It’s so great when you find a product you love, right? It’s even better when that product is locally made. Just knowing you’re supporting businesses where you live feels good.
As more of us make a conscious effort to learn about and buy locally-made products, events like the Illinois Product Expo are a great way to get real local, real quick.
The Illinois Product Expo returns this year to the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield March 5-6, 2022.
It’s such a great place to discover and purchase local products from Illinois, and every food vendor has free samples. Should I say that again? EVERY FOOD VENDOR HAS FREE SAMPLES! Meats, sweets, sauces, snacks, spices, produce, jellies, jams, BBQ and even something for our furry friends. There is so much to see (and taste)! And once you’ve eaten your fill, there’s more: candles, jewelry, woodworking…you get the idea. Close to 60 vendors from all over the state will come together for these two days.
Also, there’s wine. Lots and lots of wine in the Illinois Wine Experience.
My favorite part about the Illinois Product Expo? I get to talk to the people to create these products every day, and I can try and buy them on the spot. Okay, okay – it’s also the free samples.
Illinois Product Expo Hours
Saturday, March 5, 2022
10am – 5pm
Sunday, March 6, 2022
10am – 3pm
Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrouds
Springfield, Illinois
Admission $5 per person
Children 10 and under are free.
Illinois Wine Experience
The Illinois Wine Experience features 14 wineries.
$10 Admission
Includes 6 tasting tickets and commemorative wine tumbler.
Additional tasting tickets are $1 each.
Written by Michele Mitchell, co-editor of justaroamaway.com.
