For More Than 125 Years This Small Town Has Hosted The Longest-Running Festival In Illinois
By Linze Rice|Published August 07, 2023
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Linze Rice
Author
Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
They say not too much happens in a small town. Life runs a little slower and a little more simple. Yet small towns in Illinois are rich in tradition, forging their own cultures that are unique to each place. Oftentimes, these traditions culminate in an annual celebration in the form of a festival, which showcases the very best of the town’s foods, arts, music, and community spirit. And for over a century, the oldest festival in Illinois has been an excellent example of that.
So let’s take a look!
The Windsor Harvest Picnic takes place each year in the small town of Windsor in Shelby County. The Central Illinois city has a population of just over 1,000 residents, making it a true community event.
The harvest picnic is the longest-running festival in the state, with 2023 marking its 126th year. The event runs from Thursday, August 17, through Saturday, August 19.
A major draw for attendees is the live music and entertainment, with country bands typically taking the stage to serenade the audience as the headlining act.
Of course, no picnic would be complete without incredible local foods. Coming from a small town myself, I live for the savory, juicy crunch of a butterfly barbecue pork chop sandwich — and there are plenty of them here on Thursday.
Classic sides like baked beans and potato chips are also available at the festival, and the local Methodist church hosts an ice cream social.
A unique go-to food here is the fried fish dinner on Friday night — crisped to perfection in a golden crust. After dinner, grab one of the mouthwatering desserts created by the area's 5th and 6th graders.
Keep your appetite up for Saturday, too, because the Windsor FFA serves an amazing breakfast — followed by the picnic's 5K run/1 mile walk, a tractor pull, and a parade. The evening caps off with a chicken dinner, a raffle drawing, and live music!
In addition to the great eats and family atmosphere, there is a small carnival with rides and games for kiddos to enjoy.
And while you're planning your festival visit, why not make it a weekend getaway for the whole family? This adorable, freshly renovated home sleeps six and is pet-friendly for up to two dogs! It's located just 17 minutes away in neighboring Shelbyville, only a half mile from the town's sprawling lake.
Visitors will have everything they need for a home away from home: a large yard with a deck, a fire pit and grill, kitchen amenities, a washer and dryer, Wi-Fi, and all new furniture and appliances. The home is in a prime location with easy access to stores and restaurants, as well as Eagle Creek State Park, Forest Park, and all the kayaking, boating, and jet skiing you can handle on Lake Shelbyville.
