1/2012 - Tourism Council names New Board Officers for 2012 -The Menard County Tourism Council begins 2012 with 4 new board members, out of 7 on the full board.  All members of the board are actively involved in promoting tourism in Menard County, and all 4 new members of the board are taking on positions of specific responsibility. 
Pictured here are Louise Brown of Greenview (membership committee), Andrea Marshall of Oakford (secretary), Glen Baum of New Salem (vice-president), K.C. Sullivan of Petersburg (president), and Shirley McCombs of Petersburg (membership committee chairperson).  Not pictured are current board members Ben Kiningham (treasurer) and Dick Moss (membership committee).  Andy Maxson serves the council and its board as executive director.
The Menard County Tourism Council constantly seeks to promote bringing tourists into the county.  We are always on the lookout for county events and functions that may bring people in, and

12/2011 -Major Production Coming to Menard County - Its way early, but its time for Menard County citizens to begin preparing for next summer's production of To Kill a Mockingbird at New Salem's Theater in the Park.  Director Phil Funkenbush, Theater Director of  the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, will be holding auditions on Saturday February 4th, 11AM until 4PM at Western Oaks Baptist Church, 5345 Old Jacksonville Rd., Springfield. 
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is one of the most beloved and compassionate stories ever written. Set in small-town Alabama during the 1930’s, and seen with brilliant clarity through the eyes of a young girl, this Pulitzer Prize-winning tale is about innocence, tolerance, family and the courage to live what you believe.
To Kill a Mockingbird provides a much-needed platform for communities to come together, to introduce children to the story and its themes of courage, tolerance and justice. The summer 2012 production at Theater in the Park needs the participation of  Menard County to make this truly a project of community involvement.   Characters in the story include children of both sexes as young as 8, all the way up to men and women in their 60's.  If you are interested in acting or in stage production, there is a place for you.
Students and adults alike – crank out your library card, check the book out from your library and get familiar with the story, the characters, and the setting.  This promises to be a significant highlight to next summer's cultural offerings in Menard County.
Director Phil Funkenbusch looks forward to meeting those interested in auditioning or being involved with the production. He can be reached by email: phildean5@att.net, by phone: 632-2490 or 414-5268. “Please call with any questions,” says Phil. “Let’s make this a play we’ll all be proud to be a part of.”

11/2011 - The Christmas Season Begins -The end of November and beginning of December signals that it is time to crank out your money and get shopping for Christmas.  Athens starts things off on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, November 26th.  More than 19 locations in Athens, stretching all the way down to Cantrall, will be involved in a shopping expedition known as “Christmas in the Country”. 
Petersburg's Christmas extravaganza runs three days, December 2nd through the 4th.  Shops throughout town will be offering Christmas goodies and discounts.  PORTA's Music Boosters are sponsoring a Christmas Bazaar at the high school on Saturday, December 3rd, featuring local crafts and vendors of all sorts in what is always a fun shopping experience.  Doors open at 8AM and close at 3PM.
The Farm, located in the southern part of the county, is holding an open house of Christmas crafts and gifts on December 3rd (10 AM to 5 PM) and December 4th (1 – 5 pm).  See http://visit-thefarm.com/ for directions.
Hill Prairie Winery in Oakford (http://www.hillprairiewinery.com/) will be the site of many entertainment events throughout the remainder of 2011.  Mystery dinner theater on November 18th and December 16th and 17th.  Live entertainment every Sunday until Christmas weekend, then again on New Year's Eve. 
Make your shopping and entertainment plans early.  The above events are not exclusive – there are many other options – read your local newspaper each week for more details.  You can help the Tourism Council publicize your event by sending email notice to “tourism@VisitMenardCounty.com”.
Also, remember that not everyone has the means to set aside money for Christmas shopping for friends and family.  As you go out this Christmas season, set aside what you can for those in need.  Give to your church, to one of the local food banks, to toy and clothing donation programs like Christmas 4 Our Kids or Angel Tree.  You cannot make a wiser or more rewarding use of your good fortune.

11/2011 - Focused Advertising Campaign -The Menard County Tourism Council (MCTC) is beginning a new advertising campaign which we hope will draw more tourists into Menard County.  The advertising is available to business members of the Council at no up-front additional cost, but to participate you must be willing to honor discount certificates, described in more detail below.
            We will design small batch, focused brochures for distribution to people or groups of people with a high possibility of visiting Menard County.  For example, our initial plan is to distribute a brochure to Women's Clubs throughout the state.  In this case, the brochure will emphasize the county's day trip (or two day trip) possibilities, including shopping, visiting parks and museums, touring the area's unique architecture, dining at some of our quaint cafes, etc.  We will also point out activities which may stimulate interest, like horseback riding, canoeing, golf, and so on.
            The very back page of each brochure will list business members of the MCTC agreeable to offering up a discount for visitors presenting the brochure.  The business owner or manager will determine what discount will be offered.  What you will have, in effect, is advertising tied directly to sales.
            Brochures presented for discounts will be returned to MCTC.  This way, we can get a look at how effective the advertising campaign is, and make adjustments down the road to make it better.  Each event for which a brochure is printed will be different, calling for different approaches.
            We also solicit you for ideas on who or what groups would make good targets for this kind of advertising.  If you have a big event coming up which could draw people from afar, let us know as early as possible and we will consider doing a brochure specifically for your event.  Mailing lists would also be helpful.  In some cases, the target population might not be individuals coming to your event, but family members who might come along and engage in tourist activities while the person on your list takes part in whatever you are doing.  We are limited only by our imaginations.
            If you have a business in Menard County that could benefit from this advertising campaign, please email us at “tourism@VisitMenardCounty.com”or call 632-0014 and leave a message.  That phone does not get answered on a regular basis, but is checked every day.  You will be contacted with details on how to become a member of the MCTC and how to be added to the advertising campaign. 

10/2011- Surviving the Winter of Deep Snow - In the winter of 1830/31, Central Illinois was hit by incredibly deep snowfall and an enduring cold spell of temperatures well below zero.  Known as the Winter of Deep Snow, the white stuff measured 48 inches deep on level ground out of the wind.  Where the wind blew, drifts piled up to twice that depth.  Cut off from the rest of the world for weeks on end, how did our pioneer predecessors survive?
It wasn't easy, but they survived the way they survived every winter.  They spent the fall season preparing for winter's desolation and cold weather, using survival techniques passed down from generation to generation.  Although they were faced with particularly extreme conditions this one winter, preparations made for every winter led to survival in the worst conditions imaginable. 
Many of these survival techniques were on display at Lincoln's New Salem Historic Site this past weekend.  Houses were made as draft-free as possible so whatever warmth could be provided by the fireplace wouldn't be totally lost.  Firewood was sought out and stockpiled.  Warm clothes were prepared for everyone in the family. 

10/2011 - Enjoy Illinois - Have you been sitting around on one of these beautiful autumn days, wondering what to do?  Want to get the family outdoors, away from the TV screen?  Tired of the same old thing, day after day and looking to get away?  Try the Illinois Office of Tourism's web site for ideas.
The web site (www.enjoyillinois.com) offers up plenty of suggestions.  Under the main heading of “Things to Do”, you can find information on cultural sites and events, attractions to visit, outdoor recreation, shopping, and sports  Under “Getaways”, you will find opportunities for families, couples, friends, outdoor recreation, the arts, and playtime.  You can find information on travel deals, and tools for setting up travel.
If you are looking for day trip possibilities out of Menard County, try the web sites' regional offerings.  Most of Central Illinois is listed under the heading “Land of Lincoln”.
Enjoyillinois is also the name of a smart phone application available for both iPhones and android-based phones.  This free application gives you access to the same information available on the web site, making it easy to drop whatever you are doing and get away for a bit. 
The Illinois Office of Tourism got it right – Enjoy Illinois! - Submitted by Andy Maxson

9/2011 - What happens when you cross your skis with a history lesson? - This winter when deep snow falls, think about getting out for some cross country skiing at Lincoln's New Salem Historic Site.  The village is surrounded by a large wooded area, containing three cleared trails each flat enough for cross country skiing.  The best time to ski would be right after a suitable snowfall, while New Salem remains pristine.
Follow a day of skiing by putting your feet up for a rest at Riverbank Lodge in Petersburg and sip on something hot from the bar.  There is much more to see in Petersburg other than New Salem, so a second day browsing through antique stores or lunching at one of the town's quaint resturants would be in order.  Petersburg is the site of several historic homes, including that of Edgar Lee Masters (Spoon River Anthology). 
There is work yet to be done (putting up appropriate signage, for example) but if you are looking for a quiet winter get-away, this is it.

9/2011 - Cruising the Rt. 97 Corridor - From north to south, Rt 97 in Menard County was full of family fun activities this past weekend.  Some of these activities continue into the weekend of 8/9 October.  If you weren't able to get out last weekend, you still have a chance to enjoy some the offerings.  A sampling of photos of these events can be seen at Facebook/VisitMenardCounty.
The scent of freshly baked cookies and pies led straight to the side door of the Oakford Town Hall.  Inside were several vendors of not only baked goods, but colorful arts and crafts of all descriptions.  For the people of Oakford, their crafts are not a hobby – they are a passion.  Oakford's Fall Festival continues on the weekend of 8/9 October.
Just south of Oakford, Hill Prairie Winery held its last festival weekend of the year, although there are many other events scheduled between now and year's end.  The festival featured a fish fry and fried chicken, and two bands providing musical entertainment.  Visit hillprairiewinery.com for details of coming events.
The Rt 97 Craft Show was held in the Pioneer Seed Building just north of R&H.  Featuring another collection of arts and crafts, as well as more delicious baked goods, this craft show will continue on the weekend of 8/9 October. 
Petersburg had much to offer over the weekend.  One particular event was the current showing at the Prairie Palette Gallery on the east side of the square.  Conceived and run by the PORTA International Problem Solvers, the gallery exhibits art works from several local artists.  As always, this current showing is impressive in depth and professionalism.  The gallery will also be open the weekend of 8/9 October.  Check out theprairiepalette.com on the web.
Continuing south on Rt 97, The Farm held its annual Open House last weekend.  The Farm features flowers and crafts made locally, beautifully displayed throughout the grounds.  See visit-thefarm.com for more information.

9/2011 - Traditional Music Festival -Huge crowds poured into Lincoln’s New Salem Historic Site over this past weekend, drawn by the Traditional Music Festival, clog dancing, good weather and a park full of volunteer historic interpreters.  People came from all over Illinois and several other states.  Camp sites were full and local retailers were busy taking care of a larger than usual number of customers.  Select photographs and videos of weekend events can be seen at www.facebook.com/VisitMenardCounty.
The Menard County Tourism Council loves weekends like this.  Our mission, after all, is to encourage people to travel to Menard County, enjoy what we have to offer, and enhance local coffers through increased economic activity.  More tourism means more income for local businesses, more jobs available in the county and increased tax revenue in support of local government (which means maintaining lower local tax rates).
You can learn about what the Tourism Council does to attract tourists at our regular monthly meetings, which are open to the public.  The next meeting is 7PM, Thursday, September 22nd at the Greenview Community Center.  Monthly meetings move about the county so everyone has a chance at attending locally.  If you are interested, you can become part of what the Council does by joining as either a business member or individual/family member.  If you have any questions or thoughts to offer, please send an email to the Menard County Tourism Council at tourism@visitmenarcounty.com, or drop a letter to P. O. Box 531, Petersburg, IL  62675.
Upcoming September events: Harvest Fest in Petersburg, National Alpaca Farm Days at Alpacas of Indian Point Hills, Blacktop Braggin’ Rights football game in Athens and, of course, the Tourism Council’s monthly meeting in Greenview.

9/2011 - Plenty of Family Fun planned for September - Last weekend’s activities in Greenview, the Ice Cream Social at Marbold Farm and Labor Day parade in town, provided family entertainment that everyone could enjoy.  Photos and a short video of entertainer Reid Miller can be seen at the Menard County Tourism Council’s Facebook page (VisitMenardCounty).
Next up is the Traditional Music Festival at New Salem the weekend of 11/12 September.  The village will be filled with the sounds of wonderful bluegrass and other traditional styles of American music.  The village will be staffed with a full complement of historical interpreters, giving visitors an authentic taste of American pioneer life of the 1830’s.
The following weekend, 18/19 September, features Harvest Fest in Petersburg.  There will be plenty for the whole family, including a parade, arts and craft exhibits, vendors, and plenty of food.
The weekend of 24/25 September offers up the National Alpaca Farm Days at Alpacas of Indian Point Hills, near Petersburg.  Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM, and Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM.  You will be able to get close enough to touch the alpacas, and see demonstrations of alpaca wool spinning, wet felting and needle felting.  Vendors will be on site as well. Visit www.alpacasofindianpointhills.com for directions.
Don’t forget the Sept 30th football game between Athens and PORTA – the Blacktop Braggin’ Rights game of 2011.  The game is being played in Athens this year.
Keep watching this column for information about Menard County events for October.  Every weekend in the month will feature events designed for entertaining the whole family.

9/2011- Festival Season Underway -Beautiful weather combined with the fun and excitement of Athens’ Fall Festival made for a rousing beginning to Menard County’s fall season.  The two-day festival on August 26th and 27th was highlighted by a parade through central Athens and a carnival with rides, food and entertainment at the park along the Athens blacktop.  In the above photos, you can see Miss Athens, Celynn Mayfield and twins Blake and Isabelle Shoufler enjoying the festivities.
There will be plenty of family entertainment throughout September.  Next up is Greenview’s annual Labor Day celebration on Sunday and Monday, September 4rd and 5th.  A parade, car show, tractor display, petting farm, bands, food and vendors are all on the schedule.  There will also be an Ice Cream Social at Marbold Farm, just south of Greenview, on Sunday the 4th.  This event, running from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, will offer tons of family fun, including The Reid Miller Show entitled “Tunes an’ Tales of Yesteryear”.
 As if that wasn’t enough, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site will be hosting a Traditional Music Festival over the weekend of September 10th and 11th.  This event draws people from all over the USA, and is highly recommended for people of all ages. 
Menard County’s fall festivals conclude with Petersburg’s Harvestfest, which takes place on September 16 and 17 in downtown Petersburg. A parade, scarecrow contest, bands, food, and vendors will go a long way towards filling the weekend.

8/2011 - Ice Cream Social Time - On Sunday, Sept. 4 from 11am to 4pm, come have fun in Greenview at the Historic Marbold Farmstead. Food, desserts, homemade ice cream, a train history program, a trolley tour of 6 Marbold related sites in and near Greenview, children's activities, draft horse plowing, alpacas, and more including a tour of the Historic Marbold home with authentic furnishings. Highlighting the family fun is Reid Miller Show entitled Tunes and Tales of Yesteryear starring tunester, storyteller and folksinger, Reid Miller. Four shows throughout the day. Go to historic-marbold- farmstead.org for more information.

8/2011 - Check out the calendar both on Visitmenardcounty.com and our facebook page - A new calendar has been added to the facebook page at facebook.com/visitmenardcounty as an added location for visitors to find information about what's happening in the county. Simply click on the link to the left, and then click on the calendar to get information on the upcoming events.

8/2011 - Membership meeting on Thursday, August 25 - Come meet the new executive director, Andy Maxson and say goodbye to outgoing exec, Laurie Silvey. Discussions about fall festivals, annual meeting, and more are on the agenda. Refreshments will be served. The meeting is at the New Salem Visitors Center at 7:00 pm. Hope to see you there!

8/2011 - Athens Fall Festival to kick off Festival season - Athens will welcome visitors from throughout the area to the city park as they host their Fall Festival on August 26 and 27. Planned for this action-packed weekend are a pageant, parade, vendors, crafts, carnival, raffles, bands and much more. The festival kicks off Friday night with the pageant to name Miss/Mr. Athens and Little Miss/Mr. Athens. Carnival rides, food, and bands will all be happening at the park until midnight. Saturday, the parade begins at 10am and travels from the high school to the park. All day long, vendors, carnival rides, games and more will provide plenty of fun.

7/2011 - Part-time Executive Director needed - Part-time Executive Director needed for the Menard County Tourism Council. Responsibilities include but not limited to: Community and public relations; support all operations of the tourism council; must be experienced in maintenance and update of website; write and submit weekly articles for local newspapers, also press releases; event planning and promotion; photography of events; monthly and annual membership meetings; advertising and member sales; Grantwriting. Submit resume with references asap to: tourism@visitmenardcounty.com.

7/2011 - Get ready for the fall festival season - Don't forget that all of the fun of fall festivals begins in late August with the Athens Fall Festival scheduled for August 25 through 27. A raffle, bands, carnival, food, and parade are all planned for this year's event to be held at the City Park. On Labor Day weekend, it's the annual Labor Day Celebration in Greenview at the city park. A parade, car show, tractor display, petting farm, bands, food and vendors are all on the schedule for the Sunday, September 4 and Monday September 5 event. Then, Harvestfest kicks off on September 16 and 17 in downtown Petersburg. A parade, scarecrow contest, bands, food, vendors, and all kinds of fun fill the weekend. An additional event for Petersburg is in the planning stages, to be held in conjunction with the Candlelight Tour at New Salem on October 7 and 8. Lining the streets from Petersburg to New Salem will be hundreds of luminaries lit by volunteers. Pumpkin carving contest, vendors, and downtown shopping are planned. Stay tuned for more details.

6/2011 - Marbold Farm Days a success - Despite dreary weather that kept attendance down, the Marbold Association considered their Farm Day a success. They were able to entertain the crowds with crafts, food, music and their special presentation by Badlands Bill Oglesby. The group plans to open up the Homestead once again for their annual ice cream social on Labor Day Weekend.

7/2011 - Fair to be held July 19-24 - The Menard County Fair kicks off for its 156th annual event on Tuesday, July 19. All kinds of activities are planned for the run of the fair, including the talent competition on Thursday, the demolition derby on Friday night, the antique tractor pull and kids activities on Saturday afternoon, and the truck and tractor pull culminating in fireworks on Saturday night. The show closes on Sunday with a truck show full of entertainment. For exact times and fees, go to www.menardcountyfair.com.

4/2011- Marbold Farm Days Planned - Located at the south edge of Greenview, Illinois, on Route 29, the 1850’s Historic Marbold Farmstead is in its early stages of restoration. On Sunday, May 15, Marbold Farm Day will offer fun educational activities, as vendors, speakers and displays turn the grounds into living history.
         Crafters will bring dulcimer making, bee keeping, chair caning, doll whittling, pottery, rope making, blacksmithing, spinning, grain grinding, quilting, soap making, rug weaving and more.  Displays of old tools, vintage hats, old tractors, quilts, Alpacas and draft horse demonstrations will be enjoyed.  Food and childrens activities will also be available.
At 2:30 pm, a special presentation by trick-shot artist “Badlands Bill” Oglesby will be held.  “Badlands Bill” has shot for Kings, Queens, and Heads of State world wide.

1/2011 - Menard County Calendar - MCTC wants to know about your events. We list them on our calendar pages, and also submit them to visitors guides and newspapers throughout Illinois to help you promote your events. But, if we don't know about them, we can't help you. Help us help you and send in your events to us at tourism@visitmenardcounty.com

1/2011 - Membership Drive underway- Our annual membership drive is now underway. We are dedicated to expanding the tourism interest in the rich historical heritage of Menard County and supporting the related businesses and tourism sites of our community. Added benefit for 2011 - Any business member signing up before April 1, 2011 will have an ad included on the Menard County Tourism restaurant placemat to be distributed throughout Illinois. No extra cost. Individual/family members get a name listing on the placemat. Also new for 2011 - member decals for all business members. Only $15.00 for individual/family members and $75.00 for business members. Contact Deann Shelabarger at larnde15@aol.com. Send payment to MCTC, PO Box 531, Petersburg, IL 62675.

11/2010 - 25th Annual Christmas in the Country - The 25th annual Christmas in the Country will be held on Saturday, November 27, 2010 from 8am to 3 pm at 22 locations throughout the countryside surrounding Athens and Cantrall. Maps of the locations are available at local businesses. For booth space or more information contact Karen Williams at (217) 691-0504.

10/2010- Special guest set for the Annual Meeting - This year’s MCTC Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, November 18 2010 at the New Salem Historic Site Visitors Center at 7:00 pm.  Following a reception with refreshments and the business meeting, a very special program is planned, which will include special guest Dan Guillory, author of People and Places in the Land of Lincoln.   Mr. Guillory will describe the life of Illinois settlers in the 1800s with his Fun Facts performance.  He will answer questions such as, “How much did eggs, potatoes and a “store-bought” dress cost in 1835?”; Why did many people “whitewash” their cabins?”; “How did Lincoln court Ann Rutledge?”; “Was Lincoln an Atheist?”; “What were the most popular three books on the frontier?”; “What wild game did Lincoln enjoy eating?” and many more interesting facts from his book.
The program will conclude with a performance of an 1860 presidential campaign song and a “show and tell” display of typical English china of the period. 

Dan Guillory is Professor Emeritus of English at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois.  He has published eight books, including Living with Lincoln and The Lincoln Poems (which is being nominated for the Lincoln prize and is being considered for adoption by the National Park Service).  Professor Guillory was invited to participate in the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Celebration in Springfield on Feb. 12, 2009.  He has spoken on Lincoln at museums, colleges, and libraries throughout the state of Illinois.  A book-signing will follow the presentation.  There is no admission charge for the annual meeting or the performance. All are welcome to attend.

10/2010 - Fall Festival Update - All three of the county festivals were a great success this year. Kicking things off with Athens' revamped festival in late August, they had the biggest crowd in many years for their parade, bands, and carnival rides. The Petersburg Harvestfest had the streets packed full with spectators enjoying the vendors, parade, and food, along with bands. Greenview's Labor Day Celebration couldn't have packed in another car as they had another record-breaking weekend for their car show. Visitors enjoyed walking through cars, tractors, vendors, a petting zoo, and much more. Planning has already begun for next year's events.

10/2010 - Annual Meeting planned - Mark your calendar to attend the annual meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 18 at the Visitors Center at New Salem State Historic Site. Refreshments will be served, a business meeting will be held, and then a very special guest will perform and speak. Stay tuned for more details.

9/2010 - Traditional Music Festival this weekend - The annual traditional music festival takes place at Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site this weekend, September 11 and 12, 2010. Enjoy free concerts throughout the pioneer village on both Saturday and Sunday.

9/2010- Revitalized Athens Fall Festival a success - The updated Fall Festival must be considered a huge success. Bands drew in hundreds of spectators and the carnival was enjoyed by kids of all ages. The Saturday afternoon car show packed the place with vintage and modern hot rods. The softball Tournament brought in athletes from around the area. Bingo, a motorcycle stunt show, a beer wagon, and food vendors of all kinds provided entertainment for just about everybody. Congratulations to the hard-working crew who presented the wonderful festival.

8/2010 - Follow us on Facebook - Don't forget to stop by the Facebook page for Visit Menard County. Several photo albums have been added recently. Write on our wall, and join in discussions. Add us to your likes, and tell your friends. go to Facebook here.

8/2010 - Athens Fall Festival August 26-29 - A new and improved Fall Festival will be held in Athens on Thursday, August 26 – Sunday, August 29.  Included in the festivities will be a parade on Saturday morning, bands, a stunt show, car show, bingo, rides and vendors.  The festival will start off on Thursday, at 7:00pm with the Little Miss, Little Mr., Jr. Miss & Miss Athens pageant. The carnival, food vendors, beer wagon and softball tournament begin Friday evening, with a band performing Friday night at the park pavillion. Saturday's activities include the annual parade at 10:00am, 4-motorcycle stunt shows (sponsored by RTD Motorsports), car show, softball tournament, and other planned activities. Southern Cross band will perform Saturday night at the park pavilion. The festival will wrap up on Sunday with "Family Day", which will consist of breakfast being served by the fire dept., sand volleyball tournament, and free kids activities.
On Saturday night @ 6pm the raffle drawing takes place – The grand Prize is a new Honda 250 four wheeler, 2nd prize- a 42'' lcd tv and a blu ray player and a wii, 3rd prize- a 42'' lcd tv and a blu ray player, 4th prize-a 42'' lcd tv, 5th prize- a laptop computer. Tickets are $10 each and only 800 will be sold. Tickets are avail at city hall, the Boars Nest, Jason Upton, or Bob Dowell.
    Also on Saturday, the Rt 66 Cruisers will be having the car show with numerous awesome cars on display. Vendors are signing up, but space is still available.
     Go to facebook.com and search for the Athens Fall Festival for more information.

7/2010 - Menard County Fair starts this week- Come on out to the fair for fun and rides - July 20 - 25, 2010. Tuesday, enjoy armband rides for only $12.00 6-9 pm. The Queen Pageant starts at 7pm. On Wednesday, Peggy Lowder and the Missing Muse take the grandstand after the variety show at 6:30 pm. On Thursday, it's the Talent contest. Friday brings the Demo Derby at the grandstand. Saturday features the Tractor and Truck Pull and fireworks. Close out the fair on Sunday with a Truck Tug of War and Mud Bogs. See their website at www.menardcountyfair.com.

6/2010 - Getaway for a weekend of activities in Menard County on one tank of gas - Menard County welcomes you to discover its history and experience its charm in a weekend of enjoyable and memorable activities on a single tank of gas.Day 1:  Friday August 20, 2010
Arrive this evening in time to relax a few minutes at your lodging site before heading over to Theatre in the Park for "Dividing the Estate", a comedy by Horton Foote. Theatre in the Park has provided first-rate entertainment for over 50 years. 
Day 2:  Saturday, August 21, 2010
Sleep in late or arise early for a good breakfast and some antique shopping.  Menard County offers a wide variety of activities to fill your Saturday afternoon. 
1 – Spend 2-4 hours at New Salem State Historic Site
2 – Take a guided one mile nature tour of New Salem’s trails (one hour)
3 – Guided historical tour of downtown Petersburg (one hour)
4 – For the adventurous, an introduction to canoeing (2 hours) www.newsalemcanoe.com
5 – Walk your choice of trails at Starhill Forest Arboretum (1 hour) www.starhillforest.com
6 – Visit “The Farm” with a huge selection of theme gardens and gift shop (one hour) www.visit-thefarm.com
7 – Bobtown History tour (one hour)
8 – Tour an Alpaca Farm (one hour) www.alpacasofindianpoint.com
9 – Visit Edgar Lee Masters boyhood home (one hour)
10 – Trolley tour of historic homes
11 – Long Nine Museum in Athens.  Often visited by Lincoln, this is the oldest commercial building in  Menard County.  (www.abrahamlincolnlongninemuseum.com)
Choose one or more activities to fill your afternoon and your memory book.
Don’t forget to enjoy lunch and dinner at one of our local restaurants. 
Day 3:  Sunday, August 22, 2010
Wake up and greet the day with a good breakfast before you enjoy one more activity before heading back home on the bus. 
Included in your package is a visitors guide and coupon book with discounts from many of the local merchants in Menard County. 
Lodging – Two nights stay with complimentary breakfast in your choice of the following:
Riverbank Lodge (www.riverbanklodge.com)
Maple Crest Bed and Breakfast (www.maplecrest.us)
Branson House Bed and Breakfast (www.BransonHousebnb.com)
The Oaks Bed and Breakfast (www.theoaksbandb.com)
Estimated cost including theatre tickets, 2 nights lodging, meals and Saturday activities is $145.00 double occupancy per person or $235.00 single occupancy per person. Call (217) 306-1832 for more information or to register for the event.

5/2010 - Check out the website for the Menard County Fair - The Menard County Fair has a new website at www.menardcountyfair.com. Stop by and check out the site, which includes history, photo gallery, information about the pageant, schedule of events and more. The Menard County Fair is scheduled for July 20-25, 2010.

5/2010- New placemats promote county attractions and business members - The new promotional placemats are finished, and have been distributed throughout the state to promote tourism in Menard County. The placemat, designed by local business member, the GoFast Group, features an illustrative map with county attractions, ads and locations for all 2010 business members, and the other side has games, interesting facts, and quotes. Around the area, the placemats are available at Uncle Tykie's Prairie Fire Grill, The Boars Nest Bar and Grill, Plaid Rooster, and Gillmore's Cafe, as well as the visitors centers, and The Farm. If any other businesses would like some placemats to distribute please contact

5/2010 - New website for Long Nine - The Long Nine Museum in Athens is now onlne at www.abrahamlincolnlongninemuseum.com. The site features history, the Lincoln Connection, and a huge photo gallery, hours of operation and more. Stop by and check it out.

5/2010 - Festival at Hill Prairie Winery on Memorial Day Weekend- Looking for an enjoyable weekend activity for Memorial Day? Stay in Menard County and head out to Oakford's Hill Prairie Winery for the Sixth Annual wine and Music Festival. On Sunday, enjoy four different bluegrass bands, and on Monday, it's blues day with two different bands to entertain. Admission is only $5.00 and as always, includes a wine glass to keep. Bring a lawn chair and listen under the pavilion all day long.

5/2010 - Two Wine-Tasting and Theatre events planned - Only 6 tickets left for the July 17 event. Don't wait - order today. Two wine-tasting and theatre events are planned for this summer. On Saturday July 17 at 5:00 p.m., catch the trolley at New Salem State Historic Site and ride to Hill Prairie Winery in Oakford for a tour and wine-tasting party before riding the trolley back to Theatre in the Park in time for the pre-show of The Light in the Piazza. Only $25.00 per person gets you the trolley ride, wine-tasting, and theatre tickets. On Saturday, August 7, catch the trolley at 5:00 p.m. for a quick ride to RiverBank Lodge for wine-tasting and social hour, and return to Theatre in the Park for the pre-show and presentation of the Carousel. Once again, only $25.00 per person buys it all. Tickets are available through Laurie Silvey at (217) 306-1832, or online here. Tickets Must be purchased no later than 3 days prior to each event or until limited space is filled.

July 17 event

August 7 event

3/2010 - Grant applications available - Grant applications are available for groups or individuals who want to help promote tourism in Menard County. Download an application by clicking here to have one sent to you. Deadline for this round of grants is May 20.

3/2010 - Thank you individual/family members- Many families have joined the Menard County Tourism Council in 2010. We couldn't do it without your support and we thank you. Thank you to: Marge Hodack, Don & Doris Hopwood, Ben and Beth Kiningham, Kathleen O'Hara and Ray Podzimek, Margaret and Ross Stier-Santos, Deann Shelabarger, Phyllis Steinhour, Guy & Edie Sternberg, Robert & Cathy Tapscott, Mary and Jay White, Sandra Wilkin, Gary and Marcia Winer, Bob Brauer, Shirley McCombs, John Buehner and Molly Hall, Gabriel Grosboll, Sandy and Walt Erchinger, Earl and Genevieve Pillsbury, Phil Funkenbusch, Tony and Paulette Doellman, Larry and Janet Thomson, Richard & Yvonne Woodard, Bernard and Mary Lawrence, Gene and Jackie Horn, Barbara Fricke, Tim Guinan, David and Mary Hedrick, Deborah Cavaugh-Grant.
You can join the Menard County Tourism Council and support tourism by sending $15.00 with your name, address, phone number and email address to PO Box 531, Petersburg, Illinois 62675. The Menard County Tourism Council is a non-profit organization and your contribution may be tax deductible. Contact Deann Shelabarger, membership chairman, at larnde15@aol.com for more information.

3/2010 - Thank you to our business supporters - Thank you very much to the businesses who have signed on to support the Menard County Tourism Council in 2010. To date, they include Alpacas of Indian Point, Boars Nest Bar & Grill, Branson House Bed & Breakfast, Country Hills Golf Course, Gilmores Cafe, GoFast Group, River Bank Lodge, Stier Trolley Express, The Real Estate Group, VFW Post 6871, The Farm, Sangamon Valley Log Builders, Estep & Associates Mercantile. Also, Menard County Farm Bureau, Theatre in the Park, New Salem Lincoln League, Petersburg Observer, Plaid Rooster, Potter Drug & Old Fashioned Soda Fountain, National Bank of Petersburg, Nikles of Petersburg, Blane Real Estate, Loving Creations, Athens State Bank, The Herb Cottage, Petefish, Skiles & Co. Bank, Athens State Bank, Maplecrest Bed & Breakfast, Gillmore-Allen Insurance Inc., Rock Creek Goat & Hay Farm. More are being added every day. Support those who support Menard County. Visit the business directory for more information about these businesses. It's not too late for your business to sign up to support the Menard County Tourism Council. Call Laurie Silvey at 217-306-1832 or email Deann Shelabarger at larnde15@aol.com for more information.

3/2010 - Support the New Salem Lincoln League - Tickets are now available for the annual quilt raffle. This year's quilt comes from patterns of Lincoln's life. Tickets are available at the Visitor Center desk, village gift shop or from volunteers. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. Drawing will be held on Sunday, October 2, 2010 at 4pm. Proceeds go to the education fund.

3/2010- Just Click to view the informational video - Learn much more about what Menard County has to offer by viewing the 9 minute video. The video, made possible by a grant from the Illinis Bicentennial Commission, tells about the many attractions, Lincoln sites, shops, unique lodging, and restaurants that Menard County has available.

2/2010- Grant check awarded -Athens City Alderman, Bob Dowell (pictured with Executive Director Laurie Silvey), applied for a grant to help revitalize the Athens Fall Festival in 2010.  The city received funds for advertising the event to bring in visitors to the county during the festival, which is scheduled this year on August 27, 28, 29, 2010.  Bob is working with the help of several committees and advance planning to give the festival a new look and excitement.  On the agenda for this year’s festival are a teen dance, parade, interdenominational church service, bands, carnival, vendors and more.

2/2010 - Added benefit for business members - Deadine extended to March 20 - Not only has the business membership fee been lowered for 2010 to $75.00, an extra bonus is available to businesses who sign up for memberships before April 1.    All businesses will be featured in a small ad on a placemat.  The placemat will picture a map of Menard County with attractions marked.  Surrounding the map will be ads for all business members who are paid by March 20.  These placemats will be handed out at local restaurants as well as at visitors centers throughout the state.  It is expected that the placemats will be completed, and 10,000 will be printed for distribution by April 10.   Contact membership chairman Deann Shelabarger at larnde15@aol.com for an application or download an application at www.visitmenardcounty.com. 

1/18/2010 - Memorial planned - The Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War will be sponsoring a Memorial Service on April 17, 2010 in conjunction with the Lincoln Tomb Ceremony in Springfield. The Lincoln Ceremony will begin at 10AM followed by a luncheon at the Inn at 835 located at 835 South Second Street Springfield. This will be follow by a ceremony at Rose Hill Cemetery at 3PM to honor Benjamin Stephenson the founder of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mayor Stiltz of Petersburg has already agreed to speak, and the VFW will present the colors, the Menard Historical Society and local Boy Scout Troop have also been contacted.

1/2010 - Grant applications available - Grant applications are available for groups or individuals who want to help promote tourism in Menard County. Download an application by clicking here to have one sent to you. Deadline for this round of grants is March 1.

1/2010 - Visit our supporting members - Please stop by our updated member businesses page to view our updated supporting members list. We thank those who support the Menard County Tourism efforts and hope all of our local residents and visiting friends will remember those who support Menard County's rich and interesting history.

12/18/2009 - Officers elected at December board meeting- The December board meeting was held on December 18, and the new slate of officers were elected. Edie Sternberg was elected President, while Tim Guinan was named Vice President. Deann Shelabarger took on the title of membership chairman. Ben Kiningham will continue as treasurer for another year. Bob Brauer, Shirley McCombs and Gail Adamski will serve as board members.

11/24/09 - Grant check awarded - Following their successful completion of the 2009 coupon book, volunteers Margaret Stier-Santos and Marsha Winer received a grant check in order to put together a coupon book for 2010.

Last year's book was more successful than they could have imagined, and included many discounts from restaurants, shops, lodging sites, attractions and more. Margaret accepted the check from executive director, Laurie Silvey during the annual meeting on November 19.

11/24/09 - Great entertainment at annual meeting - Brian "Fox" Ellis gave a wonderful performance following the business meeting of the Menard County Tourism Council on November 19. Brian, acting as Austin Gullaher, a friend of Abraham Lincoln, sang and told stories for an hour, captivating the appreciative audience. Brian's stories spanned Lincoln's life from youth to the presidency and his assassination. He included the audience, asking them to sing along during the chorus of his songs, and also used two audience members to illustrate one of his stories. Many compliments were heard after the free performance, as it seems that everyone in attendance really enjoyed the Foxtales.

11/24/09 - Board members elected at annual meeting - The annual meeting of the Menard County Tourism Council was held at the New Salem Visitors Center on Thursday evening, November 19. Following social hour and refreshments, a business meeting took place. Goals and accomplishments of the club were discussed, and a new project for county maps was unveiled. The floor was then opened for nomination of board members and Tim Guinan, Deann Shelabarger, Bob Brauer, and Gail Adamski were nominated and then elected by show of hands. They will join Shirley McCombs, Edie Sternberg and Ben Kiningham on the board on December 18 at the next board meeting.Pictured are board of directors members (l to r) Ben Kiningham, Deann Shelabarger, Bob Brauer, Gail Adamski,

11/18/2009 - Holiday activities planned- Plans are in the works for Christmas and holiday activities around the county. Greenview will hold its 29th annual Christmas in Greenview art, craft and food festival on Saturday, November 21. From 9am - 2pm, you can find country, primitive and contemporary gifts available for purchase along with delicious candy, desserts and baked goods. A soup and sandwich lunch will be available at the Greenview United Church. Over thirty vendors will be set up with nine stops on the tour. Maps are available at Caseys in Greenview.

Petersburg will hold their 5th annual Christmas in Petersburg on Friday, December 4th and Saturday, December 5th. Their Christmas Parade will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Friday December 4th. Other activities scheduled for the weekend include a cookie walk and craft show at the Porta High School. The Rock Creek luncheon and bazaar will be in the Senior Citizens Building and the Menard County Historical Society will host the annual Tour of Homes.

Athens' annual Christmas in the Country will take place this year on Saturday, November 28. Over 20 stops will be on the tour and will feature crafts of all kinds, as well as unique and unusual gift items. Pick up a map of locations at Caseys General Store in Athens.

11/11/09 - New Menard County government website online - Menard County government now has a new home online. For information on county department office contacts, meeting agendas/minutes, various forms and applications and other information about the county government, go to www.menardcountyil.com.