Gov. Blagojevich announces Illinois State Fair surplus for second straight year

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Rod Blagojevich today announced the 2004 Illinois State Fair posted revenues in the black.  After bills for the fair were paid, the State Fair Fund had a balance of $82,271, more than $25,000 higher than the balance following the 2003 fair.

 

"I'm very proud of what we were able to accomplish at this year's Illinois State Fair. We learned from last year, we could successfully tighten our belt without affecting the quality and the entertainment experience at the Illinois State Fair," said Gov. Blagojevich.  "This year, we watched more people come through the gates during the 10 days of the event and by watching our pennies and making more responsible decisions, we were able to come out ahead."

 

The surplus was achieved through more aggressive cost savings.  In all, revenues remained stable but an additional $60,000 in expenditures were cut this year - including reductions in contractual services such as parking along with advertising and printing.

 

In 2004, the Illinois State Fair entered an agreement with American Business Club of Springfield to take care of parking and gate receipts for the fair at a savings of $42,000.  Nearly $24,000 was saved on advertising and the same on printing costs by taking care of most of the printing work in-house.

 

"The State Fair staff has worked very hard to keep costs down the last two years and while the budget is always an issue, the State Fair is not about making money," Agriculture Director Chuck Hartke said.  "The Illinois State Fair is a showcase of our number one industry and a place where families and visitors of all age groups can find top-notch entertainment.  The perfect weather was an added bonus this year."