The Republican BBQ and Rally is being held at the DuQuoin State Fair Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the VIP TENT.
Aug. 30 is Republican Day at the fair. State Central Committeewoman from the new 12th Congressional District and Hardin County GOP Chairwoman Rhonda Belford provided background on the DuQuoin State Fair.
“The DuQuoin State Fair, better known as the Downstate State Fair, is one of the most anticipated events in Southern Illinois," Belford said in the Illinois GOP’s weekly memo. "Now celebrating its 100th year, it promises to be bigger and better than ever. It's often known as an evening fair since many area schools are back in session. The Twilight Parade kicks off in DuQuoin on Friday, Aug. 26th at 6 p.m. (line up at 5 p.m.) with all the fan fair landing inside the gates of the fairgrounds.”
Rhonda Belford
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Launched in the spring of 1923, the fair was started by "a group of successful, ambitious DuQuoin business leaders who came up with an idea to sponsor an event that would attract people from all over Southern Illinois."
"Several of the business leaders owned horses and needed a convenient place for them to compete," she said. "It was known they weren’t shy about making big claims, from the start – they called it 'the DuQuoin State Fair' giving it just the right touch —it happened quickly—crowds being estimated at 50,000-60,000 in the first few years during the 1920s. The DuQuoin State Fairgounds since its inception has been 'home' to many events in its nearly century lifetime – The DuQuoin Fair has been owned and operated by the State of Illinois since 1986.”
Belford reminisced and mentioned "fond memories of past administrations on the grounds with Brunches before the Hambletonian," and "other memories we hold dear." The fairgrounds, according to her, surround "the Down State Governor’s Mansion and the last Republican governor (Bruce Rauner) was gracious to stay and host a Christmas party for all the Southern Regional Chairman." She also looks forward to more opportunities in the Downstate State Fair "to celebrate all that Southern Illinois has to offer.”
“Stop by and visit the Republican tent hosted by chairman Bruce Rodley and Perry County Republicans and guest hosted by all our southern regional counties that are working together to support our Republican candidates for office up and down the ballot!” Belford said.
As the GOP is forecast to take control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the autumn, a so-called "Red wave" is anticipated, according to election analyst Nathan Gonzales with CQ Roll Call.
President Joe Biden's popularity is at an all-time low, while support for conservative lawmakers is rising, New York Post reported.
Congressman Mike Bost called out Belford by name when traveling through the area earlier this year.
“My last stop yesterday was at the Hardin County Republicans’ petition drive event. It was great seeing GOP Chairwoman Rhonda Belford and many friends, supporters and elected officials. The support I have received across the new #IL12 has been overwhelming and SO appreciative!” Bost tweeted back in February.
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