Monticello – Allerton Park and Retreat Center has announced that Lodgic Everyday Community will be the presenting sponsor for their second annual Prairie Sky Music Festival, to be held September 7-8, 2018. The family-friendly festival featuring music, vendors, activities, and camping will be held at Allerton Park, 515 Old Timber Road, Monticello, IL.
The sponsorship agreement comes as Lodgic prepares the grand opening in June for its Champaign-based facility offering shared workspace, flexible childcare, and craft food and drink – the first venue of its kind to open in the US.
“Like peanut butter and jelly – or coworking, childcare and craft eats – Lodgic and Allerton just make sense together,” said Stefanie McLeese, Lodgic Everyday Community, Director of Public Relations. “Allerton and Lodgic have a shared interest in strengthening families and communities. We each do that in our own respective way, but when you combine efforts, the result can be magical. We are thrilled about this partnership and look forward to being a part of Prairie Sky, and the summer concerts leading up to the big weekend in September.”
Last year’s Prairie Sky Festival was Allerton’s first multi-day music event, drawing nearly 1,000 visitors to the 1,500 acre Central Illinois Park. Organizers note that this year’s format will be similar, but with added amenities and attractions for Festival-goers.
“As we start to plan this year’s Festival, our goal is to expand our audience and provide even more music, family activities, and entertainment,” explained Allerton’s Event Coordinator Hannah Dole. “The natural backdrop of Allerton provides unlimited possibilities for community events, and we have only scratched the surface of what we have to offer.”
Planning for this year’s entertainment is well underway, with the nationally-known headliner set to be announced next month. Additional sponsors signing on along with Lodgic include the U of I Community Credit Union, Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District, Country Arbors Nursery, Kirby Medical Center, The Herbold Family Trust, and the Worden-Martin Family of Dealerships.
“We are grateful to Lodgic and all of the other fantastic sponsors who’ve chosen to invest in the community through this event,” said Derek Peterson, Director at Allerton. “Their support is critical to delivering crowd-pleasing, memorable experiences at Allerton that help add to the diverse cultural opportunities in this area.”
Individuals and businesses interested in supporting the event should contact Katie Walden at kmblacke@illinois.edu.
About Lodgic Everyday Community
Lodgic Everyday Community is the smart new environment that supports daily life on your terms. It’s the first-ever blend of productivity-boosting workspace, flexible drop-in childcare, and fun, good-for-you dining — all in one energizing everyday place. Learn more at Lodgic.org.
About Allerton Park and Retreat Center
Built as a private residence by artist and philanthropist Robert Allerton in 1900, Allerton Park and Retreat Center is a historical treasure that was donated to the University of Illinois in 1946. The property contains 1,500 acres of woodland and prairie areas, a Mansion and reflecting pond, a 10-acre meadow, formal sculpture gardens, hiking trails, and several lodging facilities. For more information and to view other events, visit allerton.illinois.edu or call 217-333-3287.
