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Williamsville celebrates Route 66 International Traveler
Multi-Directional Sign Recognizes Top Visiting Countries Along Illinois' Route 66
 

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[August 18, 2016]  WILLIAMSVILLE - The Village of Williamsville has erected a multi-directional sign celebrating the top visiting countries along Illinois' Route 66.

A dedication ceremony will take place at its annual Fall Festival on Saturday, September 10th at 2:30 p.m. “While it does offer a unique photo opportunity, we hope the signage will be a welcoming experience that acknowledges the large number of international travelers that drive along Route 66 through Williamsville," said Village President Tom Yokley.

Collaborative Effort

The Williamsville Public Library and Museum has long recognized the significance and frequency of the international traveler to the area, having documented their presence through both a sign-in book and a map where pushpins indicate the various countries represented.

The idea to build the multi-directional sign came from Route 66 enthusiast David Ala n Badger, who noted that he has not seen an attraction of this kind during his extensive travels along Illinois' Route 66. In addition to providing a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity, Mr. Badger also suggested that a streaming web-cam would further facilitate a memory making experience for the international traveler by connecting them to loved ones around the world.

Along with the carved post and Route 66 topper, individual members of the Sangamon Valley Woodcarvers have designed and produced placards representing each country; thus allowing for a breadth of creative artistry among the collective group.

The Illinois Route 66 National Scenic Byway provided the Village with a list of the top visiting countries, all of which will be included on the multi-directional sign: Germany, United Kingdom, Canada, China, Australia, Czechoslovakia, Japan, France, Italy and Holland. New York, Chicago and Los Angeles will also have a place alongside the countries.

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The Village of Williamsville will install a streaming web-cam directed at the Route 66 multi-directional sign, which is accessible to the public via the Village website at williamsville.illinois.gov. A grant worth $1,000 for technological equipment and installation was awarded to the Village of Williamsville by the Illinois Route 66 National Scenic Byway in support of increasing the economic impact of tourism along Illinois Route 66.

Fall Festival Dedication

The sign sits on Route 66, outside the newly constructed Williamsville Public Library and Museum, located at 217 North Elm Street. The dedication of the multi¬-directional sign, as well as recognition for those who contributed to its development, is planned for 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 10th in downtown Williamsville. Taking place the second weekend of September, Williamsville's Fall Festival is September 9th and 10th; details about events planned for Friday and Saturday are available on the Village of Williamsville website.

[Karen Winger, Village of Williamsville/Geoff Ladd, Project Administrator, Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway]

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