By Andi Anderson

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is set to host the 25th Illinois Product Expo on March 2 and 3 at the Orr Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. This long-standing event has been a vibrant platform, uniting Illinois food companies and consumers for a quarter-century.

To mark the 25th anniversary of the Expo, the first 25 attendees will receive a special commemorative cup. Additionally, the first 250 individuals purchasing apple cider slushies will also be gifted an anniversary cup, adding a celebratory touch to the occasion.

"The 25th Illinois Product Expo is a fun and family-friendly way to showcase Illinois food and agriculture-based companies,” said Jackie Sambursky, IDOA Bureau Chief of Marketing. "We’re anticipating the biggest Expo yet as we celebrate this milestone anniversary, and we’re so grateful for the support of the community.”

Over 70 vendors will be present, offering samples and selling an array of Illinois-made products. Some of the featured vendors include The Homestead Bakery, ReMARKable Caramels, Rolling Lawns Farm, Ropp Jersey Cheese, Jon Ellis Woodworking, Peter’s Produce Smoked Cheese and Goods, Turasky Meats, Uncle Joe’s Sauces, Engrained Brewing Company, and Creekstone Kettle Works, among others. The Illinois Wine Experience will showcase offerings from 16 local wineries.

Visitors can take advantage of the popular $5 for 5 promotion, where purchasing five products earns them $5 Expo Cash in appreciation for supporting Illinois agriculture. More details about this incentive are available at www.illinoisproductexpo.com.

The Illinois Product Expo is sponsored by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois Farm Bureau, HyVee, Illinois Wine, Harvest Market, FFA, Prairie Farms, and Turasky Meats. Operating hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 3. Admission is $5 per person, with children 10 and younger admitted free of charge.

While vendor space is sold out for 2024, Illinois food companies interested in participating in other programs offered by the Illinois Department of Agriculture can learn more by contacting the Bureau of Marketing, Promotion, and Grants at 217-782-2581 or visiting the website at agr.illinoisproduct@illinois.gov.

Photo Credit: illinois-department-of-agriculture