State officials continue to press forward with plans to hold the Illinois State Fair. That’s despite the budget stalemate that’s led to layoff notices and facility closures. Fair officials are counting on longtime vendors to fulfill their contracts — even though Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Philip Nelson says they might not be paid for some time.
“I think everybody’s got a very good, positive attitude about it. We’re working through it. They understand the situation. And many of our vendors have been here for many years. So they understand this isn’t the first time this has happened, so we’re working through it."
The big-ticket musical acts playing the Grandstand state won’t have to wait. They’re used to being paid right away after a show. Nelson says the money will come from a separate account and won’t be affected by the budget standoff.