IL: ILLINOIS PRODUCTS EXPO TO FEATURE HOMEMADE FOODS AND WINES
News Date March 02, 2010
Tasty, Illinois-made food products from more than 60 companies are on the menu for the 2010 Illinois Products Expo. And, best of all, samples are free!
The 12th annual “Food and Cooking Extravaganza,” which also features products from state wineries and agribusinesses, will be held March 6-7 in the Orr Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. In all, about 80 companies, including 15 new companies, are scheduled to participate.
“The Illinois Products Expo introduces consumers to the great food that is made in our state,” Agriculture Director Tom Jennings said. “Ultimately, the department’s goal is to build demand for these Illinois-made products and get grocery stores to stock them on their shelves.”
Seven Springfield area grocers continue to do just that. Country Market, County Market, Humphrey’s, Schnucks, Shop-N-Save, Meijer and Walmart all have added products featured at the Expo to their stores.
The Expo’s food offerings will include fresh meat products, gourmet seasonings and sauces, homemade jams and jellies and specialty dressings. Beverages also will be available. Expo visitors can quench their thirst with coffee, soda or a sip of Illinois wine from one of 18 vintners. Wine will be sold by the sample, glass and bottle.
Expo hours are: Saturday, March 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, March 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $4. Children 10 and younger will be admitted free of charge.
Drawings will be held for door prizes, including baskets of Illinois food products and a $949 Weber Genesis S-310 gas grill. Learn more about the products to taste at the Expo, visit the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s website and click on “Illinois Products Expo.” (Contact: Jeff Squibb, 217-558-1546)