ALEDO, IL – While some city officials attend festivals to make speeches or shake hands, Aledo Alderman Mario Pauley prefers to do something a bit more practical—he drives.
At the 2025 Rhubarb Fest, you could find him behind the wheel of one of the iconic courtesy carts buzzing around town, picking up attendees from parking lots and dropping them off at the heart of the action in Central Park. It’s not just a nice gesture—it’s part of the infrastructure that makes Rhubarb Fest so enjoyable and accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities.
“Yes, this is an official job,” Mario laughed, as he guided his cart around another corner, chatting with WRMJ’s Terry James along the way. “And I’m proud to do it.”
Thanks to support from Essig Motors, the fleet of courtesy carts has become a beloved and expected part of the Rhubarb Fest experience, especially for those who can’t walk long distances or are navigating the festival with children, coolers, or lawn chairs. “People thank us constantly,” Mario said. “They really appreciate it. I think a lot of them hope we keep doing this every year—and we plan to.”
But the carts are only one piece of what’s made this year’s event extra special. With the long-anticipated renovation of the historic Aledo Opera House finally complete, 2025 marks the first Rhubarb Fest where the venue has been open and fully operational. For Pauley, that milestone is personal.
“Wearing my alderman hat, I can say this is a proud day for Aledo,” he said. “The Opera House represents a lot of time, effort, and investment in our downtown. It’s more than a building—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when the community works together.”
He wasn’t exaggerating. The Opera House has already hosted music performances, vendor booths, and guests wandering in and out to admire the careful restoration of one of Aledo’s most iconic landmarks. Its presence enhances Rhubarb Fest and anchors it to the town’s growing identity as a destination for arts, entertainment, and family fun.
“This festival always brings out the best in people,” Mario added. “It’s about pie and music and crafts, sure—but it’s also about neighbors checking in with each other, people reconnecting, and visitors discovering something new about Aledo. And when they see us trying to make it easier to enjoy the experience—like with these carts—that’s part of that welcome.”
Pauley, a lifelong resident and active member of city leadership, has been a vocal supporter of revitalization efforts throughout Aledo. Rhubarb Fest, he says, is one of those unique events that ties it all together: tradition, growth, and community spirit.
“From the Opera House to the souvenir tents, from the stage to the sidewalks—everything you see here today is thanks to people who care,” he said. “And I’m honored to be one of them.”
As his cart rolled away to greet another family walking toward the edge of downtown, Mario offered a final thought: “This is what hometown pride looks like—and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else today.”