Lemont Historical Society, Village Officials Travel to Springfield for First 'I&M Canal Day'

Representatives from the and the joined nearly 100 people from 26 organizations across the state last week for the first "Illinois and Michigan Canal Day" in Springfield.

The event, held Feb. 21 at the Illinois State Capitol, gave elected officials and state agencies an opportunity to meet with constituents who are involved with the I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor and the I&M Canal state trail. 

"I&M Canal Day is a recognition of the 40-plus years of volunteerism within the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor. We plan to make this an annual event to communicate that dedication to our state officials in Springfield," said Ana Koval, president of the Canal Corridor Association, the event's sponsor.

Organizations from throughout the corridor set up display tables in the hallways of the state capitol building to promote awareness of the rich diversity of the recreational activities along the canal.

Among the participants were Sue Roy and Sue Donahue of the Lemont Area Historical Society, and Jim Brown, director of economic development for the Village of Lemont.

"We had a wonderful time," Donahue said. "It was a great opportunity to network with groups who are of the same mind as us, who want to see improvements along the canal and more tourism."

Donahue said they were able to connect with Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) to share some of their ideas and concerns about the corridor.

"Some of the groups had difficulty meeting with their state representatives because of the state budget activities the next day, but Sue Roy was able to talk to Sen. Radogno and get some of our points across," Donahue said.

I&M Canal Day also included a trip to the Old State Capitol and a special Civil War living history presentation entitled, "Meet a Boy in Blue."

The Canal Corridor Association is a non-profit organization that "preserves history, protects nature and open space, and creates destinations where people can learn and have fun in the I&M Canal Corridor," which extends from Chicago to LaSalle/Peru.

For more information about the Canal Corridor Association, visit www.canalcor.org. More information about the I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor can be found at www.iandmcanal.org.