Aledo Rhubarb Fest

Rhubarb Festival is a celebration of all things rhubarb – from pie to soda pop. If it’s rhubarb, it’s here! Aledo’s affinity for rhubarb became official when the town of 3,600 was named the Rhubarb Capital of Illinois by Governor Pat Quinn. The unique festival draws thousands of visitors to the Mercer County seat. The festival is easy to find – at the crossroads of Illinois Highways 17 and 94 – at Aledo’s Central Park and the Mercer County Courthouse lawn.

 

Since the festival began in 1991, the centerpiece attractions have always been the rhubarb tasting tent and the rhubarb pie! On Friday and Saturday in the tasting tent festival goers may sample rhubarb treats from pie to wine. Local churches and non-profit organizations will be selling homemade rhubarb pies and other rhubarb baked goods. Aledo Main Street will distribute 12,000 free seeds to festival visitors so they can grow their own rhubarb. There will be live music, bring your lawn chair so you can sit and enjoy, and of course there will be lots of great food from out local restaurants as well as from the Fest food vendors.

“We encourage everyone to avoid “Rhubarb Regret,” a condition caused by arriving too late to purchase one of our delicious rhubarb pies,” said Darlene Johnson, Rhubarb Festival founder. Visitors should plan to arrive before noon each day for the best selection, she recommended.

Food, antique and flea market vendors will share their offerings in Central Park both days. On Saturday, arts and craft vendors will feature their wares on the lawn of the beautiful Mercer County Courthouse.

Historic downtown Aledo will also offer shopping and dining opportunities with a free trolley tour sharing the town’s sites and history. Additionally, there will be children’s activities in the Kid Zone which will have fun carnival games all FREE for the kids to enjoy.