The price tag is just shy of $200 million. That’s the kind of “tender-lovin” care both the Illinois State and Du Quoin Fairgrounds need and the not-for-profit Illinois Fairgrounds Foundation was created last year to lead fundraising efforts for the long overdue repairs says the group’s John Slayton.

The foundation has created a website and information on making donations is available at “ilfairfoundation.com”

The foundation hopes to have a naming rights deal in place for next year’s state fair involving the Coliseum, Grandstand, Livestock Center and Swine Building.