Utica prepares for Burgoo

It’s that time of the year again, when a village of a thousand swells to upwards of 20,000 people.

The 41st annual Burgoo Festival is from 9:30am until 5pm Sunday in Utica.  The event serves as the largest fundraiser for the La Salle County Historical Society.

The famous burgoo stew will be served up starting at ten Sunday morning.  Raynette Jones of La Salle returns for the fourth year as burgoomeister.

Gerry Hulslander of the historical society sheds light on ingredients of the pioneer stew.

Nearly 250 vendors are expected to showcase goods at this year’s festival.  Besides crafters, there’s also plenty of food and music including performances by the New Doodledorfers and L-P marching band.

With parking always an issue, there will be a shuttle running back and forth from the festival to a parking lot off I-80.