Twenty years ago, the state implemented reforms designed to make the Illinois State Fair break even. They failed. Big time. The fair has been as sure-fired a loser as a kid playing a carnival game. It's a carnie’s dream: A loser that won’t quit. (The Illinois State Fair) and its Southern cousin, the DuQuoin State Fair, haven’t broke even once in the past two decades.
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All that said, why continue the Fair ?
Bigger question.... why continue both fairs?
In this day and age, with the state so far in debt, why not concentrate funding on 1 fair instead of 2?
We have to find some way to keep the Springfield fair.... and keep making it better. One way to do that.....
DITCH DUQUOIN !!
Why in the world does Illinois have 2 state-funded fairs anyway?
Why does DuQuoin even exist?
Well -- thank beloved governor Jim Thompson's initiative......
From that 1985 article.....
Gov. James Thompson, saying that the state will begin negotiations to purchase the Du Quoin State Fair after its current run, Monday authorized a $350,000 state payment so that entertainers at this year`s fair can be paid and its gates kept open. The privately run Southern Illinois fair, which opened Saturday and will close Labor Day, ran into financial problems Friday that left officials unable to pay the guaranteed contracts of such entertainers as the Charlie Daniels Band Saturday night and Crystal Gayle and Eddie Rabbit Sunday night.
In a statement, Thompson said the Du Quoin fair is ``an important revenue producer for the area. This administration has committed itself to making Southern Illinois a major tourism attraction, and the Du Quoin State Fair plays a vital role in that effort.``
While I understand the importance of the DuQuoin fair to Southern Illinois, from both a tradition and an economic standpoint, it's a drain on cash that Illinois does not need.
We need to focus on the big fair... the official fair... the fair in the center of the state... the state capitol, for pete's sake.
It's a known fact that the Illinois State Fairgrounds are crumbling. Maintenance is being deferred.
We are not presenting our very best to those from other states and other nations who come to visit.
We are not taking care of our assets.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture needs to be released from its obligation to supporting DuQuoin. Turn that one into a regional fair, funded by the counties involved. Kinda like a multi-county county fair.
But take the state out of it (other than maybe tourism grants).
If that doesn't happen..... we are on track to lose the importance and tradition of BOTH.
Out for now.....
Matt