FROM THE EDITOR
Illinois' state tourism office has the largest projected advertising budget at $11.7 million (1999-2000), according to a survey by the Travel Industry Association. State
government spending on tourism development and promotion in Illinois (at $ 55.5 million) is second only to the
"island paradise," Hawaii.
Clearly, tourism is big business in the heartland. And
so are festivals.
If you click on "tourism" on the State of Illinois Web
site (www.state.il.us/state/tourism/) what you'll see first is
a link for the Illinois State Fair, then "check out our other
fairs and festivals" with nearly 2,000 entries. Get yours
on the list!
Every season holds an opportunity for a festival celebrating community, family, history or the season. As
Jerry Handlon candidly points out in his article on page
29, festivals also present opportunities for park districts
and forest preserves to generate revenue. Likewise, these
events have a positive economic impact on the entire
community.
Most of the articles featured in this issue are about the
festival business: sponsorship, partnerships and trends
that will change the way park districts staff, plan and
fund their festival lineups.
My thanks to Professor Bruce Wicks of the University
of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, who generously shared
his time and expertise to help develop the festival issue
and our lead story which begins on page 16. Wicks is a
nationally known speaker on special events and festivals
and serves on the board of the International Festival and
Events Association.
Looking ahead, the final issue of Illinois & Recreation
in 2000 examines park security issues and the 2001
editorial calendar has been set. In coming issues we'll
explore special facilities and personnel issues. The annual Golf Issue is back by popular demand, and we'll
take closer look at technology.
The May/June issue, "The Art of the Deal," covers
creative financing, sponsorships and philanthropy. Later
in the year we highlight youth sports and recreation
across the age spectrum as Boomers become "seniors."
Visit www.ILparks.org/publicadons/ipr/ipr.htm to
find back issues of the magazine (IP&R On-line) as well
as die 2001 editorial calendar and writer's guidelines.
ANN M. LONDRIGAN
Editor
4/Illinois Parks and Recreation
