I'm not really sure why a guy in Hannibal and Springfield Mo would want his taxdollars to be used to benefit an even that doesn't come near where they live.
The money for this event should come from Corporate Sponsors, Local Sponsors and the Chamber of Commerce in the areas where the event is run where the hotels, restaurants and shops benefit from it. No State taxpayer money should be used for attracting tourism. That's the job of the businesses to work together.
If I lived in your state I'd call the Gov. and tell him to cancel the funding.
No worries though, if the funding gets approved, take a look at governors campaign funding next go around and determine who involved with this event benefited from it so they could benefit the gov.
During America's youth, America's language was different: Liberty,was the primary object.