Festival News & Updates
Another Year Another GREAT Festival: The 2009 International Horseradish Festival was held June 6th and June 7th at Beautiful Woodland Park in Collinsville, Illinois. Other than a few drops of rain on Sunday afternoon things were perfect. The Entertainment was amazing, the food was wonderful and the HORSERADISH was spicy (as usual). The Festival Planning Committee would like to thank all of our sponsors, vendors, entertainers and most of all the thousands that came to the 2009 International Horseradish Festival and made it another successful year. We had fun and hope you did too. More details about this year's festival still to come. And check back for updates on the 2010 International Horseradish Festival. (June 8, 2009)
Watch & Win! Watch the Channel 11 News on Monday, June 1st for your chance to win a 2009 Horseradish Festival VIP Prize Pack (including VIP Parking Passes, Splash City Water Park Passes and a coupon for a FREE Horseradish Festival Souvenir). Glenn Zimmerman will also be giving away 2009 Horseradish Festival Prize Packs as part of the "Song Of The Day" Contest on the Channel 2 Morning Show on Tuesday, June 2nd (May 2009)
Fresh HorseradishThe rich soil of the American Bottoms grows what is arguably one of the world’s largest concentrations of horseradish. So what better treat for those who savor the root’s distinctive aroma and flavor than to buy it freshly grated and processed without preservatives at the festival dedicated to the dynamic root - the annual Horseradish Festival? “This recipe is made once a year for the Horseradish Festival,” said Kim Pamatot, Horseradish Festival Events and Activities Chairman. “It’s a secret recipe – and it does taste better than what you can buy anytime of the year at any grocery.”Technically, horseradish is a vegetable – a relative of the mustard family and not a radish as its name suggests. It’s the mustard-like oil that horseradish admirers relish in its biting taste and distinctive aroma known to bring tears to the eyes.Dennis Diekemper, the general manager of J.R.Kelly, a local company that buys horseradish from local growers to send to processors, said the limited edition horseradish sold at the annual event is processed locally in St. Louis for the Horseradish Festival.“We have around 2400 jars of freshly processed (horseradish) that is sold at the Illinois Horseradish Growers Association booth,” said Diekemper, a member of the organization.The preservative-free recipe lasts only around 30 days, Pamatot said, which means horseradish fanciers must use the entire jar in a month and “when it’s gone, it’s gone.” Or, she added, the prized jar can be frozen upside down to extend the shelf life of the flavor.Smaller portions of the horseradish can also be divvied up in ice cube trays and frozen similar to fresh herbs. The smaller measure allows a dollop for horseradish sauce for beef brisket, cocktail sauce or even in a pomegranate and horseradish martini – virtually any recipe calling for zip.
The fresh horseradish will be sold at the Horseradish Festival on June 6 and 7 in Woodland Park. Hours for the fest are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 7.
What's Cookin'? The Collinsville Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the Second Annual International Horseradish Festival Professional Recipe Challange. The Professional Horseradish Recipe Challange will be held on Thursday, June 4th at 5:00 PM, as part of the Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours Event. The contest is open to all Restaurants, Caterers and Professional Chefs. Please contact Wendi Valenti at the Collinsville Chamber of Commerce at (618) 344-2884, for official rules, requirments and entry fee informaion.
For the Amateur Chef you can try your recipe skills by entering TheBank of Edwardsville Annual Amateur Horseradish Recipe contest. The contest will be held on Sunday, June 7th at 11:00 AM. All recipes must contain a "notable" amount of Horseradish. No secrets allowed - contestants must submit a copy of their recipe, in advance. You must also prepare your recipe and present it for judging. For complete rules please contac Wendi Valenti at the Collinsville Chamber of Commerce (618) 344-2884.
PRIZES FOR 1st, 2nd & 3rd PLACE WINNERS!!! Good Luck.....Yum! (April 2009)
Have I Got A Story For You: We have a very special guest schedule to appear at the 2009 International Horseradish Festival. Mr. Ron Adams is a former Collinsville High School teacher. He taught Egyptioan, Greek, Roman and Norse mythology and believed that the best way to teach was through the art of storytelling. It must have worked Mr. Adams was voted "Most Popular Teacher" by studens at Collinsville High School on a regular basis.
For many years Ron Adams has also enjoyed success as a Professional Storyteller. He specialized in telling myths, ghost stories and literary favorites to middle school aged kids and adults. This is much more than just telling fairy tales. Ron Adams has the unique ability to draw you into any story. His ability to use his voice as the messenger of the stories he tells. Ron was honored as an outstanding storyteller at the 1998 Illinois Storytelling Festival. He was also a featured storyteller at the St. Louis Storytelling Festival in 1992 and 1999.
We're not sure what stories he will tell but we suggest getting there early to get the best spot to hear Ron Adams. He will perform on the Festival Stage on Saturday, June 6th from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
(April 2009).
Now That's Entertainment: The International Horseradish Festival is proud to announce the official line-up of entertainment that will perform on the Main Stage for the 2009 International Horseradish Festival.
Kicking things off on Saturday, June 6th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM will be "Lucky & Naked". "Lucky" Dan Randant and "Naked" Mike Newman bring more than four decades of music and entertainment experience. Dan played with the "Lucky Dog Band" for many years. While Mike still plays guitar with legendary St. Louis band "Fairchild". You will enjoy excellent vocal harmonies and some of the best guitar, mandolin, bass and harmonica playing you will see. Don't be late or you'll miss out on "Lucky & Naked".
You can bring a lawn chair but you won't need it for very long when "Quarter Draw Band" hits the stage on Saturday, June 6th, from 3:00PM - 6:00PM. Playing a great mix of what they call a combination of American Roots Rock, Grassy Blues and Full-tilt Southern Boogie you'll do more dancing than sitting. The Horseradish Festival is proud to welcome back "Quarter Draw Band".
There's nothin' better than mixing a little horseradish with a little Catfish. Enjoy "Catfish And The Big Boss Blues Band" on Saturday, June 6th from 7:00PM to 10:00PM. With members of the band from Collinsville and Belleville you know it will be a good ol' home town show.
Cruise back to the Horseradish Festival on Sunday, June 7th from 11:00AM to 2:00PM and take a trip back in time to the early days of Rock 'N Roll with The Backstreet Cruisers. Playing the best of the 50's, 60's and early 70's.
The St. Louis area has a deep blues tradition. Since 1992, that tradition has lived on with every performance by the Rx Blues Band. They will perform at the International Horseradish Festival on Sunday, June 7th, from 3:00PM to 6:00PM. The Rx Blues Band has released four CD's and has opened for such legendary acts as Chuck Berry, Koko Taylor and Little Charlie and the Nightcats.Rarely do you get the opportunity to hear such a group of talented musicians and we are giving you the chance to enjoy it ABSOLUTELY FREE!!!
For more information please visit the Events Page of our website. And remember to come out and support all of these great entertainment at the 2009 International Horseradish Festival.
Festival Excitement Builds: The 2009 Horseradish Festival is only three months away. Plans are quickly coming together. Food and Craft Vendor applications will be available within the next two weeks.
More than 30 bands and musicians have submitted their interest in performing at this year's Festival. The entertianment schedule will be "Officially" announced on Tuesday, March 17th. (March 2, 2009)
We Are The Horseradish Capital of the Galaxy: According to a recent article in the “Chicago Tribune” Southwestern Illinois and the area around Collinsville is the Horseradish Capital of the “Galaxy”. OK, maybe not the ”Galaxy” but definitely the United States. According to data complied by the United States Department of Agriculture, Illinois has more than 1,800 acres of land dedicated to the growing and cultivation of the Horseradish root. Most of that land is concentrated around Collinsville. This is more than 100% more than the rate of cultivation in Pennsylvania, the next highest horseradish producing state. To read the article simply visit:
www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-talk-horseradishfeb24,0,2049353.story
Want to learn more about horseradish? We look forward to seeing you at the 2009 International Horseradish Festival, June 6th & 7th, in Collinsville, Illinois! (Feb. 24, 2009)
Getting Down To Business: The International Horseradish Festival Executive Committee will hold a Kick-Off party and Business After Hours event. This event is being held In conjunction with the Collinsville Chamber of Commerce. Chamber members and other business and community leaders are invited to attend the Business After Hours event at Woodland Park on Thursday, June 4th, from 5PM - 7PM. Any professional chef or restaurants interested in participating in the "Professional Horseradish Recipe Contest" should contact the Chamber of Commerce. The Professional Horseradish Recipe Contest will be held at the Business After Hours event. If you have any questions regarding the Business After Hours event please contact the Chamber of Commerce at (618) 344-2884 or via E-mail at director@discovercollinsville.com. NOTE: The Amateur Cooking Contest will be held still be held during the festival. The contest noted above is only for Professional participants. (Feb. 2009)
Fresh HorseradishThe rich soil of the American Bottoms grows what is arguably one of the world’s largest concentrations of horseradish. So what better treat for those who savor the root’s distinctive aroma and flavor than to buy it freshly grated and processed without preservatives at the festival dedicated to the dynamic root - the annual Horseradish Festival? “This recipe is made once a year for the Horseradish Festival,” said Kim Pamatot, Horseradish Festival Events and Activities Chairman. “It’s a secret recipe – and it does taste better than what you can buy anytime of the year at any grocery.”Technically, horseradish is a vegetable – a relative of the mustard family and not a radish as its name suggests. It’s the mustard-like oil that horseradish admirers relish in its biting taste and distinctive aroma known to bring tears to the eyes.Dennis Diekemper, the general manager of J.R.Kelly, a local company that buys horseradish from local growers to send to processors, said the limited edition horseradish sold at the annual event is processed locally in St. Louis for the Horseradish Festival.“We have around 2400 jars of freshly processed (horseradish) that is sold at the Illinois Horseradish Growers Association booth,” said Diekemper, a member of the organization.The preservative-free recipe lasts only around 30 days, Pamatot said, which means horseradish fanciers must use the entire jar in a month and “when it’s gone, it’s gone.” Or, she added, the prized jar can be frozen upside down to extend the shelf life of the flavor.Smaller portions of the horseradish can also be divvied up in ice cube trays and frozen similar to fresh herbs. The smaller measure allows a dollop for horseradish sauce for beef brisket, cocktail sauce or even in a pomegranate and horseradish martini – virtually any recipe calling for zip.
The fresh horseradish will be sold at the Horseradish Festival on June 6 and 7 in Woodland Park. Hours for the fest are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 7.
Now That's Entertainment: The International Horseradish Festival is proud to announce the official line-up of entertainment that will perform on the Main Stage for the 2009 International Horseradish Festival.
Kicking things off on Saturday, June 6th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM will be "Lucky & Naked". "Lucky" Dan Randant and "Naked" Mike Newman bring more than four decades of music and entertainment experience. Dan played with the "Lucky Dog Band" for many years. While Mike still plays guitar with legendary St. Louis band "Fairchild". You will enjoy excellent vocal harmonies and some of the best guitar, mandolin, bass and harmonica playing you will see. Don't be late or you'll miss out on "Lucky & Naked".
You can bring a lawn chair but you won't need it for very long when "Quarter Draw Band" hits the stage on Saturday, June 6th, from 3:00PM - 6:00PM. Playing a great mix of what they call a combination of American Roots Rock, Grassy Blues and Full-tilt Southern Boogie you'll do more dancing than sitting. The Horseradish Festival is proud to welcome back "Quarter Draw Band".
There's nothin' better than mixing a little horseradish with a little Catfish. Enjoy "Catfish And The Big Boss Blues Band" on Saturday, June 6th from 7:00PM to 10:00PM. With members of the band from Collinsville and Belleville you know it will be a good ol' home town show.
Cruise back to the Horseradish Festival on Sunday, June 7th from 11:00AM to 2:00PM and take a trip back in time to the early days of Rock 'N Roll with The Backstreet Cruisers. Playing the best of the 50's, 60's and early 70's.
The St. Louis area has a deep blues tradition. Since 1992, that tradition has lived on with every performance by the Rx Blues Band. They will perform at the International Horseradish Festival on Sunday, June 7th, from 3:00PM to 6:00PM. The Rx Blues Band has released four CD's and has opened for such legendary acts as Chuck Berry, Koko Taylor and Little Charlie and the Nightcats.Rarely do you get the opportunity to hear such a group of talented musicians and we are giving you the chance to enjoy it ABSOLUTELY FREE!!!
For more information please visit the Events Page of our website. And remember to come out and support all of these great entertainment at the 2009 International Horseradish Festival.
Festival Excitement Builds: The 2009 Horseradish Festival is only three months away. Plans are quickly coming together. Food and Craft Vendor applications will be available within the next two weeks.
More than 30 bands and musicians have submitted their interest in performing at this year's Festival. The entertianment schedule will be "Officially" announced on Tuesday, March 17th. (March 2, 2009)
We Are The Horseradish Capital of the Galaxy: According to a recent article in the “Chicago Tribune” Southwestern Illinois and the area around Collinsville is the Horseradish Capital of the “Galaxy”. OK, maybe not the ”Galaxy” but definitely the United States. According to data complied by the United States Department of Agriculture, Illinois has more than 1,800 acres of land dedicated to the growing and cultivation of the Horseradish root. Most of that land is concentrated around Collinsville. This is more than 100% more than the rate of cultivation in Pennsylvania, the next highest horseradish producing state. To read the article simply visit:
www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-talk-horseradishfeb24,0,2049353.story
Want to learn more about horseradish? We look forward to seeing you at the 2009 International Horseradish Festival, June 6th & 7th, in Collinsville, Illinois! (Feb. 24, 2009)
Getting Down To Business: The International Horseradish Festival Executive Committee will hold a Kick-Off party and Business After Hours event. This event is being held In conjunction with the Collinsville Chamber of Commerce. Chamber members and other business and community leaders are invited to attend the Business After Hours event at Woodland Park on Thursday, June 4th, from 5PM - 7PM. Any professional chef or restaurants interested in participating in the "Professional Horseradish Recipe Contest" should contact the Chamber of Commerce. The Professional Horseradish Recipe Contest will be held at the Business After Hours event. If you have any questions regarding the Business After Hours event please contact the Chamber of Commerce at (618) 344-2884 or via E-mail at director@discovercollinsville.com. NOTE: The Amateur Cooking Contest will be held still be held during the festival. The contest noted above is only for Professional participants. (Feb. 2009)
International Horseradish Festival Executive Committee will hold a Kick-Off party and Business After Hours event. This event is being held In conjunction with the Collinsville Chamber of Commerce. Chamber members and other business and community leaders are invited to attend the Business After Hours event at Woodland Park on Thursday, June 4th, from 5PM - 7PM. Any professional chef or restaurants interested in participating in the "Professional Horseradish Recipe Contest" should contact the Chamber of Commerce. The Professional Horseradish Recipe Contest will be held at the Business After Hours event. If you have any questions regarding the Business After Hours event please contact the Chamber of Commerce at (618) 344-2884 or via E-mail at director@discovercollinsville.com. NOTE: The Amateur Cooking Contest will be held still be held during the festival. The contest noted above is only for Professional participants. (Feb. 2009)Festive Festival Food: No festival would be complete without a crowd of people and a wide variety of food for them to enjoy. Food Vendor Applications for the 2009 International Horseradish Festival will be available by late February. If interested in being a food vendor please contact Tracy Carlson – Vendor Coordinator via E-Mail at tcarlson@ci.collinsville.il.us. Vendors are strongly encouraged to sell food items containing Horseradish (but this is not a requirement). The festival charges a flat fee for Food Vendors for the two-day event. The Executive Committee must approve all food items sold and will limit multiple vendors from offering the same food items. (Feb. 2009)
Save The Dates: The International Horseradish Festival Executive Committee is pleased to announce that the festival will return for its 22nd year on Saturday, June 6th and Sunday June 7th, 2009. The Collinsville Area Recreation District has graciously will again allow us the use of Woodland Park for the 2009 International Horseradish Festival. Due to concerns over damage to the park and limited space the Car Show will not be part of this year’s Festival. However, traditional events such as the Recipe Contest, the Bloody Mary Contest, the Little Miss Horseradish Pageant and the Horseradish Root Games will help celebrate the history and impact of this “spicy” root. Planning will begin soon for the 2009 Festival. Anyone interested in helping organize or volunteer during the festival is strongly encouraged to e-mail your contact information to director@discovercollinsville.com. (Nov. 200
"Taste Of America" to Feature Festival: (June 1, 2007) If you visit the International Horseradish Festival next weekend make sure and look your best. There will be a camera crew from the Travel Channel's "Taste of America" on-site capturing the sites and sounds of the festival. The crew will be filming the event and interviewing visitors, special guests and horseradish experts. The segment on the Horseradish Festival should be featured on "Taste Of America" on Wednesday April 23rd at 10pm (central time).
Official Midwest Treasure:(May 1, 2007) Triple A has recognized the International Horseradish Festival as an "Official Midwest Travel Treasure". The Horseradish Festival was profiled in the May/June 2007, edition of the organizatins "AAA Midwest Traveler" Magazine. The "AAA Midwest Traveler", highligts special places and events throughout the Midwest and is distributed to more than 700,000 frequent travelers.
Sponsorship Opportunities: (March 1, 2007) Planning has begun on the 2007 International Horseradish Festival. This is one of Illinois' most unique summer events and draws thousands of visitors and locals alike. This two day festival celebrates our undisputed status as "Horseradish Capital of the World". The area around Collinsville ranks as the world's most concentrated producers of Horseradish.
The sponsorship committee is currently soliciting sponsorship for our upcoming 2007 Festival. This years event will be held Saturday, June 9th and Sunday, June 10th, at Woodland Park in Collinsville. The festival would not be possible without the generous support provided by festival sponsors. There are several sponsorship levels available, ranging from $100 to $1,000, and each offers specific benefits and advertising opportunities for your business or organization. Please contact Paul Mann at (618) 346-5200 Ext. 129 for more information. We look forward to your help and support in making the 2007 International Horseradish Festival the most successful in history.