Metro East Sun

Senator Erica Harris celebrated the creation of the Neon Sign Park in Granite City, describing it as "what a cool new tourist attraction." She made this statement in an August 2 Facebook post.

"Congratulations Granite City," said Erica Harriss, Illinois State Senator (R), according to Facebook. "What a cool new tourist attraction."

In her Facebook post, Senator Harris shared a reel from Great Rivers and Routes, focused on the Neon Sign Park in Granite City. The caption of the reel read in part, "Get Your Kicks on Route 66 at the NEW, It’s Electric - Neon Sign Park, in Granite City, Illinois! It’s officially open, and we kicked it off with a BANG! This was a collaborative effort between Granite City, Great Rivers and Routes, the Illinois Office of Tourism, and outstanding local businesses that created the signs, murals, landscaping, and Chain of Rocks sculpture. The ‘ghost signs’ are recreations of original signs that graced the route in its prime, although Route 66 is in the midst of a renaissance and it will experience a second prime, based in culture, history and tourism, that will really rev up as we move towards 2026. When the mother road turns 100!"

Screenshot of Sen Erica Harris' Aug 2 Facebook post | Senator Erica Harris' Facebook page

Newsradio 1120 KMOX reported on the grand opening of the new attraction, which took place on August 1. According to KMOX, Scott Bringett of Ace Sign Company restored three iconic business signs: Hudson Jewelers, Reese Drug Store, and the Washington Theater. Additionally, there is a replica of the Chain of Rocks Bridge where visitors can attach combination locks in honor of family members in Granite City.

The outlet interviewed local tourism director Brenda Whitaker as part of their report. "Our goal is to showcase what we have," said Whitaker. "Bring people in and once they come in from Route 66, we can really show them what it's all about."

Erica Harris has served the state’s 56th Senate District since 2023. She is a small business owner with experience in marketing and communications; she volunteers with local charity organizations and leads youth groups at Metro Community Church. She also served as a member of the Madison County Board for six years, representing the people of the county board’s 26th District. She holds a degree in speech communication/public relations from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and is an alumna of Edwardsville High School.