Metro East Sun

The 25th Illinois Product Expo is set to return to the Illinois State Fairgrounds on March 2 and 3, showcasing a variety of Illinois food companies and products. According to Jackie Sambursky, IDOA Bureau Chief of Marketing, the event is described as a "fun and family-friendly way to showcase Illinois food and agriculture-based companies." Sambursky also expressed gratitude for the community's support in making the Expo a success for over two decades.

More than 70 vendors will be participating in the Expo, offering samples and selling products from various Illinois-based companies such as The Homestead Bakery, ReMARKable Caramels, Rolling Lawns Farm, Ropp Jersey Cheese, and others. Attendees can also visit the Illinois Wine Garden featuring 16 local wineries.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Expo, the first 25 attendees will receive a special commemorative cup, while the first 250 people to purchase apple cider slushies will also receive an anniversary cup. Additionally, shoppers can take advantage of the $5 for 5 promotion, where buying 5 products will earn them $5 Expo Cash as a token of appreciation for supporting Illinois agriculture.

The event, sponsored by various organizations including the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois Farm Bureau, and HyVee, will be open 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 free entry for children aged 10 and under.

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