Little Illinois town readies to welcome thousands of visitors for annual Rhubarb Fest

In 1990, a woman with a dream of bringing people to Aledo saw it come to true. The idea was to get folks into town with a festival centered on rhubarb.

The City of Aledo will host its annual Rhubarb Festival on June 2-3 in Historic Downtown Aledo, near Central Park.

According to the festival website, it was just an idea Darlene Johnson had to help draw people to her cousin's place of business, House of Burgess.

“That first year Mrs. Johnson and her cousin, Barbara McWhorter, offered samples of 13 Rhubarb dishes on the front lawn of the House of Burgess. That first Rhubarb Festival drew 67 people,” notes the festival website.

As the first weekend of June approaches, Aledo prepares to celebrate its 31st Rhubarb Festival.

The free festival draws thousands of visitors annually and is a cornerstone event for the city. Festival goers can shop local vendor markets, sample rhubarb pies and treats, and enjoy live entertainment in the Central Park Bandshell.

“We are excited to welcome thousands of visitors and festival-goers back to Aledo for the annual Rhubarb Festival,” Aledo Mayor Chris Hagloch said. “This event is incredibly important to the fabric of our community and offers our residents the opportunity to gather together in celebration.”

According to the website, the festival has become so well known that former Gov. Pat Quinn declared Aledo the Rhubarb Capital of Illinois.

The annual festival draws thousands of visitors annually and is a cornerstone event for the city. Festival goers can shop local vendor markets, sample rhubarb pies and treats, and enjoy live entertainment in the Central Park Bandshell. Visitors also can experience Aledo through trolley tours that showcase several historic sites.

“On the Main Street side if things, it's really cool that we get the volunteerism and the support from the locals,” Lindsay Dunn, Aledo Main Street director. “It's really a whole community effort to get together and support those two days. It's great for our economy and our small town. “It's evident the Rhubarb Festival is a big deal, and it's a good thing for Aledo. It's cool to see everyone come together.”

Attendees can enjoy the rhubarb cook-off. The Clintstones will perform from 3 to 5 p.m. June 2. The Tailfins Band will play from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on June 3.

There will also be the annual rhubarb pie eating contest and the Lil Rhubarb Beauty Pageant on June 3.

Each year, different charity organizations contribute to a massive rhubarb bake sale that benefits local residents and organizations.

“The Aledo Rhubarb Festival is the community-wide effort and truly represents the celebration of what makes our entire community a special place to live,” said Rhubarb Festival Chair Pam Myers. “From Aledo to the entirety of Mercer County, this festival is the coming-together of all of our businesses, residents and local organizations. We’re excited to have another year to gather together in Downtown Aledo.”

Admission is always free, with the main events running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To learn more about the Rhubarb Festival and its events, visit aledorhubarbfest.com.