ALEDO, IL – In the heart of Central Park, surrounded by the sounds of music, the scent of fresh pie, and the laughter of festival-goers, a small booth offers something more than just keepsakes—it offers a connection to the roots of Rhubarb Fest and a loving tribute to one of its original guiding lights, Darlene Johnson.
This year’s souvenir booth, organized by longtime community member Beth Whiteneck (after what she laughingly calls “gentle pressure” from the two Pams), is not only stocked with vintage-style t-shirts, recipe books, and cutting boards—it’s filled with memories. “I had an eye twitch for a couple of weeks,” Beth joked, “but it’s been worth it. We’re doing great, and we’ve had a good crowd since Friday morning.”
One of the most meaningful additions to the booth this year is a set of tea towels featuring Darlene Johnson’s actual handwriting—specifically, her rhubarb pie recipe. “It’s such a great way to memorialize Darlene and what she’s done for this festival,” Beth said. “People see it, and it brings back memories of her smile, her work ethic, and her love for this community.”
Darlene Johnson wasn’t just involved in Rhubarb Fest—she was its beating heart. From planting rhubarb patches to helping with tasting tents, Darlene was the embodiment of what makes small-town festivals special. “I remember one year, after everything had wrapped up, I stopped by the police department to drop off paperwork and there she was—in the rhubarb patch, cleaning things up herself,” Beth recalled. “She just had the heart of a servant.”
The booth also features a small cookbook assembled by Annette Speer, full of recipes featured in the tasting tent and some pulled directly from Darlene’s own kitchen collection. “It’s only five dollars, and it’s packed with the flavor and tradition that brought this festival to life in the first place,” said Beth.
In addition to the cookbook and towels, festivalgoers can purchase new t-shirt designs—including one that Beth calls “vintage chic”—along with other unique items ranging from $3 to $30. QR codes allow attendees to order online if their size sells out, and many shoppers say they’re excited to take a piece of Aledo back home with them. “We’ve got people here from all over,” said Beth. “It’s going to be a big year, and a souvenir makes a great reminder of that.”
But for many who stop by, it’s about more than just a souvenir—it’s a chance to remember a woman who helped grow this celebration from a handful of tables outside House of Burgess into the beloved tradition it is today.
“Darlene believed in the power of community,” Beth said quietly. “She believed that food brings people together, that hard work is worth it, and that even something as simple as rhubarb could make a difference. We’re all here today because of her vision.”
And thanks to this year’s booth, her legacy lives on—stitched into tea towels, printed on shirts, and tucked inside recipe books destined for kitchens near and far.