Illinois Office of Tourism Hosts Birthday Cake Celebrations Throughout the State for Bicentennial Anniversary

CHICAGO –  In honor of Illinois’ 200^th anniversary, the Illinois Office of Tourism and local convention and visitors’ bureaus are hosting Bicentennial Birthday Cake Celebrations on Aug. 26, Constitution Day, in seven cities statewide.

Chicago-based Illinois Made maker, Eli’s Cheesecake, will provide cheesecake slices for guests at each of the seven parties, revealing a massive custom-designed, Bicentennial-themed cake in Springfield. Each location will serve slices of cheesecake to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. All events are free to the public.

“My father, Eli Schulman, the founder of Eli’s Cheesecake, was a member of the 1968 Illinois Sesquicentennial Commission,” said Marc Schulman, president of Eli’s Cheesecake. “That, plus the importance of our Chicago and Illinois roots, make it is a true honor for Eli’s to make the birthday cheesecakes for the statewide celebration.”

Participating cities include:

Alton/Collinsville

Venue: Cahokia Mounds

1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

38 Ramey St.

Collinsville

Champaign

Venue: Champaign County History Museum

1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

102 E. University Ave.

Champaign

Peoria

Venue: Peoria Riverfront Park

12:00 – 2:00 p.m.

200 NE Water St.

Peoria

Quad Cities

Venue: Pub 1848

1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

1601 River Dr. #106

Moline

Rockford

Venue: Burpee Museum of Natural History

10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

737 N. Main St.

Rockford

Southern Illinois

Venue: DuQuoin State Fair

1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

655 Executive Dr.

DuQuoin

Springfield

Venue: Bicentennial Plaza

3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

428 S. Fifth St.

Springfield

Eli’s Cheesecake will be served at the dedication of the Bicentennial Plaza hosted by the Illinois Bicentennial Commission, the Illinois REALTORS® and the city of Springfield.  The new pedestrian walkway links the Lincoln Home National Historic Site to the east with the Governor’s Mansion to the west along the Jackson Street corridor in historic downtown Springfield. The Plaza is dedicated to Abraham Lincoln’s vision for America as a country with opportunity and equality for all. Additional signature events are scheduled. For more information, visit: Illinois200.com.

“What better way to celebrate the past 200 years of amazing in Illinois than enjoying a Chicago classic treat at some of the state’s most beloved historical sites,” said Cory Jobe, director of Illinois Office of Tourism. “The Bicentennial Birthday Cake Celebrations are a testament to the authentic Illinois experience loved by locals and visitors alike.”

For more information about the Illinois 200^th Birthday Cake Celebrations and other Bicentennial programs from the Illinois Office of Tourism, visit: EnjoyIllinois.com/Illinois-Bicentennial

Learn more about the Illinois Made program at EnjoyIllinois.com/Illinois-Made/

For Illinois Bicentennial images and b-roll footage click here

Follow along with all the Bicentennial fun or join the conversation on social media with #Illinois200, #IllinoisProud and #EnjoyIllinois

ABOUT ILLINOIS BICENTENNIAL

On Dec. 3, 1818, Illinois became the 21st state in the union. The Illinois Bicentennial is a yearlong celebration of what has been BORN, BUILT & GROWN in the state and a reminder of why we are #IllinoisProud. Citizens are encouraged to participate in the celebration by visiting www.Illinois200.com and using the hashtag #IllinoisProud.

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The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism manages industry efforts that result in sustainable and significant economic and quality-of-life benefits for Illinois residents.