Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development

05/08/2026

Congratulations to Walmart Canton - N Main St on their remodel and Grand Re-Opening today! Head out there to shop and see all the fun things they have going on today. 🎉

Don't forget to congratulate the team on all of their hard work 💙

05/05/2026

Happy Economic Development Week!

The week highlights the crucial role of economic developers in creating jobs, supporting businesses, and building resilient communities.

We’re proud to support the growth, partnerships, and progress happening every day across Fulton County.
From small businesses to downtown revitalization, this work helps strengthen communities like Canton and beyond.

A special thank you to our community stakeholders, partners, and contributors 👉 your investment, collaboration, and belief in our communities make this work possible.

05/04/2026

Delivery day! 🙌

Our statues are officially here and we couldn't be more excited. This is just the beginning, stay tuned as the transformation begins!

We will post a web link to see more updates and follow along in the near future.

04/30/2026

Fantastic job!

04/30/2026

Congrats to Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development, a 2026 Community Arts Grant recipient! 🎨

04/26/2026

🚨 Reminder: Applications due this week! Share with an artist you know!

🎨 Call for Artists: Spoon River Mussel Statue Trail! 🎨

The Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development is excited to launch a county-wide public art project! We’re inviting skilled artists to submit designs for painted mussel sculptures that will be installed at 10 locations across Fulton County, each reflecting the history, culture, and character of its community. 🐚

This trail will celebrate Fulton County’s heritage, scenic beauty, and small-town charm, creating a fun, family-friendly way for residents and visitors to explore the county.

Your work could become a permanent part of this unique public art trail!

👉 Learn more and apply: https://www.cantonillinois.org/call-for-artists/

Send us a message for any questions!

04/24/2026

We are so thankful for the Community Foundation of Central Illinois for their grant towards our tourism project. Jennie was in Peoria today to accept the award, along with so many other wonderful organizations.

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois awarded over $132,000 in grants to 12 local nonprofits to support arts programs and initiatives that drive tourism, jobs and local business activity.

04/19/2026

Spoon River Mussel Statue Trail Update!

We’re excited to share progress on our fiberglass mussel shells—they’re coming along beautifully and getting closer to becoming vibrant works of art across Fulton County!

🚨 We are still accepting applications for artists to bring these sculptures to life. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your creativity while celebrating the history, culture, and character of our communities.

Interested artists can submit designs or request more information by emailing [email protected].

Be part of something special and leave your mark on this county-wide public art trail! 🎨

04/14/2026

We're so excited! More to come on this project.

Big congratulations to our CFCI Spring 2026 Grant Recipients! 🎉💚

We’re excited to share that 12 incredible organizations have been awarded a total of $132,000 to support local arts initiatives through the Community Arts and The Arts Mean Business Fund grant programs.

👏 Join us in celebrating these amazing organizations!

03/27/2026

Excited to be part of the Canton Area Career Expo at Canton High School this morning! We’re proud to support and empower our local youth as they explore the many opportunities our community has to offer.

A big thank you to the local businesses and professionals who donated their time to share their industry knowledge and career paths!