No State Fair This Year Hits Surrounding Neighborhoods Hard

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When the IL State Fair was canceled earlier in the year, it meant a lot more than no fair food, big concerts, and riding rides until you are green in the face. For homes and businesses surrounding the fairgrounds, it means a significant loss of funds.

Places like St. Aloysius Church, located at 2000 E Sangamon Ave, and Animal Protective League, located at 1001 Taintor Rd, would typically make anywhere from $20-$30,000 in parking fees.

St. Aloysius State Fair Parking Chairman Rich Pitchford said state fair parking would represent 25% of their operating budget.

For Animal Protective League, state fair parking and camping represent one of the organizations largest fundraisers of the year.

Illinois State Fair Manager Kevin Gordon said despite the financial hardships, closing the fair was the right thing to do to keep everyone safe. Next year’s fair will open on August 12.

Source: WICS, News Channel 20