Heritage Corridor Destinations announced earlier this month that it was honored with the Bureau Innovation Award from the Upper Midwest Conference and Visitors Bureau for The Landing Pad, just a few steps from the iconic Gemini Giant in Wilmington, Illinois. The honor was given earlier this month at the Upper Midwest Conference and Visitors Bureau Fall Conference in … Continue reading The Landing Pad in Wilmington earns Bureau Innovation Award at regional conference
Tag: Wilmington
Route 66 photographer David Schwartz to hold exhibition in Wilmington next month
Photographer and storyteller David J. Schwartz will premiere his new Route 66 exhibition, "Roadwork Ahead: The Exhibition – A Future for the Mother Road," at the Art On 66 Gallery in Wilmington, Illinois. The show opens with a public reception on Oct. 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will remain on view through … Continue reading Route 66 photographer David Schwartz to hold exhibition in Wilmington next month
Long-missing World War II soldier laid to rest just off Route 66
On this Memorial Day, I commend this recent story from the Chicago Tribune to your attention. It's about how DNA technology and a lot of diligence identified the remains of a previously unidentified World War II soldier -- Army Pvt. James C. Loyd of Alabama, who died in battle in Italy in 1944. Janice Dale, … Continue reading Long-missing World War II soldier laid to rest just off Route 66
Landing Pad shop opens near new Gemini Giant location in Wilmington
The Landing Pad, a Route 66-themed souvenir shop, opened in early May just steps from the new location of the Gemini Giant in Wilmington, Illinois. The shop will be open from Thursday through Monday from noon to 6 p.m. through November. It's at 110 S. Park St. (map here), just off Route 66 in Wilmington. … Continue reading Landing Pad shop opens near new Gemini Giant location in Wilmington
Gemini Giant will remain in Wilmington for the next 20 years
The mayor of Wilmington, Illinois, announced the landmark Gemini Giant will remain in the city for at least the next 20 years. Mayor Ben Dietz stated in a Facebook post that the loan of the Gemini Giant from the Joliet Area Historical Museum has been extended through 2045. The city council approved the loan pact … Continue reading Gemini Giant will remain in Wilmington for the next 20 years
Gemini Giant returns to Wilmington with a big welcome-home bash
The Gemini Giant fiberglass statue, which once stood at the closed Launching Pad Drive-In restaurant, returned to Wilmington, Illinois, when it was dedicated Saturday at its new location at South Island Park. The event featured live music, a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, a mobile diner and commemorative memorabilia. The 28-foot-tall Gemini Giant returned to Wilmington with a … Continue reading Gemini Giant returns to Wilmington with a big welcome-home bash
Gemini Giant will be installed in Wilmington park on Nov. 30
The restored Gemini Giant, once a fixture for almost 60 years at the Launching Pad Drive-In restaurant in Wilmington, Illinois, will be the focus of a party on Nov. 30 at his new home in Wilmington's South Island Park. According to a promotional flyer, the event from 1 to 3 p.m. that day will include … Continue reading Gemini Giant will be installed in Wilmington park on Nov. 30
Gemini Giant to make appearance at American Giants Museum
The Gemini Giant fiberglass figure will make an appearance at the American GIants Museum in Atlanta, Illinois, this weekend while en route for restoration and reinstallation at a park in Wilmington. According to a Facebook post, the Gemini Giant will be making a pit stop at the museum before going to the ReGiants restoration shop. … Continue reading Gemini Giant to make appearance at American Giants Museum
Red Carpet Corridor Festival participants get a glimpse of soon-to-be-relocated Gemini Giant
Illinois Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival participants had the rare privilege of seeing the Gemini Giant from the closed Launching Pad Drive-In restaurant lying in repose, with its helmet off. The Joliet Patch had details about the fiberglass giant being shown inside the City of Wilmington's public works building during last weekend's 17th annual … Continue reading Red Carpet Corridor Festival participants get a glimpse of soon-to-be-relocated Gemini Giant
Gemini Giant sells at auction for $275,000, will stay in Wilmington
The landmark Gemini Giant fiberglass statue at the closed Launching Pad Drive-In restaurant in Wilmington, Illinois, was sold at auction Wednesday for $275,000, and the mayor announced it will remain in town at a different location. Grafe Auctions didn't reveal the buyer, citing its privacy policy. However, the City of Wilmington hours later revealed in … Continue reading Gemini Giant sells at auction for $275,000, will stay in Wilmington