2026 Detailed Event Flyer, Coming Soon!
Rhubarb Cook Off Contest
Ready to show off your rhubarb skills?
Join us for the Aledo Rhubarb Cook-Off on Saturday, June 6th, 2026 during Aledo’s beloved Rhubarb Fest! Whether you’re known for your pie, proud of your preserves, or have a creative rhubarb twist to share, this is your time to shine.
2026 Cook-Off Chair Kim Sheese is excited to announce a special new addition this year—a Best in Show Award!
This meaningful honor is being introduced in memory of Chef Stephanie Godke (“Chef Steph”), our beloved Cook-Off Chair for many years who passed away earlier this year. Stef brought incredible talent, passion, and heart to the Rhubarb Fest, inspiring so many through her love of food and community. The Best in Show award will recognize one outstanding entry selected from all categories—a true celebration of excellence in her honor.
No pre-registration needed—just bring your best dish and be part of this sweet tradition.
👉 Click the link for all categories, rules, and drop-off details. We can’t wait to see (and taste!) what you create!
2021 Detailed Schedule of Events
Covid Safeguard
Aledo Rhubarb Fest Covid Safeguards:
The Aledo Rhubarb Fest Board has made health and safety a high priority. Being COVID safe is a shared responsibility. We want you to enjoy the Rhubarb Festival and stay safe. Please follow CDC guidelines and on-site directions when attending the Rhubarb Festival.
We are working with the Mercer County Health Department as well as the City of Aledo to create a specific plan to safeguard Rhubarb Fest visitors and exhibitors. This is an outdoor festival so the spaciousness of the downtown Aledo area will allow exhibitor booths to be spaced generously, allowing for social distancing plus wearing a mask is highly encouraged for our Fest guests. Rhubarb Fest Vendors/Exhibitors must practice proper masking.
Remember to:
Stay home if you feel sick.
Stay home if you feel sick or have a cough, fever, sore throat, fatigue or shortness of breath. Stay home if you have tested positive or been exposed.
Maintain social distancing.
Keep 6 feet between yourself and other especially when in line.
Sanitize your hands regularly.
Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer where provided.
At the Festival:
Hand Sanitizer will be available.
Hand sanitizer stands will be placed throughout the festival grounds.
Masks are strongly encouraged.
Masks are not required; however, wearing masks is strongly encouraged when social distancing is not possible.
Observe all posted signage.
Look for COVID safety signage and follow directions.
Additional COVID safety measures we are taking:
Food Vendors are being provided with guidelines from our local health department per Illinois Dept. of Commerce Restore Illinois Restaurant and outdoor market/festival guidelines.
Additional restrooms, hand wash stations and hand sanitizer stands will be available.
Vendor booths will be spread out.
We will not have bleachers for watching performances. Please feel free to bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Picnic tables will be spread out and fewer will be available. Again, we encourage you to bring a lawn chair.
Tables will be wiped down frequently.
Food vendors must follow the Illinois Food Service Sanitation Code.