The Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway is planning four more ribbon cutting events to celebrate the installation of information kiosks in its 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. Two have already taken place but four more are coming up. We hope you can join us for the celebrations.

Monday, July 23rd at 11:30 a.m. – Canton (Jones Park)
Speakers: Dana Smith, Canton Marketing and Tourism Coordinator; Anaise Berry, Illinois River Road Director; Kevin Meade, Canton Mayor, Senator Dave Koehler; Representative Mike Unes; Jason Beverlin, IRR Chair and TNC Representative
Additional Details: Canton Main Street will be grilling a pork chop lunch available for purchase

Monday, July 23rd at 4:00 p.m. – Havana (Schrader and Main Streets)
Speakers: Anaise Berry, Illinois River Road Director; Dale Roberts, Havana Mayor; Jason Beverlin, IRR Chair and TNC Representative

Tuesday, July 24th at 12 noon – Princeton (in front of Princeton Public Library)
Speakers : Anaise Berry, Illinois River Road Director; Keith Cain, Mayor – City of Princeton; Senator Darin LaHood; Representative Donald Moffitt; J.T. Mackey, Adam Kinzinger District Representative
Additional Details: German brats and other refreshments will be available for purchase

Tuesday, July 24th at 9:00 a.m. – Peoria (Riverfront at Foot of Main Street)
Speakers: Anaise Berry, Illinois River Road Director; Vickie Clark, EDC President; Patrick Urich – City of Peoria; Senator Darin LaHood; Jason Beverlin, IRR Chair and TNC Representative

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.