Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has announced the return of the Illinois Product Expo, scheduled for March 1st and 2nd at the Orr Building in the Illinois State Fairgrounds. This marks the 26th year of the event, which showcases local food companies and their products.

Attendees will have the opportunity to sample a variety of foods, enjoy time in the Illinois Wine Garden, and purchase their favorite items. "This family-friendly event gets bigger and better every year," said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II. He emphasized that it is a convenient way to shop locally and discover new products from Illinois vendors.

Among those featured are The Homestead Bakery, ReMARKable Caramels, Rolling Lawns Farm, Ropp Jersey Cheese, Glaciers End, Phoenix Bean, Turasky Meats, Engrained Brewing Company, and Creekstone Kettle Works. Additionally, the Illinois Wine Experience will present wines from 14 wineries across the state.

"This year's Illinois Product Expo welcomes new vendors such as Siddity Pig Pork Snacks, The Infused Olive, and Luka Popcorn," noted Jackie Sambursky, IDOA Bureau Chief of Marketing. There will also be Copi cooking demonstrations held in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

A promotion offering $5 Expo Cash for purchasing five products will be available as an incentive to support local agriculture.

Sponsors include the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois Farm Bureau, Hy-Vee, Illinois Wine Harvest Market FFA Prairie Farms Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Turasky Meats.

The expo runs on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with an admission fee of $5 per person; children under ten enter free.

For more details or updates about participating in future events or programs by IDOA contact them via phone or email provided on their website www.illinoisproductexpo.com