Whew,  what a month July was!  It was filled with projects, events, festivities and celebrations all while being 100 degrees.  In the month of July we had the pleasure of releasing our new food trailer, “Duke On The Go” and we got to see many months of hard work and planning finally come together and be put into action.  The events in July 2026 were epic.  “250 On The Mississippi” was the absolute best way to introduce “Duke On The Go” to the community, but what I would really like to talk about is July 1st.
July 1st at Haskell Park may be the pinnacle of my 27 years -so far- here at Duke Bakery, as it was our 75th anniversary celebration.  The community really rallied for us and neighbors, friends and family all came out to celebrate.  I must also mention that we had a 75 foot long time line cake, 3 multi-tiered cakes, food trucks, games, eating contests, a bike parade (which may have been my personal favorite) and it was officially proclaimed Duke Bakery Day in the city of Alton by Mayor Goins.
I use the word pinnacle and I realize that may be dramatic, but let me explain.  Early in my career, I remember Duke Bakery celebrating it’s 50th Anniversary.  It was a huge deal for us here at Dukes at that time, and I witnessed the immense sense of pride that my father-in-law, Mike (second generation) felt on that day.  That was his day and now Amy and I got ours.  The range of emotions felt that day was like nothing I’ve ever experienced.  As Mayor Goins read his proclamation and I stood there there along side my wife, Amy (third generation), and my two daughters, Catherine and Grace (4th generation), let’s just say it was tough to maintain my composure.  I’m so proud.  Proud of my family.  Proud of my staff and most of all, I’m proud of Alton.
I cannot end this article without thanking a few people.  Kelly (General Manager, Duke Bakery 21 years), all the hours you put in not only for the 75th celebration but week after week is so appreciated, and thank you for everything.  Lisa (COO, Duke Bakery 19 years), thank you for helping me ensure that Duke Bakery saw 75 years.  The long days and short nights paid off.  Thank you to Cory, Lindsey, Grace and the entire crew at Great Rivers And Routes for making this event happen.  Grace, you are a rock star.  Thank you for organizing and making the best day of my career possible.  Lastly, thank you to the community and city of Alton for 75 years of support.  Without you this would not be possible.  This community truly is the best.
Thank you,
Baker Ben