Burgoo, a festival regarded fondly by generations of Illinois residents, would traditionally be held this weekend in the historic village of North Utica, near Starved Rock State Park. While COVID-19 led to the cancellation of the festival this year, which normally attracts 50,000 to 70,000 attendees, there are still plenty of social distance-friendly activities happening this weekend in the picturesque canal town, including a massive open-air artisan market.
The centerpiece of this weekend’s festivities is the LaSalle County Historical Society's final Canal Market for the season, featuring over 100 socially distanced vendors spread across several large grassy areas and at a restored open-air barn. The event has been a cornerstone of Burgoo for several years, and is one of the LaSalle County Historical Society’s biggest annual fundraisers.
At the market celebrating all things antique, collectible, homemade and homegrown, you’ll find a wide assortment of exhibitors ranging from fine artists to home decor designers. Vendors scheduled to be at the show include Streator’s Blessen Farms, selling a variety of fresh baked breads, and Ottawa’s Quirky Squirrel, bringing an assortment of beautiful handcrafted jewelry.
The market will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at 249 S. Clark St., North Utica.
While you’re there, be sure to visit downtown Mill Street, the main thoroughfare that runs through Utica's cute one-block dining and shopping district. There you'll find appealing dining and drinking attractions like Lodi Tap House, Skoogs Pub and Grill, Canal Port, Joy and Ed's, Pizzeria Vitale and the popular August Hill Winery tasting room.
Lodi, a second location of Maple Park's popular craft beer and burger bar, is serving up a uniquely Illinois-focused menu of brews and artisan burgers. Be sure to try Along Came a Cider, and the October Burger of the Month that features two hickory salt-seasoned Smash'd patties covered in white American and Swiss cheese, topped with a Cajun-spiced apple bacon chutney.
The Vintage Illinois Wine Festival also will return this weekend with a second installment of its socially distant vendor event. Ten fan-favorite wineries from across the state will pour tastes and sell bottles at the two-day outdoor market. Admission is free and 10 half-ounce tastes will run you only $5, a great way to sample several varieties before finding your favorite bottle. Guests are encouraged to bring their own bags or carts to carry all their purchases, as parking may be found some distance away from the festival site. This event will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at Utica’s Carey Memorial Park.
Other festivities include the Utica Fire Protection District’s Annual Car Show, held from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, on Mill Street, and a two-day Craft Festival at the nearby Jamie’s Outpost, featuring an additional 50 socially distant vendors and live music throughout the day and night. For more information on the LaSalle County Historical Society’s Artisan Canal Market Finale, and to see more festivities happening in Utica this weekend, visit facebook.com/Lchscanalmarket.