I Like Illinois
  • I Like Illinois
    • Did You Know...
    • On This Day
  • |
  • Economy
    • Business Success
    • Ingenuity
    • Natural Resources
    • Transportation
  • |
  • Living
    • Arts & Culture
    • Education
    • Tourism
  • |
  • Just the Facts
  • |
  • Opinion

Centralia Hot Air Balloon Fest

Details
Wednesday, August 13, 2025 11:00 AM

Balloon

Centralia Balloon Fest is an annual three-day hot air balloon event that takes place on the third full weekend of August in Centralia. The event is held at Foundation Park, a 300-acre nature park.

Read more …

Agriculture and Conservation at the Illinois State Fair

Details
Monday, August 11, 2025 09:31 AM

R

The Illinois State Fair has kicked off in Springfield – transforming into more than a celebration of rides and treats—it’s a showcase of the future of Illinois agriculture. From the early morning sounds in the livestock barns to the learning stations tucked inside the Agriculture Education Tent, the fair is packed with opportunities to see, touch, and understand what makes Illinois a national leader in farming and sustainability.

Young 4-H and FFA members proudly show cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and poultry they’ve raised with care—demonstrating the responsibility and dedication it takes to be part of the next generation of Illinois farmers. The competitions go beyond ribbons, fostering leadership and lifelong skills, and connecting communities through a shared agricultural heritage.

Visitors eager to learn about farming innovation flock to the Agriculture Education Tent. Here, hands-on activities where kids can participate in agricultural-themed crafts, games and meet young farmers who explain modern practices. These demonstrations make agriculture tangible, inviting visitors to ask questions and see firsthand how things like the food they eat everyday reaches their tables, connecting everyday fairgoers with the practical side of environmental stewardship.

One of the most popular stops each year is Conservation World, hosted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. This interactive area highlights everything from prairie restoration to river habitats, and features live demonstrations on how farmers and conservationists work together to protect land and water for generations to come.

Whether you’re sampling Illinois-grown produce, cheering at a showmanship contest, or learning about native wildlife, the Illinois State Fair brings together the best of agriculture and environmental care. It’s a reminder that the state’s rural roots and forward-thinking spirit are working hand in hand to grow a greener, stronger Illinois.

Reginald McLaughlin: A Master of Tap

Details
Thursday, July 31, 2025 09:30 AM

ArtistOfTheMonth 2025 TW

This month we are highlighting one of the most revered masters of tap dancing — Reginald "Reggio the Hoofer” McLaughlin. For more than 50 years McLaughlin has pioneered his inspired distinctive “hoofing” across the nation, showcasing his talents to a variety of festivals and classrooms with the goal of keeping this dance tradition alive.

Read more …

Route 66 in Illinois

Details
Monday, July 28, 2025 08:44 AM

PontiacRoute66-Mural-Car__Resampled.jpeg

Did you know Illinois is home to 300-miles of Route 66? “The Mother Road” is dotted with cute small towns, classic diners, roadside curiosities, museums and is full of history. Starting in the heart of Chicago, this route will teach you about Illinois’ past while experiencing Illinois’ present.

Built in 1926, the Illinois portion of route 66 has quite a few attractions for travelers and nostalgia seekers alike:

Chicago:

Lou Mitchell’s

Joliet:

Old Joliet Prison

https://roadtorock.org/

Pontiac:

Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum

Oakland Automobile Museum

Read more …

Cha Cha Slide invented in Chicago

Details
Friday, July 18, 2025 02:36 PM

CHACHA.jpg

Did you know the Cha Cha slide, a world-wide classic appreciated by all ages, came from the Englewood neighborhood in Chicago? In 1999, everything came together and DJ Casper laid down the vocals that changed the world. The beat was a house track created by DJ Hudson “Hot Mix” Beauduy and played for DJ Casper in a basement studio at 64th Street and Parnell Avenue.


The song was originally written as a step aerobics routine for his nephew. The inspiration for the track comes from the culture of the Chicago stepping movement. This movement pulls from dance styles across the country and the Cha Cha Slide is one of many diverse iterations.

Read more …

More Articles …

  1. Best fishing spots in Illinois
  2. Southern Illinois Gem – Shawnee National Forest
  3. History Comes Alive
  4. Artist of the Month: Miriam Paz
  5. Chicago Jazz Classic: Benny Goodman
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
facebooktwitteryoutube

Latest

  • A celebration of heritage and community at the Warren County Prime Beef Festival
  • Bikers on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago!
  • Labor Day in Illinois

Popular

  • Whitney M. Young Magnet High School in Chicago ranked #2 most diverse school in America
  • Did you know? Illinois is home to the only river in the world that flows backwards.
  • Artist of the Month - Jesus Cruz

I LIKE ILLINOIS © Copyright 2025

  1. You are here:  
  2. Home
  3. Living