When is the Tremont Turkey Festival? Your Guide to This Iconic Small Town Celebration

Nestled among the rolling hills and prairie farmlands of central Illinois is the charming village of Tremont. And each June, this quiet community is transformed into a buzzing festival ground for one of the Midwest’s most iconic small town celebrations – the Tremont Turkey Festival.

For over 50 years, the Tremont Turkey Festival has marked the unofficial start of summer in Tremont. It’s a beloved tradition that brings together generations of locals and draws thousands of visitors for a weekend of fun, food, and community pride.

When is the Tremont Turkey Festival Held?

The Tremont Turkey Festival always takes place on the first full weekend of June For 2024, the festival dates are

• Friday, June 7
• Saturday, June 8
• Sunday, June 9

This schedule around the first weekend in June has been a tradition since the very first Tremont Turkey Festival back in 1967 It kicks off summertime in this rural community.

The festival typically opens on Friday evening and runs for a full three days and nights, packed with events, entertainment, food, contests, crafts, and activities for all ages.

History of the Festival

The Tremont Turkey Festival was launched in 1967 by the Tremont Jaycees as a way to bring tourism and attention to the small town.

Tremont was facing a declining population in the 1960s and the Jaycees wanted to bolster the town’s image and economy. Hence the “Turkey Festival” was hatched to put Tremont on the map.

The very first festival was held on June 2-4, 1967 and was centered around a turkey barbecue cookout competition. It was an immediate hit locally.

Over 50 years later, the festival has blossomed into a major regional event drawing 30,000+ visitors back to Tremont annually!

Festival Highlights

Beyond the amusement rides, craft booths, and contests, here are some of the signature events that make the Tremont Turkey Festival a must-visit:

Turkey Barbecue Cookoff

This is what started it all! Local cooking teams fire up their grills to compete for bragging rights on the best barbecue turkey sandwich. Their masterpieces are sold throughout the festival.

Parade

The Sunday afternoon parade is a much loved tradition, with floats, bands, antique vehicles, horses, pageant winners, local celebrities, and more parading down Sampson Street.

Miss Tremont Scholarship Pageant

Young women compete for scholarship money and the coveted crown of Miss Tremont on the Sunday before the festival.

5K Run

Runners take off from the high school on Saturday morning for the challenging Turkey Trot 5K course through Tremont.

Bed Races

Teams race to push elaborately decorated beds on wheels down the streets in one of the festival’s most hilarious and fun spectator events.

Car Show

The classics roll in for the car show on Sunday, with crowds voting on their favorites.

Festival Food Favorites

Of course it wouldn’t be the Turkey Festival without turkey! Some foods you must try:

• Smoked Turkey Sandwiches – The signature festival treat!

• Turkey Reubens

• Lemon Shake-Ups – An old fashioned lemonade treat

• Strawberry Shortcake

• Elephant Ears

• Tremont Lions Club Pork Chop Dinner

• And more! Plus carnival treats and vendors.

What’s New for 2024

While keeping classic events, a few new additions are coming in 2024:

• A bags tournament on Saturday afternoon for competitive cornhole players.

• Expanded kids activities like crafts, games, and contests all weekend.

• More food vendors and Turkey Express pickup lines to reduce wait times.

• A Saturday night fireworks show at dusk.

How to Get to Tremont

Tremont is located just minutes from Interstate 74 in central Illinois, approximately 90 miles southwest of Bloomington and 170 miles northeast of St. Louis.

Coming from the north or south, simply take I-74 to Exit 98. Then follow State Route 9 east into Tremont.

Where to Stay

Most visitors come in for the day. But you can make it a weekend getaway by booking local hotels in nearby towns like Pekin, Manito, and Mason City which are a 20-30 minute drive from the festival.

Camping is available at ParkLyn Campground just outside Tremont.

For other lodging options, check the festival website.

Tips for Attending

To make the most of your visit, keep these tips in mind:

• Come early, stay late – Arrive early before crowds peak and stay into the evening for the best experience.

• Park outside town – Avoid traffic by parking in designated lots on the outskirts and walking or shuttling in.

• Come hungry! – There’s endless food so pace yourself.

• Check the schedule – With 4 stages and 20 events, know what you want to catch.

• Dress casually and wear comfortable shoes.

• Visit the bank first – Many vendors are cash only. ATMs have long lines.

• Bring sunscreen and water – Stay hydrated and protected.

How to Learn More

Get the latest updates by visiting the Tremont Turkey Festival website at turkeyfestival.com as the event nears.

Follow their Facebook page for announcements on schedules, entertainment lineups, contests, special events, and more.

Time to Flock Back to Tremont!

For over 50 years, the Tremont Turkey Festival has brought excitement, delicious food, entertainment, and small town charm together for an incredible community celebration.

And in 2024, it all happens again June 7-9, 2022.

So mark your calendar and get ready to flock to Tremont for a weekend of fun with family and friends! From rides to running to parades to pageants, it’s a celebration not to be missed.