Air museum grant money on the way, but too late to save air show

RANTOUL -- The financially troubled Chanute Air Museum will receive a badly needed state grant, but the money won't save this summer's air show.

The Illinois Department of Tourism plans to give the Rantoul museum $35,000 for marketing.

The money was originally intended to pay for advertising for the summer air show.

The museum canceled the show last month, saying it didn't have the money. It now plans a series of small fundraising events instead.

Museum board member Helen Lewis says the money will be a big help.

Last summer's air show was the museum's first and drew less than 4,000 people. The museum at the former Chanute Air Force Base had hoped for 10,000.