Each year, on the first Sunday in May, a festival takes place in the breathtaking German village of Maeystown, Illinois. Springfest, or Fruehlingsfest as its called in Germany, warmly welcomes visitors to the small town to peruse antiques from the finest dealers in the Midwest, as well as annuals, perennials and herbs from a number of local nurseries. A town that normally boasts a population of 150 nearly bursts at the seams on the day of Springfest, when visitors descend upon the town inflating the population to over 5,000 in a matter of hours. The free festival takes place entirely outdoors, rain or shine, with picturesque show grounds that weave through old stone buildings, a babbling brook, and spring-fed creeks cascading down the bluffs. Maeystown, and the ever popular Springfest, are hidden gems just waiting to be discovered by lovers of history, antiques, and gardening alike.
Originally founded by Jacob Maeys in 1852, Maeystown was originally inhabited solely by German immigrants. Many of the town’s original structures, some built into the sloping landscape, are still standing. The town’s church, stone bridge, and mill, as well as a handful of retaining walls, barns, outbuildings, and smokehouses, are all part of the experience of Springfest. These structures, made predominantly from limestone, are surrounded by rolling green hills and small springs that feed into streams, making it an idyllic place to visit. Enjoying the vibrant spring-green leaves of early May, set against the crisp, light gray limestone buildings of Maeystown, is an invigorating way to welcome springtime. The whimsical setting is a large part of Springfest’s success. There are a number of large antique and garden shows in the Midwest, but none other can top the charming backdrop of Springfest.
