The Kankakee County Museum at Small Memorial Park, 801 S. Eighth Avenue in Kankakee, will host their 34th annual Rhubarb Festival on Sunday, May 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This year’s festivities include a wide variety of vendors, a dime toss, kids’ zone, pie-eating contest, live entertainment, plus tours of the Taylor One-Room Schoolhouse and historic Dr. Small home. As a special treat, organizers are bringing back the beloved baking contest.
Special displays debuting at the Festival will be the annual Kankakee Art League Show, plus a brand new postcard exhibit provided by the local author of “The Secret Life of Postcards,” Melanie Holmes.
Rhubarb and strawberry-rhubarb whole pies and slices (provided by the Bennett-Curtis House) will be available for purchase, as part of the museum’s fundraising efforts, along with jams provided by Turtle Acres. Pies and jams also may be pre-ordered online through Kankakee County Museum’s website through May 17.
The museum currently is accepting baking and pie eating contest participants. Early registration is recommended. Baked goods are to be dropped off on Saturday, May 18, between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Those interested in registering for either are asked to email kankakeecountymuseum@gmail.com or call at 815-932-5279. More information may be found at https://www.kankakeecountymuseum.com.
Scheduled Events/Entertainment Lineup
Civic Auditorium Stage (inside): 11:30 a.m. – Pie Eating Contest (participants must register by 11 a.m.); 1 p.m. – Baking Contest Winners Announced; 2:30 p.m. – Coloring Contest Winners Announced; and 2:45 p.m. – Rhubarb Festival Royal Court, with the Kankakee County Humane Foundation.
Civic Auditorium Patio (outside): 10:45 a.m. – Tim the Tuneman; noon – Shelby Ryan; 1:15 p.m. – Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra; and 2:15 p.m. – The Champagne Experience.
Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for comfort.
This event is generously sponsored by Milner Media Partners, Superior Embroidery, Pathfinder, and Kankakee Podcast.