{"id":28934,"date":"2026-02-10T03:17:23","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T09:17:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/granitecitygossip.com\/?page_id=28934"},"modified":"2026-02-10T11:35:51","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T17:35:51","slug":"governor-pritzkers-unannounced-visit-to-granite-city-highlights-route-66-centennial-plans","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/granitecitygossip.com\/index.php\/governor-pritzkers-unannounced-visit-to-granite-city-highlights-route-66-centennial-plans\/","title":{"rendered":"Governor Pritzker\u2019s Unannounced Visit to Granite City Highlights Route 66 Centennial Plans"},"content":{"rendered":"

Governor Pritzker\u2019s Unannounced Visit to Granite City Highlights Route 66 Centennial Plans<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

GraniteCityGossip.com, February 10, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

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Charlotte Dixon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Brenda Whitaker<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker made an unannounced visit to Granite City, Illinois, on February 9, stopping at the Neon Sign Park to speak about the upcoming 100\u2011year anniversary of Route 66 and the state\u2019s plans to support communities along the historic highway. Because the visit was not publicly announced in advance, only a modest crowd was present, leaving many residents surprised to learn afterward that the governor had been in town.

A number of state and local officials attended the event, including State Senator Erica Harriss, Granite City Mayor Mike Parkinson, Coach Brian Baroni, State Representative Katie Stuart, Representative Blair Walsh, Jerry Costello, Cory Jobe, President & CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau, and Brenda Whitaker, a well\u2011known local Route 66 enthusiast. Other community members and Route 66 supporters were also present.

During the visit, the governor announced plans for a 14\u2011foot\u2011tall statue of Abraham Lincoln to be erected in Granite City as part of the Route 66 centennial celebration. The installation is expected to serve as a new attraction for travelers following the Mother Road through Madison County. Brenda Whitaker reminded attendees that everything visible at the Neon Park was made possible through grant funding, and she added that, beyond the newly announced Abraham Lincoln statue, more surprises are planned for the site.

Classic cars were on display throughout the area, adding to the Route 66 atmosphere. Many took advantage of the opportunity to pose for photos with the governor, including Charlotte Dixon, wife of classic\u2011car enthusiast Mike Dixon, owners of Dixon\u2019s Heating and Air Conditioning, who was seen smiling alongside Governor Pritzker.

The visit underscored Granite City\u2019s role in the statewide Route 66 celebration, even as residents questioned why the event was not shared publicly ahead of time. It was a nice moment for those in attendance, though many residents felt they were denied the chance to take part after receiving no notice of the governor\u2019s visit.<\/p>\n\n\n

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