Family fun, polka music, wiener dog racing, and German-style food headline this event

GALENA, Ill. - Get your polka dancing shoes on and your wiener dog in tip-top racing shape for the 7th annual Galena Oktoberfest taking place on October 5. This event takes place at Depot Park, 99 Bouthillier St., just east of the Galena River near the intersection of U.S. Highway 20 and Park Avenue; from noon to 10 p.m. Galena Oktoberfest is hosted by the Galena Lions Club and all of the proceeds are donated to help individuals with sight and sound needs, as well as to support community projects.

People of all ages enjoy Galena Oktoberfest, as it features non-stop live music by three bands,  polka dancing and lessons, wiener dog races and parade, a beer stein endurance contest, a bean bag tournament, bounce houses and activities for the kids, and of course plenty of German-style food, soda, and beer. The day begins at noon with a cannon blast and the ceremonial tapping of the keg, followed by the popular wiener dog races. Online pre-registration is encouraged for both the wiener dog races and the bean bag tournament.

The big white tent provides plenty of seating and shade for eating and dancing. Take a spin on the dance floor and let Jennifer Mulcahey, of Ballroom by Jennifer, teach you how to polka. Back-to-back bands include two polka bands, the Jim Busta Band from Spring Grove, Minn. and The Goodtime Dutchmen from Kewaskum, Wisc., and local, up-beat favorite The Lonely Goats from Dubuque, Iowa.

Gate tickets to Galena Oktoberfest are $5 for adults and teens, children 12 and under are admitted free. Parking is free near the festival site. Festival goers can also take a ride on the free trolley that will be shuttling visitors from the Galena's historic Main Street to the festival.

For more information about Galena Oktoberfest and the Galena Lions Club, go to www.galenaoktoberfest.com or call 815.331.0180. Visit Galena Oktoberfest on Facebook for updates and to find out 'Where in the World is Otto?' Additional area offerings and visitor information may be found at the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.galena.org or by calling 877.464.2536. While in town, visit the CVB's Old Train Depot Visitor Information Center at 101 Bouthillier St. for on-site assistance and countywide information.

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Springfield, Illinois - A shiny car with lots of power hitting the open road is part of the American fabric. That spirit will be celebrated in grand style again on September 27, 28 & 29, 2013, in downtown Springfield, Illinois, along Route 66 as the International Route 66 Mother Road Festival returns to celebrate its 12th annual event. The festival draws over 1,000 cars and as many as 80,000 spectators. Admission is free to all spectators. Participants may register for $40 plus a $3.50 handling fee at www.route66fest.com or by phone at 866-783-6645. Registration includes weekend admission for the vehicle.

http://travelandleisurenews.com/news/Route-66/Mother-Road-Festival-Car-Show.htm

New Laws Help Ensure that Drivers in Fatal Accidents Don't Receive Court Supervision and Keeps Driver's Licenses from Those Under 18 With Violations

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today signed "Patricia's Law" and Kelsey's Law," two new traffic safety measures that will help eliminate the option of court supervision for drivers involved in fatal accidents and prohibit the issuance of driver's licenses to those under 18 years of age with outstanding traffic violations. These actions are part of Governor Quinn's agenda to make Illinois roads safer for all drivers.

"What happened to Patricia and Kelsey were tragedies that must not happen again," Governor Quinn said. "These new laws will make our roads safer for drivers and passengers by keeping more distracted and dangerous drivers from getting behind the wheel."

Both laws were strongly supported by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White.

"I initiated these important pieces of legislation to make the roads of Illinois safer," Secretary of State Jesse White said. "I commend the legislature for passing them and the Governor for signing them into law. I would also like to commend the Spears Family for their support of Patricia's law, and Kelsey Little and her family for their work on behalf of Kelsey's Law."

Sponsored by State Representative John D'Amico (D-Chicago) and State Senator Michael Hastings (D-Matteson), House Bill 1010, "Patricia's Law," is named after Patricia McNamara, who was killed by a distracted driver who was then fined and sentenced to court supervision, which meant that no conviction appeared on his record. The new law prohibits a court from granting supervision to anyone charged as the result of a fatal accident if that driver has had a prior court supervision. The law takes effect January 1, 2014.

"Too many drivers do not concentrate on the road and this too often puts the safety of others at risk," Representative D'Amico said. "Almost three traffic-related deaths occur in Illinois every day. Our roads need to be safer. These new laws are important steps toward protecting the lives of all citizens on our roadways and holding those responsible for serious traffic incidents accountable for their actions."

Sponsored by Representative D'Amico and State Senator Martin Sandoval (D-Cicero), House Bill 1009, "Kelsey's Law," is named for a 15-year-old who was seriously injured in an accident when hit by a teen driver who was able to apply for and receive a full driver's license just three days later. The law authorizes the Secretary of State to deny driver's licenses or permits to those 18 years of age and under who have unresolved traffic citations. The law takes effect immediately.

"This measure was named in honor of Kelsey Little, who received serious injuries in an accident caused by a young driver who had a GDL," Senator Sandoval said. "The GDL has been successful in curbing the number of teen driving deaths since it became law in 2008, and this will give the Secretary of State additional abilities to enforce who receives a license."

Governor Quinn also today signed House Bill 772, sponsored by Representative D'Amico and State Senator Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) that requires those between the ages of 18 and 21 who did not take a driver's education course in school to complete an adult driver education course before receiving a driver's license. The law takes effect July 1, 2014.

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GALENA, Ill. - The city of Galena, Illinois - always considered a "town that time forgot" - has stepped back into the limelight as a city that no one can forget about. Condé Nast Traveler recently published the results of their annual Readers' Choice Survey and declared Galena as not only one of the friendliest cities in the United States, but in the world.

Galena, coming in second on the domestic list and fourteenth on the global list with a score of 87.9 out of 100, was praised as being a relaxing destination with plenty to do and a place that can be spiritually and emotionally uplifting. The historic, idyllic city was one of only four from the United States to make the top 20 internationally.

Condé Nast Traveler, one of the most trusted names in travel, had 46,476 responses to their most recent survey. Readers provided feedback such as, "When I want to treat myself or lift my spirits?I visit Galena."

"A 'quaint' city that was once home to President Ulysses S. Grant, Galena, Illinois, is also well known for its 'welcoming' atmosphere. Those who make the trip to this former mining town find it 'relaxing, with plenty to do.' After all, this 'step back in time' has 'neat shopping and historical sites' to spare," stated the magazine.

"The distinction is another feather in the cap for Galena. Our community welcomes visitors from throughout the world that are looking to take a look back into time and experience what small-town America is really all about," stated Celestino Ruffini, director of sales & marketing for the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The friendliest top 10 cities in the United States ranked in order by the Readers' Choice Survey of Condé Nast Traveler are: 1. Charleston, S.C., 2. Galena, Ill., 3. Savannah, Ga., 4. Asheville, N.C., 5. Austin, Texas, 6. Jackson, Miss., 7. Natchez, Miss., 8. Telluride, Colo., 9. Sonoma, Calif., 10. Branson, Mo.

The friendliest top 20 cities in the world ranked in order by the Readers' Choice Survey of Condé Nast Traveler are: 1. Florianopolis, Brazil, 2. Hobart, Tasmania, 3. Thimpu, Bhutan, 4. Queenstown, New Zealand, 5. Charleston, S.C., 6. Paro, Bhutan (tie), 6. Margaret River, Australia (tie). 7. Mandalay, Burma, 9. Kilkenny, Ireland (tie), 9. Ubud, Bali, Indonesia (tie), 10. Chiang Mai, Thailand, 11. Christchurch, New Zealand, 12. Dublin, Ireland, 14. Galena, Ill. (tie), 14. Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (tie), 16. Auckland, New Zealand (tie), 16. Savannah, Ga. (tie), 18. Edinburgh, Scotland, 20. Asheville, N.C. (tie), 20. Cork, Ireland (tie)

Visitors are encouraged to call the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau toll-free at 1.877.464.2536 or explore www.galena.org for information on attractions, lodging, dining, shopping, events and more in the Galena area.

 

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MOLINE, Ill. July 30, 2013 - Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) announces today new, nonstop jet service between Moline, Ill. and Southwest Florida via Punta Gorda Airport, beginning November 1. The company, known for its exceptional travel deals, will introduce the new service with fares as low as $99.99* one way.

 

"We are pleased to add the beaches of Southwest Florida as another affordable, convenient destination option for Quad Cities area residents," said Andrew C. Levy, Allegiant Travel Company President. "Our vacation packages and nonstop service to Las Vegas, Phoenix and Florida have been very popular with residents. We are confident the community will appreciate the convenience of flying nonstop to Punta Gorda and the value of bundling their air, hotel and car rental reservation together."

The new flights will operate twice weekly between Quad City International Airport (MLI) and Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) seasonally, beginning Friday, Nov. 1, 2013, through April 2014. Flight days and times can be found at allegiant.com. Punta Gorda is Allegiant's fifth nonstop destination from Moline.  

 

"Many local and regional travelers have been waiting with anticipation for nonstop access to the Southwest Florida region, and we are now able to offer that with Allegiant," said Bruce Carter, Quad City International Airport director of aviation. "This is Allegiant's fifth nonstop destination being offered. We are happy that their confidence in this market has grown in such a short time since they entered the market in October 2010."

Catering perfectly to a personal, romantic or family getaway, the Southwest Florida Coast destination features exquisite beach-front dining, exotic wildlife and a wide variety of recreation in the warm, pristine waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Punta Gorda Airport is centrally located midway between the white-sand beaches of Fort Myers shore and Sarasota's tropical island communities.  Allegiant partners with many of the area's most exciting hotel properties, provides low-cost car rental service through its partnership with Alamo Rent a Car, and offers great deals on activities such as dinner and ocean exploration cruises. Moline travelers can book their entire Southwest Florida vacation for less by visiting allegiant.com.

About the $99.99* one-way fares:
Seats are limited. Fares are one way and not available on all flights. Tickets must be purchased by Aug. 6, 2013, for travel by Feb. 11, 2014. For baggage fees, please visit allegiant.com. Additional restrictions may apply.

Allegiant, Travel is our deal. ®

Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) is focused on linking travelers in small cities to world-class leisure destinations. The company operates a low-cost, high-efficiency, all-jet passenger airline through its subsidiary, Allegiant Air, while also offering other travel-related products such as hotel rooms, rental cars, and attraction tickets. All can be purchased through the company website, allegiant.com. The company has been named one of America's 100 Best Small Companies by Forbes Magazine for four consecutive years. For downloadable press kit, including photos, visit: http://gofly.us/SQmY7O. 

 

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QUAD CITIES - The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois State Police (ISP) and the Office of the Secretary of State, Department of Police (SOS) joined other safety advocates and law enforcement officials for the More Cops, More Stops "I-80 Cross Country Crackdown" to ramp up enforcement of life-saving laws during one of the busiest travel times of the year.

The purpose of this campaign is to crack down on drivers who are speeding, driving drunk or distracted, or not wearing a seat belt, with the goal of achieving a zero fatality rate for the eight-day period. The campaign began on July 24 and wraps up on July 31.

MOLINE, Ill. July 30, 2013 – Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) announces today new, nonstop jet service between Moline/Quad Cities and Southwest Florida via Punta Gorda Airport, beginning November 1. The company, known for its exceptional travel deals, will introduce the new service with fares as low as $99.99* one way.

"We are excited to extend our brand of convenient low-cost travel with nonstop service from the Quad Cities to Southwest Florida," said Andrew C. Levy, Allegiant President. "We are confident the residents of the entire regional area will appreciate our affordable, nonstop service to popular Southwest Florida destinations, as well as take advantage of the value of booking hotel rooms, car rentals and attractions through us."

The new flights will operate twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays between Quad City International Airport (MLI) and Punta Gorda Airport (PGD.) Flights begin Friday, Nov. 1, 2013, using MD-80 series aircraft. Travelers can take advantage of everyday low fares and save even more when they book air, hotel, car and even activity and attraction reservations together. Flight days and times can be found at allegiant.com. 

"We have been in discussions with Allegiant for the past several months to secure this new service," says Bruce Carter, Director of Aviation. "Many local and regional travelers have been waiting with anticipation for nonstop access to the Southwest Florida region and we can now offer that with Allegiant," Carter adds. "This is Allegiant's fifth nonstop destination with us since they entered the market in October, 2010.  We are happy that their confidence in the Quad City area has grown in such a short time." 

Catering perfectly to a personal, romantic or family getaway, the Southwest Florida Coast destination features exquisite beach-front dining, exotic wildlife and a wide variety of recreation in the warm, pristine waters of the Gulf of Mexico.  Punta Gorda Airport is centrally located midway between the white-sand beaches of Fort Myers shore and Sarasota's tropical island communities.  Allegiant partners with many of the area's most exciting hotel properties, provides low-cost car rental service through its partnership with Alamo Rent a Car, and offers great deals on activities such as dinner and ocean exploration cruises. Travelers can book their entire Southwest Florida vacation for less by visiting allegiant.com or by calling the company's travel experts at 702-505-8888.

About the $99.99* one-way fares:
Seats are limited. Fares are one way and not available on all flights. Tickets must be purchased by Aug. 6, 2013, for travel by Feb. 11, 2014. For baggage fees, please visit allegiant.com. Additional restrictions may apply.

Allegiant, Travel is our deal. ®

Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) is focused on linking travelers in small cities to world-class leisure destinations. The company operates a low-cost, high-efficiency, all-jet passenger airline through its subsidiary, Allegiant Air, while also offering other travel-related products such as hotel rooms, rental cars, and attraction tickets. All can be purchased through the company website, allegiant.com. The company has been named one of America's 100 Best Small Companies by Forbes Magazine for four consecutive years. For downloadable press kit, including photos, visit: http://gofly.us/SQmY7O.

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St. Charles, Ill. (July 23, 2013) -- Zephyr Route, a rail tours company based here, is offering two nostalgic rail journeys this fall. One involves a trip to Kansas City for an enjoyable weekend. The other involves a fall foliage trip through the Colorado Rockies.

Kansas City Weekend Tour

The Kansas City Weekend Tour takes place Friday through Sunday, Sept. 13-15. Boarding points are Chicago, Naperville, Princeton and Galesburg, Ill., plus Ft. Madison, Iowa.

A restored, vintage railcar named the Cedar Rapids will provide first-class, individual parlor car seating. Meals will be served at passengers' seats.

A unique glass-enclosed lounge at the end of the car offers spectacular vistas of the passing scenery.

The tour package includes two nights lodging at the Hyatt Hotel across the street from Kansas City's historic Union Station. Breakfast is also included.

On Saturday, passengers are free to select their own activities for the day and evening.

The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance to the Hallmark Visitors Center and Shopping Mall and the World War I Memorial. There is easy access by city bus to Country Club Plaza, another famed shopping district.

Zephyr Route is also organizing a short motor coach tour of Kansas City narrated by a local historian.

Passengers also are welcome to join a group dining at Jack Stack's Restaurant, which has been voted the best in Kansas City for barbeque cuisine. This meal is not included in the tour.

The package price for the Kansas City Weekend Tour is $625 per person for both single or double hotel room occupancy.

The reservation and payment must be made by Saturday, Aug. 31, so Zephyr Route can determine if there's adequate interest to proceed.

Colorful Colorado Rockies Tour

The majestic and scenic Colorado Rockies between Denver and Glenwood Springs will be the highlight of the Colorful Colorado Rockies Tour also being offered this fall by Zephyr Route.

The travel dates are Thursday through Monday, Oct. 3-7.

Boarding points include Chicago, Naperville, Princeton and Galesburg, Ill., and Burlington, Iowa.

En route passengers will enjoy first-class rail service like that which was offered by the famed Burlington Route. Dining service will be in the traditional manner, with white linens, fresh flowers, chinaware and sparkling glassware and silverware. Savory dinners and breakfasts will be served both going to and returning from the Rockies.

Overnight rail accommodations are in first-class private rooms with private toilets and sinks. Shower service is available on an individual, scheduled basis.

A gorgeous, restored dome car from the infamous Santa Fe Super Chief will provide lounge and dome seating. Since seats are limited in the dome, guaranteed dome seating times will be scheduled so all passengers will have an opportunity to enjoy the dome views.

This trip has been scheduled to hopefully coincide with the spectacular aspen fall foliage time. While not guaranteed, this is generally the best chance to view the brilliant yellow and gold colors amidst the pine trees' green hues.

Glenwood Springs is the Colorado resort town destination. Lodging will be at the historic Hotel Colorado, once known as President Teddy Roosevelt's Western Whitehouse. The hotel has been restored to provide excellent accommodations and dining service. Breakfasts at the hotel are included.

Nearby is a huge sulfur springs pool for swimmers, which also has enjoyed longtime fame. Lovely shops and restaurants are within walking distance. Arrangements also can be made for golf at the nearby Glenwood Springs Golf Club.

The Colorful Colorado Rockies Tour package price is $1,995 per person, double occupancy. Please inquire regarding single occupancy rates. Reservations and payments must be made by Sept. 15 so Zephyr Route can determine if there's adequate interest to proceed.

Both the Kansas City Weekend Tour and the Colorful Colorado Rockies Tour can be reserved by contacting Zephyr Route. Call (630) 542-3607 or e-mail zephyr360@att.net.

The Zephyr Route website, www.zephyrroute.com, has a for a printable tour brochure. Click on the "Journeys" button.

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DES MOINES, IA (07/18/2013)(readMedia)-- There are only two weeks left to reserve your spot on the State Fair Express. The convenient and affordable State Fair Express provides round-trip transportation to the Iowa State Fair from 41 locations throughout the state. The 2013 Iowa State Fair runs August 8-18.

Each State Fair Express ticket includes:

• Round trip transportation to and from Des Moines on a deluxe Windstar Lines motor coach

• Fair admission

• A complimentary bottle of water

• Fair coupon book offering food and drink discounts with more than $30 in savings

• Daily Program with map of the Fairgrounds

• Easy pickup and drop off in the Fair's North Lot at Gate 15

The State Fair Express, sponsored by Fareway, will arrive at the Fair at approximately 10 a.m. and will depart at 6 p.m. Adult fare includes ages 12 and over, child fare includes ages 5-11 and children under age 5 ride free. Persons under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Ticket pricing varies by location.

Please call Windstar Lines Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 888.494.6378 or visit www.gowindstar.com/iowa-state-fair.php to make State Fair Express reservations. Payment must be made in full at the time of reservation. Windstar accepts Visa and MasterCard.

Reservations can be made up to one week prior to departure. The State Fair Express runs rain or shine and no refunds will be issued. If the trip does not meet the minimum requirement of 30 reservations, cancellation of the trip will occur seven days prior to departure and riders will be notified by Windstar Lines. If a cancellation occurs refunds will be given.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2013 Iowa State Fair, August 8-18. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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Explore U.S. History While Creating Your Own, Says Patriotic
Mommy Blogger

Not sure how to make vacations and school breaks count with your family?

Discover your own backyard with a family road trip, advises veteran traveler and mother of three Alisa Abecassis.

"With busy lives and, perhaps, lingering anxiety about job security, a family vacation may not be parents' top priority, but if they can pull it off, even if only for a few days, it can be a truly rich experience for both parents and children," says Abecassis, who recently launched ExploreAll50.com, a website filled with resources for travel in the United States.

A modest investment of time and money creates a lifelong return for each family member, says Abecassis, who began traveling with her three children as a way of forging new bonds with them.

"I've picked up a lot of great tips not only for families, but also for any group or individual who are hungry to eat, drink, sleep and breathe more of what our country has to offer," she says.

Abecassis gives four reasons why parents should take their kids on a road trip:

• Memories: Visiting the same amusement park over and over again isn't the stuff of lasting memories. Experiencing some of North America's greatest natural wonders is! A few years back, Abecassis began planning themed trips to specific regions of the country. She started in the Pacific Northwest, including Washington and Oregon, which featured dramatic coastal views of waves and sand dunes; farther inland included stops at volcanoes. But the themes can be anything. Most recently, her July 4 theme was "Rebels and Revolutionary Ideas," and others have included "Pioneers in the Heartland" and "Lewis & Clark and the New Frontier." The themed trips will continue for the Abecassis clan until they've visited each state.

• Bonding: With three teenage children, Abecassis recognized a need for new collective experiences as a family. "Perhaps the most common experience all parents share is how quickly children grow up," she says. "It won't be long before they're out of the house and having their own families." This is especially true for a family, or an individual member, who has experienced a rough patch. "After a death in the family, divorce, or some other painful life event, every day is an opportunity for setting a new tone," she says.

• Tangible history lessons: Ignorance of U.S. history by the native population is a problem recognized by many historians and new citizens alike. "For understanding how and why our country works, it is necessary to grasp how it came to be - from the ideas driving our founding fathers to bringing law and order to the Wild West," she says. Physically being at historical sites - smelling the grass at Gettysburg or seeing the living conditions at the Alamo - breathes life into the past.

• Feeding the domestic economy: Many Americans set their sights on exotic and, sometimes, less-than-safe destinations overseas. Confusing roads to nowhere, foreign diseases and cultural missteps are all potential pitfalls in foreign travel. Why not stay in the states, which are safe and family-friendly, and help out an economy that could use your dollars? "America is arguably the most diverse place on the planet; why not witness firsthand what makes us who we are?"

About Alisa Abecassis

Alisa Abecassis is the proud mother of three children - Lilia, 17; Isaac, 15; and Joel, 14. After her marriage ended, she decided it was time to strengthen her family's bonds and personal history by traveling and gaining a better appreciation of the 50 United States. Abecassis is a prolific blogger and has a bachelor's degree in political science from UCLA. Contact her on Twitter, @ExploreAll50

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