[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 119 (Monday, July 28, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1249]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 HONORING JEANNINE BAXTER FOR HER 25 YEARS OF SERVICE AT THE DU QUOIN 
                               STATE FAIR

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. WILLIAM L. ENYART

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 28, 2014

  Mr. ENYART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me 
in honoring Mrs. Jeannine Baxter who is returning for her 25th year as 
the First Lady of the front office at the Du Quoin State Fair.
  Since its beginning in 1923, the Du Quoin State Fair has brought joy 
and entertainment to generations of families in Southern Illinois and 
throughout the entire Midwest. And for a quarter of the fair's history, 
Jeannine Baxter has been greeting fair goers, workers and visiting 
dignitaries with grace and her ever present smile. Jeannine's love of 
the fair is infectious and her knowledge and professionalism ensure 
that everything runs smoothly so everyone is sure to have a good time.
  While Jeannine has been at her post for a quarter of a century, the 
84 year old shows no sign of slowing down. She worked for 20 years at 
Illinois Power Company in Du Quoin where her professionalism and 
enthusiasm proved as much of a joy for customers and staff of that 
utility company as for the fair goers and staff of the Du Quoin State 
Fair.
  The Du Quoin State Fair opens on Friday, August 22, which has been 
declared Jeannine Baxter Day at the Fair and Jeannine will serve as 
Grand Marshal for the opening day parade.
  In addition to her work at the fair, Jeannine is active in the 
community in other roles. She has served for many years on the Du Quoin 
Park Board, working to improve her home town with recreation and 
opportunities for young people. She has also worked as an election 
judge for many, many years and has been a welcoming face both on 
Election Day and at early voting hours for her neighbors as they 
participate in the electoral process.
  Jeannine has been blessed with a large family, including eight 
children, 25 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Her family is a 
source of great joy for Jeannine especially since they are able to get 
together for a family reunion every year.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Jeannine 
Baxter well and thanking her for her quarter of a century of service at 
the Du Quoin State Fair.

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