Plenty of Logan County this summer according to Illinois Route 66

[July 03, 2009]  SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, an organization dedicated to enhancing and promoting economic opportunities along Illinois Route 66, has announced a summer of great music, classic food and kitschy attractions at festivals along Illinois Route 66, beginning in early July and ending in mid-October. Communities along the route from Braceville, Pontiac and Lincoln to Atlanta, Elkhart and Springfield will offer county fairs, arts and craft shows, film festivals, and even celebrate the World's Largest Catsup Bottle.

"Chicago might be known for its festivals, but communities all along Illinois Route 66 also offer unique festivals," says Patty Ambrose, executive director of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway. "Visitors can jump in the car, cruise the route and attend one-of-a-kind festivals just hours away from downtown Chicago." On the way to festivals, travelers can also stop for photo opportunities with the Joliet Jackhammer in Joliet, Paul Bunyan in Atlanta and the Abe Lincoln Covered Wagon in Lincoln.

Festivals along Illinois Route 66:

County fairs along the route
Bloomington, Carlinville, Lincoln, Pontiac
July-August

World's Largest Catsup Bottle Festival
Collinsville, July 11-12

Come on down to Collinsville as it celebrates the 60th birthday of the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle with the 11th annual World's Largest Catsup Bottle Festival. Activities will include the World’s Largest Things traveling museum, the Brooks Catsup Tangy Taste

Test and the sixth annual Little Princess Tomato and Sir Catsup Contest.

Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival
Lincoln, Aug. 28-30

It's the 35th annual Lincoln Art Fair at Latham Park along with the hot-air balloon festival at Logan County Airport. Also witness vintage baseball games, remote-control airplane competitions and aeronautical displays.

Atlanta Fall Festival
Atlanta, Sept. 10-12

You don't have to fly to Georgia to enjoy the Atlanta Fall Festival, once again featuring carnival rides, a petting zoo, car show, and the pie and cake baking contest and auction.

Elkhart Fall Festival
Elkhart, Sept. 12

Just down the road from Atlanta in Logan County is historic Elkhart with its great food, flea market, craft vendors and more.

Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Contest and Crafts Festival
Lincoln, Sept. 18-20

The 39th annual Railsplitter Festival has something for everybody, including of course old-fashioned railsplitting, as well as tomahawk throwing, antique cars and tractors, historical displays, a flea market, Abraham Lincoln presentations, and much more.

Route 66 Car Show
Braceville, Sept. 20

Come on out for the inaugural Braceville Route 66 Car and Motorcycle Show and Swap Meet. The first 100 entries receive dash plaques, goodie bags and prizes.

Route 66 Film Festival
Springfield, Sept. 19-20

The eighth annual Route 66 Film Festival in our state capital features a variety of films to choose from. It's also a great chance to meet and hobnob with the filmmakers themselves and vote for your favorite short film in the audience choice session.

International Mother Road Festival
Springfield, Sept. 25-27

Over 1,000 cool cars will be on display along with free entertainment at this eighth annual festival, presented in the heart of historic downtown Springfield. There will also be the Festival of Cars Parade, a swap meet and a manufacturers’ midway for the restoration enthusiast.

Fall Car Show at The Mill (fundraiser for restoration project)
Lincoln, Oct. 10

Take a spin to Lincoln for the third annual Fall Car Show at The Mill, sponsored by the Railsplitter Antique Auto Club and the Route 66 Heritage Foundation of Logan County. All money raised goes to saving The Mill!

For more information on traveling Illinois Route 66, visit www.illinoisroute66.org. Visitors will have the opportunity to build their own itineraries based on location and interest. Check out the suggested itineraries for classic car enthusiasts, architecture enthusiasts and anyone who loves a great diner.

About Illinois Route 66

Home to nearly 90 communities and stretching from Chicago to St. Louis with more than 400 miles to discover, Illinois Route 66 is known both as the beginning of a major transportation corridor and as a historic piece of Americana for those looking to explore their unique connection to the past and the future. With the 1966 introduction of U.S. 55, a major highway running parallel to Illinois Route 66, many thought Route 66 would become a relic of the past, but renewed interest in the "Mother Road" and its colorful, kitschy attractions are making it popular once again.

Whether visitors are looking to stay close to home or taking an exciting trip on a budget, Illinois Route 66 offers itineraries targeted to a wide range of special interest groups. Itineraries will showcase why Illinois Route 66 has been defined as a remarkable era in the growth of our nation. For more information on Illinois Route 66, visit www.illinoisroute66.com.

[Text from file received from Chad Parker, Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway]