Contest encourages public to buy Illinois products

SPRINGFIELD Facebook fans and Twitter followers of the Illinois Department of Agriculture have a chance to win Illinois food products in the first-ever “12 Days of Christmas Contest.”

A winner will be randomly selected each day starting Wednesday and continuing through Christmas Day. Among the prizes are beef and pork gift packages, bottles of wine and boxes of fudge.

To enter the contest, people should “like” the department’s Facebook page or follow the agency on Twitter. Individuals must be 21 years old to win gifts donated by Illinois wine companies.

Acting Agriculture Director Jim Larkin says the goal is to increase awareness of Illinois food products during the holiday season.