Cornucopia Natural Market & Deli is marking 37 years of serving the Galesburg community with an anniversary celebration Saturday, July 25, featuring the “re-beaning” of the market’s beloved life-size goat mascot, Billy.
For more than three decades, Cornucopia Natural Market has provided natural foods, wellness products, and friendly, knowledgeable service to the Galesburg community. To mark this milestone, the market is inviting customers, friends, and families to join in a day of celebration.
Restoring a Galesburg icon
One of the day’s featured events will be the restoration of Billy, the goat sculpture that has greeted visitors for more than 20 years. Billy was originally created as part of a citywide public art project and friendly competition celebrating the legacy of poet and Galesburg native Carl Sandburg. Decorated with beans and grains, Billy has become a familiar fixture at Cornucopia, delighting generations of children and adults.
Over the years, time and countless affectionate pats from visitors have worn away some of Billy’s original bean-and-grain covering. During the anniversary celebration, community members will have the opportunity to help “re-bean” Billy by placing beans and grains onto the sculpture, giving him a fresh look while preserving a piece of Galesburg history.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the support our community has shown us over the past 37 years,” the team at Cornucopia Natural Market said in a news release. “Billy has become much more than a mascot — he’s a symbol of community, creativity, and the connections we’ve built together. His mosaic of beans and grains hail from around the world, reflecting the diverse ingredients we offer and the vibrant community we serve. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate our anniversary than by inviting everyone to help restore him for future generations to enjoy.”
What’s happening Saturday
The anniversary celebration will include a film screening, bike clinic, sampling, giveaways, wellness mini sessions, a local meat cookout, and the hands-on re-beaning of Billy. Everyone is welcome to stop by, celebrate 37 years of Cornucopia Natural Market, and leave their artistic mark on the famous goat.
For more information about the anniversary celebration, contact Cornucopia Natural Market or visit the store’s social media pages. Cornucopia is located at 176 S. Seminary St. in Galesburg.
