Du Quoin, IL – The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has announced the launch of an online registration system for camping at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds during the eagerly anticipated total solar eclipse. With the eclipse set to occur on April 8, the fairgrounds offer a prime location for viewing, situated within 20 miles of the eclipse’s path of totality.
The special Eclipse Weekend package, priced at $100, provides a four-night stay from April 5 to April 9, in a campsite measuring 50’ x 20’. This initiative is part of a broader effort to accommodate the influx of tourists expected in Southern Illinois for the celestial event.
According to Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, this event not only offers a unique astronomical spectacle, expected to last four minutes and nine seconds, but also brings significant economic benefits to the region. The fairgrounds’ convenient and affordable camping options are a key component of this effort.
The Southern Illinois University (SIU) Carbondale is collaborating with NASA to host the Southern Illinois Crossroads Eclipse Festival, featuring a range of activities and events. The festival culminates in Eclipse Day at Saluki Stadium, offering a guided eclipse experience. Sarah Vanvooren, Director of Events and Outreach at SIU and co-chair of the Eclipse Steering Committee, emphasized the importance of providing a warm welcome to visitors and enhancing their experience through these community efforts.
For camping reservations at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, visitors can book online at dqf.illinois.gov. Further information about the Southern Illinois Crossroads Eclipse Festival and ticket purchases can be found at eclipse.siu.edu.
