Sugar Grove’s annual Corn Boil Festival is back, running from Thursday, July 25 to Sunday, July 28. This year’s festival promises to be bigger and better with expanded attractions, more competitions, and a host of exciting activities. Set on the campus of John Shields Elementary School and Volunteer Park, the event offers something for everyone, from carnival rides and live entertainment to bubbling bowls of golden corn. This detailed guide provides an overview of what to expect and how to get involved.
Festival Overview
Event Details
- Dates: Thursday, July 25 to Sunday, July 28
- Location: John Shields Elementary School and Volunteer Park
- Activities: Carnival rides, live entertainment, competitions, food trucks, beer garden, medallion hunt, and more
Expanded Attractions
This year’s festival features:
- Expanded Carnival: More rides and games
- New Competitions: Including the first-ever Corn Boil Cornhole tournament
- Medallion Hunt: Returning with a $50 cash prize
Daily Events and Entertainment
Thursday, July 25
- Opening Time: 5:00 p.m.
- Carnival: 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Food Trucks and Beer Garden: Open throughout the evening
- Unlimited Ride Wristbands: Available for $35
Friday, July 26
- Opening Time: 4:00 p.m.
- Parade: 5:00 p.m., starting at Municipal and Bastian Drives and ending at the park
- Opening Ceremonies: Following the parade, featuring the medallion hunt winner
- Bingo: 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for those 18 and older
- Live Music:
- Strung Out Chicago: 6:00 p.m.
- Fresh Hops: 8:00 p.m.
- Jimmy Nick and Don’t Tell Mama: 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 27
- Craft & Vendor Market: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (inside the gym and multi-purpose room)
- Community Corner: Featuring nonprofit organizations
- Cornhole Tournament: 6:00 p.m. near the VIP tent
- Live Music:
- Liv Hatfield: 5:00 p.m.
- Serendipity: 7:00 p.m.
- American English: 9:00 p.m.
- Fireworks: 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 28
- Car Show: 9:00 a.m., featuring classic and modern vehicles
- Car Show Awards: 2:00 p.m.
- Craft & Vendor Market: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Live Music:
- Duke Band: 1:00 p.m.
- The Chain: 3:00 p.m.
Competitions and New Features
Medallion Hunt
- Prize: $50 cash and recognition at the opening ceremonies
- Details: A fun and challenging hunt, returning for the first time in years
Corn Boil Cornhole Tournament
- Divisions: Competitive and social
- Grand Prize: $250
- Registration: By 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 27
Bingo
- Age Requirement: 18 and older
- Prize: 50/50 pot
Craft & Vendor Market
Expanded Location
- New Venue: Gym and multi-purpose room of the school
- Outdoor Space: Available for vendors
- Raffle: Guests entered for a chance to win one of over 60 prizes
Community Corner
- Purpose: Nonprofit community organizations share their missions and connect with attendees
Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteer Roles
- Corn Pavilion: Cooking and selling food
- Shuttle Drivers: Transporting attendees
- Staff Positions: Information tent, VIP tent, beer garden
How to Volunteer
- Website: Visit sugargrovecornboil.org
- Sign-Up: Follow the links at the bottom of the page
Conclusion
The Sugar Grove Corn Boil Festival is poised to be an exhilarating and unforgettable event, offering a diverse range of activities and entertainment that will appeal to attendees of all ages. This year’s festival promises to be particularly special, featuring an expanded carnival with more rides and games than ever before, providing endless fun for families and thrill-seekers alike. In addition to the carnival, the festival will introduce several new competitions designed to engage participants and spectators, adding an extra layer of excitement to the weekend.
Returning favorites, such as the renowned corn boil, live music performances, and local food vendors, will also be part of the lineup, ensuring that the festival maintains its cherished traditions while embracing fresh elements. Volunteers play a pivotal role in the success of the festival, contributing their time and energy to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Community members are strongly encouraged to get involved, whether by helping with event setup, assisting with activities, or supporting various festival operations.
The collective effort of volunteers is essential to creating a vibrant and enjoyable experience for everyone attending the festival. As the festival approaches, the organizers and local community are working together to make this year’s Corn Boil Festival a highlight of the season, celebrating local culture and fostering community spirit through a weekend of festive activities and shared enjoyment.
References
- Sugar Grove Corn Boil Festival Official Website: sugargrovecornboil.org
- Event announcements and updates from the festival organizers
- Community feedback and volunteer information
This detailed and structured overview of the Corn Boil Festival highlights the various events, attractions, and ways to get involved, ensuring readers have all the information they need to enjoy the festival to the fullest.