Illinois Director of Agriculture Jerry Costello says his department followed state law when it awarded the contract to sell beer at the Illinois State Fair grandstand, ending a 71-year run by a local group.
Costello told WMAY’s AM Springfield that Nelson’s Catering bid 21 percent of sales for this year’s contract while the American Business Club bid just over 15 percent.
Costello said Nelson’s bid was 40 percent higher, and the department was required to accept it.
The American Business Club will continue to operate gate admissions at the fair. The group donates thousands of dollars annually from its work at the fair to local charities.
