Daytona 500 Party The Annual Daytona 500 Party is the first Bluegill Festival fundraiser of the year. It takes place in February at the Cedar Inn. Visit the Daytona 500 Party page for more information.

Gardener’s Gathering The Annual Gardener’s Gathering is one of Bluegill Festival’s popular fundraisers as gardeners and growers come out to swap, sell, and display their products.

Festival Committee It takes a dedicated Committee and Volunteers to keep this long running annual festival going. Meet our current committee and learn how you can volunteer.

65th Annual Bluegill Festival – July 23rd – 26th, 2015

The first Bluegill Festival in St. Helen took place in 1949. Consisting of archery contests, fishing contests, coon dog field trials, a ball game, banquet, and grand parade followed by the crowing of a Bluegill Queen the event has lived on for over 6 decades.

Unlike previous years of following Independence Day weekend, this year the festival takes place on the last weekend of July. It begins with an opening ceremony on and kid’s parade on Thursday evening as vendors set-up for the action packed weekend. The beverage tent also opens up for business and the carnival rides are up and running.

Friday and Saturday is full of excitement. In addition to the amusement park rides provided by Schmidt Amusements the festival includes crafter demonstrations, live music and entertainment, vendors, kids games, a medallion hunt, and great food. Sunday wraps up with the Grand Parade and Awards Ceremony.

St. Helen is the place to be the weekend after Independence Day. There is something for everyone and tons of fun for you at Exit 222.