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Discover the rich history and culture of LaSalle County today!
What is Burgoo?
Burgoo is a traditional pioneer dish, a kind of stew that gives the festival its name. For the LCHS Burgoo the ingredients are beef, carrots, potatoes, hominy, celery, tomatoes, cabbage, onions, peppers, and other vegetables carefully blended with special spices and herbs. It is cooked outdoors Saturday night for between 12 and 18 hours over a wood-burning fire that gives it a special taste. Squads of volunteer vegetable choppers and kettle stirrers spend the night preparing this pioneer dish. The Burgoo Stew is always ready to serve at 9am Sunday morning!
Burgoo Festival
Established in 1969, the Burgoo Festival is one of the longest-running and largest fall festivals in northern Illinois. The Burgoo Festival is an annual village street party featuring flea marketers, craftsmen, musicians, and other entertainment. More than 350 vendors will present their wares at this craft show and flea market. Sponsored by the non-profit LaSalle County Historical Society, it is the organization’s major fundraiser.
2024 Burgoo Details
October 12-13, 2024
Join the LaSalle County Historical Society for our 54th Annual Burgoo Festival!! Fun starts on Saturday when over 375 vendors will be set up in and around our Canal Market Building (210 Clark Street) from 11-6pm. Stick around to see how our famous Burgoo Stew is created when we kick off cooking at 7pm. The stew will then cook throughout the night until it is ready to be served at 9am on Sunday.
Sunday is the big day when over 375 vendors line the streets of the quaint Village of Utica. Live entertainment will be provided both Saturday and Sunday in addition to live blacksmithing demos and children's activities.
Become A Vendor
2024Â Vendor Applications Available Now!
With an Annual attendance of 85,000-110,000, Burgoo is one of Illinois largest and longest running Fall Festivals.
If you are looking for a Private Vendor application or have any questions please email events@lasallecountyhistoricalsociety.org
2024 Burgoo Sponsors
Thank you to our wonderful sponsors for the 54th Annual Burgoo. We appreciate your business' support to help preserve LaSalle County's rich history!
Festival Sponsors:
Village of North Utica
Utica Business Association
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Main Event Sponsor:
Kishauwau Cabins
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Burgoo Tent Sponsor:
Comcast
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Volunteer Sponsors:
Lodi Taphouse
XPO
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Social Media Sponsor:
Capital Resorts Group LLC
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Advertising Sponsors:
LaSalle County Tourism
(Enjoy LaSalle County)
Illinois Office of Tourism
(Enjoy Illinois)
Heritage Corridor Destinations
Victors Home Solutions
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Transportation Sponsor:
North Central Area Transit (NCAT)
​Fun! Pianos Sponsors:
Peru Federal Savings Bank
Clarks Run Creek
T’s Midwest Boutique
Engleking Farms
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Blacksmith Demonstration Sponsor:
Grand Bear Resort
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1875 Barn Sponsor:
Stonehead Leather
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Kids Sponsors:
LaSalle State Bank
First National Bank of Ottawa
SOCU
Sabic
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General Sponsors:
Hartauer Insurance
Senica's Oak Ridge
International Union Of Operating Engineers Local 150
August Hill Winery
Northern Partners
Duffy's Auto Sales
Eureka Saving Bank
OSF Healthcare Systems
John Pohar & Sons
Grassers Heating & Plumbing
NSG Group/Pilkington
Financial Plus Credit Union
Grand Ridge National Bank
Landers House
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Become a Burgoo Volunteer
Volunteers don't necessarily have the time; they just have the heart!
Burgoo Festival wouldn't be possible without the help of our many volunteers!
Volunteer Perks:
Free Premium Parking
4 Volunteer Hours will receive a T-shirt
8 Volunteer Hours will receive a Sweatshirt
Available for Service Hours
Volunteers needed Friday-Monday Burgoo Weekend
