(The Center Square) – With the Illinois State Fair in Springfield opening Thursday morning, officials revealed how much state spending has gone into the fairgrounds and plans for more taxpayer funded projects.
As one of two separate fairgrounds the state maintains, the 366 acre Springfield property that sits on historic Route 66 has pulled in almost $200 million in tax dollars in recent years.
In the 2027 Fiscal Year budget for the state, Jerry Costello, director of the Department of Agriculture is paid $214,900 directly from the Illinois State Fair Fund as an appointee of the governor.
Another half-million was distributed from the state’s Fair and Exposition Fund for to pay for the membership dues of all Illinois students taking part in the Future Farmers of America, which Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton noted at the fair’s opening.
“Thanks to the leadership of Senator Doris Turner, chair of the Senate Ag Committee, our administration now covers dues for every student participating in FFA and Junior MANRRS,” Stratton said. “Not only has this led to a significant spike of students taking ag education courses, but the largest FFA chapter is now in Cook County.”
Roughly $15.5 million was allocated in the FY27 budget for just the operation of the fair this year, including for entertainment, rides, staffing and prize money, among other line items.
Beyond the fair’s operating costs, the state has also spent a substantial amount of tax dollars on new projects at the fairgrounds since Gov. J.B. Pritzker took office in 2019.
Pritzker touted recent spending Thursday morning, specifically from Rebuild Illinois, an infrastructure spending plan.
“My administration has invested $117.8 million in support of continuing efforts to modernize these fairgrounds. Last year, we demolished the old building 29 as promised,” Pritzker said.
Pritzker announced another project at the grounds planned to take place over the next year, which he didn’t provide an estimated cost for.
“This year, we’re excited to announce a total upgrade of all the electrical systems throughout the grounds to replace outdated electrical infrastructure and ensure that the fairgrounds have safe reliable power year round,” Pritzker said.
Pritzker said the project will span the property, which has more than 150 permanent buildings according to the Ag department.
Costello noted one initiative the governor asked him to take on was making the fair more affordable for residents, which he said was why the fair’s grandstand is holding a free Monday night concert this year.
Pritzker justified state spending on the annual event.
“We’re making these investments because the state fair and these fairgrounds matter economically, culturally, and personally to so many people across the state,” Pritzker said. “The ROI is already paying off. Tourism is important to local business and to families who live and work across Sangamon County, and that’s been good for our state.”
The Springfield fair runs through Aug 23, followed by the DuQuoin fair in southern Illinois from Aug. 28 to Sept. 7.
