Dear People of Collinsville,
I attended your annual International Horseradish Festival this year. Those who know me know that I love a niche festival. Grilled cheese, nations, beer, onions, rednecks, rattlesnakes — you name some weird focus, and you can count me in.
So attending this festival was a no-brainer. I put it on my calendar this time last year after I realized (to my dismay) that I had missed it.
A quick drive across the Mighty Mississippi, and I was in your thriving metropolis.
“Thriving.”
Granted, it was the first day of the festival, but I assumed there would be more.
More of everything, but especially HORSERADISH.
I saw more on the drive in than I did at the festival!
This was the ONLY VENDOR selling horseradish products:
And this was the only one with plants:
You know what the festival DID have, though?
As well it should.
It also had interesting information about the spicy root.
And town info.
Still, I was … underwhelmed. I was in and out in fewer than 30 minutes.
Maybe I just needed to schedule my visit around the Root Toss or the Bloody Mary Contest or Root Grinding. In that case, I apologize for judging you harshly.
Good luck with future festivals!
Beth
* I know, I know. I can’t help it.
Observe and report 
Looks like my town. Around here there is one legit festival — the Crane Festival. Otherwise? I understand there are arts/crafts markets every month on our main street, but I never go. My town’s businesses permanently alienated me in 2020/21. Who knows? Small towns try hard, but…
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I forgot the Potato Festival in September. It is a little better than what your post shows, but it’s a harvest festival and the farmers show up.
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But …
Right.
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