Despite some unexpected heat to central Illinois, the first day of the Apple n' Pork Festival could not have gone better.

Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers indicates over 55,000 came to the Apple n' Pork Festival this weekend. It was the Saturday of the Festival's best attendance since a record 2022 Festival.

Normally, Apple n' Pork Festival crowds get very heavy by late-morning and into the afternoon, but the Chief started to take notice of the crowds mid-morning.

The Apple n' Pork Festival will conclude on Sunday in Clinton - with another hot day in the forecast.