A Letter of Invitation from WSBA President:
Waterman hosts an annual event, July 21st this year, called “Summerfest and Waterman Lions Club Tractor Show” in the Lions Club Park, just south of U.S. 30. This year something new will be added: a “Soybean Adventure” from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Summerfest goes on into the evening with food, beverages, music and fireworks.
Illinois has been the top producer of soybeans four out of the last five years. Festivals exist to promote pumpkins, wine, strawberries, rhubarb, so why not soybeans? Our organization could promote an annual soybean festival in our area, bringing new attention to our Visit 30 region (Lee-Shabbona-Waterman) and new people into our communities.
This year there is an opportunity for WSBA members to participate in a Soybean Adventure fun-focused area. Your business or organization could participate by creating a soybean-related game or informational display that has something to do with soybeans. Think of it as a business/community expo with a soybean theme. Besides your soybean-related activity or display, you would also showcase and advertise your business or organization at your booth. It would be perfect if your business can somehow show a link to soybeans, but if not, you can just be creative and show a soybean topic people can relate to.
Examples to expand upon:
Soy sauce – what is it, how is it made?
Edamame – how does it taste, how is it made?
Tofu – what is it, is it a healthy food?
Are there soybean ingredients in some ice creams and beauty products?
A toy tractor display of soybean production would be informative!
Great creative with your own ideas or we can provide a soybean promotional idea for you.
Your business could give a prize, promotional object, or gift certificate to participants. You can also sell items which are pre-approved by WSBA and the Waterman Lions Club. This is an opportunity to promote what you do and contribute to an event that may grow into a stand alone festival sponsored by WSBA!
Call me (cell: 815-739-1178 or 815-264-3268) to reserve space at the Soybean Adventure and discuss your promotional ideas. Questions are always welcome! Our next WSBA meeting is July 11th at 6:00 p.m. at Waterman Winery. We hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Terrie Tuntland, WSBA President
In this original prairie town the first settlers lived in abandoned teepees before their homes were built Pottawatomie Indians lived southwest of Waterman when the first settlers arrived in 1835.
