By The Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs
Links by Beachwood.
SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois legislators and county fair officials gathered at the Statehouse to showcase the positive economic benefit county fairs bring to the state and urge the Governor to release $1.4 million in funding that was appropriated as part of the FY18, which passed last year.
The Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs highlighted the results of a University of Illinois Extension Department of Community and Economic Development study, which found that county fairs bring $170 million annually to the state’s economy and support 1000 non-fair related jobs.
“Local county fairs provide both measurable economic benefits and immeasurable community benefits to Central and Southern Illinois communities. I urge the governor and his administration to do the right thing and release this funding, which will help downstate communities that have struggled in the recent past,” said state Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria).
County fairs are distinguished from other events in state statute because of their agricultural component. Researchers divided the state into three geographic regions and, within each zone, all county fairs were sorted according to their estimated attendance. A cross section of fairs were also studied, taking geographic location into account. The selection process produced a sample and data set that would best represent all fairs across the state.
The economic study results show $170 million is spent in the state annually as a result of our county fairs, with $90 million being spent within the actual fairgrounds and the other $80 million in ancillary sales in local communities.
The money spent within the fairgrounds, including gate fees, event tickets, food, carnival passes and entertainment is only one of seven categories studied to determine the economic impact of the fair. The other six ancillary categories focused on money spent in the local economies outside of the fairgrounds and included outside purchases of food (restaurants, diners, etc.), transportation (fuel, rental cars, convenience stores), retail (grocery, merchandise, hardware), lodging (hotels, campgrounds) and commercial services (laundry, mechanics, healthcare).
“What is important about these numbers is that it shows that county fairs are economic engines in our state, especially in rural areas, many of which are economically disadvantaged and have limited employment opportunities,” said Marvin Perzee of the Iroquois County Fair.
“County fairs are an economic stimulus across the state, especially in rural areas. I encourage the governor to recognize the important role they play in our communities and release the funding immediately,” said state Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago).
“County fairs provide a venue for competitions, which raise the bar for the development of agricultural products within the state. Youth programs of 4-H and FFA are imperative to insuring future generations continued dedication to farming,” said Ken Tyrell of the Sandwich Fair.
“From a socioeconomic as well as agribusiness perspective, I think it is important to point out that county fairs are the backbone of our agricultural communities in the State of Illinois. The money the State has appropriated to them is an investment in our agricultural economy and needs to be released,” said state Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy).
List of Impacted Fairs:
Adams Co. Fair Assoc.
Bond Co. Fair Assoc., Inc.
Boone Co. Fair Assoc.
Brown Co. Fair Assoc.
Bureau Co. Ag. Board
Calhoun County Fair
Carroll Co. Fair Assoc.
Cass Co. Fair Assoc., Inc.
Champaign Co. Fair Assoc.
Christian Co. Ag. Fair Assoc.
Clark Co. Fair Assoc.
Clay Co. Ag. Fair Assoc., Inc.
Clinton Co. Ag. Assoc., Inc.
Coles County
Crawford Co. Fair Assoc.
Cullom Junior Fair
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Comments welcome.
Posted on March 8, 2018