Food, games and music, oh my! Bite the 29th Annual Strasburg Corn Festival
With a name like the Strasburg Corn Festival, one might think the main attraction would be delicious, juicy Ohio sweet corn. However, according to Jennifer Mahoney, fiscal officer for the village of Strasburg, the Corn Fest Car Show and the three-on-three basketball tournament are two of the main draws for visitors to the festival, which opens at 5 p.m., on Friday, July 30, and continues on Saturday, July 31, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Not to be outdone, the festivals namesake draws its own large crowd for the corn eating contest on Saturday. Area residents can find these fun activities and more at the 29th Annual Strasburg Corn Festival at Franklin Park.Sponsored by the Strasburg Cornfest Committee, which is made up of village employees and volunteers, the festival offers roasted corn on the cob and a wide variety of homemade food plus entertainment, games and activities for the whole family. Parking is free and there are no admission charges to attend the event, which benefits the Franklin Park.Each year the money raised at the festival is used to make park improvements. Most recently, festival funds covered the cost to repave the basketball court and put up a new fence. Mahoney explained that the festival started as a fundraiser to make money for the park, and that tradition has continued. Additionally, the festival is unique because it does not include any outside vendors. All food and game booths are run by Strasburg community organizations such as churches, band boosters and clubs. Its nice because everybody knows that their money is going to local organizations or to make improvements to the park, shared Mahoney.Destined to be a crowd pleaser at the celebration this year is the activity which will begin at 10 p.m. on Saturday and close out the festival. We are having fireworks this year for the first time, shared Mahoney.The festival kicks off on Friday evening at 5 p.m., with the 15th annual three-on-three basketball tournament, where teens ages 13 to 18 will compete. Adults 19 and older will compete on Saturday at 9 a.m., and registration for both competitions begins one hour prior to the tournament. One of the highlights on Friday evening will be the Corn Fest Car Show from 5-9:30 p.m., with music provided by DJ Spikeman and 12 trophies up for grabs. Also on Friday evening will be a corn hole tournament at 6 p.m., and musical entertainment at the gazebo stage by Bandhouse from 5-7, and Electric Mud from 8-11 p.m.Saturdays schedule includes lots of fun and games as the adult three-on-three basketball tournament starts at 9 a.m., girls softball begins at 10 a.m., and childrens games for ages six and under take place. Ronald McDonald will perform a variety show at the gazebo at 11 a.m., followed by music by Ren at noon. Also at noon is the start of the popular garden tractor and ATV pull, hosted by the Strasburg Pullers Association.Grab a front-row seat for the entertaining and delicious annual corn eating contest at 1:30 p.m., at the gazebo. Entertainment on the gazebo stage for Saturday evening will include the New Towne Loggers from 3-4 p.m., Wacky Country from 4:30-6:30, and Conestoga follows, from 8-11. For more details about the festival including contest registration fees and times, visit http://www.villageofstrasburg.com, and click on corn fest.
