By Illinois Radio Network
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State fairs in Springfield and Du Quoin are expected to proceed despite more than $180 million in much-needed repairs on both fairgrounds.
John Slayton, chairman of the Illinois Fair Foundation, said he doubts fairgoers will notice much of a difference.
The Illinois Fair Foundation has raised close to $25,000 for the fairgrounds since early June, according to Slayton, who also notes there are ongoing conversations between the foundation, corporations and individuals regarding financial commitments to help the fairgrounds reach their monetary goals.
Slayton said the budget impasse in Illinois has impacted the fairgrounds, specifically the Coliseum.
“If there was a budget in place that building would be classified as an emergency fix, and assuming they had funding through a normal budgeting process, then that building’s repairs would probably be underway,” Slayton said.
Other areas in the fairgrounds will be used to house events until repairs can be made at the Coliseum and other damaged structures, according to Slayton.
Roofs on most of the buildings, including the Coliseum, are in need of repair, but Slayton said it won’t be noticeable to most people.
Slayton said the foundation should be able to raise between $3 million and $5 million per year, and while there’s the possibility of large donations along the way, raising $180 million will take some time.
“We’re not going to raise $180 million in the next 10 years — 20 years probably,” Slayton said.
Private donors are essential for repairs and renovations of existing fairground buildings, according to Slayton.
“The Illinois State Fairgrounds is a historic site, so we really need to make some needed and very necessary repairs as soon as we can on these buildings, because it is a shame the condition they have fallen into,” Slayton said.
The Illinois State Fair in Springfield will run August 10-20 and the Du Quoin Fair will run August 25-September 4, and Slayton said the experience should be the same as past years.
“I don’t think the average fairgoer looks up and looks at the condition of a roof on a swine barn, a sheep barn, or a dairy barn,” he said. “I think they are more focused on where they’re going to grab the next corn dog or elephant ear.”
