University of Illinois researchers say county fairs are important to the livelihood of communities across the state.
The group surveyed fairgoers at 15 county fairs in Illinois in the summer of 2014, including the Mercer County Fair. Survey questions included how frequently they attended the fair and how much money they anticipated spending at their county fair.
More than 4,600 fair attendees were surveyed across the state, including more than 500 in Mercer County.
The study showed $170 million was spent at 103 county fairs plus the state fair in 2014, according to the Illinois Association of Agriculture Fairs.
Fairs in the northern third of the state, which includes counties in and around the Illinois side of the Quad Cities, had the highest economic impact in the state according to the study report.
“County fairs in the Northern Zone generated an estimated economic impact of $44 million. an economic impact of $17 million in the Central Zone, and an economic impact of $12 million in the Southern Zone,” the report said.
“Beyond the economic impact, the study revealed that county fairs provide many benefits to the community that are not related to economic gains, family friendly entertainment, education about agriculture, opportunities for local organizations to get involved, traditional community events, fundraising for local groups and unique entertainment opportunities,” said a report from the IAFF. “The primary challenges that county fairs face today include lack of state funding, keeping youth involved, competing with other summer activities, declining contributions from local agriculture and limited volunteers.”
The bottom line: “County fair boards across the state are addressing challenges but the economic and social impact is significant throughout Illinois,” the IAAF report said.