat John. The fair also will offer a veterans appreciation day that includes free parking, free food and free entertainment in VIP Tent One for military veterans.

"Private sponsors have made this event possible," Woodworth said. "At the very mention of veterans, Francis Pass of Pass One Hour Heating and Air and Chip Banks of Chip Banks Chevrolet Buick in Du Quoin didn't blink at the opportunity to financially support our nation's greatest heroes." Pepsi MidAmerica will also provide soft drinks for veterans.

The fair opens with its annual parade on Friday, Aug. 22. Jeannine Baxter, the fair's long-time receptionist, will serve as parade marshal.

"Talk about 'Love A Fair,' it's Jeannine's love for the Du Quoin State Fair that keeps her coming back year after year," Woodworth said. "She is loved and respected throughout Du Quoin and all of Southern Illinois and is a woman full of compassion and grace."

Friday also will be Jeannine Baxter Day at the fair.