Ribbon cutting held at the Landing Pad

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.
“The story of the Gemini Giant reminds me of the story of another famous green man known as the Grinch. On the day that Gemini Giant was pulled off of its space and moved after over 50 years, I think there was a thought that this was going to break people. I think there was a thought that people were going to be gathered around in sadness, and there were going to be tears, and I fervently remember the happiness and how many people were filming, and there was laughter, and that was designed to break the spirit of the community, but it didn’t,” Peerbolte said.
Designed as a must-stop destination for Route 66 travelers, The Landing Pad souvenir shop offers unique, one- of-a-kind souvenirs that help preserve memories of The First 100 Miles of America's Mother Road. With its nostalgic charm and prime location at 110 S. Park St., The Landing Pad promises to become a highlight for tourists exploring this legendary route.
The celebration was attended by several local leaders, including Wilmington Mayor Ben Dietz, Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, Joliet Area Historical Museum CEO Greg Peerbolte, and Heritage Corridor Destinations President and CEO Robert Navarro, all of whom expressed support for the new addition to the community and its potential to enhance regional tourism.
“What you see here is a collaborative effort to preserving and promoting Route 66 for generations to come,” said Mayor Dietz.

The Landing Pad will be open for the season Thursday through Monday, from noon to 6 p.m.