Historic Route 66

Big man meets an even bigger man

Published by admin on Tue, 09/01/2026 - 3:32pm

It’s not often Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has to look up to someone.
But that was certainly the case last week when the governor stopped in Wilmington to meet one of the biggest celebrities along historic Route 66 — the 30-foot-tall Gemini Giant.
Pritzker and his running mate, Christian Mitchell, made Wilmington one of the stops on a statewide bus tour launched as part of the governor’s reelection campaign.

Gatties to lead Catfish Days parade

Published by admin on Tue, 07/21/2026 - 4:21pm

When this year's Wilmington Catfish Days parade steps off at 1 p.m. Sunday, two of the people who helped preserve one of the city's most recognizable Route 66 landmarks will be leading the way.
The Catfish Days Committee has named Sharon and Jerry Gatties as the 2026 Catfish Days Parade grand marshals in conjunction with this year's theme, "Cruisin' Route 66," celebrating the 100th anniversary of America's famed Mother Road.

Route 66 photographer to make local worldwide premiere

Published by admin on Tue, 10/07/2025 - 3:47pm

After logging thousands of miles and snapping hundreds of photos along America’s Mother Road, David Schwartz will make his worldwide premiere in Wilmington.
The renowned photographer will exhibit his award winning photography at Art of 66 on Sunday, Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a formal public reception, after which time Schwartz’s photos will be on display until Nov. 21.

Filbert’s old time Root Beer to celebrate centennial at the same time as Route 66

Published by admin on Tue, 10/07/2025 - 3:33pm

Larry Tarantolo of Mother Road 66 Sodas/Filbert’s will be proudly hawking his wares at the Oct. 12 Autumn Festival sponsored by the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce.
Filbert’s Old Time Root Beer of Chicago has something in common with the Mother Road itself; both- will be celebrating their centennial in 2026.
During the month of October, Tarantolo calls himself “Scary Larry, Master Soda Jerk,” and he’s looking forward to hobnobbing with Wilmington residents on Sunday.

Ribbon cutting held at the Landing Pad

Published by admin on Tue, 05/27/2025 - 4:12pm

The Landing Pad, Wilmington's newest Route 66 attraction, held a festive ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday.
The event, held near the iconic Gemini Giant, welcomed visitors with entertainment, including a caricature artist, a Route 66-themed food truck and photo opportunities.
“Towns don't die when they fail; they die when they quit,” said Joliet Area Historical Museum CEO Greg Peerbolte.

Ordinance would require everyone to carry loaf of bread

Published by admin on Tue, 04/01/2025 - 3:40pm

The Wilmington City Council is considering an ordinance that would require anyone who lives within the city to carry a loaf of bread in their car.

The reason is due to the large flock of domestic geese that continues to block Bridge Street which is a major highway that runs through town. The geese, who have made the north and south island parks their home, frequently stop traffic when they waddle from one side of the Historic Route 66 to the other.

The problem is they are slow to cross and fearless of cars as they associate vehicles with easy food.