Life in Delavan, Illinois

The close proximity of Delavan to these major interstates allows it to exist as a charming community with a low-crime, “small-town” feel with opportune access to greater metropolitan areas that are full of larger employment opportunities and markets. From its flag-lined streets on Memorial Day to the packed gymnasium during high school basketball games, Delavan is a town with heart. It?s a place where your neighbors are the same people who man city hall, bag your groceries, trim your hair, and insure your home. Whether at school, the fishing derby, church services or an art fair - chances are you?ll run into someone you know. There are glimpses of days-gone-by in Delavan, but they are balanced with equal vision towards future development and progress. There?s a sense that you can shift life out of the fast lane� in this 175-year-old town - but also an understanding that time shouldn?t stand still. Whether you?re looking to set down roots, grow a dream or transplant your business, take a look at Delavan. It?s a community of friends, and a city of opportunity...and it?s just waiting for you.

Location
Just five miles west of Interstate I-55 in southern Tazewell County, Delavan is sandwiched between Bloomington-Normal, Peoria, Lincoln and Springfield. This locale allows residents close proximity to larger cities, but many amenities of rural living

Delavan Community Unit School #703
District has received the highest financial rating for the last seven years and continues to operate in the black. With nearly 500 students, grades K through 12, Delavan boasts high graduation rates and small class sizes. Awarded a Great Schools rating based on its performance on state standardized tests.

Parks, Recreation & Activities The city of Delavan maintains three beautiful parks, each with unique features and activities. Complete with everything from ball diamonds, playgrounds and walking paths to tennis courts, ball diamonds and park shelters, these grounds are spread throughout the city and are utilized by organized youth sports groups throughout the year. During the summer months, the Delavan Township Park District operates a community pool for public swimming and lessons. Along with seasonal happenings like the children?s Easter Egg Hunt and holiday tours of historic homes, Delavan is a community that can keep you busy.

Shopping & Services
Downtown Delavan is home to many local businesses, including a grocery store, physician offices, pharmacy restaurants, and other service oriented companies that provide the basic necessities for small town comfort. In addition, the community has a variety of specialty stores including an antique mall, wine & spirits shop, distillery, and an art gallery.

Delavan?s Ayer Public Library One of just 17 Carnegie Libraries in Illinois and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The library contains some 20,000 volumes along with up-to-date technology, and it sponsors a number of reading programs and book clubs.

Eight Area Churches
In addition to weekly services, Delavan?s eight area churches sponsor and host a large number of activities throughout the year including special dinners, concerts, featured speakers, trips and retreats.

Community Safety
The city of Delavan has a full-time paid policedepartment, along with volunteer fire andambulance services. The Emergency Services and Disaster Agency retains an office in town as well.Minor medical issues can be handled at physicians?offices in town, or at a prompt care service in anadjacent town. Major emergencies are directed to a variety of area hospitals,none more than 30 miles away.

Unique Restaurants
Delavan?s unique restaurants and community events certainly charm residents, but they also draw out-of-town visitors to the area. Whether they come to fulfill a special interest, or just to make a special memory, guests enjoy the town?s hospitality at a host of occasions.

Area Event

• Main Street Cruise In A downtown showcase for classic cars, plus nightly entertainment; monthly, April October
  
• The Battle of Little Crane Creek A Civil War battle re-enactment that provides a look into the life of a Civil War soldier in the 1860s; late June
  
• Four Rocks Arena An indoor horse arena that features the Illinois Youth Rodeo competition, plus barrel racing and horse shows year round
  
• Fall Festival & Parade A family-oriented event that includes a carnival, car show, bingo, musical entertainment, duck race, tractor pulls and fireworks; held over Labor Day weekend.
  
• Other events include Tazewell County Art Guild Fair and Downtown Wine Tastings & Art Fairs