Over 100-thousand people turned out for the return of the 2021 Apple n' Pork Festival this weekend in Clinton.

The turnout resulted in numerous groups and organizations across the CH Moore Homestead grounds selling out of food well before the 5 pm conclusion of the annual festival. Police Chief Ben Lowers told Regional Radio during its Sunday coverage this was a record-setting weekend. Between pent-up demand and fantastic weather plus a COVID-friendly outdoor venue, the weekend blew away everyone's expectations.

DeWitt County Museum Director Joey Long told Regional Radio News Sunday afternoon she felt like this weekend's festival was a great event and hopes the groups that were on the grounds and throughout the community felt their time this weekend was well spent.

This year's festival did not allow for tours of the Homestead due to ongoing renovations of the exterior of the home as well as challenges with volunteers. Woolridge was appreciative everyone understood those issues and hopes to have the museum back open in the next week.

Thanks to very mild temperatures in central Illinois this weekend, issues were minimal at this year's festival. Chief Lowers tells Regional Radio News the Apple n' Pork Festival rarely brings significant problems, if the weather is warm or there is severe weather, those are usually the most significant things they encounter.

2014 was the last time the Festival broke the 100-thousand person threshold.