SPARTA (WSIL) -- There's a chance that the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta may not host the Amateur Trapshooting Association's (ATA) Grand American for the first time in 15 years.
The ATA has decided that it will not cancel the annual event due to COVID-19.
They have reached out to the state, to express interest in bringing the event back to southern Illinois.
The deadline to decide is June 15, otherwise they will move the event to another state.
At a press conference today, community leaders emphasized the feasibility of visitors practicing social distancing due to the isolated nature of the sport.
State Rep. Nathan Reitz (D-Red Bud) said in a press conference Thursday, he's worried that even one year without the event in Sparta will result in long term ramifications, even if it returns in the coming years.
"Like most other things, when people decide to leave and go somewhere else, they generally don't come back. So if we get it back the next year, the crowd will probably be smaller because they'll find another event that they are enjoying," said Rep. Reitz.
Randolph County Economic Development Coordinator Chris Martin estimates that the event brings nearly $30 million into the region each year.
