Get caught up in More on 34 event
By CHRIS La PELUSA Shaw Suburban Media
SANDWICH — If you’re a lover of garage sales, yard sales or flea – and, of course, a lover of small Midwestern towns – then you’re in for “mile after magnificent mile” of treasures this weekend at the fourth annual More on 34 event.
More on 34 is a cavalcade of roadside commerce that spans 120 miles of Illinois countryside along U.S. Route 34 between Galesburg and Sandwich. It started Friday and continues through Sunday. Sandwich has participated in the event for two years.
“We like to have people come out and experience the country areas,” said Sandwich Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Vicki Schuler. “Everybody’s got a different thing.”
Depending on which end visitors start, Sandwich is either the beginning or the end of a long line of bargains and unique festivities planned by each town. Sandwich will feature a Car Cruise night from 5-8 p.m. today, in which antique cars will be on display. Food vendors will be available during the car cruise.
Throughout the day, strolling bluegrass musicians will tour Sandwich. Schuler said most of the events in Sandwich will be held on Railroad Street, although the Sandwich Antique Market is Sunday at the fairgrounds. Additional vendors will be located in the parking lots of O’Neill Glass at 1058 W. Church St. and Gjovic’s auto dealership at 2780 U.S. Route 34 East.
Schuler also said that the chamber is encouraging local shops and restaurants to join in the event by offering store specials or additional vending.
Although each town offers its own unique festivities and events, Schuler said that many visitors spend the weekend touring the entire length.
“I hope (visitors) take away the small-town atmosphere, the laid-back atmosphere of being in a small town here in Illinois,” Schuler said, for those who experience Sandwich. “And see the community spirit, how people help one another when you’re in a smaller area.”
