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IL Agriculture Department Won't Fund H.S. Rodeo
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Budget cuts at the Illinois Department of Agriculture means the National High School Finals Rodeo won't be coming to Springfield.

The 10 day event was scheduled to return to the Illinois State Fairgrounds in 2012 and 2013. It would have been the third time in Springfield since 2000. The event is rotated among sites every two years.

Agriculture department spokesman Jeff Squibb says the state can no longer afford the $1 million annual cost of hosting the event. He notes that unlike other non-fair events, the rodeo paid no rent to use the fairgrounds.

Agriculture department officials say Springfield submitted the winning bid in 2009 for the 2012-13 events, but a contract had not been finalized.

The Denver-based National High School Rodeo Association is seeking new bids for the finals.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
01 28 11 by Newsroom
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