The countdown to Corn Day is on and Carmi Kiwanis is in full preparation mode. That was the singular topic at Thursday’s weekly meeting as members heard from committee chairs, city officials and employees regarding needs and buttoning up arrangements while the community prepares to celebrate.
The festivities unofficially kick off on Thursday (October 9th) with the annual Farm to Table event. Organizers say they’re expecting or at least are prepared currently for about 300 folks to line south Main Cross for the Carmi School Foundation fundraiser. It will also be the first opportunity to dig into carnival rides as Swyear will be set up and ready to provide thrills with state fair quality rides beginning at 5:30pm.
Friday (October 10th), the festival kicks it into high gear when the streets will close at 3pm (and not a moment before). Organizers will whip into a frenzy getting measures in place for 60 youngsters to compete at the Corn Day pageant on the Main Stage at 5:30pm. It will be in it’s traditional spot at the corner of Main and North Walnut. Also at 5:30pm, just down the street in the First Mid Bank & Trust parking lot, teams will compete for Corn Hole supremacy. You’re welcome to pre-register by contacting Edward Jones Financial Advisor Kaylee Adams’ office at 618-382-7032. Teams of two are also welcome to sign up at the event. Finally Friday night, while the Bulldog football team is in Christopher trying to wrangle the CZR Bearcats, those who favor the arts will be treated to a preview of the CWCHS Drama Department’s fall play on the Main Stage and then a set from local Kyson Clark’s band Rusted Spirit.
Saturday (October 11th), the car show gets underway with registration beginning at 9am. That’s from the First Mid parking lot and will stretch as far down Main Street to Oak if needed. The pet parade is in good shape with about 150 goodie bags prepped for youngsters and their pets. It’s followed by the Corn Dog Pet PAWgeant held on the Main Stage at 11am.
From 11am to noon, Chili Cook Off committee chair Kati Sturgal says there are 11 teams currently signed up for the challenge taking place at Veterans Memorial Park. She says she’ll accept more entries through Friday, October 10th. At noon, we’ll get a new Corn Queen. 4H Program Coordinator Amy McCarty says there will be no king crowned for 2025. You’ll get a chance to learn more about the candidates for queen next week on Open Line at 93.3 fm/AM1460. Coronation is at noon on the Main Stage. The Kiwanis sponsored Key Club Cake Walk will be held from 1pm – 2pm and that’s followed by a free concert from RENEE.
The annual Corn Day parade featuring floats decked out with this year’s theme: CornStalk – Peace, Love, & Hominy gets started at 4pm and in addition to businesses, Marching Band committee chair Adam Winkleman reports revelers lining the streets will enjoy at least 6 area bands with potentially another. And it all concludes with a free concert from Chris Cagle as part of his Neon Nights Tour.
And for those looking to get their grub on, vendor chairman Eric Rahlfs says foodies will have at least 24 food booths to choose from Friday and Saturday.
The sponsor committee was able to raise nearly $63,000 this year to help put the festival on. Kiwanis will honor those many sponsors next Thursday by inviting many of the nearly 100 businesses, organizations, and individuals that making a significant contribution toward pulling the effort together.
Stick with WROY/WRUL News on air, on social media, and via wrul.com for recaps and further details. You can also get important information directly from the Carmi Kiwanis Club Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064511119421.