Nominate Centralia Area for Downstate Illinois Tourism Awards
Discover Downstate Illinois is seeking nominations for the first official “Downstate Illinois Tourism Awards,” celebrating outstanding tourism-related businesses, attractions, events, organizations, and individuals making a difference in their communities and visitor experience.
The awards will be announced at the Discover Downstate Illinois annual dinner on October 6 in Marshall, IL.
We encourage you to take a few minutes to submit your nominations and help recognize those who go above and beyond to make the greater Centralia area a great place to visit.
Nominations are open through September 18.
Submit your nominations today:
https://forms.gle/LimSaHTidj7rEGZj8
Feel free to share the nomination form with your staff, community, local businesses, and others who know someone deserving of recognition.
NOMATIONS ACCEPTED FOR:
Best New Business – This award recognizes a new, locally owned tourism-related business that has opened within the last two years and is making a positive impact on tourism and its community. Nominees should enhance the visitor experience, attract visitors to the area, or offer something new and unique that adds to the region’s tourism appeal. National and regional chain businesses are not eligible.
Top Event - This award recognizes an outstanding event that made a significant impact on tourism in 2025 or 2026. Nominees may include festivals, concerts, fairs, celebrations, sporting events, or other special events that attracted visitors, created a memorable experience, and showcased the community. (WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO SUBMIT “CENTRALIA BALLOON FEST” FOR THIS CATEGORY)
Top Weekend Getaway - This award recognizes a destination, community, lodging, or experience that offers the perfect weekend escape in Downstate Illinois. Nominees should provide visitors with a memorable combination of things to see and do, places to eat, unique experiences, and overnight accommodations.
Top Tourism Attraction/Venue - This award recognizes an outstanding attraction or venue that draws visitors and enhances the tourism experience in Downstate Illinois. Nominees may include museums, historic sites, entertainment venues, outdoor attractions, cultural destinations, sports facilities, or other places that give visitors a reason to explore the region.
Tourism Hero - This award recognizes an individual who goes above and beyond to support, promote, and strengthen tourism in their community. Nominees may be business owners, community leaders, volunteers, event organizers, tourism professionals, or anyone whose passion and dedication help create memorable experiences for visitors.