Peoria, IL (July 11, 2012)— The Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway has installed informational kiosks in its six gateway communities. These 11 foot tall kiosks provide visitors with information about the Byway region, the Illinois River, the communities along the route and the natural attractions found nearby. Kiosks were erected in Peoria, Ottawa, Havana, Princeton, Pekin and Canton. The purpose of the kiosks is to convey to visitors that the community they are visiting is an important part of a larger experience. Each community has planned a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for their kiosks. We hope you can join us for the celebrations.
Friday, July 13th at 1:00 p.m. – Ottawa (Washington Square Park)
Speakers
Anaise Berry, Illinois River Road Director
Mayor Robert Eschbach – City of Ottawa
Julie Johnson, Ottawa Visitors Center Director
Monday, July 16th at 4:30 p.m. – Pekin (Riverfront Park)
SpeakersAnaise Berry, Illinois River Road Director
Mayor Laurie Barra– City of Pekin
Lelonie Luft, PACVB Tourism Manager
Additional Details: Light refreshments served
Monday, July 23rd at 11:30 a.m. – Canton (Jones Park)
Speakers
Anaise Berry, Illinois River Road Director
Dana Smith, Canton Marketing and Tourism Coordinator
Mayor Kevin Meade – City of Canton
Senator Dave Koehler
Additional Details Canton Main Street will be grilling a pork chop lunch available for purchase ($5 meal deal)
Monday, July 23rd at 4:00 p.m. – Havana (Schrader and Main Streets)
Speakers
Anaise Berry, Illinois River Road Director
Mayor Dale Roberts – City of Havana
Tuesday, July 24th at 12 noon – Princeton (Princeton Public Library)
Speakers
Anaise Berry, Illinois River Road Director
Mayor Keith Cain – City of Princeton
Senator Darin LaHood
Representative Donald Moffitt
Representative Adam Kinzinger
Additional Details – German brats and other refreshments will be available for purchase
Tuesday, July 24th at 9:00 a.m. – Peoria (Riverfront at Main Street)
Speakers
Anaise Berry, Illinois River Road Director
Representative from City of Peoria
Senator Darin LaHood
The kiosk project was funded through grants from the Federal Highway Administration’s National Scenic Byway Program and the Illinois Office of Tourism. Other sponsors and contributors include the City of Peoria; the cities of Ottawa, Princeton, Peoria, Pekin, Canton and Havana; David Zalaznik; and Farnsworth Group.
The Illinois River Road was designated a National Scenic Byway in 2005 by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, which recognizes roads having outstanding archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities. It stretches 291 miles alongside the Illinois River from Ottawa to Havana and is notable for its natural and historic qualities. The Byway covers ten counties including Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, LaSalle, Bureau, Putnam, Marshall, Stark, Fulton, and Mason. The Byway has six gateway communities including Ottawa, Princeton, Peoria, Pekin, Canton, and Havana. Learn more at www.illinoisriverroad.org. If you have questions or would like more information please contact Byway Director Anaise Berry at 495-5909 or aberry@edc.h-p.org.