For More Than 125 Years This Small Town Has Hosted The Longest-Running Festival In Illinois

The oldest festival in Illinois proves that lots can happen in a small town. Some say that 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, Windsor Harvest Picnic has been an excellent example. So let's take a look.

The 127th Windsor Harvest Picnic takes place this year from Thursday, Aug. 15 to Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024.

Each year the little over 1,000 residents in the small town of Windsor in Shelby County look forward to this true community event.

The harvest picnic is the longest-running Illinois festival in the state promising family fun for all ages.

A major draw for attendees is the live music and entertainment. This year look forward to the beats from the Family Worship Center Band on Thursday and the Bellamy Brothers on Saturday.

The Headliner this year on the Windsor Harvest Festival schedule is The Lovin' Spoonful, an American folk-rock band. Do the songs "Summer in the City" and "Do You Believe in Magic" ring a bell?

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 at 4 p.m.

Classic sides, such as baked beans and potato chips, are also available at the Windsor Harvest Picnic, and the local Methodist church hosts an ice cream social.

A unique go-to food here is the fried fish dinner — crisped to perfection in a golden crust — on Friday night. After dinner, grab one of the mouthwatering desserts created by the area's fifth and sixth 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 pork chop dinner, a raffle drawing, and live music.

In addition to the great eats and family atmosphere, a small carnival offers rides and games for kiddos to enjoy.

The festival tradition is largely run with the help of volunteers from the community, who are rewarded with these awesome shirts.

We hope to see you there!

The oldest festival in Illinois offers more information on the Windsor Harvest Picnic web page. Have you attended this exciting festival? What's your favorite festival in the Prairie State? Do you have a favorite festival tradition? Tell us in the comments below!

If you're in the mood for a spooky experience in Illinois, drive about a half hour to Ashmore Estates. And while you're traveling around, consult our Road Trip Snack List.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/illinois/overnight-ghost-hunt-ashmore-il/