Where's the Pork?

No, it isn't in Freeport, yet. It seems that pork has fallen into the hands of politicians. I know, this is easy pickins what with the transportation bill and all. Alaska gets hundreds of millions (of course, there is oil in them there parts) to build bridges to nowhere and we here in northern Illinois get a few million toward at $600 million project. We need jobs and the transportation routes that aid in this immediate transportation society (Wal-Mart Distribution centers and two lane highways just don't mix well). Think of an east-west road with 4 lanes that runs from Rockford to Dubuque and beyond and the possibilities of expedient distribution of products with Freeport right near the middle. But, another twenty years could go by before any additional progress is made. In the meantime, all of the tourist traffic goes whizzing by our little hamlet on its way to Galena (number 2 tourist destination in Illinois, though with the Lincoln Library in Springfield that may change this year). Driving through Mt. Carroll a week or so ago, we wondered, what small-town charm could be incorporated into Freeport to make the downtown more congenial and inviting. Was it the storefronts? They were quaint, but not outstanding. Was it the brick road in the immediate downtown? Or perhaps, it is like the old adage, the grass is always greener on the other side, or in this case, the downtown is more appealing when it is something out of the ordinary for us? We have ample opportunity to create a dinner and entertainment district with a few quality restaurants in the downtown and perhaps a venue or two for dinner-theater, live entertainment that appeals to adults or just to sit and listen to music after dinner. I realize that we look for reasonable fair in our fair town and that wouldn't negate the idea of at least having something like the old City Lights in the downtown or more cafe or bistro type of dining. As it is there are few options in the downtown area to find entertainment after around 5 p.m., unless you are going to the movies or periodically head over to the Winneshiek Playhouse. I still look forward to the day when there is a microbrewery in town with a restaurant and plenty of PRETZELS!