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National Farmer’s Day serves to honor the hard-working farmers that dedicate their lives to supplying food across the nation. Farmers are responsible for the plowing, sowing, growing and harvesting of crops while maintaining the sustainability of the land and securing the safety of consumers.
In Illinois, farmland accounts for 75% of the total land area equaling 27 million acres. Farms in Illinois are the leading producers of soybeans, corn and swine. Illinois farms also produce other grains, livestock, fruits and vegetables including pumpkins.
In the spirit of the fall season, Illinois is the top pumpkin producing state and has been for many years. The pumpkins grown in Illinois are shipped across the country and are used for all our favorite fall activities such as carving, painting, baking and more. Thanks to Illinois farmers, families can enjoy the best parts of the fall season.
Thank a farmer today!
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The Illinois Department of Transportation received top honors among Midwest states in the American’s Transportation Awards for its commitment to revitalizing state infrastructure and enhancing quality of life for every community.
After nine years and over $896 million in funding used to support the project, construction on the Jane Byrne and Weber Road interchanges brought IDOT recognition for improving traffic mobility and accommodating the increasing traffic volume.
The project makes state history with innovative changes, including a diverging-diamond design on Weber Road by reconfiguring the interchange with Interstate 55. The Jane Byrne project involved rebuilding several bridges to make way for wider sidewalks and bike lanes, developments to Peoria Street that transformed the area into an expansive walkway, and adding an elevator to the Chicago Transit Authority’s Blue Line Station for customers with disabilities.
IDOT’s prestigious award is sponsored by the American of State Highway and Transportation Officials, AAA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in recognition for their steadfast determination in forging sustainable state infrastructure and remedying economic and social concerns.
This significant project and esteemed award is a testament to IDOT’s efforts in being at the forefront of innovation in our state and throughout our communities.
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Imagine you are a small minority owned brewery in Chicago and the owner of Samuel Adams, Jim Kock, drinks your beer right in front of you and tells you that he can smell the hops exploding! Talk about a surreal moment!
For Funkytown Brewery co-founders Richard Bloomfield, Gregory Williams and Zachary Day, they did not have to imagine a moment like that, because it became their reality at the 12th Annual Samuel Adams Brewing and Business Experienceship Craft Beer Competition.
The three childhood friends from Oak Park entered into the competition among 50 other businesses and became finalists at the New York Crafting Dreams Beer Bash. Their victory sent them to the national competition, where they reigned supreme giving them access to mentorship, networking, and funding from Samuel Adams Brewing.
Funkytown Brewery is more than just craft beer. They build their business on values centered around culture and community involvement. They believe in making craft beer more accessible to women, Black people, and other demographics that are usually not at the top of the market minds of brewers.
.Funkytown started from small brew batches in their parent’s garage and is now sold at over 600 locations across the Chicagoland area and Wisconsin including Wrigley Field and the United Center. This September the co-founders will create a craft beer to showcase at the Great American beer Festival in partnership with the brewers at Samuel Adams’ Boston headquarters.
For more information about Funkytown Brewery and how they are using their entrepreneurship to give back to their community visit them here.
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What was only meant to last one summer has now lasted for three quarters of a century! The Superdawg Drive-In in Chicago’s Norwood Park neighborhood celebrated its 75th anniversary on May 2 of this year. The shop is known in the city as a historic destination hot dog stand with a full carhop service. This family-owned business has thrived for decades and has become a staple for residents and visitors alike. U.S. Representative Mike Quigley entered the anniversary into the official Congressional record on May 2. Additionally, 39th Ward Alderwoman Samantha Nugent unveiled an honorary street sign for the original owners called Maurie & Flaurie Berman Way. This sign will be in addition to the already existing and legendary “Superdawg Way” sign on the corner of Milwaukee and Highland avenues.
Flaurie and Maurie opened shop in 1948. What was only meant to be a summer hot dog stand turned into a long-lasting family business. Their daughter and her husband, Lisa and Don Drucker, and their son Scott Berman currently own Superdawg. Flaurie and Maurie were high school sweethearts who opened the stand as newlyweds. Their love for each other, their family and their hot dog stand is still clear today.
Throughout the entire month of May, Superdawg will be giving away $10 gift cards at random. If you are a fan of the Chicago-style hot dog or just a good burger, you should visit their locations today for the chance to win a gift card!
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Do you like your eggs over-easy, scrambled or sunny-side-up? Well, any way you like them, you are guaranteed some of the best breakfast food in the nation at seven different restaurants in the Chicago area. OpenTable released its list for 100 Most Popular Brunch Spots in the U.S. using more than 13 million diner reviews. The top 100 span over 22 states, with Illinois claiming seven of the spots.
Whether you are a fan of pancakes, omelets or biscuits and gravy, Illinois has got you covered. The top seven best brunch locations include 3 Arts Club Café, Café Ba-Ba-Reeba, Summer House Santa Monica, The Dearborn, Beatrix and Mason Sabika. Beatrix is located in Oak Park and Meson Sabika is located in Naperville. The other five restaurants can all be found in Chicago.
Every location offers their own unique décor, ranging from humble café to chandeliers. You can dine indoors or outdoors at these breakfast locations. Some also serve dinner once the time for brunch is over. Menus may vary, but at every location you will find the classic pancakes and bacon with eggs.
Just in time for Mother’s Day, take your family down to some of the best brunch restaurants in town! See the full list of 100 Most Popular Brunch Spots in the U.S. here.
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