Here’s a fact about rhubarb: it’s an excellent source of fiber, calcium, and vitamin K.  Here’s another fact about rhubarb: University Lutheran Church has been celebrating this vegetable (another fact! It’s not a fruit) for 30 years at the 30^TH ANNUAL RHUBARB FESTIVAL in Grand Forks, North Dakota on Saturday, June 15, 2024!

Thank you to the fantastic Jen Cummings for the info – check out the details (see below), remind yourself that North Dakotans are required by law (this is not a fact) to eat rhubarb at least once a year, and have an amazing and delicious time!

What do we need to know about the Rhubarb Festival?

The Rhubarb Festival is a great long-time fundraiser for our Women’s Group.  This year’s Festival is on Saturday, June 15 from 10AM to 1PM at University Lutheran Church, 2122 University Avenue in Grand Forks.  We will have turkey salad, rhubarb salad, a roll and dessert for $10, or you can have dessert and coffee for $5.  We will also have rhubarb milkshakes available for purchase, a rhubarb bake sale, and several items up for raffle.  Everyone is welcome!

What does the Women’s Group do?

The Women’s Group supports local charities, global missions and sends children to Bible camp with proceeds

Do you have a favorite rhubarb recipe to share?

Pauline Bondy started the Rhubarb Festival 30 years ago (the photo below of the three women in the rhubarb t-shirts is Pauline and her two daughters).  Here is her RHUBARB STRAWBERRY CRISP recipe:

2C rhubarb, sliced
1 pint strawberries, halved
3T cornstarch
1C brown sugar, divided
1/2C melted butter
1-1/2C quick-cooking oatmeal
1/2C flour
1t cinnamon

Mix rhubarb and strawberries.  In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and half of the brown sugar.  Add to fruit mixture, stir well, and place in 8×8” baking dish.  In a medium bowl, mix oats, flour, cinnamon, and the rest of the brown sugar.  Stir in melted butter, and sprinkle over the rhubarb mixture.  Bake at 300-degrees for 1 hour.  Serve hot with ice cream or whipped cream.

(A side note: remember my story about birdhouse maker Gary Urness? His birdhouses will be available at the Festival!)