The 111th Illinois State Convention will be held on May 22 - May 24, 2009 at the Westin Hotel located on the east end of the Yorktown Shopping Center in Lombard, Illinois.

The facility is located approximately 23 miles west of downtown Chicago, Illinois. Visitors will have the opportunity to visit many of the sites surrounding the convention along with the oppor- tunity to visit the city of Chicago.

Don't miss this golden opportunity to attend a state convention right in our own backyard. You can download the information packet on the state convention by going to Illinois State Council Website http://www.illinoisknights.org and clicking on the 2009 Convention Information Posted in the "What's NEW - Current Items" box. The packet contains the hotel reservation information, dinner reservation along with an itinerary of events. There is also list of sites to see in the surrounding area.

During the state convention, you will also have the opportunity to visit the Country Store which will have a lot of Knights of Columbus merchandise on display. There will be training sessions available at no charge! We have a day trip planned to Enchanted Castle for the children 5 and up and an evening Youth Hospitality Room for them while you attend the State Deputy's Dinner.

So, mark your calendars and I hope to see Many of my fellow brother knights and their families! Below is a brief listing of the activities for each day.

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If you have not attended a state convention, here's a great chance to enjoy the fraternity of brother knights and their families. This years State Convention will begin with a Friday Night with a movie, "Champions of Faith" sponsored by the Illiois General Agents. Make this a family affair. Free popcorn and soda will be provided. The movie will start at 6:30 pm and end at 7:45 pm in Section C of the Grand Ballroom.

At 8:00 pm, the Sweethearts Dance will kick off. Treat your sweetheart to a night of dancing. A cash bar along with raffles and games will be provided. A good night just to have fun!

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On Saturday morning, you will have the opportunity listen to the Supreme Knights Address. There will be an installation fo the new State Squires Officers along with an Insurance Report, a state of the Stae Adress, Charitable Activities Report and the Sympathy and Condolences Report.

Additionally, you can attend a training session on either Activity Planning, Financial Secretary or the Insurance Fraternal Benefit. from Noon to 1:15 pm. These sessions are provided at no cost.

In the afternoon, the State Council Award Program will kick off. You will have the opportunity to see the presentation of the following awards: Insurance, Charitable Activities, General Program Activities, Membership, Special Awards, Illinoiis Spirit, Ladies Auxiliary of the Year, Knight of the Year and the Family of the Year.

There will be a report on our state essay contest, spelling bee, bowling tournament, softball tournament golf tournament, along with the free throw contest. There will also be an award ceremony where the best Newsletter and Scrap Book (ladies and men).

Today is a fun day for the children 5 years and up. They have opportunity of day trip to Enchanted Castle in Lombard. The trip costs $17.95 a person. This cost includes transportation, 2 large pieces of pizza, soda, 20 game tokens, Karaoke, Miniature Golf and Laser Tag. There will be an unlimited amount of time on the Bumper Cars, and Kids Quest Playland. There are a large variety of games available to children of all ages. We encourage you to provide a few extra dollars to your children.

On Saturday, you can also attend the Joliet Diocese Caucus, Mass at the Convention (counts as Sunday obligation), State Deputy's Banquet and even have reconciliation.

On Saturday, children ages 5 - 12 can also stay with us at the Youth Hospitality Room for a cost of $8.00 per child. The Youth Hospitality room will be open Saturday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pam and reopen again from 6:30 pm until 10:30 pm. During these hours, there will be carnival games as well as an area for crafts (nominal extra charge for crafts). There will also be other activities for the kids through out the day. At 6:30 pm, the PJ party will begin with food being served. There will be music, games, and lots of things to do. Come in your PJ's and bring a pillow.

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On Sunday, there will be a Rosary Service and the ladies will have an opportunity to attend the Ladies Hospitality form 9:00 am to 11:30 pm while the membership will be listening to the state officers reports. The membership will also be voting on the resolutions and their will be an election of State Officers and Delegates to the Supreme Convention. The convention is scheduled to wrap up by noon on Sunday.

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