The Tutty Baker Festival returns to downtown Freeport

FREEPORT, Ill. (WTVO) — The Tutty Baker Festival made its triumphant return to downtown Freeport on Saturday.

The delectable food offered at the festival is one of many reasons that festivalgoers come every year, no matter the distance.

“The food is awesome. The weather is beautiful. It is just a beautiful environment,” said Rockfordian Jimmy Glover. “Then the retail is still good, so it’s pretty good to come up here for the little ones.”

14-year-old Brooke Oldenburg, of Forreston, said her favorite part of the fest is the delicious treats as well.

“The food, and I wanted to see the animals. I went on the rides last year. It was pretty good,” the teenager explained.

Freeport’s mayor feels festivals are important for small cities.

“It’s a great community event. It really draws people, not just together who live here,” Mayor Jodi Miller said. “I think it brings a lot of people who are here for tourism, just visiting the community. So, it’s great for business, it’s great for the community. Any time that we can come together is always a good thing.”

Glover shared the same sentiment.

“I think it’s a good thing for the community. I think it’s a good thing for people to come together because it just brings more people out and they get more friendly,” Glover concluded.