Illinois Local

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Illinois Local is a membership of 150+ independent businesses & causes across IL. Support. Grow. Celebrate.

10/09/2026

We ❤️ Trimble's Produce Farm!

Don’t miss Farmer Scott’s Premium Popcorn 🍿 at the Holiday Market on November 28 in the Orr Building!

10/03/2026

🎉 WE HAVE EXCITING NEWS! 🎉

We are incredibly proud to announce that the 6th Annual Illinois Local Holiday Market on Small Business Saturday has officially been designated a U.S. Route 66 Centennial Certified Project! 🛣️❤️

Our application has been reviewed and approved by the Route 66 Centennial Commission, making our holiday market part of the national Route 66 Centennial Certified Projects family!

This is such an exciting honor as we celebrate the history, communities, small businesses, and unforgettable experiences that make Route 66 so special. We’re thrilled to bring that spirit to our event in Springfield! 🎄✨

📅 Saturday, November 28, 2026
📍 Orr Building — Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield
🕘 9 AM–4 PM

Come celebrate Small Business Saturday with us! Enjoy:
🎁 Local shopping & holiday vendors
🎶 Live holiday entertainment from Springfield Youth Performance Group, Dayna's Dance Revolution, Springfield Theatre Centre and Therapy Connections.
🎅 Santa — 10 AM–2 PM
🐾 Bluey & Bingo — 9 AM–4 PM
🎨 FREE holiday crafts for kids
🧸 Kids’ play area provided by Little Lincoln's Toy Shop
🏆 2026 Illinois Local Annual Awards at 3 PM supported by Bailey Family Insurance and awards designed by Ceramics Made by Rosie
🍪 Food, treats, festive drinks & more!

Admission is $5 for ages 13+, and children 12 and under are FREE!

We can’t wait to celebrate this incredible milestone with our community. Mark your calendars, bring the family, shop local, and join us as we Celebrate Small Business Saturday and the Route 66 Centennial! 🛣️🎄❤️

WE ARE STILL ACCEPTING VENDORS! 🎉
If you are interested in being a vendor, registration is available via the link in the comments.

10/02/2026

🚗 ✨ Route 66 turns 100 — and so many of our amazing members are right in the middle of the celebration!

The Mother Road has been part of Illinois' story for a century, and there’s never been a better time to explore the historic route, discover local favorites, and shop Illinois Local members along the way.

Our new guide takes you beyond the roadside landmarks and into the local businesses along and just off route Route 66 worth the stop — from independent shops, restaurants, cafés, boutiques, makers, and service providers throughout Illinois.

☕ Grab coffee at Cafe Moxo.
🍕 Grab a bite at Docs Just Off 66 - Girard, Illinois, Route 66 MotorHeads Bar & Grill, Museum & Entertainment Complex and Sapori Pizzeria & Italian Market.
🛍️ Shop local at Wild Rose Artisans, Little Lincoln's Toy Shop, Collected, Brave Hazel Boutique and Alive on 66
🍩 Satisfy your sweet tooth at Bayleaf & Butterscotch or Dolce Anna Gelateria Italiana.
🎨 Discover local creativity and history at Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Experience at the IL State Fairgrounds, and so much more along the Mother Road.

And that's just the beginning!

Whether you're planning a Route 66 road trip, looking for a reason to explore your own backyard, or simply want to support the independent businesses that make Illinois special, we have everything you need to get started.

📍 Read the full article and discover the businesses, attractions, markets, and Route 66 stops worth adding to your list. Link in comments.

👇 Check it out, share it with a Route 66 traveler, and tag a local business you think belongs on the Mother Road!

10/01/2026

You have just hours remaining to nominate your favorite Illinois Local members for this year's awards!

The winners will be announced at the Holiday Market on November 28 in the Orr Building.

The awards are kindly supported by Bailey Family Insurance and designed by Ceramics Made by Rosie

The deadline is midnight today! So, get voting.

Link in comments.

09/30/2026

"Last year marked our first time participating in the Illinois Local Holiday Market, and we quickly realized we should have joined sooner. It was wonderful to connect with so many of our loyal customers and to introduce our brand to countless new faces. We are thrilled to be part of this year's event and look forward to another successful season." Little Lincoln's Toy Shop owner Ryan Leake in 2024.

Since then, Little Lincoln's Toy Shop's participation in the Holiday Market has grown to offer families more than just a shopping experience- it now includes a children's play area too!

We are excited for the Little Lincoln's Toy Shop Children's Play Area back again this year, featuring demo toys, games including giant Jenga and Connect 4, and an adjacent area with FREE crafts. And of course meet-and-greets Bluey and Bingo!

Interested in being a vendor at this year's Holiday Market? Join us on November 28 from 9am to 4pm in the heated Orr Building at the IL State Fairgrounds! The registration link is in the comments below.

09/29/2026

🌟"We at Genius Mango Smoothie love vending at the holiday market! We love the combination of local performances and the showcasing of small businesses around the area. It’s a great event to kick off the holiday season!" - Emily Volle, owner, Genius Mango Smoothie 💛

We are so thankful for you Emily! You are always so joyful and bring nothing but cheer, delicious toast, and the best smoothies to the Holiday Market! 🥰

🎄If you're interested in being a vendor at this year's Holiday Market on November 28 from 9am to 4pm in the Orr Building at the IL State Fairground, the registration link is in comments. 🎅

09/28/2026

Wow! We have been inundated with nominations for this year's Illinois Local Awards!

Our judges are going to have a tough time choosing just one winner in each category.

Have you nominated yet? You've got until Thursday, October 1 to make your nomination!

This year's Illinois Local annual awards are supported by Bailey Family Insurance and will be presented at the Illinois Local Holiday Market on Small Business Saturday, November 28 in the Orr Building at the IL State Fairground.

Link to nomination form in comments.

09/25/2026

We had an absolutely fantastic time at yesterday’s member photoshoot! 📸✨

So much laughter!

A huge thank you to the wonderful Kate Spencer Photography — you’re the best, Kate!

Thanks for spending part of your day with us Springfield Youth Performance Group, The Teal Owl, 610 Wellness, Tranquil Tomorrows Counseling, PLLC, Little Lincoln's Toy Shop and Flames and Chains Permanent Jewelry LLC!

We can’t wait to share the photos with you! 📸

This is what Illinois Local is all about — supporting one another, making connections and growing together. 🫶

09/24/2026

Take a piece of Route 66 home with you!

For nearly a decade, roughly 1,500 pieces of Route 66 sat quietly in storage, waiting for the right moment.

That moment has arrived. The American Business Club of Springfield (ABC Springfield) is selling "Bricks of the Mother Road," individually numbered paving bricks pulled from an original 1926–1936 alignment of Route 66, with every dollar going toward the club's charitable work in Central Illinois.

The bricks are U.S. Route 66 Centennial certified and debut in person at the Illinois' International Route 66 Mother Road Festival in downtown Springfield: Friday, Sept. 25, 4-8 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 26, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 27, 8 a.m.–noon.

They aren't available online, so festivalgoers get first crack.

For more on the story behind the bricks, visit the link in comments.

One of the first bricks to see the light of day was gifted to award-winning filmmaker John Paget, who is currently traveling with his Centennial Roadshow showcase his new documentary Route 66: The Main Street of America, and stopped in Springfield, IL earlier this month.

09/23/2026

What would you like to hear at our next Skill Share in May 2027?

If you’re an entrepreneur or business owner who is eager to network, learn, and grow drop your topics below!

Thanks to Stacey Skrysak of WICS ABC Newschannel 20 for coming out to yesterday’s event and sharing her expertise! We’re so glad Illinois sucked you in - and you stayed Stacey!!

Watch coverage of the event in the comments.

Address

3309 Robbins Road #119
Springfield, IL
62704

Website

https://bio.site/IllinoisLocal, http://www.illinoislocal.org/

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