Something to Do
Music to the ‘ear’
Aumsville Corn Festival returns with in-person events
By Mary Owen
18. Sponsored by the Aumsville Volunteers Firefighters, money raised will benefit their activities, including purchasing equipment and supplies.
The Aumsville Corn Festival is full on again this year! “We are more than excited to be able to continue our traditional Corn Festival event,” said Ron Harding, city administrator. “We are also excited that our Corn Festival has been designated as a heritage event by Oregon Parks and Recreation.”
Next on the agenda at 11 a.m. is the annual Corn Festival parade. This year’s theme, “All Dressed Up and Nowhere to Grow,” a play on the past year of isolation from COVID-19 restrictions. “Now we can look back and celebrate the ability for our community to get out and experience a celebration together,” Harding said.
The Aumsville City Council modified last year’s festival to be drive-thru event where free corn was handed to visitors and a video contest and a scavenger hunt took place, Harding said. “So even though we did not have a typical event, we did try to continue to offer the celebration to our community,” he said. This year, Harding said the city is fully invested in the annual Corn Fest, with two events on Aug. 20-21 slated to appeal to a variety of community interests. Beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 20, the city will host “Party in the Park” at Mill Creek Park. The kickoff event will have a beer and wine garden, food and live entertainment featuring The Pendleton Highway Band. This a 21-and-over event, so adults only. The kids are welcome at the Saturday event in Porter-Boone Park. “Beer and wine will be available from Oregon Beverage Co. along with a variety of food options from the Oregon Pizza
Participants are given two free ears of hot corn. Social distancing protocols will be in place. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Co., Doggie Style Hot Dogs, Foodology, and The Chill Grill,” Harding said. “We are planning games, raffles and door prizes.” The event is sponsored by Sandi Elwood, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. Saturday kicks off with the Aumsville Fire District Pancake Breakfast. Hungry festival goers can start with ham or sausage, eggs, pancakes, juice and coffee served from 6 to 10 a.m. on Saturday at the Aumsville Fire Station. It is to those under 5, f and $8 foreveryone else. Take-out is available for $8, but only with pre-orders made by Aug.
Corn sales begin at Porter-Boone Park at 9 a.m. and after the parade, free hot corn will be available for everyone. “The corn is grown locally and two hot corns are provided free to enjoy at the park,” Harding said. “The corn sale will be 12 ears for $4, and it will be bagged and ready to take home. “We have children’s games and activities beginning with a magic show by Delightful Family Entertainment at 12:30 p.m. in Porter Boone Park followed by children and family games at 1 p.m.,” Harding said. “This year we are featuring a corn maze treasure quest, free pony rides by Wish Upon a Pony, and roaming entertainment for families. Lots of great vendors and of course, lots of corn!” Vendors can still apply for a space at the Corn Festival, and all will be required to follow the state guidelines. Cost is $75 on spaces without power and $100 for spots
with power. “I feel like our community just wants to move past the COVID lockdown era and begin to feel normal. Being able to celebrate as a community within safety guidelines allows us to begin to feel normal, and everyone is excited,” Harding said. “We are getting more volunteers daily and everyone is welcome to help. It’s actually fun to help shuck corn or help with the children’s games, and if anyone would like to sign up we can always use more volunteers. “We will have a hand washing station, hand sanitizer, and be taking additional precisions so everyone is comfortable,” he added. “We will follow the recommendation at the time of the event but everyone is welcome to attend with or without a mask.” Sponsors include: Cascade Floors, platinum; Recology Organics and Santiam Towing & Recovery, gold; Republic Services, Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, Pacific Power, Blazer Industries, Wood Rings & Reclaimed Things, Bea’s Baked Goods, silver; and Sen. Deb Patterson, Power Motorsports, Ace Hardware and Aumsville Veterinary Clinic, bronze. For information, call Colleen at 503749-2030 or visit www.aumsville.us/ events/page/corn-festival-information or Aumsville’s Facebook page.
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