Gemini Giant's Returning Home, Wilmington Plans Huge Celebration

WILMINGTON — After being away from the community of Wilmington since early summer, the Gemini Giant will be returning to his hometown, and community leaders want everybody to join them for the celebration at the end of November.

"One of Wilmington's best assets is our small town environment, and we cannot wait to welcome our visitors and share that experience with everyone," Wilmington Mayor Ben Dietz posted on his Facebook page in recent days.

Back in May, the Wilmington mayor told Joliet Patch that Wilmington is known for its parks and green spaces. "So what a better location to put the Gemini Giant, right along Route 66, right on our island parks, right next to the Kankakee National Water Trail."

During the past several months, The Gemini Giant has been undergoing restoration work in Atlanta, Illinois. Now, that the work is done, Wilmington's Gemini Giant is ready to come home.

"He's in the last days of his vacation and will be on his way back ... and we're going to throw him one heck of a party! The public unveiling of the Gemini Giant will take place on Saturday, November 30th," Mayor Dietz told his Facebook followers.

"We've got The Route 66 Band lined up to play the tunes, The Route 66 Mobile Diner will be serving up classic diner fare, Route 66 Memorabilia will also be onsite. We will also have plenty of amazing photo opportunities as well, and the Island Park District will be ensuring all ages will be having an awesome time."

According to Dietz, over the last six months, Wilmington has been working on preparing a site worthy of one of Route 66's most iconic and photographed stops.

"We've created a new park, added new walking paths, & landscaping to sure those pictures are Instagram worthy. I cannot wait for the Gemini Giant to see what Wilmington has created for him," Dietz explained.

"For the locals ... I appreciate and thank you for your patience in allowing the city to create a space worthy of our beloved Giant. We wanted to make sure that the new home of the Gemini Giant is as special as he is.

"For those outside our local area. We cannot wait for you to experience the Gemini Giant in his new location. The city has built a brand-new parking lot, installed a new walking trail around the Gemini Giant display, installed a new Route 66 monument, a brand-new digital welcome message sign and native landscaping. Plans are also in place for next year to continue to enhance the area with new entrances to our island parks, additional amenities and a new kayak launch."

Related Joliet Patch coverage of Gemini Giant during 2024:

• Gemini Giant Unmasked: Wilmington Mayor Talks About New Location
• Gemini Giant Leaves Launching Pad, New Wilmington Spot Revealed
• Gemini Giant Will Be Moved To Safe Location: GoFundMe Vows
• Destruction Of Launching Pad Underway, Police Cite Owner: 12 Photos
• Launching Pad: Joliet's Museum Would Buy It, But Only At This Price