SAMPLE AND SHOP LOCAL AT THE ILLINOIS PRODUCT EXPO

DU QUOIN, IL - The Du Quoin State Fair celebrates Illinois agriculture - the state's number one industry - and there's no better way to experience it than with a visit to the 2026 Illinois Product Expo.

"Consumers are increasingly interested in where their food comes from, and the Illinois Product Expo is a great way to connect buyers with local farmers and producers," said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA). "With demand for locally grown products on the rise, we're excited to showcase the best of Illinois agriculture at the Du Quoin State Fair."

The Illinois Product Expo, located in the Expo Hall, will be open the second weekend of the Du Quoin State Fair. Shop for local products Friday, Sept. 4 from 5 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 5 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 6 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Vendors will be offering samples and selling seasonings, jellies and jams, honey, freeze dried candy, salsa, coffee, herbal tea, soaps, lip balm, birdhouses, wood and gourd crafts, candles and much more. In addition, several Illinois wineries will offer wine tasting.

"The Illinois Product Expo in Du Quoin is one of my favorite opportunities to celebrate the incredible flavors of Southern Illinois," said Kayla Graven, IDOA Domestic Marketing Manager. "It's a chance for people to sample outstanding local products and support the companies that make Illinois so vibrant. We're proud to showcase the creativity and quality of the businesses."

The Du Quoin State Fair runs from August 28 - September 7. Admission to the fair is free. Please visit dsf.illinois.gov for additional information including seasonal parking and handicap parking details.