Re-established Springfield brewer fixes fairgrounds pavilion

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Illinois State Fair's popular Food-A-Rama received a $10,000 sponsorship from Reisch Charities.

The brewer of Reisch Gold Top Beer's donation will finance repair of the pavilion's roof, sandblasting the metal support structure and a fresh coat of paint, state officials said this week.

The sponsorship is good for one year with an option for renewing it after 2020.

The longtime Springfield brewer's history with the state fair dates to the 1930s. The company began brewing Reisch Gold Top beer again this year with the purpose of helping restore city historic sites, including at the state fairgrounds. All Gold Top beer proceeds go to Reisch Charities.

John Slayton, chairman of the Illinois Fairgrounds Foundation, said Reisch offered a $10,000 donation to renovate a fairgrounds facility. The Food-A-Rama food court was chosen after discussions with Agriculture Department Director John Sullivan.

The latest batch of Reisch was served at Food-A-Rama last summer and will be available again in 2020.