Corn on the Cob Days is a beloved annual celebration in Plainview, Minnesota that brings the community together for five days of corn-themed festivities. This unique event, scheduled for August 14-18, 2024, offers visitors a chance to indulge in free sweet corn while enjoying a variety of family-friendly activities.
The small town of Plainview transforms during this time, welcoming thousands of visitors from near and far. Attendees can look forward to a packed schedule featuring a farmers market, city-wide garage sale, car and tractor show, and a lively parade. Sports enthusiasts can participate in a golf tournament or a 5k run/walk.
Corn on the Cob Days has been a tradition for decades, growing in popularity and scope each year. The event showcases the importance of corn to the local community and provides a platform for residents and businesses to come together in celebration. With its mix of entertainment, food, and community spirit, this festival promises a memorable experience for all ages.
History and Significance
Corn on the Cob Days originated as a local celebration in Plainview, Minnesota. The event’s roots trace back to community efforts to promote agriculture and foster civic engagement.
Origins of Corn on the Cob Days
Corn on the Cob Days began in Plainview, Minnesota as a small-scale community event. Local farmers and residents sought to showcase their agricultural heritage and celebrate the region’s corn production.
The celebration quickly gained popularity, attracting visitors from neighboring towns. As attendance grew, organizers expanded the festivities to include parades, contests, and family-friendly activities.
Over time, Corn on the Cob Days became a cherished annual tradition in Plainview. The event helped boost local tourism and strengthened community bonds.
Plainview Lions Club Involvement
The Plainview Lions Club played a crucial role in the development and expansion of Corn on the Cob Days. As a nonprofit organization dedicated to community service, the Lions Club saw an opportunity to support a meaningful local event.
Club members volunteered their time and resources to organize various aspects of the celebration. They coordinated with local businesses, farmers, and civic groups to ensure smooth execution.
The Lions Club’s involvement helped elevate Corn on the Cob Days to a larger scale. Their efforts contributed to increased attendance and broader regional recognition for the event.
Event Highlights
Corn on the Cob Days offers a wide array of exciting activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. The festival showcases the best of Southeast Minnesota’s community spirit and agricultural heritage through its signature events.
Grand Parade
The Grand Parade is a centerpiece of Corn on the Cob Days, typically held on Sunday afternoon. Starting around 1:30 PM, the parade features colorful floats, marching bands, and community groups. Local businesses, schools, and organizations participate, creating a lively procession through Plainview’s streets.
Spectators line the route to catch candy thrown by parade participants and wave to friends and neighbors. The parade often includes vintage cars, farm equipment, and costumed characters, reflecting the area’s rural roots and festive atmosphere.
Free Sweet Corn Distribution
One of the most popular attractions is the free sweet corn distribution. From 11 AM to 3 PM on Sunday, visitors can enjoy all-you-can-eat corn on the cob. The corn is locally grown and freshly harvested, ensuring peak flavor and quality.
Volunteers work tirelessly to shuck, cook, and serve the corn to eager festival-goers. Butter and salt are provided for those who want to enhance the natural sweetness of the corn. This event embodies the spirit of the festival and the region’s agricultural bounty.
Live Music and Entertainment
Throughout the five-day celebration, live music and entertainment keep the atmosphere lively and fun. Local and regional bands perform a variety of genres, from country and rock to folk and bluegrass. Stages are set up in key locations around the festival grounds.
A Teen Dance is organized as part of the festivities, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for younger attendees to socialize and have fun. Street performers and buskers often add to the festive atmosphere, entertaining crowds between scheduled events.
Car and Tractor Show
The Car and Tractor Show is a highlight for automotive enthusiasts and farm equipment aficionados. Vintage cars, restored tractors, and other unique vehicles are displayed for public viewing. Owners proudly showcase their prized possessions and share stories about restoration processes and vehicle histories.
Visitors can get up close to examine the craftsmanship and engineering of these classic machines. The show often includes awards for various categories, such as best in show, people’s choice, and most original vehicle.
Family Activities and Games
Corn on the Cob Days offers a wide range of family-friendly activities and games. A Medallion Hunt engages participants in a treasure hunt around town, with clues released daily. The Soap Box Car Race provides thrilling entertainment as homemade vehicles compete down a designated course.
Other activities may include:
- Face painting
- Carnival games
- Inflatable bounce houses
- Art and craft workshops
- Corn-themed contests
A 5k and 1-mile Run/Walk encourages physical activity and community participation. For golf enthusiasts, a tournament is organized as part of the festival’s sporting events.
Schedule and Venue Information
Corn on the Cob Days takes place August 14th – 18th, 2024 in Plainview, Minnesota. The festival’s main events occur at Wedgewood Park, with various activities spread throughout the town.
Event Calendar
The celebration kicks off on Wednesday, August 14th with a farmers market and city-wide garage sale. Thursday features a teen dance and medallion hunt. Friday brings a car and tractor show, while Saturday hosts a 5K run/walk and golf tournament. The main attraction occurs on Sunday, August 18th. From 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, visitors can enjoy all-you-can-eat corn on the cob.
A parade starts at 1:30 pm, showcasing floats, groups, and local entertainment. Throughout the weekend, attendees can participate in a soap box car race and other family-friendly activities.
Wedgewood Park Location Details
Wedgewood Park serves as the central hub for Corn on the Cob Days. The park offers ample space for vendors, entertainment, and the main corn-serving area. Parking is available nearby, with additional spots throughout Plainview.
Lakeside Foods, a local company, prepares the corn. They cook it fresh the morning of the event, steaming it at 212 degrees for about 45 minutes in large baskets called “retorts.” This process ensures hot, delicious corn for the thousands of visitors who attend.
Restroom facilities and seating areas are provided in the park. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for added comfort during the festivities.
Community Engagement
Plainview’s Corn on the Cob Days thrives on active community participation. Local residents and businesses come together to create a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates the town’s agricultural heritage and fosters strong social connections.
Volunteer Opportunities
The festival relies heavily on volunteer support. Residents can sign up for various roles, including food service, event setup, and activity coordination. The Plainview Lions Club, a key organizer, welcomes volunteers to assist with the parade, car show, and corn-shucking stations.
Nonprofit organizations also offer volunteering options. Local youth groups help run children’s activities, while community service clubs manage information booths. Volunteers gain valuable experience and contribute to the event’s success.
Local Business Participation
Plainview businesses play a crucial role in the festival. Many set up booths to showcase their products and services. Local restaurants offer special “corn-themed” menus, while shops create festive window displays.
The City Wide Garage Sale, held in conjunction with the event, allows residents to sell unwanted items. This popular attraction draws bargain hunters from across the region.
The Farmer’s Market features local growers selling fresh produce and handmade goods. This provides a platform for small-scale farmers and artisans to connect with the community and boost their businesses.
Visitor Information
Plainview, Minnesota welcomes thousands of visitors each August for Corn on the Cob Days. The event offers various amenities and services to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for attendees.
Accommodations and Lodging
Plainview provides limited lodging options within the city limits. Visitors often choose to stay in nearby towns or cities with more extensive accommodations. Rochester, located about 25 miles away, offers a wide range of hotels and motels to suit different budgets and preferences.
For those seeking a more local experience, bed and breakfasts in the surrounding rural areas provide charming alternatives. Camping facilities are available at nearby state parks and recreational areas for outdoor enthusiasts.
It’s advisable to book accommodations well in advance, as the festival draws large crowds and lodging fills up quickly.
Travel and Transportation
Plainview is easily accessible by car, situated in Southeast Minnesota near the Wisconsin border. The town is located off Highway 42, about 25 miles northeast of Rochester and 90 miles southeast of Minneapolis-Saint Paul.
Public transportation options are limited. Renting a car is recommended for visitors flying into the region. The nearest major airport is Rochester International Airport (RST), offering connections to major U.S. cities.
During the festival, temporary parking areas are set up around town. A shuttle service often operates between parking lots and event locations to ease congestion.
Dining and Local Cuisine
Corn on the Cob Days showcases local culinary traditions, with free sweet corn provided by Lakeside Foods as the star attraction. The event typically serves 8-10 tons of corn during the four-hour period on Sunday.
Local restaurants and food vendors offer a variety of dining options throughout the festival. Visitors can sample regional specialties and classic Midwestern fare.
Food trucks and temporary stands provide quick bites and street food. For a sit-down meal, Plainview’s downtown area features family-owned restaurants serving hearty American cuisine.
Many festival-goers enjoy picnicking in the town’s parks, combining the free corn with their own packed lunches or locally purchased items.
Social Media and Updates
Staying connected with Corn on the Cob Day celebrations has never been easier. Social media platforms and email newsletters provide convenient ways to follow events, share experiences, and receive timely updates.
Following Corn on the Cob Days Online
Facebook serves as a hub for Corn on the Cob Day enthusiasts. Users can join dedicated groups or follow event pages to connect with fellow corn lovers. Many local farms and farmers’ markets create Facebook events to promote their corn-related activities.
To participate, individuals need a Facebook account. New users can easily create one by providing an email address or phone number. Those who’ve forgotten their login details can use the “Forgot Account” or “Forgot Password” options to regain access.
Instagram is another popular platform for sharing corn-themed content. Users often post photos of their corn preparations using hashtags like #CornOnTheCobDay or #NationalCornOnTheCobDay.
Newsletter and Announcements
Email newsletters offer a direct line of communication for Corn on the Cob Day updates. Many agricultural organizations and food-focused websites provide subscription options on their websites.
These newsletters typically include:
- Recipes for preparing corn on the cob
- Information about local corn festivals
- Tips for selecting the best corn
- Announcements about special corn-related events
Subscribers usually need to provide their email address to sign up. Some services may require additional information like name or location to personalize content.
Many newsletters also feature social media integration, allowing readers to easily share content on their own Facebook or other social media accounts.
Special Attractions
Corn on the cob festivals offer a variety of engaging attractions beyond the main food offerings. These special features enhance the overall experience and provide entertainment for visitors of all ages.
Antique Tractor Showcase
The Antique Tractor Showcase draws machinery enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Vintage tractors from different eras are displayed, ranging from early 20th-century models to more recent classics. Visitors can admire the restored machines and learn about their role in agricultural development.
Knowledgeable owners are often on hand to share stories about their prized tractors. Some events even feature tractor parades or demonstrations, showcasing these mechanical marvels in action.
Interactive displays explain the evolution of farming technology, highlighting how these machines revolutionized corn production over the decades.
Local Artisan Market
A bustling Local Artisan Market adds a creative touch to corn festivals. Vendors set up booths showcasing handmade crafts, jewelry, and artwork inspired by rural themes and corn motifs.
Visitors can browse unique items like corn husk dolls, cornfield paintings, and corn-themed pottery. Many artisans offer live demonstrations of their craft, allowing spectators to witness the creative process firsthand.
Local food producers also participate, selling homemade jams, pickles, and baked goods that complement the festival’s corn-centric focus. This market provides a platform for small businesses and adds to the community atmosphere.
Seasonal Highlights
Corn festivals often incorporate seasonal elements to enhance the autumn ambiance. Pumpkin patches are a common feature, allowing families to select the perfect gourd for carving or decoration.
Hay rides offer a fun way to tour the festival grounds or nearby cornfields. Some events include corn mazes, challenging visitors to navigate intricate pathways cut into tall cornfields.
Seasonal treats like apple cider and pumpkin spice lattes are typically available. Local cafes and even major chains like Starbucks may set up booths to serve these popular fall beverages, catering to visitors seeking familiar flavors alongside traditional corn dishes.
Sponsorship and Advertising
Corn on the Cob Days events attract various sponsorship and advertising opportunities. These partnerships help fund the festivities while providing valuable exposure for businesses.
Corporate Partnerships
Local and national companies often sponsor Corn on the Cob Days. Food brands may provide corn or condiments for the event. Agricultural equipment manufacturers might showcase their latest machinery.
Sponsorship tiers typically range from bronze to platinum levels. Higher tiers offer more prominent logo placement on event materials and banners.
Some sponsors set up booths to engage directly with attendees. This allows them to distribute samples, promotional items, or information about their products and services.
Local Media Coverage
Radio stations like Townsquare Media frequently partner with Corn on the Cob Days organizers. They provide on-air promotion leading up to the event and often broadcast live from the festivities.
Local newspapers and TV stations cover the event as part of their community news. This coverage generates buzz and attracts more visitors.
Media partnerships may include sponsored segments or special features about the event’s history and highlights. These collaborations benefit both the media outlets and the event organizers.
Promotional Opportunities
Corn on the Cob Days offer diverse advertising options for businesses. Banner ads on event websites and social media pages are common.
Event programs and maps often include paid advertisements. These printed materials reach a wide audience of attendees.
Video ads may play on screens at the event or be included in online promotional content. Short, eye-catching videos work best in these formats.
Some events create branded merchandise like t-shirts or corn-themed novelty items. Sponsors’ logos can be featured on these products, extending their visibility beyond the event itself.