Promote Pinckneyville launched; April 24 event planned

PINCKNEYVILLE - Pinckneyville merchants and others have joined together to launch an initiative to promote the community as a regional destination for shopping, dining and lodging.

"Destination Pinckneyville" is the theme of the effort and the first event, the Spring Shopping Shindig, will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on April 24 with townwide store sales, food trucks, live music and maybe even an Elvis sighting.

"Pinckneyville has always been known for its antique shops but seemingly overnight a collection of specialty shops and boutiques has cropped up," said event organizer Leigh Blackorby, owner of Peace, Love and Junk.

"When it came to shopping and dining options Pinckneyville was once a husk," she added. "Now, it is emerging as a retail and dining hub of southern Illinois. Destination Pinckneyville and the Spring Shopping Shindig is our coming out party."

Almost two dozen retailers and restaurants will participate in the April 24 event. Two food trucks will be located along Walnut Street; and the duo Hicks and Banks will perform from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at City Hall. Their appearance is sponsored by First National Bank.

The Pinckneyville Public Library is sponsoring a kid's sidewalk chalk art contest along Walnut Street and the Perry County Jail Museum is holding a garage sale.

"In addition to our strong retail base, the region boasts five Airbnbs and the icon Oxbow Bed and Breakfast for lodging, the nearby Pyramid State Park for recreation and two museums," Blackorby said. "If you've never been here we encourage you to join us April 24 or any other weekend. What you'll find might surprise you."

Participating businesses include:

The Trophy Room

Kellerman's Hardware

The Flower Patch

L3 Design

Peace, Love & Junk

Designs by Precision Laser

Sweet Leona's

Belle of the Ball

Twisted Vine

Perry County Jail Museum

Audra's Footprint

Tan Etc.

The White Rabbit

Shear Attitude

Perry County Marketplace

The Grecian Steakhouse

Name Brand Creations

Studio 127

Hair Etc.

Grandma's Coffee and Cakes

Rollin Lumpia food truck

ABC Concessions