Beardstown Main Street announces plans for “Heritage Day” in downtown Beardstown on May 1st from 10 to 5. Events this year to include a Chili Cook off with a prize of $100 to the people’s choice for Beardstown’s best Chili.

The Mascouten Bay Muzzle Loaders have agreed to set up campsites on City Square along with possible exhibits by a local fisherman and button makers. Local Main Street organization and the Fall Fun Festival committee to provide period foods. Bluegrass music by the Gorin Family and crafts are scheduled for the day.

Beardstown Main Street announced today that a Heritage day is being planned for May 1, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, on the Beardstown City Square.  Exhibits will be on display showing early settlers, mountain men, commercial fishermen, etc, from the heritage of Beardstown. Period style food (pork chops, ham & beans, vegetable soup and pie will be provided by members of the Beardstown Main Street organization and the Beardstown Fall Fun Festival committee. Bluegrass music by the Gorin Family and Paul Jarvis will be provided throughout the day.  

Those interested in participating in the Chili Cook Off should pick up entry blanks at the office of Dr. Harold Fisher, 206 Washington Street, Beardstown, before Friday, April 30. The cook off is open to anyone wishing to enter.  Chili must be prepared from scratch at the city square between the hours of 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM on May 1.  No pre mixed commercial packages of spices allowed.

Only those paying $1.00 for the right to sample all entries will be allowed to vote for the Best Chili.

More Crafters and Musicians are being sought.

Bob Burget and Dennis Reiley of Beardstown Main Street are seeking more crafters and musicians to set up and perform on the square on Heritage Day. Reiley states that all period type crafters are welcome to set up at no charge. Any budding or experienced Bluegrass musician is welcome to come and sit in with other musicians located around the park.  The criteria for setting up and displaying your craft is:

1.     It must be a craft relevant to Beardstown’s heritage circa 1829 thru 1960.

2.     You must demonstrate and/or be able to discuss your craft in detail with passers by.

3.     Nothing made outside the continental United States can be exhibited or sold.

4.     Crafter should be in period type apparel if possible.

5.     Anyone interested should contact Bob Burget 217-323-3241 or Dennis Reiley at 217 320 2288.