Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is set to host the Illinois Product Expo on March 2 and 3 at the Orr Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. This event, now in its 25th year, connects Illinois food companies with consumers. Attendees can sample products, enjoy the Illinois Wine Garden, and purchase their favorite items.

To mark the 25th anniversary, special commemorative cups will be given to the first 25 attendees. Additionally, the first 250 people purchasing apple cider slushies will receive an anniversary cup.

"The 25th Illinois Product Expo is a fun and family-friendly way to showcase Illinois food and agriculture-based companies," stated Jackie Sambursky, IDOA Bureau Chief of Marketing. "We're anticipating the biggest Expo yet as we celebrate this milestone anniversary, and we're so grateful for the support of the community."

Over 70 vendors will participate, offering samples and selling products from companies such as The Homestead Bakery, ReMARKable Caramels, Rolling Lawns Farm, Ropp Jersey Cheese, Jon Ellis Woodworking, Peter's Produce Smoked Cheese and Goods, Turasky Meats, Uncle Joe's Sauces, Engrained Brewing Company, and Creekstone Kettle Works. The event will also feature 16 wineries as part of the Illinois Wine Experience.

A $5 for 5 promotion allows shoppers to buy five products and receive $5 in Expo Cash from IDOA as a thank you for supporting local agriculture. More details about this offer are available at www.illinoisproductexpo.com.

The expo is sponsored by several organizations including the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois Farm Bureau, HyVee, Illinois Wine, Harvest Market, FFA, Prairie Farms and Turasky Meats. Operating hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Admission costs $5 per person while children aged ten or younger can enter free of charge.

Although vendor space for this year's expo is sold out, interested food companies can learn about other opportunities offered by IDOA by contacting their Bureau of Marketing at 217-782-2581 or visiting agr.illinoisproduct@illinois.gov.