Soda~licious : The Homer Soda Festival, Homer, Illinois

Last Updated on May 10, 2016 by Jody Halsted

It's rare for me to visit a place and then, not 2 weeks later, make a return trip to that same area. But that's exactly what I did after my visit to Champaign County, Illinois. All it took were three little words: Homer Soda Festival.

I learned a lot during my brief visit to the Homer Soda Company. A family owned and run business, the Homer Soda Company stocks hundreds of glass bottle sodas- favorites from yesteryear like Brownie Root Beer and small batch specialties from across the country like Sioux City sodas from Iowa and Capt'n Eli's from New England. They even have their own small batch soda- Homer Soda Company Maple Root Beer, which is my personal favorite.

Not only does the Homer Soda Company sell over 500 types of soda to anyone who walks in the door, but they are also one of the largest retro soda distributors in the country. How's that for small town ingenuity?

But I've digressed….

The Homer Soda Festival

This one day event, held in early June, brings over 10,000 people to the tiny town of Homer, population 1,000.

Tasting tents line at least 6 city blocks, with overflow extending into parking lots and small park areas.

Representatives from many of the soda companies are on hand to tell you all about their concoctions and tempt you to try flavors you may be a bit apprehensive about. Kitty Piddle, anyone?

Live bands perform throughout the day and you'll find fabulous local food vendors (no chain restaurants allowed!) to help keep your blood sugar level somewhat normalized.

I knew we had to be there.

Handy Tips for Attending the Homer Soda Festival

Beginning at 10am and running for 9 full hours, you want to arrive prepared.

Eat a good breakfast- preferably filled with protein and carbs. You'll need your energy as you will be walking miles today. Also, it's best not to begin sampling sodas on an empty stomach.

Unless you are arriving a couple hours early, be prepared to walk across town to get to the festival. (I did mention this is a small town, right? And that the entire center of it is blocked off with tents?) Wear very comfortable shoes. In fact, wear comfortable clothes. You'll be outdoors most of the day. It could get hot. It could rain. Be prepared for anything.

Soda tasting is by ticket, purchased by sheets of 10. A smarter purchase is the Unlimited Tasting Wristband. Or be a VIP with advance order passes that score you unlimited tastings, a 6-pak cloth bag (for your soda purchases), branded shot glass, a bottle of soda, and list of every soda available (so you can take notes on your favorites).

2016 prices: tickets $4 for 10 tickets/ wristband $15/ VIP (limited number available, pre-sale only) $20

Bring plenty of money. And maybe plan to drive. Because you'll buy a lot of soda to take home. Not only that, but local vendors are open and you'll likely leave with antiques or crafts that you. must. have.

But what if I don't like soda?

I understand! I'm not a soda drinker, either. But trust me when I tell you that you will enjoy this. This isn't your typical soda. These are small batch, natural ingredient sodas. Sodas that you can pronounce the ingredients when you read the label.

In fact, you may be a soda snob when you leave.

learn more about the Homer Soda Festival and buy your tickets here

Where to stay:

Homer doesn't have a hotel. We stayed at Allerton Park & Retreat Center in Monticello, about 40 minutes away.

If you want to stay closer I recommend iHotel in Champaign, near the University of Illinois campus.

Being a college town, Champaign-Urbana has lots of other lodging options, too, about 20 minutes from Homer.

Just so you know…  Everything about our visit to the Homer Soda Festival was paid for by me. No compensation, of any type, was received for this post. Now that you know that – just plan to go already!