August 3, 2026 | WALLS 102

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79th Annual Sweet Corn Fest slated for this weekend

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79th Annual Sweet Corn Fest slated for this weekend

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79th Annual Sweet Corn Fest slated for this weekend

One of the Illinois Valley’s summer staples is coming this weekend.The 79th Annual Sweet Corn Fest in downtown Mendota has a packed schedule in 2026, set to attract tens of thousands of visitors and provide entertainment, community and of course, all the sweet corn anyone could want.“Expect big crowds and great corn,” Mendota Mayor Dave Boelk said. “This festival has been a great movement in Mendota all these years, and this year it’s as strong as ever.”Food and Merchandise Street Booths: Visitors can walk the streets looking for great food and deals from a variety of vendors.Carnival: Windy City Amusements will feature rides for families and daredevils at the festival midway. Deals are available to make the most out of riders’ experience.Live Music: Multiple musical artists and groups will provide entertainment throughout the festival, excluding the weekend’s performances at the Main Street beer garden.At the First State Stage:At the First State Bank Hospitality Tent:A Sensory Friendly Afternoon: Starting at 3 p.m., before the carnival rides are open to the general public, they will be open for special needs individuals and their families who pre-registered for this opportunity.Karaoke: Kicking off day two of the Sweet Corn Fest is karaoke with Charles Van Horn from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the First States Bank hospitality tent. Beer Garden: From 7 p.m. to midnight, visitors 21 and over can pay $10 to enter the Main Street beer garden and see musical performances from Estilo Cadete, Sangre Alterada and Banda Perla Bonita. Drink tickets will be available for purchase.Sweet Corn Queen Pageant: Friday night’s main event kicks off at 7:30 p.m. on the First States Bank stage with candidates vying for the queen’s crown. Pre-pageant at 6:45 p.m. and intermission musical entertainment will accompany the pageant.Crafters Market Place & Flea Market: From 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., visitors can take a look at what local vendors have to offer in two separate, yet nearby locations. The market will be set up at Veteran’s Park and at the Mendota Elks Club.Pickleball Tournament: From 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Lake Mendota pickleball courts, visitors can register to enter the double-elimination tournament.Mini-Royalty Pageant: A future Sweet Corn Queen may be in the making at the mini-royalty pageant, where, starting at 10 a.m. on the First States Bank stage, candidates will vie for Mini King and Mini Queen of the 2026 Sweet Corn Fest.Face Painting: From 12-3 p.m. “Wild Style” is providing free face painting at the corner of Washington Street and Indiana Avenue.Food Contest: The Annual Sweet Corn Festival Food Contest is set for 2-4 p.m. at the Mendota Elks Lodge. Entries of sweet corn dishes will be judged, with multiple winners taking home prizes.Sweet Variety Show: From 5-7 p.m. the Mendota Community Theater will be putting on a variety show on the First State Bank stage.Beer Garden: From 7:30 p.m. to midnight, visitors 21 and over can pay $5 to enter the Main Street beer garden and see musical performances from DJ the Phenom and Libido Funk Circus. Drink tickets will be available for purchase.Crafters Market Place & Flea Market: From 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., visitors can take a look at what local vendors have to offer in two separate, yet nearby locations. The market will be set up at Veteran’s Park and at the Mendota Elks Club.Bubble Entertainment: From 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. and during the grand parade, “Bubble Man” from Bubble Superstars will be walking around providing entertainment and comedy to kids and adults alike.Balloon Fun and Fancy: From 12-2 p.m., Ms. Twisty Pants will be walking around looking for visitors interested in balloon art and engagement.Sweet Corn Festival Grand Parade: Starting at 1 p.m., floats, bands, entertainment, antique and classic vehicles, shriners and other participants will travel the mile-long route along Wisconsin Avenue, Washington Street, Indiana Avenue and Burlington Street.Free Sweet Corn: Beginning at 2 p.m., visitors can stop at the intersection of Illinois Avenue and Jefferson Street for some free sweet corn to cap off the 79th Annual Sweet Corn Festival.“I give immense credit to the Chamber of Commerce,” Boelk said. “They’ve picked up and ran with this.”In her first year as Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Madeline Piller said she wants everyone to come down and enjoy all that the weekend has to offer in the World’s Greatest Little City.

79th Annual Sweet Corn Fest slated for this weekend

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79th Annual Sweet Corn Fest slated for this weekend

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79th Annual Sweet Corn Fest slated for this weekend

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Republican gubernatorial candidate Bailey coming to Mendota Sweet Corn Fest

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Granville man pleads guilty to April bank robbery trial

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