#62: The Great Inter-State Fair - Kankakee County Museum

The Great Inter-State Fair existed in Kankakee from 1911 to 1932 and took place in what is present day Old Fair Park. At one point, it was almost as large as the Illinois State Fair in Springfield. Jack Klasey of the Kankakee County Museum joins us once again to share the incredible story. 

Upcoming events at the museum:

The Geologic Story of Kankakee - Sat. Oct. 8th - 1pm

Artisan Faire - Sat. Nov. 5th

Learn more about these events at:

https://www.kankakeecountymuseum.com/

https://www.facebook.com/kankakeecountymuseum

https://www.instagram.com/kankakeecountymuseum/

Much Love,

Jake LaMore

P.S. Support Kankakee Podcast for as little as $1/month: 

https://patron.podbean.com/kankakeepodcast

#61: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church with Father Nick Greanias

I've always wanted to learn more about the Greek community here in Kankakee County. We're finally diving into that subject a little bit here on Kankakee Podcast with Father Nick Greanias of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Kankakee! Even if you're not a religious person yourself, please give this episode a try. The majority of the focus is more on the history surrounding the church and the Greek culture as a whole. I found everything Father Nick had to say to be extremely fascinating. 

The 87th Annual Greek Festival is coming up Sunday, October 2nd, from 11am to 5pm, at the church on 296 North Washington Avenue in Kankakee. If you really want to submerge yourself into the Greek culture, this is the perfect place to do it. Everyone from all walks of life is welcome! 

You can find more information about the festival on the Facebook event page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/807312553740607

Thank you for your time, Father Nick! 

Much Love,

Jake LaMore

P.S. Support the podcast for as little as $1/month: https://patron.podbean.com/kankakeepodcast

#60: The Bennett-Curtis House with Scott Zizic

We are on location once again for this episode of Kankakee Podcast! Except this time, we find ourselves at the most well known house in all of Grant Park, The Bennett-Curtis House. The owner, Scott Zizic, was kind enough to take some time out of his day to talk with me about the history of the house and the business he runs there. 

Learn more by visiting https://bennettcurtis.weebly.com/

Thank you for your time, Scott!

Much Love,

Jake LaMore

P.S. Support the podcast for as little as $1/month:

https://patron.podbean.com/kankakeepodcast

#59: Locavore Farm with Rachael Jones

Locavore, pronounced like carnivore, is someone who's diet consists of mostly locally grown or produced food. At Locavore Farm in Grant Park, you can dine on the land at a 100 foot table eating food that was all organically grown just a few steps away from where you're sitting. Rachael Jones joins us on this episode of Kankakee Podcast to share the story of how her family came up with the concept for Locavore Farm. 

Learn more at locavorefarm.com.

Follow them on Facebook and Instagram @locavorefarm.

Thanks for sharing your story with us, Rachael!

Much Love,

Jake LaMore

#58: Angela Morrey - Economic Alliance of Kankakee County

What is economic development and what does it look like here in Kankakee County? Angela Morrey, the Director of Marketing and Business Attraction at the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County, joins us on this episode of Kankakee Podcast to answer those questions! I know I have a much better understanding of what economic development is after talking with Angela. I hope you have the same benefit! 

Learn more about the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County: https://www.kankakeecountyed.org/

Contact Angela Morrey:

amorrey@kankakeecountyed.org 

Thanks for being on the podcast, Angela! 

Much Love,

Jake LaMore

#57: Electric Park - Kankakee County Museum

Long before the days of what is present day Beckman Park in Kankakee, stood Electric Park from 1894 to the early 1920s. Jorie Walters and Jack Klasey from the Kankakee County Museum join us on this episode of Kankakee Podcast to give us the history of the once popular entertainment spot. 

The museum's fall mums fundraiser is currently underway! Buy yours here: https://www.kankakeecountymuseum.com/product-page/fall-mums

or

Consider making a donation to the Kankakee County Museum here: https://www.kankakeecountymuseum.com/plans-pricing

Much Love,

Jake LaMore

P.S. Support the podcast for as little as $1/month: https://patron.podbean.com/kankakeepodcast

#56: The Name’s Redenius. Doug Redenius. - Ian Fleming Foundation

His name is Redenius. Doug Redenius. And he takes care of 41 authentic vehicles from the James Bond 007 films right here in Kankakee County for The Ian Fleming Foundation. 

View the complete list of Bond vehicles here: http://www.ianflemingfoundation.org/welcome-new.html

Email Doug: Redenius@ianflemingfoundation.org

As a huge James Bond fan, I truly enjoyed recording this episode. Thank you so much for your time, Doug! 

Much Love,

Jake LaMore

P.S. Support the podcast for as little as $1/month: https://patron.podbean.com/kankakeepodcast

#55: Heather Wagner - Country Singer

St. Anne country artist, Heather Wagner, joins us on this episode of Kankakee Podcast to talk about the newest version of her song, "Gone", that was just released this past Friday. 

"Gone" Featuring ATG, can be found now on all streaming platforms as well as a music video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/k8FWqiGvEik

Follow Heather Wagner on Facebook and Instagram @heatherwagnermusic. 

Thanks for being on the podcast, Heather!

Much Love,

Jake LaMore

P.S. Support the podcast for as little as $1/month: https://patron.podbean.com/kankakeepodcast

#54: Merchant Street Music Fest 2022

Merchant Street Music Fest, the biggest music festival of the year in Kankakee County, takes place this Friday and Saturday in downtown Kankakee near the train depot. I thought it would be fun to give you an overview of the local acts that are playing the fest this year. That way when you go to the fest this weekend, you’ll know what bands or artists you won’t want to miss out on. 

This episode includes interview clips and songs from Musa Man, Michael Rockert, Matt Shipley of The Strips, Matt Yeager of South Side Social Club, Hayli Martenez, The Simsons, Bluprint, and 1.21 Gigawatts. 

Visit merchantstreetmusicfest.com for the full line up and details.

Much Love,

Jake LaMore

P.S. Support the podcast for as little as $1/month:

https://patron.podbean.com/kankakeepodcast

#53: Strickler Planetarium - Jeri LaMont & Steve Case

I hate to burst your bubble but The Big Dipper is not a constellation of stars. I know, shocking, right? I learned SO many things while having a conversation with both Jeri LaMont and Steve Case of Olivet Nazarene University's Strickler Planetarium. Having a planetarium located in Kankakee County is a pretty cool thing. I think it is something that we as Kankakee area residents take for granted. I know I haven't been to Strickler Planetarium since I was in first grade in 1996 or 1997. As you can imagine, a lot has changed since then.

So what do you say we all get together and plan a trip there soon? Strickler is open to the public and they also host private showings as well. Start planning your trip to the Strickler Planetarium today by visiting https://strickler.olivet.edu/.

Thank you, Jeri & Steve for being on the podcast! It was an honor to meet you both. 

Much Love,

Jake LaMore

P.S. Support Kankakee Podcast for as little as $1/month: https://patron.podbean.com/kankakeepodcast