The governor of Illinois and the state's Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced last week it would give 58 awards totaling $6.6 million through the Route 66 and Tourism Marketing Grant Programs to boost Route 66 tourism. The Route 66 grant program is awarding $3.7 million to seven recipients for the development of tourism, … Continue reading Illinois awards $6.6M in Route 66 and tourism marketing grants
Tag: Joliet
New, Route 66-themed mural unveiled for Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet
The Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, Illinois, recently held a private unveiling of the "Twin Centennial" mural that will be installed later this month outside of the historic theater. Dante DiBartolo's mural honors both the theater and Route 66, both of which will mark their 100th year in 2026. The theater showed what the mural … Continue reading New, Route 66-themed mural unveiled for Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet
Red Carpet Corridor festival adds second day, Bloomington-Normal to its itinerary
This year's edition of the Illinois Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor festival is going to be a two-day affair, with Bloomington-Normal added to its list of towns to visit. The May 6-7 event, which starts in Joliet, lengthens to 100 miles and 14 communities, according to a news release from the Illinois Route 66 Scenic … Continue reading Red Carpet Corridor festival adds second day, Bloomington-Normal to its itinerary
40-foot mural on Rialto Square Theatre will honor the historic venue and Route 66
The Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, Illinois, next month will install a 40-foot-long mural that honors that historic venue and Route 66, both of which will be marking their centennial in 2026. The Herald-News reports the Route 66 Rialto Twin Centennial Mural will be placed on the left side of the theater's entrance. Artist Dante … Continue reading 40-foot mural on Rialto Square Theatre will honor the historic venue and Route 66
Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway announces $6,000 worth of grants
The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway this week announced the latest round of the Byway Project Funds program to provide financial assistance to byway members. Byway Project Funds are meant to support events, marketing and advertising efforts, and projects that help preserve the heritage of Illinois Route 66 and promote travel to Illinois Route 66 … Continue reading Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway announces $6,000 worth of grants
Giant guitar added to the side of Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet
Gigantar, a 24-foot-long guitar that was fashioned for the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in downtown Joliet, was installed and later dedicated during a lighting ceremony attended by hundreds of people on Friday evening despite near-freezing temperatures. Cheap Trick guitarist and co-founder Rick Nielsen, a member of both the Illinois Rock & … Continue reading Giant guitar added to the side of Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet
Largest handmade guitar sculpture coming to Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet
A 24-foot-tall handmade guitar sculpture proclaimed as the world's largest will be coming to the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in downtown Joliet, Illinois. The work, called Gigantar, will begin a nearly one-week road trip to the museum with a launch party at the legendary Stone Pony nightclub in Asbury Park, New … Continue reading Largest handmade guitar sculpture coming to Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet
City of Lockport erects Route 66 monument sign despite it never being on Route 66
The City of Lockport, Illinois, a few days ago erected a Route 66 monument sign that celebrates the city's dubious heritage with the highway and Route 66's approaching centennial. According to the Homer Glen-Lockport Patch, the monument was placed on State Street near the Metra lot. "To commemorate Lockport’s role in the Route 66 centennial, … Continue reading City of Lockport erects Route 66 monument sign despite it never being on Route 66
Route 66 Experience at Illinois State Fair gets $500,000 grant; Old Joliet prison gets $250,000
The Route 66 Experience at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield will receive a $500,000 grant to help add to the exhibit, according to a news release from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The Old Joliet Prison in Joliet also will receive $250,000 from the same program for exterior illumination of the … Continue reading Route 66 Experience at Illinois State Fair gets $500,000 grant; Old Joliet prison gets $250,000
Dan Aykroyd, James Belushi to perform next month at Old Joliet Prison
Dan Aykroyd and James Belushi will perform at the Old Joliet Prison in Joliet, Illinois, on Aug. 19 as part of an elaborate Blues Brothers Con at the historic site. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Joliet Area Historical Museum, reported The Herald-News. “He [Dan Aykroyd] made a significant donation of his time to … Continue reading Dan Aykroyd, James Belushi to perform next month at Old Joliet Prison