The Lincoln (Ill.) Courier was there when Illinois Route 66ers threw an early 90th birthday party Saturday for longtime Pig Hip restaurant owner Ernie Edwards in Broadwell, Ill.
The Pig Hip may be gone, but for its former owner, Sunday’s ceremonies brought back generations of memories.
“It has been just a wonderful day,” said Edwards. “I saw people and kids that I haven’t seen for 40 years.”
As Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County director Geoff Ladd awarded Edwards a plaque to honor his years of service and citizenship, he said, “I’m half your age and I don’t think I’ll ever get to 90,” to which Edwards, ever the salesman, quipped, “You’ve got to start eating more Pig Hips then.”
Edwards also served his signature Pig Hip ham sandwiches at the event.
Ladd also reported that the inaugural 37 Miles of Smiles garage sale along Route 66 that weekend was a success.
“This weekend’s garage sale has been by far one of the most successful first-time events I’ve ever been a part of,” said Ladd.
“As far as I’m concerned, the county-wide garage sale has proven itself this weekend as a fourth major tourist event in Lincoln and Logan County, in addition to the Heritage Days, the Balloon Festival and the Railsplitter Festival. I really believe it’s here to stay.”
Huskins said it was too early to give an official dollar amount brought in to local businesses thanks to the garage sale, but early reports indicated certain businesses may have doubled their average weekend income.
On a related note, the Edwardsville Intelligencer reported that thousands attended the annual Route 66 Festival in Edwardsville during the weekend. Strong attendance was boosted by good weather.
“The park was packed full. It stayed full consistently both days,” said Edwardsville-Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Carol Foreman. “My vendors sold their Friday and Saturday food all on Friday. The crowd exceeded anything we’ve had in the past.”
Both events were held in conjunction with the Illinois Route 66 Association‘s annual motor tour.