Another year of Corn Day celebrations has come and gone. Stars, Stripes, and Stalks was a huge success and a nice addition to the day; the weather was perfect.
Every year, the Corn Days festivities begin that Monday with the Carmi Chamber dinner, and then that Thursday, White County Farm-to-Table offers a great night with local farmers and businesses.
On Friday, several teams competed in the Cornhole tournament in the First Mid Bank parking lot. This year, Trevor and Cody Nelson took 1st place; Larry Whissel and Matt Nobe took 2nd; and Matt Burnett and David Ryder took 3rd.
Just down the street, at the main stage, girls and baby boys worked hard to earn the crowns and titles at this year’s Corn Day pageant.
Winners and their runner-ups were: Junior Miss Kenley Davis, with 1st runner-up Holly Hays and 2nd runner-up Mallory Mullins. Little Miss Aubree Drone, with 1st runner-up Colette Garner and 2nd runner-up Blake Nelson. Tiny Miss Tatim Collins, with 1st runner-up Hosanna Aud and 2nd runner-up Bentlee Acord. Toddler Miss Charli Wring, with her 1st runner-up Daisy Veatch and 2nd runner-up Quinn Gottman. Baby Mr. Marlow Terrell and 1st runner-up Grayson Harrington. Baby Miss Marceline Martin and 1st runner-up Saylor Deig.
Saturday morning brought out the early birds for the annual Guardian Center Candy Corn Run, sponsored by the Guardian Center, at 8:15 am.
Then at 10 am, the cutest parade around, the Pet Parade, gave out its awards. First, best float went to Big Kernel Kongs (Jagger Murray, Tripp Sisco, Ryker Renshaw, and Riggins Campbell); 2nd place went to John Deere (Greyson and Walker); and 3rd place went to Space Ship (Riley, Holly, and Lucas). Best Decorated Bike went to Bubble Gum (Callie, Claire, and Hallie), and 2nd place went to Mario (Vance Veatch). The Best TV/Movie Character costume winners were the Slinky Float, with 2nd place going to The Wizard of Oz (Jenny and Isabella Blankenberger). The Most Unusual Pet award went to the lovely Dottie the Turkey (Mark and Molly Gregory), and 2nd place went to The Pony Express (Barett, Truett, and Bennett Edwards and Braden Tomm). Last up, the Prettiest Pet winners were Milo and Opie, with Hotdog Cat (Winnie Drone) taking 2nd place.
After the morning parade, the chili cook-off masters took their places at Veterans Memorial Park to see who had the most spirit and the tastiest chili in town. The team Twisted Sisters won the hearts of the community by winning the category of “Taster’s Choice.” They also won “Most Spirited” thanks to their hilarious inflatable getup. They also won their third prize of the day, “Judges’ Honor 2nd Place.” 1st place for Judges’ Honor went to Melinda Newman and her “Stars, Stripes, and Chili.” Judges’ Honor 3rd place went to “Heartland Heritage,” Nancy Ritchell.
After filling up on chili, corn, and the many delicious food choices from local vendors lining Main Street, many people headed to the Main Stage to watch the crowning of this year’s Corn Queen and King. The 2026 Corn Queen and King were Katelyn Garner and Nevan Jordan. Garner and Jordan are active in their 4-H group and great role models for 4-H’s future.
Emily Williams and Kelsi Hunsinger took turns singing the most popular hits from the impeccable Dolly Parton, who passed away in August. Several people sat and listened to songs that still bring joy to many.
As always for Corn Day, the main parade kicked off at 4 pm, with Main Street packed with hundreds of kids and adults battling it out for candy and to see the amazing bands, floats, businesses, and individuals who took the time to create a fun, exciting parade for everyone.
The Corn Day parade winners: bands, 1st place: Harrisburg High School; 2nd place: Massac County High School; and 3rd place: NCOE High School.
Best float winners: 1st place: Brownsville Attendance Center; 2nd place: Horizon Healthcare Carmi Medical Center.
To round out the night, Drake White’s performance was a huge success, with many people surrounding the stage to listen to great country music.