Illinois-Iowa route one of four finalists in Union Pacific’s steam locomotive competition

SPRINGFIELD –Illinois residents can help determine whether a legendary steam locomotive will embark on a one-time excursion through the state as part of Union Pacific’s Great Excursion Adventure - You Route the Steam competition. The Illinois-Iowa route, known as the Tuscola Turn, is one of four finalists in the competition. Participants have from now through January 17 to vote on the winning tour route.

“This competition is a unique way for residents to get involved with promoting their local communities and the state of Illinois. By casting their online vote, participants can help bring rail enthusiasts and visitors from across the Midwest to explore the great state of Illinois and benefit the local economy,” said Jan Kostner, Deputy Director, Illinois Office of Tourism, a division of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

The Tuscola Turn route starts in Boone, Iowa and travels east through Marshalltown, Cedar Rapids, Mt. Vernon, De Witt, and Clinton. It continues toward Chicago through the Illinois communities of Rochelle, DeKalb, West Chicago, Glen Ellyn and Proviso, turning south to Woodland and Villa Grove before concluding in Tuscola.

To cast a vote, individuals should visit www.upexcursion.com from now through January 17.  Participants may vote once daily for one of four routes. Participants who engage their friends and family in voting via Facebook and Twitter can earn points when their Friends and Followers click on a referral link they share. The winning tour route will be announced January 18.

Preliminary voting in the contest to select the four finalist tour routes was conducted online November 9 through December 6, 2010.

For more information on the competition and to cast a vote, visit http://www.upexcursion.com.