Prime Beef Festivities
Usually around campus, you hear “There is nothing to do in Monmouth.” While that may be true in different people’s opinions, there has been something to do the week following Labor Day for the past 71 years!
The annual Prime Beef Festival is held every year at the Monmouth Park, kicking off with the parade on the Wednesday evening after Labor Day. The yearly tradition comes to a close on Saturday night after all of the events are over.
In the park, you would have found carnival rides and food vendors. I always make sure to get an apple cider slushy during the week, this year I may have had two! Across the street, you can pay to get into events such as the demo derby, figure eight races and others. If you really wanted the full fair experience, you could have made your way to Roseville to check out the livestock shows!
Another question you may be wondering is, “Why the name Prime Beef?!” In 1948, Warren County had sent more beef to Chicago for processing than any other farming region. This is where “Prime Beef Center of the World” slogan was soon adopted for the area. I’m sure you’ve tied some loose ends together by this point and realize that this is how the “Prime Beef Festival” got its name and how they celebrated.
If you want statistics, the Pattee farm from near Cameron had 23 head of cattle which set a weight record at Chicago’s Union Stockyards and averaged 1,343 pounds each. Other farmers from the Monmouth area had already been increasing their cattle production, from 34,000 in 1940 to 43,000 in 1945. The Monmouth Chamber of Commerce decided they needed a vice president, so they hired a man named Bob Albert He is the one who confirmed the numbers with the Chicago Union Stockyards and got the title “Prime Beef Center of the World” up and off the ground.
While traditions have changed since 1948, it is still a festival that everyone should experience! Next year, make sure you get a group of friends together, go down to Monmouth Park, get an apple cider slushy and you will be set!
Alison Barrington - Staff Writer
