Summer 2011

Illinois Farm Bureau

®

A quarterly magazine for members ilfbpartners.com

Market Meals
Summer recipes rely on produce
from your local farmer
Just What the Med Udder Delight Route 66’s Cozy
Student Ordered New technology Dog Drive-In
rejuvenates dairy farm
 letters

illi nois
Mural, Mural FaRM Bu
Re au

This Issue
® SpriN g 2011

on the wall A quArt

erly mAgA
ziNe for
memberS
ilfbpArtN
erS.com

at a Glance
I enjoyed the article on murals
[“Painting the Town,” Spring
2011] and would like to add a
new addition that was painted
9 last summer near where I live.
5 It is located at the corners of
Broadway and Henry streets Going with
the

4
in Alton. The artist worked
many a night last summer
Flow Funk family
‘sirup’ from
tradition bri
ngs
glazeD Po tree to tab
letop
because of the heat to complete MeDallionRK
s
Paint th
murals add e toWn
character the liFe Cy
oF a CoRn Cle
to cities acro
ss illinois

a large building wall mural. Plant

3 7 It is a sight to see!
1 R. Miller
6 Editor’s note: We apologize to
via ilfbpartners.com
the residents of Moline and any
confused visitors for this oversight.
2 Missing Moline Moline has a beautiful riverfront,
Just read the spring edition and we hope you are able to visit it
and once again enjoyed it cover and other attractions we mentioned,
to cover. I did notice that the such as John Deere Commons and
aerial shot used on the Moline Belgian Village Inn.
8 article coincidently does not
show the town of Moline,
From Illinois
only Davenport and
to Italy
Rock Island.
Thank you for your efforts to
1. Midsummer Arts Faire in Quincy Thanks for the great reading.
make this story [“The Fabric of Her
2. Villa Rosa dairy farm's robotic Mark Mikenas Life,” Winter 2010-11] a reality. We
milking system in Greenville Kewanee, Ill. have received lots of interest since
its printing. Also, one of my art
3. Heritage Days and Sweet Corn Your article about Moline was pieces has been selected to be in an
Dinner in Golden
very good. It was informative and international art show in Verona,
4. Side-by-side Frank Lloyd Wright featured many very popular spots. Italy. My mom and I are planning
houses in Kankakee Unfortunately, one of the pictures to attend and represent the Illinois
that was shown is of Rock Island sheep farmers.
5. Midsommar Festival Swedish
and Davenport. Very interesting Natasha Lehrer
Days in Geneva
picture though – I hadn’t realized Esther’s Place
6. Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield that the Mississippi took such a Big Rock, Ill.
sharp turn past the railroad bridge. www.esthersplacefiber.com
7. Art and Balloons Festival
in Lincoln
I’ve heard that’s the only place it
actually runs east to west. Anyway,
8. Superman, Fort Massac State I really did enjoy the article. Keep
Park and barbecue in Metropolis up the good work of promoting
Illinois cities. write to us
9. Brats, Beer and Blues Festival Email us at ilfbpartners@jnlcom.com.
in Freeport Karen Lavine We welcome any story ideas, gardening
Milan, Ill. questions or other feedback.

2  Illinois Farm Bureau

 Contents

Features
8 Just What the
Med Student Ordered
Rural medical student assistance program
has fostered generations of caregivers 20

12 Udder Delight
Robotic milking process rejuvenates
a family-owned dairy farm

18 Cozying Up on Route 66
Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield sticks
to the basics after decades of corn dogs
Every Issue
5 prairie state
26 Travel Illinois: Metropolis perspective
Metropolis is a super fun getaway destination Lightning bugs share history
with Illinoisans and tourists

6 Almanac
Find out when Illinois fruits
are ripe and ready to be picked

17 country wisdom
Establish financial security
in your retirement years

20 recipes
Market meals use ingredients
fresh from your local farmer

24 Gardening
A brief history of thyme, a
versatile herb to grow at home

30 Summer Events
Experience the Illinois State
Fair in Springfield

On the cover
Photo by Jeffrey S. Otto
Summer Stir-Fry

30
more online
Watch videos, read stories and
browse photos at ilfbpartners.com.

Summer 2011 ilfbpartners.com 3

 Volume 4, No. 2

Illinois Farm Bureau

®

ilfbpartners.com An official member publication of the Illinois Farm Bureau

Visit our website for videos, stories, recipes and much more

Farm Food Finds Resources ®

Publisher Dennis Vercler

Editor Dave McClelland
Associate Editor Martin Ross
Production Manager Bob Standard
Photographic Services Director Ken Kashian
President Philip Nelson
Vice President Rich Guebert Jr.
Executive Director of Operations, News & Communications
Chris Magnuson

Managing Editor Jessy Yancey

Audience Development Director Lisa Battles
Copy Editor Jill Wyatt
Proofreading Manager Raven Petty
Content Coordinator Blair Thomas
Contributing Writers Charlyn Fargo, Samantha Johnson,
Jessica Mozo, Jan Phipps, Martin Ross, Joanie Stiers,
Lorraine Zenge
Media Technology Director Christina Carden
Senior Graphic Designer Laura Gallagher
Media Technology Analysts Chandra Bradshaw,

Food Lance Conzett, Michele Niccore, Marcus Snyder

Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto

Farmers’ Markets Senior Photographers Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord

Staff Photographers Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier
See all of the fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, baked goods and even Web Designer Richard Stevens

pasta that you can find at Illinois farmers’ markets in a video at Ad Production Manager Katie Middendorf
Ad Traffic Assistants Krystin Lemmon, Patricia Moisan
ilfbpartners.com/farmers-market-finds. Information Technology Director Yancey Bond
I.T. Service Technician Bryan Foriest
Accounting Diana Guzman, Maria McFarland, Lisa Owens
Sales Support Manager Cindy Hall
County Program Coordinator Kristy Duncan
Office Manager Shelly Miller
Farm Receptionist Linda Bishop

Robotic Milking Chairman Greg Thurman

President/Publisher Bob Schwartzman
Want to see how the milking technology at Villa Executive Vice President Ray Langen

Rosa dairy farm actually works? Check out our Sr. V.P./Operations Casey Hester
Sr. V.P./Sales Todd Potter, Carla Thurman
video at ilfbpartners.com/robotic-milking. V.P./Custom Publishing Kim Newsom Holmberg
V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester
V.P./Content Development Teree Caruthers
V.P./Content Operations Natasha Lorens

Finds Controller Chris Dudley

Marketing Creative Director Keith Harris
Distribution Director Gary Smith
Mattoon Bagelfest Advertising Sales Manager, Custom Division Tori Hughes

Celebrate this tasty breakfast treat at Illinois Farm Bureau Partners is produced for the Illinois Farm

Mattoon’s 26th annual Bagelfest in July. Find Bureau by Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs
Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (800) 333-8842.
out more at ilfbpartners.com/bagelfest. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be
reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.
Illinois Farm Bureau Partners (USPS No. 255-380) is issued
quarterly by the Illinois Agricultural Association,
1701 Towanda Ave., P.O. Box 2901, Bloomington, IL 61702.
Periodicals postage paid at Bloomington, IL 61702 and
additional mailing offices.
Connect With Us The individual membership fee of the Illinois Agricultural
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watch our videos on youtube read past issues and
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Please recycle this magazine

4  Illinois Farm Bureau

 prairie state perspective

about the author

Joanie Stiers writes from Western Illinois,
where lightning bugs amplify a relaxing
summer evening on the front porch.

Summer’s Shining Moments

Lightning bugs share history with Illinoisans, tourists

“There’s a lightning bug glowing in the hallway,” I said Canyon. It is one of Illinois’ most wholesome and
from my bed pillow. I thought per chance my husband, inexpensive forms of entertainment to share with any age.
who sleeps nearest the door, would handle it. For a recreational experience, you need only 30 minutes of
“Close your eyes, and it will go away,” he replied, your time, a set of hands, a steady eye and an old peanut
still motionless. butter jar. Even our youngest toddler can figure out how to
I smiled and rolled over to end the pillow talk and play and is among the kids across the state running the
any effort to remove the harmless nightlight. length of the yard many times over before bedtime. In the
Lightning bugs must be one of the most delightful bug-lit darkness, we hear our preschool daughter shout,
elements of Illinois summers. They seem as symbolic of “I caught one!” with jubilation comparable to discovering
summertime as fireworks, touching all lifestyles and a morel mushroom in the woods.
locations with dark evenings across the state. We love to And yet those who prefer to watch them from a lawn
co-exist, though preferably outside. In fact, we’re willing chair can find peace in the glowing landscape. One of my
to catch, touch and release this bug, while most others are favorite sessions of summer relaxation comes from my
greeted with a shoe. We also share histories with them. I parents’ front porch on a summer evening. The daytime
remember chasing those fluorescent fireflies with cousins, heat subsides, and lightning bugs dance and flicker above
some of whom visited from the suburbs of Seattle and Los the expanse of a cornfield that falls below the farmstead.
Angeles where the bug does not exist. They find lightning Those bugs seem to exist just to make us smile. Even
bugs an Illinois attraction. Perhaps we should market Grandma had to laugh when she awoke one morning 15
their presence to tourists. years ago to find a jarful of lightning bugs flying free in
In fact, I have as vivid memories of chasing lightning her home, the day after we grandkids visited. The bug
bugs as going to Disney World or visiting the Grand loses its appeal in the daylight.
Summer 2011 ilfbpartners.com 5
 almanac

Farm Focus: Beef

Beef cattle production represents the largest single
segment of American agriculture, with more than 800,000
ranchers and cattle producers in the United States. Texas
leads the nation in beef cattle production. In Illinois, about
23 percent of farms raise beef cattle.
Consider the following beef facts:
• Every day, 76 million Americans eat beef.
• Beef is meat from full-grown cattle about 2 years old.
• A live steer weighs about 1,000 pounds and yields about
450 pounds of edible meat.
• More beef is consumed on Memorial Day than any other
day of the year. The Fourth of July and Labor Day typically
tie for second place.
• Beef is one of the most important dietary sources of iron.
To obtain the same amount of iron found in a 3-ounce serving
of beef, you’d have to eat at least 3 cups of raw spinach.
Sources: National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, www.beef.org,
and the Illinois Beef Association, www.illinoisbeef.com

Unusual Fair Fare

There are few better places for chefs to stretch their culinary legs than at a state fair.
Midstate Meat Co. and chef Bob Cooper took last year’s Illinois State Fair by storm with their Meat Man
Parfait – layers of pulled pork, beef brisket and mashed potatoes in a plastic cup, topped with a dollop of
potatoes, a drizzle of barbecue sauce and a cherry (tomato) on top.
This year, the members of the Midstate Meat team put their heads together to expand the fair menu
and raise the bar for meat sundaes.
At this summer’s state fair, which takes place Aug. 12-21 in Springfield, expect to find the original
Meat Man Parfait, its miniature version, and the Rib Cocktail – a serving of coleslaw surrounded by ribs,
much like a shrimp cocktail might look.
And for an extra kick, the team’s secret recipe, creamy horseradish sauce, will be served on the side.

Fresh Fruit Calendar

Illinois is full of fresh fruits that are ripe and ready to be picked. Check out this list
of which fruits are in season this summer:
• June: apples, berries, cherries, melons, nectarines, peaches, plums, strawberries
• July: apples, berries, cherries, grapes, melons, nectarines, peaches, plums
• August: apples, berries, melons, nectarines, peaches, plums
Visit ilfbpartners.com/illinois-fruit-calendar to link to a complete list of seasonal
fruits and vegetables.

6  Illinois Farm Bureau

 The Wright Stuff
Frank Lloyd Wright built quite a reputation with his innovations in architecture. His
signature Prairie-style homes stood apart from the crowd – and the city of Kankakee is
home to his very first house of that style, the B. Harley Bradley House, which dates to
1900 and overlooks the Kankakee River.
Wholesome
The nonprofit group, Wright in Kankakee, recently acquired the title to the Bradley
House and opened it to the public in 2010. Visitors can explore the house and its stable Website
shop from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
It has been said that
Learn more at www.wrightinkankakee.org.
an apple a day keeps
However, the Bradley House, built for Anna Hickox Bradley, is not Kankakee’s only the doctor away, but
architectural treasure. Next door is the Warren Hickox House, which Wright designed what if doctors actually
for Bradley’s brother. It remains in its original condition and is privately owned. prescribed fresh fruits
and vegetables to sick
patients?
Preserving Summer Blooms The Wholesome
Wave Foundation, a
Cut flowers may be beautiful, but they only last a few days. To enjoy nonprofit organization
summer flowers for months, try some of these preservation techniques. that aims to increase
Visit ilfbpartners.com/preserving-flowers to find additional tips. production of and
• Choose a flower that lends itself well to drying. Baby’s breath, celosia, access to fresh food, is
yarrow, statice, strawflower and artemisia are good for this. heading to the doctor’s
office with the program
• Pick the best-quality blooms. Fresh, unwilted flowers that haven’t
“Rx for Vegetables.”
started to age or decline are best.
In an effort to curb
• Choose the right method. Air-drying is the easiest and most popular.
rising health-care costs,
Strip the stem’s foliage, tie the flowers into small bundles and hang
this program encourages
upside down in a warm, dry, dimly lit area with good air circulation.
doctors to prescribe
fruits and vegetables. If
the program gets off the
ground, the prescriptions
Finding Farm fun could be exchanged at
What better way to enjoy summer vacation than local farmers’ markets
exploring Illinois’ great agritourism attractions? The for a week’s worth of
Illinois Ag Fun website, www.agfun.com, can help locate fresh produce.
your nearest farmers’ markets, orchards, wineries and To learn more about
pumpkin patches. The website, provided by Agriculture Rx for Vegetables and
and Tourism Partners of Illinois, makes it simple. Just similar programs from
select the region you want to visit and the type of the Wholesome Wave
activity you want to explore, and it does the rest. Foundation, visit www.
wholesomewave.org.

Summer 2011 ilfbpartners.com 7

 8  Illinois Farm Bureau
 Just What the
Med Student
Ordered Rural medical student assistance program
has fostered generations of caregivers
storY BY Martin Ross

W hen Paul Pedersen

began his practice in Bloomington,
medical procedures that are today
Rural Illinois Medical Student
Assistance Program (RIMSAP) that
helped launch his career. The
commitment,” he stresses.
University of Illinois medical
school graduate and RIMSAP
considered commonplace were program, founded in 1948, provides participant Nicole Kennedy has that
extremely rare. “We were talking about recommendations and low-interest commitment. The 2002 Carlyle High
getting CT scans,” he says of the loans for prospective rural Illinois School graduate is a family practice
crucial cancer-detection tool that has doctors. Pedersen has served for intern in Greenwood, S.C., on a track
since come into widespread use. nearly 20 years on RIMSAP’s to practice in a rural area in Illinois,
Thirty years later, Dr. Pedersen is selection committee. “likely south of Springfield,” she says.
vice president and chief medical A concentration of physicians goes “I want to have that practice I can
officer at Bloomington’s OSF-St. into urban or suburban communities, stay with and where I know my
Joseph Medical Center, a key health- Pedersen says, not only for lifestyle patients,” Kennedy says. “I did a rural
care facility within a bustling Central reasons, but also because of student preceptor program for 6 ½
Illinois hub. technology gaps between urban and months my third year of medical
Pedersen hasn’t forgotten the rural communities. Serving rural school at a family practice in
boost from Illinois Farm Bureau’s patients requires “a different Harrisburg in Southern Illinois. I

Dr. Nicole Kennedy is a participant in the Rural Illinios Medical Student Assistance Program, or RIMSAP, which helps doctors pay for
their education in return for a commitment to serve rural areas of the state in need of doctors. After she completes her residency at
Self Regional Healthcare in South Carolina, Kennedy plans to return to a rural community in Southern Illinois. photo by jeffrey S. OTTO

Summer 2011 ilfbpartners.com 9

 Ken Kashian

jeffrey s. otto

Ken Kashian

Ken Kashian

10  Illinois Farm Bureau

 really got to see what a smaller-town
physician can do, how they can build
relationships with their patients.” How to Apply for RIMSAP
That close connection with deadline for RIMSAP applications is oct. 1
patients is important to Kennedy.
“It makes a big difference when
you know who’s coming in,” she says. T he Illinois State Medical Society and Illinois Farm Bureau’s Rural Illinois
Medical Student Assistance Program (RIMSAP) have helped 800-plus
would-be doctors gain admittance to the University of Illinois College of Medicine
“You may know what’s going on in
and/or obtain educational loans. Participants must specialize in a primary health
their family – often, I would see
field and practice in an approved rural Illinois community for one to five years.
Grandma, Mom and the child,
For details on how to apply, visit www.rimsap.com; email dgallivan@ilfb.org;
sometimes all in the same day. You call (309) 557-2538; or write Mariah Dale-Anderson, Manager, Rural Illinois
can do that as a family physician.” Medical Student Assistance Program, 1701 N. Towanda Ave., P.O. Box 2901,
Kennedy hopes to focus on Bloomington, IL 61702.
women’s health, though she has The RIMSAP application should be mailed no later than Oct. 1.
concerns about medical malpractice
awards in the state’s southern region.
“The situation isn’t the best in More online
Illinois right now for family Find an application and additional program information at www.rimsap.com.
physicians to do obstetrics,” she says.
Past RIMSAP participant Carrie
Sharkey Asner now trains third-year bad and him having to go to an grade point average might not have
med students at the U of I College of emergency room,” Asner says. made him a strong candidate for the
Medicine at Rockford’s Rockton Family Also vital in creating that patient- U of I program.
Practice Clinic. The students alone see, centric environment is health literacy, “RIMSAP allowed me to get into
on average, one patient every hour. or patient education through simple medical school,” he says.
“Our goal is to try to get people to English rather than complicated Pedersen’s wife, Ginni, was a
go into family practice when they see med-school jargon. “Make sure you Chicago-area nurse, and he
how much ‘fun’ we have,” says Asner, use the common words,” Asner transferred to the Windy City for his
a mother of three and wife of a explains. “Use examples, like, ‘The medical education and residency.
neurosurgeon. blood vessels are like pipes.’ ” In 1980, he returned to work with
Asner, who began practicing in Back in Bloomington, Pedersen a quartet of general internists in
1991, helps provide prenatal care and recalls how he was selected for the Bloomington-Normal – then a far
guidance for clinic clients. She sees RIMSAP program following his 1973 smaller community eligible for
programs such as RIMSAP as crucial graduation from Illinois Wesleyan service under RIMSAP obligations.
to establishing a comfortable and University, earning recommendations Nearly half his patients were
trustworthy “patient home” that critical to admission into the U of I scattered through surrounding rural
fosters preventative care and College of Medicine. towns such as Lexington, Chenoa
maintenance and, in turn, reduces Pedersen grew up in Belvidere, and Colfax. “To the limit I practice
the need for – and potential costs of which at the time was a community medicine nowadays, they still are,”
– later emergency care. of roughly 15,000. College preparation Pedersen says.
“If a patient sees a provider at Pedersen’s small high school “was After all, for RIMSAP participants
consistently and the patient’s asthma not as extensive as it might have such as Pedersen, providing medical
is starting to get a little out of been,” he says. While he graduated care to rural communities isn’t just
control, we can begin to address it from initially “decent” grades to high important – it’s the foundation of
then, instead of waiting for it to get marks at Wesleyan, his cumulative their career.

Clockwise from top: A tractor rollover simulation helps train students from the University of Illinois’ Rural Medical Education program;
Dr. Paul Pedersen, right, credits RIMSAP with getting him into medical school; past RIMSAP participant Dr. Carrie Sharkey Asner, second from
left, trains students at the U of I Rockton Clinic; Kennedy enjoys the close doctor-patient connection that comes with working in rural areas.

Summer 2011 ilfbpartners.com 11

 12  Illinois Farm Bureau
 Udder
Delight
Robot milking technology rejuvenates Villa Rosa dairy farm
Joanie Stiers
storY BY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Antony Boshier

A t one Southern Illinois dairy

farm, cows are milked at their leisure, instead
of the typical twice-a-day schedule. But it’s
“We didn’t want to give up milking
cows,” says Kyle, who has farmed with his
brother for eight years. “We both love it. But
not the fifth-generation dairy farmers doing we knew we had to give up something if we
the milking; the cows are milked by robots, wanted to keep going. The robots were our
allowing the farmers to spend more time on way out. We could still keep the cows and
other farm duties and with their family. still milk and not have that ‘milk-twice-a- Video online
No Time for Family day’ routine.” Watch Kurt Johnson
Less than two years ago, brothers Kyle The Johnson brothers own Villa Rosa explain the robotic milking
Inc., a family dairy farm and custom hay technology and see how
and Kurt Johnson faced an outdated it works in a video at
milking parlor, labor issues and limited business in Greenville, about 45 minutes ilfbpartners.com/
family time. In a progressive move, these east of St. Louis. Kyle lives on the farm with robotic-milking.
young farmers became one of the first his wife, Kristy, and 4-year-old son, Kaleb.
Illinois dairy farms to adopt robotic Kurt lives two miles away with his wife,
milking technology. Whitney. Grandpa Bill Schrage lives in an

Kyle, second from left, and Kurt Johnson, who took over the family dairy farm from their grandfather Bill
Schrage, center, adopted robotic milking technology to be able to spend more time with their families.

Summer 2011 ilfbpartners.com 13

 Kyle Johnson monitors one of the farm’s two Lely Astronaut A3 robots, which allow the family’s cows to be milked at their leisure.

apartment above the old milking Johnson brothers found they worked new parlor and hiring employees.
parlor on the farm. 16-hour days and still fell behind. However, as they toured Wisconsin
The brothers took over Grandpa’s Their days included milking 80 cows dairy farms with robots, they learned
farm after earning bachelor’s degrees from 4 to 8 a.m. Then they worked that automation was a more
from Southern Illinois University. eight hours on chores, maintenance, economical choice for their farm.
“This was my grandfather’s farm, fieldwork and forage harvesting. By 4 The Johnsons overcame the two
and basically, growing up, this was p.m. they again were attaching milk major hurdles: financing and service.
our daycare,” says Kyle, whose uncles machines to cows for four hours. They qualified for a low-interest loan
farmed it before him. “We were out Kyle’s son was asleep when he left for beginning farmers from the Farm
here helping him from knee-high on. the house and ready for bed when he Service Agency to buy two robots
We both fell in love with it.” finished a day’s work. The milking valued at $190,000 each. They also
parlor was outdated. Labor was an located a dealer to service them in
Switch to Automation issue. Expansion was inhibited. The Southern Illinois.
Soon after assuming the farm, the brothers first considered building a Two Lely Astronaut A3 robots
14  Illinois Farm Bureau
 # Robotic
Milking By
the Numbers

8
hours a day the Johnson
brothers previously spent
milking their cows

23.5
hours a day the robotic
chutes are open to
the cows

15
percent more milk
produced since the
farm switched to
robotic milking

20
number of cows they’ve
added to their herd
since the switch

started milking their herd at 4 p.m. production by 15 to 20 percent, or production and statistics, such as cow
Dec. 8, 2009. more than 1 gallon per day, over the weight and udder health.
“That’s a day I will never forget,” previous method. The farm now Kyle believes his herd is calmer
Kyle says. averages just more than 8 gallons per now that the cows give milk at their
cow daily and has increased the herd leisure, instead of the brothers
Cows Are Happy, Too size by 20 since the robots arrived. scheduling their twice-daily milking.
The robotic chutes are open to the Outside of milking time, the “I still have just as much human
cows day or night, except for the two farm’s 100 cows graze pastures in interaction with my cows,” he says.
15-minute wash cycles. The cows summer or roam a free-stall barn in “I’m still out in my lot. I still make
enter the chute an average of three winter. Each cow wears a neckband sure my cows are healthy. I still have
times a day to eat high-energy feed with a transponder. This cows that come up to me, and I
while being milked. This frequency, communicates with the computer pet them.”
combined with the high-energy feed, system to store information for each The difference is that he better
has increased per-cow milk cow, including feed quantities, milk manages other tasks, too.
Summer 2011 ilfbpartners.com 15
 Got Reasons to
Drink More Milk?
Ten benefits of adding more milk and dairy to your diet
fun facts With robotic milking technology, Kurt 3. It is the top diet source of Vitamin D,
from the farm and Kyle Johnson have been able to increase considered by some as a super nutrient that
Did you know that more
their milk production by 15 to 20 percent. may help support muscles and a healthy
than 1,000 new dairy
products are introduced Here are 10 reasons we should increase our immune system.
each year? How about that own consumption of cows’ milk and dairy
one record-holding Holstein products such as cheese and yogurt. 4. Three servings daily, as part of a balanced
cow that produced a
diet, may help maintain a healthy weight.
whopping 59,000 gallons
1. With nine essential nutrients, it’s a
of milk in a year?
Find these and more nutritional bargain at less than 25 cents 5. Consumption fits into fast-paced
dairy farm fun facts online per glass. lifestyles. Order a latte made with low-fat or
at ilfbpartners.com/
fat-free milk, or stock up on cheese sticks,
dairy-fun-facts. 2. It helps build and maintain bone mass,
yogurt cups and yogurt drinks for calcium-
which may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
rich snacks.

6. It contains nutrients that help promote

healthy hair, skin and nails.

7. Potassium, found in milk, helps maintain

healthy blood pressure and regulate the
body’s fluid balance.

8. Federal and state agencies set rules and

inspection processes to ensure its safety.

9. Calcium in milk, when teamed with

brushing and flossing, may help reduce
cavities.

10. Low-fat chocolate milk can be used as an

alternative to sports drinks to refuel tired
muscles after intense exercise. – Joanie Stiers

Sources: www.nationaldairycouncil.org,
www.midwestdairy.com, www.whymilk.com,
www.gotmilk.com, www.discoverydairy.com,
www.nutrientrichfoods.org
16  Illinois Farm Bureau
 country® wisdom

about the author

Lorraine Zenge, ChFC, is a senior advanced
planner for COUNTRY Financial. Visit COUNTRY
on the web at www.countryfinancial.com.

Make Your Money Last

Establish financial security throughout your retirement years

Do you want to have money left at the end of your life, portion of your retirement funds so that the funds keep
or do you want life left at the end of your money? Making working and growing for you.
your retirement funds last a lifetime is one of the most
important issues facing retirees today. New retirees are Watch Your Withdrawal Rate
living longer than ever and face critical decisions to make Withdrawing too much from your retirement funds
sure that they do not run out of money in retirement. early on is a huge mistake that increases the odds for
running out of money later on. If you expect to live for
The 60 Percent Rule 20 years in retirement, you should plan on keeping your
In order to cover your essential or fixed expenses in withdrawal rate at about 4 percent to 5 percent of your
retirement, consider setting up a guaranteed income retirement assets. However, if you retire early, you should
stream equal to 60 percent of your annual retirement decrease your withdrawal rate since each withdrawal
income need. Your guaranteed income stream will consist decreases the remaining assets as well as the income and
of Social Security retirement benefits and a monthly growth generated by those assets.
pension, if you have one. If your guaranteed income It will be important for you to stay disciplined
stream falls short of 60 percent of your retirement regarding your withdrawal rate so that you will be
spending needs, consider working with a financial financially secure for all the years of your retirement,
planner to purchase an immediate annuity in order to including the later years. Therefore, living within your
make up the difference. You may even want to annuitize means – rather than looking at your retirement nest egg
different amounts of your retirement funds at different as something that you can tap into at will – will be
times to give yourself a needed “raise” in your retirement critical. You will need to develop a budget and cut back
income to keep up with inflation. on some things. Spoiling children and grandchildren with
large gifts is another mistake overly generous retirees
Stay Invested often make that can cost them later.
Keeping some of your retirement funds invested in the
stock market or in growth mutual funds is a way to hedge Seek Help in Developing a Plan
inflation and keep your retirement funds growing. Some Retirement should be a wonderful time in which you
retirees make the mistake of investing only in certificates are rewarded for your years of hard work. If needed, seek
of deposit and find that the low interest rate of their the help of a trustworthy financial professional to help
investment does not keep up with inflation. Work with a you develop a plan that will ensure that your retirement
trusted financial professional who can help you invest a years are golden – and financially secure.
Summer 2011 ilfbpartners.com 17
 Cozying Up
on Route 66
Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield sticks to
the basics after decades of corn dogs
storY BY Samantha Johnson
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Antony Boshier

18  Illinois Farm Bureau

 I f you’ve ever attended a state or county fair,
chances are you’ve probably sampled one of
the staples of fair foods: the corn dog on a
stick. But did you know this tasty treat’s
origin has an Illinois connection?
Corn dogs on a stick can be traced back
to 1941, when a young man named Ed
Waldmire was at Knox College in
Galesburg. Ed mentioned to fellow student
Don Strand that at a roadside diner he had Drive-In – located on old Route 66 in
ordered a sandwich called a corn dog, a hot Springfield – with the assistance of Ed’s
dog baked in cornbread, but that it took half grandsons, Josh, Eddie, Tony and Nick. The
an hour to cook. Strand’s father was a baker, sign out front proudly proclaims “Home of
so Waldmire thought he might be able to the Famous Hot Dog on a Stick,” and the
figure out a more timely solution. cozy dog is appropriately the most popular
A few years passed, and sure enough, item on the menu. Video online
Strand invented a batter that stuck to the “When the Cozy Dog Drive-In first Ed Waldmire’s grandson,
hot dog while frying. He mailed the mix to started, it was cafeteria-style dining with Tony, talks about his
Waldmire, who experimented with putting more dinner-style menu items, such as fried family restaurant’s history
the corn dogs on a stick in a USO kitchen in and shows how to make
chicken dinners, salads, jellos,” she says.
cozy dogs in a video at
Amarillo, Texas, where he was stationed in “We now focus on the cozy dog as our main ilfbpartners.com/cozy-dog.
the Air Force. His creation, which he called menu item, but still offer daily specials for
“crusty curs,” became immediately popular. the needs of our customers.”
Waldmire originally had plans to include a The popular location on Route 66 has
pickle in the middle, but according to his proven beneficial.
daughter-in-law, Sue Waldmire, this idea “Route 66 has helped the business to
was later abandoned. show people what dining was like ‘back
Though it took a little time to perfect the when,’ ” Waldmire says. “It gives them a
mounted rack that allows the hot dogs to be chance to experience a family-owned
battered and fried vertically, the batter business rather than the corporation chains
recipe has remained unchanged since 1946. that have populated the world.”
By that year, Ed Waldmire was selling his “We are very proud to have continued this
creation at the Lake Springfield Beach business,” she continues. “We know in our
House, as well as promoting it at county and hearts [that] Ed would be very proud to see
state fairs. The dog-on-a-stick concept how well the business is continuing to grow.”
debuted at the Illinois State Fair that year.
At his wife’s encouragement, Waldmire
changed the product’s name from “crusty if you go …
curs” to “cozy dogs,” and soon Waldmire Stop by for a cozy dog – which costs just $1.85 –
or bring the entire family and order a family basket
was the proprietor of two Dog House of four cozy dogs and large fries for less than $10.
establishments where the cozy dogs The Cozy Dog Drive-In is located at 2935 S. Sixth
were sold. St. (old Route 66) in Springfield and is open from
8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
“The current Cozy Dog Drive-In was
It’s closed on Sundays and major holidays.
constructed in 1949,” Sue Waldmire says. To learn more, call (217) 525-1992 or visit
Today, she operates the Cozy Dog www.cozydogdrivein.com.

Summer 2011 ilfbpartners.com 19

 Market
Meals
Summer recipes rely on produce fresh from the farm

Charlyn Fargo
storY & Recipes BY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Antony Boshier & Jeffrey S. Otto
food styling BY Mary Carter

20  Illinois Farm Bureau

 W alk through a farmers’ market,
and for most of us, it’s sensory overload – the
bright colors, the feel of fresh-picked fruits
and to improve the quality of your food.
“You can save money because what you
buy stays fresher longer,” Higgins says, “and
and vegetables, the smell of soil still clinging you can save money by buying in season.”
to the produce. It can be a bit overwhelming. Higgins went to roadside stands – the
It all looks so good, but what to do with all predecessor of today’s farmers’ markets –
that produce once you get it home? while living in California. “A lot of the
Michael Higgins, owner and chef of farmers’ markets developed in the mid-
Maldaner’s Restaurant in Springfield, does 1980s in the San Francisco area, part of a about
cooking demonstrations at the city’s Old ‘buy fresh, buy local’ movement,” he the author
Capitol Farmers’ Market and often buys explains. “With the rise of the dot-coms Charlyn Fargo got her
in California, a lot of younger people had start in food in 4-H. Her
produce to use in the restaurant.
love for the culinary arts
“For the restaurant or for the cooking disposable income, and they wanted to helped her land a job as
demos, I go the Wednesday before and scope improve the quality of their food.” food editor of the State
out what’s there – what’s fresh and ripe that In Central Illinois, Springfield’s Journal-Register, a daily
paper in Springfield, and
week,” Higgins says. “The last thing you downtown farmers’ market first started in
eventually a master’s
want to do is plan on doing something with 1982 on the plaza of the Old State Capitol. degree in nutrition and
fresh green beans for a demo or having them Later, it closed because of concern over registered dietitian from
farmers’ trucks driving on the Old Capitol Eastern Illinois University.
on the menu, and there’s no green beans.
She is passionate about
You have to know what’s available.” mall bricks. healthy eating, teaches
He makes his menus for the restaurant “About 10 years ago, the farmers’ market nutrition and baking at
based on what is available, then goes back came back,” Higgins says. “It’s been strong Lincoln Land Community
ever since.” College and consults as
and purchases the produce a few days later. a dietitian.
In Springfield, the downtown market is held Whether it’s your first time or weekly trip
on Wednesdays and Saturdays. to the market, Higgins offers these tips:
“It takes another trip, but I always look 1. Go with an open mind – don’t make a
before I plan because sometimes the plan until after you see what’s there.
produce changes,” Higgins says. “Sometimes 2. If you can, jot down what’s available and
on Wednesday, I will ask the farmer if he's go home and think about what you can do
going to have that at the next market. Even with the produce. Then go back and make
though it takes another trip, it’s worth it.” your purchases.
A recent trip resulted in thoughts of a
3. Try something new. Ask the farmer who
slaw made up of various greens and colorful
grew it his or her ideas on favorite ways to
vegetables sliced like matchsticks with a
prepare it.
coleslaw-type dressing; a summer stir-fry of
asparagus, peppers, carrots and garlic shoots 4. Ask questions. If you’re not sure what
(available before garlic has matured); and a something is, just ask.
quick and easy pickle from early cucumbers. Recipes follow to get you started with a
Later, he’s likely to pick up squash for a few of early summer’s best offerings.
tapenade, similar to a bruschetta.
Higgins isn’t convinced that a trip to a
farmers’ market will save money – fresh video online
Stroll through Springfield’s Old Capitol Farmers’
produce isn’t necessarily cheap – but it’s Market in a quick video at ilfbpartners.com/
certainly a great option for healthy eating farmers-market-finds.

Summer 2011 ilfbpartners.com 21

 Summer Stir-Fry
2 tablespoons peanut oil
1 bunch asparagus, blanched and sliced into 2-inch pieces
1 each green, red and yellow pepper, thinly sliced
1 bunch garlic shoots, sliced into 2-inch pieces
2 carrots, julienned into 2-inch pieces
1 round fresh ginger, minced
4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed in 1 tablespoon water
3 tablespoons sherry

Clean and prepare vegetables so all are about the same

thickness and length. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix
tip together cornstarch and water. Add soy sauce and sherry.
This stir-fry recipe can
utilize myriad fresh Put peanut oil in wok. When very hot, add ginger and
summer vegetables. garlic shoots. Add rest of vegetables and, tossing like a
Be flexible with what’s salad, stir-fry until crisp-tender. Add soy sauce mixture.
available at your market.
Serve hot over rice or as a side dish.

22  Illinois Farm Bureau

 Summer Salad With
Creamy Jalapeno-Citrus
Dressing
3 cups greens, such as kale, spinach,
collard greens and/or Romaine lettuce
1 red pepper, julienned
1 green pepper, julienned
3 carrots, julienned
2 fresh beets, julienned
2 fresh radishes, julienned
2 green onions, thinly sliced

Dressing:

Squash Tapenade ½ cup jalapeño orange jam (see below)

½ cup buttermilk
1 pound fresh pumpkin or butternut squash, ½ cup light mayonnaise
cut into 1-inch chunks ½ cup sour cream
¼ cup red wine vinegar or lemon juice
1 clove garlic, sliced
Sugar, salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar Mix dressing ingredients together and chill. Meanwhile,
3 tablespoons honey clean and rinse fresh veggies and julienne. To slice
greens, roll up lengthwise and slice chiffonade style.
¼ cup olive oil
Mix with dressing. Serve chilled.
3 tablespoons mint, roughly cut

Take a 12-inch sauté pan and heat olive oil. Add pumpkin Buy local
or squash, then add garlic. Add red pepper flakes. Add To find the jalapeño orange jam called for in this recipe, we
red wine vinegar and honey and bring to a boil. Simmer recommend checking out Cobden, Ill.-based Darn Hot Peppers
and wait for mixture to thicken. Add mint. Serve hot or online at www.darnhotpeppers.com. Alternately, you can
cold over sliced rounds of Italian bread or over roasted substitute with orange jam or marmalade and red pepper
flakes to taste.
lamb or chicken.

Quick & Easy Salt Pickles

2 small cucumbers, sliced in discs
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt

Slice small cucumbers into discs. Toss with the salt

and sugar. Refrigerate for a
few hours or the
afternoon. Serve cold.

tip
This recipe can be
made the same day it is
served. They won’t be
as salty as a typical
pickle; rather, the
fresh cucumbers
will have a sweet and
salty crunch.

Summer 2011 ilfbpartners.com 23

 Gardening

A Brief History of
Thyme Learn the legend behind this versatile herb
and how to grow it in your Illinois garden

D o you want to grow a plant whose

genus (Thymus) is more than 5 million years
old? Fossils show imprints of thyme species
nightmares. It was burned in temples, made
into a liqueur and even planted in orchards
to attract pollinating honeybees. A bath
that are still grown today. Thyme originated infused with thyme was thought to revive
about in the Middle East and spread around the tired soldiers and restore their courage. As
the author Mediterranean Sea. The name probably recently as World War I, thyme was used as
Jan Phipps farms, gardens, derived from one of three Greek words: a battlefield antiseptic. In fact, oil of thyme
writes and podcasts near thumus, meaning courage without fear of was in short supply at the beginning of the
Chrisman. She’s been a death; thymon, meaning to fumigate; or war because our main supplier had been
University of Illinois
Extension Master
thumon, meaning mind, soul or spirit. All Germany, now the enemy.
Gardener for 10 years. three refer to its use down through the ages. Thyme is a hardy perennial in Illinois.
Thyme was used for a variety of things There are more than 100 species from which
besides adding f lavor to cooked food. to choose, ranging from a couple inches tall
At different times it has been used as a to 15 inches; however, most gardeners grow
medicine for epilepsy, melancholy, gout and it as a low-growing herb or as a ground
24  Illinois Farm Bureau
 Ask an expert

Q How do I prevent
mosquitoes from
breeding in my two
birdbaths?

Answer It takes two

weeks for mosquito
larvae to turn into biting
insects, so flush out
your birdbaths weekly.

Q I have an open rain

barrel. How do I
keep out mosquitoes?

Answer You have

cover. Thyme is divided into two types: dry conditions so you won’t need much
two choices: mosquito
prostrate (less than 3 inches tall) and supplemental watering after it gets dunks (chemical) or
mounding (more than 3 inches tall). established. It does well in average to slightly tight-fitting window
The scent makes thyme a popular ground acidic soil. screening (barrier).
cover, especially when grown between If you are growing a culinary thyme,
Email your gardening
stepping stones on a path, because each cut it back heavily in early spring to
questions to Jan at
misstep perfumes the air. It also works well invigorate the plant and stimulate new ilfbpartners@jnlcom.com.
in rock gardens and walls since it can be growth. To use for cooking, hold the tip of a
tucked into small spots. single stem and run your thumb and index
Growing thyme is quite easy. It is readily finger backward down the stem to remove
available in nurseries as a transplant in the the leaves. They are so small additional
spring and early summer. Some species chopping isn’t necessary.
can be grown from seed, but the seed is Whether growing thyme for cooking or
extremely small. Plant it in a sunny location as an aromatic ornamental, enjoy the fact it
that is well drained. Thyme doesn’t mind predates homo sapiens by millions of years.
Summer 2011 ilfbpartners.com 25
 {Travel Illinois}
Metropolis
Have a super fun getaway in this river town
storY BY Jessica Mozo
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Antony Boshier

26  Illinois Farm Bureau

 L ocated along the Ohio River in
Massac County, Metropolis is small but
mighty when it comes to tourism. The self-
Metropolis
Must-Sees
Kincaid Mounds
Archaeological Site
proclaimed “Hometown of Superman” has
a population of around 6,800 folks and is Superman Square
accessed by Interstate 24 and U.S. Highway 45. Super Museum
The city’s motto is “One Small Town – Americana Hollywood
Many BIG Adventures,” and its quirky Fort Massac State Park
Superman personality caught the attention
Harrah’s Metropolis
of the Travel Channel in October 2010, when Casino & Hotel
it was featured on an “Extreme Towns” Metropolis Murals
special that explored some of the most
Metropolis Statues
unusual small towns around the nation.
Old Bethlehem
Calling All Superman Fans School Cottage

Superman fans of all ages flock to Summer’s Riverview

Mansion Bed & Breakfast
Metropolis, thanks to its reputation as the
“Hometown of Superman.” In truth, the
comic book hero was based in a fictional city
of Metropolis, but in 1972, the Illinois General
Assembly passed a resolution that declared
Metropolis Superman’s official hometown.
The city has made the most of its
Superman fame, naming streets and
buildings after characters from the well-
loved comic and erecting a 15-foot, 2-ton
bronze Superman statue in the town’s
Superman Square. The statue was
installed in 1993 at a cost of $120,000, the
majority of which was funded by engraved
bricks purchased by citizens for $35 apiece.
It is a popular photo spot with tourists.
After posing for a picture with Superman,
stop in the Super Museum on Market
Street. The museum is dedicated to all things
Superman and is home to the world’s largest
privately owned Superman collection, with
original costumes, movie props, toys,
posters, action figures and more.
Make plans to visit Metropolis the
second weekend in June, and you’ll
experience the city’s annual Superman
Celebration. Now in its 33rd year, the
Superman Celebration attracts comic lovers

Summer 2011 ilfbpartners.com 27

 From left: Fort Massac State Park; the 15-foot Superman statue; the Elijah P. Curtis Home

10 Good Eats from all over the globe and features guest Then don’t miss the Americana Hollywood
in Metropolis celebrities from the TV show “Smallville,” a Museum and Gift Shop located at Third
Smallman’s Family Superman trivia contest, Artist’s Alley, Man and Ferry streets. It celebrates the
Restaurant of Steel contests, live music, a carnival and Hollywood of yesterday and today, with
El Tequila Mexican more. Get in on the action by entering the collections from stars such as Elvis, Marilyn
Restaurant
$1,000 Superhero Costume Contest. Monroe and Angelina Jolie.
Ace’s Diner The Superman Celebration has been Metropolis has an affinity for statues,
(inside Harrah’s)
known to nearly quadruple the town’s and there are several sprinkled around town
Cubby Bear’s Pizza that make fun photo stops. Don’t miss the
population, drawing upwards of 25,000
Bill’s BBQ visitors. The 2011 celebration is slated for Noel Neill (posed as Lois Lane) statue two
Diamond Lil’s June 9-12. blocks from Superman Square; the George
Family Restaurant Rogers Clark statue at Fort Massac State
Duncan’s Steakhouse Sites to See Park; Big John, a local grocery icon at the
Farley’s Cafeteria Dive into local history with a visit to the entrance to Fort Massac; and Planet Globe
Rube’s Elijah P. Curtis Home. The classic Revival- outside the Metropolis Planet Newspaper on
style, two-story brick home was built by Fifth Street.
Willy Jak’s
Maj. Elijah P. Curtis after the Civil War and Speaking of George Rogers Clark,
boasts unusual interior woodwork. Located Metropolis has a trail named in honor of the
on Market Street one-half block from Revolutionary War hero. Take a scenic bike
Superman Square, the home is open for tours ride or walk along the George Rogers Clark
on weekend afternoons and by appointment. Discovery Trail, an 8.6-mile path that
Love the glamour and glitz of Hollywood? opened in 2010, linking Metropolis to

the first prairie state park

Metropolis’ Fort Massac State Park holds the distinction of being the first state park
in Illinois, established in 1908. It’s a treasured vacation spot for its scenic views of the
Ohio River and opportunities for camping, picnicking, hiking, boating and hunting.
But perhaps the park’s most valuable asset is a replica of the 1802 American fort that
once existed there, complete with two barracks, three block houses, officer
quarters, a well and a stockade.
The third weekend in October, the park hosts the Ft. Massac Encampment, a
popular event that draws 160,000 visitors. The event brings history to life with
re-enactors, period arts and crafts, mock battles and old-fashioned foods. The
2011 encampment takes place October 15 and 16.

28  Illinois Farm Bureau

 local flavor

Brookport. A large portion of the

bicycle and pedestrian trail runs
through Fort Massac State Park.
Right on ‘Cue
Bill’s BBQ Serves Up a Taste of Metropolis

O
Now That’s ne thing most Metropolis citizens have in common is their love for
Entertainment! barbecue – specifically Bill’s BBQ, an iconic local eatery that’s been
Book a room at Harrah’s serving hungry customers since 1965.
Metropolis Casino & Hotel, and Tucked inside a simple blue block building on East Seventh Street,
you’ll think you’re in Las Vegas. The Bill’s is known for smoked pork barbecue that is chopped for
252-room complex is a one-stop shop sandwiches right in front of you. It is also popular for its perfectly
seasoned cheeseburgers and cleverly named breakfast sandwiches.
for entertainment, with a vibrant
“The Heart Attack is one of our breakfast sandwiches loaded with
casino floor, live shows by big-name
sausage, egg, cheese, bacon and ham,” says Maranda Souders, daughter
entertainers and various restaurants.
of owner Bill Souders. “Then there’s The Stroke, which has your choice
Wrestling fans gather at of two meats, two eggs and two pieces of cheese.”
Renegade Pro Wrestling on Friday In addition to the food, customers come back for the friendliness of
and Saturday nights to watch the place. It’s not uncommon for Bill to be standing behind the counter,
wrestlers battle it out for a good joined by Maranda and her brother, Chad.
cause. Located behind El Tequila “We have hundreds of regular customers who come in daily, and with
Mexican Restaurant on East Fifth at least half of them, we remember their order and have it ready for
Street, Renegade Pro Wrestling works them as soon as they walk in the door,” Maranda says. “This is the kind
with WACA (Wrestlers Against Child of place where you can sit and talk with anybody about anything. One
group of older gentlemen come in every single day for coffee.”
Abuse) and donates a portion of
Bill’s wife, Vickie, helps out by making all the restaurant’s homemade
admission revenue to charities.
soups, which range from meaty chili to vegetable beef made from a
Ever wanted to learn to scuba
chuck roast. Then there are french fries, potato salad, coleslaw,
dive? You can at Mermet Springs, a homemade cobblers, fountain drinks and fresh-brewed iced tea.
full-service scuba diving destination “For people who were born here and moved away, it’s a piece of
on U.S. Highway 45 just north of home,” Maranda says. “A lady from Metropolis who now lives in New
Metropolis. Mermet Springs offers York ordered five pounds of barbecue the other day, and she was so
an on-site dive shop and scuba excited because she hadn’t eaten it in 25 years. She didn’t even care
instruction in an 8.5-acre, spring-fed how much it cost.”
quarry. It has been featured on the
National Geographic Channel and
If you go
has rare fish species, submerged Bill’s BBQ is located at 1105 East Seventh St. in Metropolis. It’s open 5
training platforms, dives from 15 to a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, and
120 feet deep and several sunken closed Sunday and Monday. The phone number is (618) 524-2503.
treasures just waiting to be explored.

Wall-to-wall history
Metropolis’ love for public art doesn’t end with its statues. The city also boasts a
half-dozen colorful murals painted on buildings along Ferry and Market streets in
the historic downtown district. They span five city blocks and are easy to walk to.
Each painting reveals a different aspect of local history, such as the fire trucks
mural that depicts the city’s various fire-fighting vehicles past and present, from
horse-drawn wagons to today’s motorized trucks.
Interpretive plaques attached to the murals explain the historical significance of
the paintings. Stop at the visitors’ kiosk in Superman Square to pick up a brochure
about the murals with a street map of their locations.

Summer 2011 ilfbpartners.com 29

 summer Events

Magic on the Midway

August 12-21, Springfield

Whether you’re looking for horse races, a Ferris wheel or a 500-pound cow made
out of butter, the Illinois State Fair has something for everyone.
More than 600,000 visitors from all over the state find themselves in Springfield
in late August each year for games and rides, arts and crafts, agriculture
competitions, and live entertainment. Enjoy the carnival in Adventure Village. Listen
to live music on the Lincoln and Northwest stages. Watch some of the state’s finest
horses race on one of the world’s fastest dirt tracks during the harness races.
And what about that butter cow? Hand-sculpted each year from unsalted butter
over a wire and wood frame, it has been the fair’s unofficial icon since the 1920s.
This year’s fair will feature themes for every day, including Horse Racing Day
(Aug. 12), Agriculture Day (Aug. 16), Park District Conservation Day (Aug. 20) and
Family Day (Aug. 21).

get More online

For more information including directions to the fairgrounds and a full list of events at
the state fair, visit www.agr.state.il.us/isf.

This listing includes a few events to add to your calendar in June, artists from around the region at the
July and August from around the state. Midsummer Arts Faire.
This three-day festival showcases
Dates were accurate at press time but are subject to change. Please diverse art styles and techniques
including original oils and acrylics,
check with the contact listed before traveling long distances to attend.
watercolors, sculpture, jewelry,
Additional information on Illinois events also is available online through
decorative and functional ceramics, and
the Illinois Bureau of Tourism’s website, www.enjoyillinois.com. photography. The artists are selected in a
competitive jury process from more than
100 applicants. This year’s event features
Rosemaling, Anyone? ornamentation, rosemaling.
The Midsommar Festival also hosts the 18 new artists.
June 21-26, Geneva Granquist Music Competition, the largest In addition to the fine art exhibit and
music competition in Illinois. sale, the art fair features food, hands-on
Ever tried your hand at rosemaling? Go to www.genevachamber.com to children’s activities and an architectural tour.
The annual Midsommar Festival Swedish find more event information. Visit www.artsfaire.org to learn more.
Days in Geneva is a great opportunity to
give it a try.
During this six-day celebration, the Art in the Park Tasty Chicago
whole family can enjoy great food, June 24-26, Quincy June 24 - July 3, Chicago
carnival rides, a parade, the popular
Green Expo, live music, a craft show and Spend a leisurely weekend in Experience an array of exotic, ethnic
the Swedish art of stylized flower Washington Park with 52 celebrated and local culinary delights at the 10-day

30  Illinois Farm Bureau

 Taste of Chicago. The lakefront festival Society, this festival celebrates the listen to great blues music. A special
showcases the diversity of Chicago dining history of the Prairie Mill, a restored exhibit called “Art of the Car” will also
and features music and activities for the 1873 windmill in Western Illinois. Tour be on display.
entire family. the mill and museum, visit vendors, enjoy For more information about the
The event began in 1980 and is held great food, enter the talent contest or event, call (815) 235-9755 or visit
annually at Grant Park, at Michigan watch the parade, then stick around for www.freeportartmuseum.org.
Avenue and Congress Drive. Parking is the delicious sweet corn dinner.
available in the Millennium Garages.
For more information about the
To learn more about this event and Flying High
about 19th-century prairie life in rural
event, call (312) 742-4387 or visit August 26-28, Lincoln
Illinois, visit www.goldenwindmill.org.
www.chicagoparksdistrict.org.
Find fine art, live music, good food and

Brews and Blues a sky full of hot-air balloons at the Lincoln

Little Mill August 5, Freeport
Art and Balloon Festival. The balloons will
launch from the Logan County Airport in
on the Prairie the morning, and tethered balloon flights
It’s hard to find a better way to enjoy and an evening balloon glow will follow
July 9-10, Golden
the summer than with a tasty bratwurst, later in the day.
The only restored, U.S.-built windmill a cold ale and live music. The 8th annual Other event activities include an 1800s
operating with its original millstones and Brats, Beer and Blues Festival at the craft fair, a flea market, wine tasting,
wooden gears is the site of Heritage Days Freeport Art Museum offers just that. beer garden and parade.
and the Sweet Corn Dinner in mid-July. Sample different styles of beer, enjoy For more information, call (217) 735-
Hosted by the Golden Historical fresh brats, chips and ice cream, and 2385 or visit www.lincolnillinois.com.

Summer 2011 ilfbpartners.com 31

 illinois in focus

canadian geese overlook

the shore of Evergreen Lake in McLean
County. The lake area features hiking,
camping and fishing opportunities. staff photo

Summer 2011 ilfbpartners.com 33