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Tom Nauman Memorial Midwest Morel Fest & Burger Bash

May 2 @ 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

In loving memory of Tom Nauman—our founding father from Morel Mania—this event exists because of his passion and vision. Without Tom, none of this would be possible.

Join us at Washington Park along Jackson Street, where you can shop and peruse a large Botanical Market and Morel Market featuring everything… you guessed it… MUSHROOMS! We’ll even host MOREL UNIVERSITY, where you’ll learn to identify morels, so you know exactly what to look for on your guided hunt. (Please note: The educational hunt has limited availability.)

Interested in being a vendor? Use this form to register.

*Burger Bash information and registration is below the Morel Fest information and registration form.*

 

Schedule:

7:30 am – Hunt and Morel Market sign-in

8-8:30 am – Morel University

8:45 am – Busses depart for guided hunt

9am – 3pm – Morel Market – morel mushrooms only

8am – 3pm – Vendor Market

9am – 11:30 am – Guided Hunt

12:30 pm – Awards

Morel Fest Registration

Morel Registration 2026

  • GUIDED HUNT - 9AM - 11:30AM

    Guided Hunt
  • Price: $25.00
  • Price: $50.00

  • $0.00
  • Midwest Morel Festival May 2, 2026 Ottawa, Illinois 61350 HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT By submitting this registration, you acknowledge and agree to the following: The undersigned individual, partnership, corporation, or limited liability company, including its successors and assigns, in consideration of its participation in the Midwest Morel Festival and partnership with The City of Ottawa, Illinois, The Ottawa Visitors Center, Inc., The Ottawa Exploreum Children's Museum, Ottawa Downtown Association, and/or their volunteers, hereby agrees to the terms outlined below. I acknowledge and accept that there are inherent risks and hazards associated with participating in festival activities and being present on the event premises. I willingly choose to enter the premises and engage in activities despite these risks, understanding that conditions may be hazardous or may become dangerous to me or my property. I voluntarily assume full responsibility for any loss, property damage, or personal injury, including death, that may occur to me or any damage or loss to property owned by me. It is my explicit intent that this Hold Harmless and Indemnification Agreement applies to my family members and spouse, if I am alive, and to my heirs, assigns, and personal representatives if I am deceased. This Agreement serves as a Release, Waiver, Discharge, and Covenant Not to Sue the aforementioned persons/entities, including their heirs, successors, executors, administrators, or assigns. The undersigned further acknowledges and agrees that this Hold Harmless and Indemnification Agreement is legally binding and supported by valid consideration. By signing, I affirm that: I have full authority to execute this document. I have read, understood, and voluntarily agreed to this Hold Harmless and Indemnification Agreement. No oral representations, statements, or inducements apart from this written agreement have been made. I am at least eighteen (18) years of age and fully competent. I enter into this Agreement knowingly and willingly, with the intent to be legally bound. NOTICE: This is a legal document that grants rights to The City of Ottawa, IL, and all associated entities listed above while creating obligations for the signing party. You may wish to consult an attorney before signing.

Burger Bash Details

Join Us for the Burger Bash at the Tom Nauman Memorial Midwest Morel Fest!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 2, and come hungry for one of the tastiest highlights of the Tom Nauman Memorial Midwest Morel Fest—the Burger Bash!

Open to all—no restrictions on who can compete! Whether you’re a seasoned chef, backyard grill master, or just love making a great burger, we welcome you to join the fun.

Enjoy mouthwatering, handcrafted burgers hot off the grill, served with all your favorite fixings and sides. Local chefs and grill master’s will be bringing their best creations, and every bite supports the Exploreum, helping keep the spirit of Morel Fest alive for years to come.

Buns & Stipend Option:
We will provide Hawaiian rolls for all participants. Prefer to bring your own buns? You can opt out and receive a $75 stipend instead.

It’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend—great food, great company, and a great cause. Don’t miss this delicious start to the festivities!

Schedule:

  • 11:00 AM – Set-up
  • 12:00 PM – Competition begins
  • 4:00 PM – Awards

Burger Bash Registration

Tom Nauman Memorial Midwest Morel Festival & Burger Bash

  • Join us for the Burger Bash, a fun and flavorful new addition to the Tom Nauman Memorial Midwest Morel Festival! This friendly cook-off celebrates community, creativity, and the joy of great Midwest food — all in memory of Tom Nauman’s love for gathering people together. Event Highlights: FREE to enter – no registration fees. Slider buns provided by the festival. Each competitor must prepare at least 200 bite-sized sliders for judging and public tasting. Judging Categories: Judge’s Choice (official panel) People’s Choice (guest coin voting) Prizes: 🏆 $250 Cash Prize + Trophy – Judge’s Choice Winner 🏅 Trophy + Bragging Rights – People’s Choice Winner Proceeds from the Burger Bash benefit The Exploreum and the Fireworks Fund.
  • Describe Your Burger (ingredients, inspiration, etc.)
  • HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT By submitting this registration, you acknowledge and agree to the following: The undersigned individual, partnership, corporation, or limited liability company, including its successors and assigns, in consideration of its participation in the Midwest Morel Festival and partnership with The City of Ottawa, Illinois, The Ottawa Visitors Center, Inc., The Ottawa Exploreum Children's Museum, Ottawa Downtown Association, and/or their volunteers, hereby agrees to the terms outlined below. I acknowledge and accept that there are inherent risks and hazards associated with participating in festival activities and being present on the event premises. I willingly choose to enter the premises and engage in activities despite these risks, understanding that conditions may be hazardous or may become dangerous to me or my property. I voluntarily assume full responsibility for any loss, property damage, or personal injury, including death, that may occur to me or any damage or loss to property owned by me. It is my explicit intent that this Hold Harmless and Indemnification Agreement applies to my family members and spouse, if I am alive, and to my heirs, assigns, and personal representatives if I am deceased. This Agreement serves as a Release, Waiver, Discharge, and Covenant Not to Sue the aforementioned persons/entities, including their heirs, successors, executors, administrators, or assigns. The undersigned further acknowledges and agrees that this Hold Harmless and Indemnification Agreement is legally binding and supported by valid consideration. By signing, I affirm that: I have full authority to execute this document. I have read, understood, and voluntarily agreed to this Hold Harmless and Indemnification Agreement. No oral representations, statements, or inducements apart from this written agreement have been made. I am at least eighteen (18) years of age and fully competent. I enter into this Agreement knowingly and willingly, with the intent to be legally bound. NOTICE: This is a legal document that grants rights to The City of Ottawa, IL, and all associated entities listed above while creating obligations for the signing party. You may wish to consult an attorney before signing.

 

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