GOVERNOR APPOINTS SAMMYE FARK AS THE DUQUOIN STATE FAIR MANAGER

DUQUOIN -- Governor George H. Ryan today appointed Sammye Fark as the manager of the DuQuoin State Fair.

"Sammye Fark is a daughter of Southern Illinois who intimately knows the people, the traditions and the heritage of the region," Ryan said. "I look forward to working with her to make the DuQuoin State Fair bigger and better as we enter the next millennium."

Fark, 64, of Carbondale, has worked in the Secretary of State's Office as a Community Liaison since 1992. As a liaison she interacted with municipal officers and coordinated programs like Operation Straight ID, which helps train liquor vendors and others to spot false identification cards, and the Safe Celebration Program, a public relations campaign which encourages minors to stay away from alcohol and drugs during high school proms and homecoming dances.

"I have had a lifelong interest in Southern Illinois and the DuQuoin State Fair." Fark said. "My appointment as the director is a wonderful opportunity to give something back to the people and State of Illinois. I can remember going to the fair as a child. Now I enjoy taking my children and grandchildren to the fair. The fair is part of me and I am very excited to start working on the 1999 DuQuoin State Fair."

The DuQuoin State Fair began in 1923 as a privately owned venture. Today, the fair is run by the State of Illinois and annually draws over 400,000 visitors to the eleven-day event. Visitors to the DuQuoin State Fair do not pay an admission charge and enjoy numerous events including world class harness racing, championship auto racing and award winning entertainment. The 1999 DuQuoin State Fair will be held from August 28th through September 6th.