Lonato Fair Budget Approved Amid Controversy and High Expectations
The budget for the 43rd edition of the Lonato Fair has been approved, including the favorable vote of Oscar Papa (opposition), for the upcoming event scheduled from January 12 to 14. The opposition parties, Lega Nord, Polo delle libertà, and Lista per Lonato, voted against it.
Details of the financial forecast
450 million expected for this edition, which returns to entirely municipal management; another 230 million represents the projected deficit, i.e., the anticipated loss from which the event cannot go beyond. As sindaco Morando Perini clarified during the presentation to the City Council Assembly, in front of a large audience, the forecast reflects roughly the same figures as the previous edition. This is also because all expense categories that in the past were allocated to specific budget items have now been included in this estimate, leading to a more comprehensive view.
As in every edition, the largest expenditure faced by the Municipal Administration concerns the rental of tent structures and their heating, totaling 170 million lire. The next significant negative item concerns the installation of the electrical network, both for illuminating the entire fairground and for providing electricity to each exhibitor. Obviously, the costs for exhibition spaces are kept in line with rates charged at similar events, so some deficit is expected.
Secondary activities and participation
Another important item involves collateral events, including cultural, sports, and entertainment activities within the historic center. Meanwhile, the requests received at the secretariat of the Piazza Martiri della Libertà fair continue to be highly satisfactory. The high turnout bodes well for a substantial presence of exhibitors, featuring diverse product categories closely tied to the nature of the fair: agriculture, wine and gastronomy, crafts, and commerce.
It is also customary, and has been since the event’s inception, that there will be an animal blessing ceremony scheduled for the feast day of Saint Anthony with the white beard on January 17.
