Ford Motor Company Collaborates with Girl Scouts of America

PEKIN, Ill., – Ford Motor Company's new collaboration with Girl Scouts Councils is creating encouraging atmospheres for young girls to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math related fields (STEAM). By introducing elementary school students to the Girls Fast Track Race program, collaborators feel it will provide girls with a creative environment to learn about high tech fields of study.

Four Girl Scouts Councils, Tropical Florida, Southeastern Michigan, Northeast Texas, and Northern New Jersey, have partnered with Ford, and participated in the Girls Fast Track Race program. The program provides a hands-on learning experience for 200 girls from each district, allowing them to learn about the automotive engineering industry, and build their own track race cars.

Ford's commitment to STEAM education corresponds with their desire to inspire and educate young students. This collaboration is just one of the many programs now being offered through www.fordsteamexperience.com. Visit the website to learn more about programs near you!

“We believe that all young children have an aptitude for technical subjects – what’s often lacking is the encouragement and additional support to succeed,” Tracy Magee, Ford primary brand experiential manager said. “Ford is deeply committed to education and through creative programs such as the Girls’ Fast Track Races, we hope to spark excitement among the youth and inspire them to pursue future careers in high-tech fields.”

Ford Motor Company's collaboration with Girl Scouts Councils across America and their ongoing effort to promote STEAM related education is exciting and important for our youngest generation. With help and encouragement from Ford, these young students will be inspired to pursue high-tech career paths. At Velde Ford Pekin, we think this partnership is a great testimony to Ford's commitment to bettering our communities. 

Don't Forget to enter for your chance to win a 2 year lease on a 2017 Ford Escape! The winner will be announced this Saturday, September 24th! 

Located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554, Velde Ford of Pekin is committed to providing customers outstanding service. We want you to enjoy your car buying experience. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to stop by the dealership or visit our website at www.VeldeFordPekin.com. You can also reach us at (888) 221-2804. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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Freezer-to-Crockpot Meals to Make Your Life Easier

PEKIN, Ill., – This time of the year can be busy! With school back in session and sports and activities in full swing, you might not feel like cooking dinner every night of the week. These freezer-to-crockpot meals should make your life a little easier on those hectic evenings. Set aside a few hours to prep when you have some spare time and you’ll always have something to pop into the slow cooker. Also keep in mind that most slow cooker recipes can be altered to be freezer-friendly by simply leaving out the liquids until it’s time to cook! Simple, hearty, and delicious, you and your family are sure to be pleased!

1. Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki 

2. Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

3. Ham & Navy Bean Stew

4. White Chicken Chili

5. Potato Corn Chowder

We hope our favorite freezer-to-crockpot meals make your life easier this school year! Don't feel stressed about what to cook for dinner every single night! Make a few of these ahead of time so you can toss one into to the slow cooker and have a hot meal ready when you walk through the door at the end of the day! Make the rest of your life a little easier too, by winning a two year lease on a 2017 Ford Escape! We're celebrating Velde Ford's 60th Anniversary with a vehicle giveaway, so enter online for your chance to win! 

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Stop by the dealership located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com for more information.

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5 Locations to Visit on Labor Day Weekend

PEKIN, Ill., – It’s almost time to celebrate the unofficial end of summer. For most, Labor Day represents the coming of fall weather, the start of school, and one last chance to hang out at the lake. This Labor Day, take advantage of the nice weather and your last chance for a summer getaway and try planning a short trip to one of these 5 locations to visit on Labor Day weekend.

Starved Rock State Park

Just about 70 miles northeast of Pekin, is Starved Rock State Park. Packed with beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife, this park is the perfect weekend destination. You can rent paddle boats on the Illinois River and take guided hikes along the park trails.

Evanston, Illinois

If you’re up for a little further excursion and you’d like to get your feet wet in Lake Michigan, make the 180-mile trek just north of Chicago. In Evanston you’ll find beaches, lighthouses, and B&Bs for a leisurely weekend getaway.

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

About a 3-hour drive north of Pekin you’ll find Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Spend the weekend lounging on the beach or shopping and eating in town. You can take a boat tour or walk along the Geneva Lake Shore Path!

Apple River Canyon, Illinois

This state park lies just 7 miles outside of the better-known town of Galena. It offers beautiful hiking trails and tons of wildlife. If you like to fish, this is the place to visit! This quiet refuge will provide some R&R this Labor Day weekend.

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

Go for a bike ride or a hike through the 29,000 acres of open prairie in Midewin. If you’re interested in gardening or flowers you can visit the Seed Nursery. This unique location is a fun Labor Day destination, just 120 miles northeast of Pekin.

If you’re wondering what to do with your day off this holiday, take a trip to one of these 5 locations to visit on Labor Day weekend! If you're looking for more Illinois travel ideas, check out our Pinterest! We have tons of travel destinations on our Illinois and Travel boards! When you get home, be sure to enter to win a 2 year lease on a 2017 Ford Escape during Velde’s 60th Anniversary Celebration! Take all the adventures you can imagine in Ford’s compact crossover!

Located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554, Velde Ford of Pekin is committed to providing customers outstanding service. We want you to enjoy your car buying experience. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to stop by the dealership or visit our website at www.VeldeFordPekin.com. You can also reach us at (888) 221-2804. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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Hold on to Summer a Little Longer with Velde Ford

PEKIN, Ill.,– Unfortunately, summer is on its last leg here in Pekin. We’re disappointed to see the warm weather fading away, but we want to help you hold on to summer a little longer with this list from Velde Ford. Take advantage of the warm temperatures while they’re still around and savor every bit of free time you have left!

Have a cook out

You don’t have to throw a party, just use the weather to your advantage and cook on the grill before it’s too cold outside! Cook hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, and whatever other summery food you can think of before they go out of season!

Go swimming

Get one last swim in before Labor Day rolls around! Head to the beach or a friend’s pool while the weather still permits and soak up as much sun as possible! You could even combine your cook out with a pool party to kill two birds with one stone.

Eat ice cream

The weather is no excuse not to eat ice cream, but what is better than a huge ice cream cone in the August heat? Use the end of the summer as an excuse to indulge in your favorite flavor!

Go to lunch and sit outside

When fall starts to bring cooler temperatures, your favorite restaurant will shut down the patio! Go sit outside and enjoy your favorite meal while the weather is still permitting!

Read a book

We all have that bucket list book we never got to! You meant to pick it up all summer and somehow it’s still just sitting on your nightstand, unopened. Use what little free time is left, relax, and read all day long!

We don’t mean to be a bummer, but the warm weather is on its way out, and fall will soon replace it. Hold on to summer a little longer with Velde Ford by doing a few more summery activities before it’s time to pull out your sweaters. Keep in mind, our 60th Anniversary Celebration is quickly approaching! Don’t miss your chance to win a 2 year lease on a 2017 Ford Escape! Enter online!

Located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554, Velde Ford of Pekin is committed to providing customers outstanding service. We want you to enjoy your car buying experience. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to stop by the dealership or visit our website at www.VeldeFordPekin.com. You can also reach us at (888) 221-2804. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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2017 Ford Escape Vehicle Giveaway at Velde Ford

PEKIN, Ill., – Velde Ford is turning 60 and we want your help to celebrate! As a thank you to all of our loyal customers, family, and friends who have helped us throughout the years, we’re giving away a car! Enter to win the 2017 Ford Escape Vehicle Giveaway at Velde Ford!

To enter, you must be 21 years of age and live in the state of Illinois. All you have to do is fill out the form on our website or stop by the dealership. As well as a 2 year lease on the 2017 Ford Escape, the winner will also receive a 24 month maintenance plan. The winner will be announced on September 24, 2017 at 3:00 PM. You must be present at the drawing in order to win, so don’t miss out!

We’re pretty excited that Velde Ford is celebrating its 60th anniversary and we’re happy to offer our valued customers the chance to win our 2017 Ford Escape Giveaway at Velde Ford. Remember, there’s no purchase necessary to win and all you have to do is fill out the form online! Thanks for 60 years of awesome business!

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Stop by the dealership located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com for more information.

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram