The Rhubarb Festival is an almost 2 decades-old event that is dedicated to Rheum x hybridum, an edible variety of Rhubarb, in use since 17th century. The fest, which is going to be held in Aledo, Illinois between June 3 and 4, 2010 is also known by the name of its venue, as Aledo Rhubarb Fest.

At the festival this year, the organizers plan to sell more than 2,000 homemade Rhubarb pies because the rhubarb is mostly used to bake pies. Besides, Rhubarb sampling will be held, where guests and pick and taste various rhubarb recipes on offer. The organizers also intend to give away as many as 12,000 Rhubarb seed free to the guests. This is being done with the aim to encourage cultivation of this plant in homes all around.

There is a lot that you can do at the Aledo Rhubarb festival and eating rhubarb dishes is just one of them. The guests will be invited to “The Tasting”, where they can sample everything, from Rhubarb wine to Rhubarb pies. You can even pick goodies for folks back home at the Rhubarb bake sales. Then the guests will also be taken on Free Trolly Tours, where they will get a glimpse of the Aledo town, lovingly called the “Rhubarb capital of Illinois.”

There is a savory treat from the First Baptist Church, which will serve pie and ice-cream dessert at the Central Park pavilion. Don’t forget to drop by and have a bite. Toward the evening, there is a Specialty Wine Tasting in the Central Park, arranged by The Livermore Wine and Martini Bar. However, as we said, this festival is not only about eating Rhubarb recipes and drinks.

There is an antique/flea market and craft show apart from the counters put up by all the participating businesses, where you can sample Rhubarb treats for free. More eating, here we go! How about some food for mind as well? To do that, you can also combine a visit to the Book sale at the Mercer Carnegie Library or to the Essley Nobel Museum.

As for some activity to work off that Rhubarb pie that you will have at the fest, go for a 5 km Rhubarb Run/Walk for which you can register at the festival website.

For those who will bring their kids along, there is a lot to keep the young minds occupied. Starting with a one mile fun run, the kids can nurture their creative geniuses with painting, indulge in some physical work with pony rides, bouncing balloons and dunk tank, etc.

For those with a little competitive streak in themselves, there are two separate occasions to try your luck and hand. At the Rhubarb Recipe Contest, you can win cash prizes by fixing the best Rhubarb recipe or if you are a Rhubarb planter yourself, bring along your biggest Rhubarb leaf and enter the Big Leaf Contest to win prizes.

However, one word of advise from the organizers, if you are planning to come to the Rhubarb Festival 2010, just to pick up some eatable goodies, including pies, make sure to come early so that you can pick up the best of the lot.
(Photo Courtesy: media.wish.ca, i.ivillage.com)