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Melissa Chrisman succeeds Crystal Howard, who led Bloomington-Normal tourism for two decades. Chrisman will join the agency in February, as preparations ramp up for the Route 66 centennial.
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The federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity [RAISE] grant program has approved $675,000 to plan and design the final nine miles of the 47-mile trail.
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The tour will visit cities like Chicago, Bloomington, Springfield, Brooklyn, and East St. Louis. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear and learn about the historical events pertaining to African American history through virtual reality.
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The long-anticipated grand opening begins Friday with a new addition to the museum's "giant" collection.
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The unofficial kickoff to market season presents opportunities to shop in Bloomington, Hudson, Towanda and Downs.
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The Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau received $180,400 from an additional $3.3 million in grants awarded for Route 66 projects throughout the state, ahead of the Mother Road's centennial anniversary in 2026.
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This weekend's offerings include two ways to beat the heat and a 10k run on the Mother Road.
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Atlanta, Illinois is ramping up tourism efforts, anticipating an influx of travelers for the Route 66 centennial. Visitors to the J.H. Hawes Grain Elevator can now view a decommissioned mine shaft on the grounds. The Atlanta Coal Mining Company Museum tells the story of Atlanta's 40 years of failed attempts at sourcing its own black gold. A nearby American Giants Museum is scheduled to open in July.
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The Normal Town Council on Monday approved final plans for a giant Route 66 sign, spelling out the town’s name at One Normal Plaza.
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The grant is part of 58 awards totaling $6.6 million through the Route 66 ($3.7 million) and Tourism Marketing Grant Programs ($2.9 million) to boost local tourism efforts and attract visitors to drive along the historic highway.