By Kate Bartlett
This August 2-4 marks the 60th annual Eden Corn Festival, one of Western New York’s biggest events. This 4-day festival celebrates the farm rich community of Eden and is deeply rooted in tradition. Visitors come from far and wide to celebrate this annual free family-fun event, with no admission charge.
Having grown up in Eden, I may be bias, but I’ve met various people throughout my life that have mentioned their affection for the festival. From the Cruise Night to the arts and crafts vendors, Garden tractor pull, midway rides, corn-eating contest, pet show and the family-favorite Sunday parade, there’s something for everyone at the Eden Corn Festival.
visit’ for any beer lover, as
Hamburg Brewery will release
a beer available only
at the Corn Festival for the
2nd consecutive year. Back
again for a second year, the
limited-edition cream ale
brewed by the Hamburg
Brewing Company.
The festival kicks off on Thursday, August 2 at 2pm with an 8U Boys Championship Baseball game, with boys and girls’ baseball/softball games throughout the four days. The midway opens at 3pm, along with the Nickel City Road Show on stage (Friday and Saturday too). The hometown pet show begins at 5:30pm with the corn growers’ competition at 6:30pm. Join back at the main stage for the Kangaroo Demonstration/Keeper Talk at 7pm (daily shows) and Open Mic Night with Michael Hund at 7:30pm.
Friday brings more fun and entertainment with the favorite Cruise Night on the school lawn, and “4 Band” is playing in the Beer Barn both at 5pm. The beer barn is a ‘must visit’ for any beer lover, as Hamburg Brewery will release a limited-edition cream ale available only at the Corn Festival for the 2nd consecutive year. “It was a hit last year,” says Becca. “It adds another element of fun and excitement to the festival.” The Run for the Corn Trial Run kicks off at 6:30pm, along with live music on stage with That 80’s Hair Band.
Saturday and Sunday feature one of the area’s largest craft and trade show on the school lawn starting at noon and running until festival close. Weekend highlights include the Corn Husking competition, Garden Tractor Pull, corn hole and volleyball competitions and Corn -Q-BBQ cook off contest. The annual parade kicks off Sunday at noon, complete with candy and maybe some corn throwing if the crowd is lucky.
For the fourth year, the Eden Chamber of Commerce will offer Corn Flavored soft serve ice cream, made by Main Street Ice Cream in Hamburg. The idea was hatched by Eden farmer Matt Agle, who with his background in agriculture and food science, enjoys exploring alternative recipes and creative combinations of foods. He tried it at a family birthday party, then asked the chamber their thoughts on bringing it to the festival. “It’s been a hit every year,” says Becca. “Each year we try to add something fun and creative to keep things interesting.” This year, the corn ice cream will come in three flavors: original, caramel and blackberry swirl. Flights area available to sample each flavor, as well as tasty toppings including cinnamon, salt, blackberry and Mexican street corn.
The festival is the main fundraiser for several organizations in Eden. “The Corn Festival is the major event for our town; without it The Eden Chamber of Commerce and other organizations would not exist,” says Rebecca Cerne, Treasurer. “It’s so important to support local community organizations, farms and small businesses, as they are at the core of our small town.”
The Eden Chamber of Commerce will host their Weidners’ Chicken BBQ all four-days, with all proceeds going directly back into community efforts. Stop by the Eden Fire Department tent for an ear of corn and the Eden Methodist Church booth for food. Various community organizations will be selling fresh corn by the dozen and ½ dozen by the festival main entrance.
The Eden Chamber of Commerce will also be collecting donations for the Tornado Relief Fund, established to assist those in the community that were affected by the tornado on July 10. The damage from the tornado was significant. Several area homes, barns and farmlands were destroyed. Donations will go to those suffered losses not covered by insurance and can be made by check or Pay-Pal. “We are proud to live in a community that so generously steps up to help their neighbors,” says Rebecca. “The festival is another resource to reach a wider audience of people who may want to help.”
“It really is the ideal summer festival,” says Rebecca. “With a variety of entertainment shows every day, great midway rides, carnival games, and lots of delicious food (and corn, of course), there’s something for everyone. With no admission charge, you can come for a few hours or make a day of it.”
For more information and full festival schedule, visit http://edencornfest.com/ and follow on Facebook for event updates.