Gov. Rod Blagojevich recently announced the grandstand line-up for the 84th annual DuQuoin State Fair.

The grandstand and track, also known as the "Magic Mile," will be offering a variety of acts ranging from racing to country music acts.

"The 2006 DuQuoin State Fair offers families a diverse and affordable line-up of entertainment," Blagojevich said in a press release.

For this year's entertainment acts, the state fair will be featuring legendary American country singer George Jones and country music star Dierks Bentley with American country singing band Little Big Town.

Other big name artists who will be performing include Filipino-American country singer Neal McCoy and alternative rock band Smash Mouth.

For those who prefer a soft sound, the fair has scheduled a gospel music show, sponsored by local radio station WXAN. It will also include a special appearance and message from baseball Hall of Famer Lou Brock and his wife. Brock played for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs during his career.

Chris Herbert, communications manager from the Illinois Department of Agriculture, said those involved with the DuQuoin State Fair try to book the best acts with the budget they are allowed, adding that she and her staff believe this year's line-up is solid.

"The key is to begin booking early to secure solid entertainment on the dates we have to fill," she said. "Our staff works very hard to keep up on the latest music trends and looks to bring in acts that will draw crowds from beyond southern Illinois as well."

Not only does the DuQuoin State Fair provide family entertainment and showcase the area's agricultural history, but Herbert said it also helps feed the local economy.

"The DuQuoin State Fair is a wonderful asset to southern Illinois," she said.

Breakout rock band Trapt was scheduled to play a free concert at the fair but had to cancel due to scheduling conflicts.

"We regret the loss of what would have been a popular attraction," DuQuoin State Fair Manager John Rednour, Jr. said in a press release.

The fair will also be featuring non-musical grandstand attractions, such as world-class harness racing along with motorized car races.

Fred Huff, a representative from the DuQuoin State Fair pressroom, said the fair has grown in many different ways over the years. Huff used to manage the fair more than 30 years ago.

"It's gotten to be quite an event," Huff said.

For more information, contact the DuQuoin State Fair at 618-542-1515