Freeport's Tutty Baker Festival returning after long hiatus. Here's what you can expect
Mark your calendars: the Tutty Baker Festival is back.
The three-day event, named after Freeport's founder, William "Tutty" Baker, kicks off July 7. Here is what you need to know:
When was the last Tutty Baker Festival?
The festival, which combined a carnival, live music, a car show and food favorites was last held more than 20 years ago. However, the car show has been held every year since the festival ended and was renamed as Freeport's Cruise Night.
Why is it coming back now?
According to Freeport Mayor Jodi Miller, the time is right after improvements in the city.
"We've done a lot of work in our downtown and between our streetscape of Chicago Avenue and our Arts Plaza it just seems like the right time to be bale to highlight some of our downtown and attract more people to the community," Miller said in a release.
More: Multimillion-dollar project replacing century-old infrastructure in Freeport
How will this year's festival be different from those in the past?
The footprint will be smaller. The festival is bound roughly by Douglas and Jackson streets and Galena and Adams avenues.
What can I expect at this year's fest?
Friday night: Music on Chicago, at the corner of Chicago Avenue and Douglas Street featuring Blue Steel from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; 13 carnival rides one block west of the Arts Plaza; Disabled American Veterans Bike Show 5 to 8 p.m. at Douglas Street and State Avenue; and 18 food trucks scattered throughout all weekend; and weekend-long specials at participating restaurants and shops.
Saturday: 5K run; carnival; car show; petting zoo; cornhole tournament; mobile axe throwing; farmers market; karaoke contest at the art plaza; 3-on-3 basketball tournament; a petting zoo; free movie at Lindo Theater; live performance by local classic rock band Bootleg Soul; and a fireworks display.
Sunday: A morning community worship service; several river activities including a tug-of-war across the Pecatonica River, a duck raffle, and kayaks and canoes for rent; 3-on-3 basketball tournament finals; and a gospel fest in the afternoon.
What about parking?
Parking will be available in municipal lots around the edges of the festival, plus free trolley rides from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday at specific pick up and drop off spots.
Can vendors still sign up?
Yes. Craft and food vendors are wanted. All foods must be premade, no onsite cooking. The deadline to apply is May 27. For more information, contact Angie Labudde-Johnson at 815-990-7726 or angielabudde@gmail.com.
Chris Green: 815-987-1241; cgreen@rrstar.com; @chrisfgreen
This article originally appeared on Journal Standard: Freeport's Tutty Baker Festival returning after long hiatus
