A central Illinois Tourism official is excited about the first year of a special Route 66 exhibit at the Illinois State Fair.

The State Fair wrapped up in late August and Atlanta, Illinois Tourism Bureau Director Whitney Ortiz on the WHOW Morning Show Monday told Regional Radio News they were able to raise a lot of awareness about Route 66 and the hidden gems along the road, like Atlanta.

Gate 2 is where the Route 66 exhibit is housed and Ortiz is excited to hear in a few years, there is going to be a miniature walk of Route 66 from Chicago to St. Louis that is going to highlight the communities and Atlanta and its Paul Bunyan hot dog statue will be a part of that.

Ortiz was encouraged at the conversations she was able to have in Springfield as well promote some of the unique things that make Atlanta, Illinois special.

Ortiz believes Atlanta offers a great experience on the Route 66 corridor as it is not too big and everything can be enjoyed in a half-day or less. Find Atlanta, Illinois on Facebook or visit atlantaillinois.org.