Annual Chum Rhubarb Festival to move locations

The Chum Rhubarb Festival returns in June for its 20th year, with a change in venue. It was announced Monday that the 2025 Rhubarb Festival will be moving to West Duluth at Asbury United Methodist Church, 6822 Grand Avenue in Duluth. The community and fundraising event will be held on Saturday, June 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“It’s a 26-mile long city, and our services extend to all of Duluth, so we’re really thrilled to be moving west this year with our rhubarb pies, crisps, jams, scones, beverages, music, contests and children’s activities,” Bud Trnka, Chum’s volunteer and event coordinator said in a release.

For several years the festival was held at First Lutheran Church and Holy Rosary School in the eastern part of Duluth.

“Chum provides emergency food, shelter, support and outreach throughout Duluth, and Asbury United Methodist, as one of our member congregations, has been so gracious in providing us with this space. Each year the event has grown–last year we had approximately 3,000 people in attendance, so this location will provide us with the space we need for the number of people we’ve come to expect.” Executive director of Chum, John Cole said.

Reverend Katherine Cornell, pastor at Asbury United Methodist, added that “the mission statement of Asbury United Methodist Church includes serving and blessing our community. I see hosting the Chum Rhubarb Festival as part of that service and blessing. We hope everyone who comes will feel welcomed and loved.”