49th Annual Burgoo Festival in LaSalle County, IL - Oct 6 and 7, 2018

The smell is amazing.  The taste is undeniable.  The effect - proceeds going to a great cause.

October 6 and 7, 2018 marks the 49th Annual Burgoo Festival, benefiting the LaSalle County Historical Society.  It's the annual North Utica village street party featuring over 350 vendors, musicians and other entertainment.  All centered around burgoo, which is a traditional pioneer dish that is a stew that featured beer, carrots, potatoes, hominy, celery, tomatoes, cabbage, onions, peppers and other vegetables carefully blended with special herbs and spices.  The specific recipe is guarded by "burgoomeisters" that are in charge of cooking the meal for over 12 to 18 hours over a wood-burning fire.

Many volunteers help to prepare this special meal, including teams of vegetable choppers and kettle stirrers.  The stirrers work all night to make sure that nothing burns over the fire.  

The event is Rain or Shine in the Village of North Utica, IL - 2 miles south of Interstate 80 on Route 178.

Get more information at lasallecountyhistoricalsociety.org.