Illinois overspends on fairs

SPRINGFIELD -- According to the auditor general, the costs of Illinois' two state fairs exceeded revenues last year.

In a report issued yesterday (Thursday), Illinois Auditor General William Holland said the 2007 fair in Springfield cost taxpayers more than $3.4 million. The Du Quoin State Fair exceeded revenues by more than $900,000 in 2007, although that is less than the nearly $940,000 deficit in 2006.

According to officials at the Illinois Department of Agriculture, the deficit at the state fairgrounds in Springfield is inflated by the approximately $2.6 million spent of maintaining the facility.

However, the audit states the expenses for site maintenance and upkeep are for only those 10 days of the fair.

Agriculture Department spokesman Jeff Squibb says the purpose of the fair is not to make a buck for the state, but to showcase the state's agricultural assets.