Despite the heat, Du Quoin State Fair sets record attendance

In spite of record heat and humidity, a record number of visitors attended this year's Du Quoin State Fair.

According to Governor JB Pritzker’s office, 287,058 guests attended the fair. That’s an increase of almost five thousand visitors that braved the heat to enjoy the fair.

The high temperature exceeded 95° for six consecutive days during the fair, and from September 3-5, the heat index exceeded 105°. 

Du Quoin State Fair attendees also took more than 250,000 turns on the rides at the fair's midway.

Meanwhile, the Illinois State Fair in Springfield welcomed 714,321 visitors, which was the third-highest attendance in their history.