Saluki Central is the meeting point for everything SIU during the Du Quoin State Fair (Photo provided)
August 17, 2026
A maroon takeover: SIU to showcase programs, offerings at Du Quoin State Fair
CARBONDALE, Ill. — A robust wave of Saluki maroon and spirit will envelop the 2026 Du Quoin State Fair starting next week as Southern Illinois University Carbondale showcases its programs and services to the region and beyond.
The return of Saluki Central — the roundhouse in front of the main grandstand — is just one of the many ways fairgoers will see that maroon is the predominant color and they are now in Saluki Country. SIU will help jumpstart the 10-day fair with the Friday, Aug. 28, Twilight Parade, feature Saluki Central throughout the fair, and then go full force during SIU Day/Coal Heritage Day on Saturday, Sept. 5.
The fair runs Aug. 28 through Labor Day, Sept. 7. The fairgrounds open at 8 a.m. with the fair open from 11 a.m. to midnight on weekdays; 10 a.m. to midnight on weekends and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Labor Day.
“The Du Quoin State Fair gives SIU an incredible opportunity to connect with the region we serve,” said Sarah VanVooren, executive director of community relations and university events. “This is Saluki Country, and we want our presence at the fair to reflect that - showcasing our people, programs and opportunities while engaging directly with prospective students, alumni, families and community members. It’s important for SIU to be out in our communities, and the fair is one of the best places for us to do that.”
Aug. 28 Twilight Parade
Chancellor Austin Lane, the 175-member Marching Salukis, Saluki Spirit teams, Student Programming Council, the and WSIU will all be a part of the Twilight Parade that begins at 6 p.m. inside the fairgrounds.
Saluki Central (throughout the fair)
Decked out with Saluki maroon flags and banners, Saluki Central will be the go-to place to be for all information about SIU Carbondale. Saluki Central will be open from 4-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28; 11 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 30; 4-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, Aug. 31-Sept. 4; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5-6, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 7.
The SIU Alumni Association will provide information and swag, Saluki Athletics will feature ticket promotions and sales and information on upcoming seasons, and WSIU and the Daily Egyptian student-run newspaper will have giveaways. Other campus units and departments in the roundhouse at various times will include the Air Force ROTC Detachment 205, College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences, Events and Outreach, Office of Innovation and Economic Development, School of Computing, School of Psychological and Behavioral Sciences, Social Cognitive Development Lab, STEM Education Research Center, School of Theater and Dance, Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, Undergraduate Admissions, and University Communications and Marketing and more.
Sept. 5 SIU Day
SIU activities will be from noon to 3 p.m. in the air-conditioned Second Heat building, located on Midway Drive across from the walk-in plaza (Gates 5-6) and an adjacent outdoor area.
Parking is free for all SIU students, faculty and staff with valid ID. Everyone is encouraged to have fun and wear maroon.
Activities will include:
- Jim and Vicki Blair of Energy and their saluki dogs will be available for a meet-and-greet and photos.
- Agricultural Systems and Education will demonstrate an easy-cleaning produce basket for saving water and improving food safety.
- Cannabis Science Center have general information about the center.
- Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences will feature a see-through live well with live fish.
- Center for Virtual Expression (CVEX) will have general information and hands-on activities.
- Electrical and Computer Engineering will showcase research on soil moisture prediction through poster presentations featuring visual materials, charts, and brief explanations to show how soil moisture can be predicted using environmental, agricultural, and computational data. The presentations will show how soil moisture prediction can support better water management, crop planning, and agricultural decision-making.
- School of Physics and Applied Physics will have hands-on physics activities, including visitors trying virtual reality.
- Social Cognitive Development Lab will have brochures and pamphlets on their research, along with indoor activities including Jenga.
- WSIU will offer PBS Kids giveaways and programming-based activities for children.
And these SIU units will be on hand with information, giveaways and more:
- Agronomy.
- BetWell
- College of Business and Analytics.
- Daily Egyptian.
- School of Earth Systems and Sustainability.
- SIU Alumni Association will have giveaways.
- SIU Press will have an information table and books available to buy.
- SIU School of Medicine.
- STEM Education Research Center.
- Student Affairs will have giveaways, informational handouts and campus representatives.
- Undergraduate Admissions will have an information table.
Additional information is available on SIU Carbondale’s Events and Outreach website.