DU QUOIN - The first full day of the Du Quoin State Fair saw thousands of people converged on the fairgrounds Saturday to their first look at the rides, food and countless activities available to guests.

First Lady Patti Blagojevich was on hand to officially open two tents highlighting current state programs available for Illinois citizens. People interested in learning more about AllKids, Preschool For All and numerous safety programs are invited to browse the tents, which are located just in front of the Grandstand.

Besides the information inside the tents, the Illinois first lady wanted to make sure visitors took a moment to view the gardening club contest that is displaying the work of local community groups. The first of its kind contest is designed to promote the local communities and spur more interest in our state's natural history through the First Lady's Wildflower program.

"The gardening club contest is a great project to have at the fair. It boosts community pride and showcases some of the most spectacular natural beauty our state has to offer," Blagojevich said.

The different Garden Clubs and master gardeners are vying for top honors in two categories: 'Best of Show' and 'People's Choice.' A panel of three judges will score the Best of Show entries before the fair and fairgoers will choose the People's Choice award by voting for their favorite display in the First Lady's Tent.

Each Garden Club's design is in front or at the side of the Governor and First Lady's tents and is marked by a place card with the name of the club on it. The public is invited to vote on their favorite designs through Sept. 3. Winners will be announced on Sept. 4

The governor's daughter, Annie Blagojevich, 3, was the first of many to get her face painted in the First Lady's tent. Almost as soon as the Black-Eyed Susan was completed on her little cheek, Annie Blagojevich took her little hand and smeared the design away.

Patti Blagojevich laughed and said the DuQuoin State Fair is a place where kids can be kids.

"This fair is cozier and more comfortable for parents with children," Blagojevich said. "But still it has everything you can find in Springfield."

Chuck Hartke, director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, said he anticipated more than 300,000 people to visit the fair during its 10-day run.

Besides the state agencies represented in the governor's and the first lady's tent were some local organizations. Pam Madden, director of the Science Center of Southern Illinois, was on hand to promote the children's museum as well as let people about the new location, 2321 S. Illinois Ave in Carbondale.

"We've got a few puzzles available for the kids to do and we have information to let parents know that the Science Center is just down the road," Madden said. Later Saturday night, Lit & Drowning Poll was scheduled to perform a free concert in the grandstand.

nicole.sack@thesouthern.com

(618) 529-5454 ext. 5816

DETAILS BOX:

The clubs participating in the challenge are:

Eldorado Garden Study Club

Master Gardeners of Saline, Gallatin, Pope and Hardin Counties

Evergreen Garden Club of Carbondale

DuQuoin Garden Club

Anna-Jo Garden Club

Marion Garden Club

Benton Garden Club

West Frankfort Garden Club

Mt. Vernon Garden Club