12 | NIU Welcome Book | 2019 Back to School Edition
s l a v i Fest CORN FEST AUGUST 23-25TH
Perhaps the most anticipated fest of the season, Corn Fest offers 3 days of music from national and regional recording artists, a beer garden, carnival with thrill rides and most importantly… lots of delicious DeKalb corn! This is one of the only free admission festivals left in the state of Illinois. You can come and listen to music, eat free corn at the corn boil on Sat. Aug. 24th from 11-2 and browse over 95 vendor booths...all for FREE! Corn Fest is known for its 3 days of music on their soundstage. On Friday night 80’s sensation, John Waite takes the stage at 7pm followed at 9pm by 7th Heaven. On Saturday night at 7pm enjoy Marshall Charloff & The Purple Experience - one of the best Prince tribute bands in the nation. At 9pm one of the area’s favorite bands, Hi Infidelity will close out the night. On Sunday at 4:30, Slim Jim Phantom from the Stray Cats will take the stage to close out the fest. “There’s something for everyone,” said Lisa Angel, Corn Fest chairperson. “We have country, 80s classic rock, modern rock. There is a band that everyone will like. Every genre is truly represented.” And for the thrill seekers, Corn Fest’s carnival has rides that aren’t just for the little ones.
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Angel said adults and college students will have fun on the bigger thrill rides meant for the older crowd. Individual tickets are available or you can purchase a wristband for unlimited rides for Friday from 3-7pm or Saturday from 11-3pm for $25. You can also purchase an all day wristband for Sunday from 12-6pm for $30 or an all-weekend wristband for $55. The carnival will be located behind Locust Street and between Second and Third streets. Bring your appetite to the fest because about 95 vendors, many serving food, will be there with everything from the traditional corn dogs and elephant ears to Thai food and tacos. Angel said the vendors keep the food prices affordable, so students on a budget can enjoy local fare without spending too much. Don’t forget to stop into the Main Sound Stage/ Beer Garden. You don’t have to be 21 to go in but if you are you can enjoy beer or malt beverages. There is a $5 one time fee to enter each day which will get you right in front of the stage but if you’re low on cash you can still watch the bands for free on Locust St. The Chuck Siebrasse Corn Boil is the centerpiece of Corn Fest, so stop by Saturday, Aug. 24th between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to enjoy some free, delicious, DeKalb sweet corn supplied by Del Monte. The corn is actually picked from the field the night before so you will never taste anything fresher.
Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Corn a.m Fest Auto Show on Saturday from 8 a m. to 2p.m., which showcases classic and muscle cars. The Auto Show is located at City Hall, which is a block south of Lincoln Highway. Angel said many students attend the fest every year, and many student organizations often volunteer as a way of fulfilling their community service hours. “Anyone who’s gone to NIU knows about Corn Fest,” she said. “It’s a great place for students to browse the vendors, eat corn and watch bands. And people can come here to enjoy all those things without paying a penny.” Don’t worry if you don’t have your car here in DeKalb. Huskie Line #7 will drop you off right in the middle of all the festivities. Students partying late into the night can also take advantage of NIU’s Late Night Ride, which operates from 11:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. One of its pick up locations is at Walgreens, right next to the fest. Don’t feel like waiting? Downtown DeKalb is within walking distance of the campus and the dorms. For more information about Corn Fest, including hours and a festival map, as well as the complete Sound Stage lineup, visit the website at www.cornfest.com. For constant updates on the fest and photos like them on Facebook at DeKalb Corn Fest.
7/12/19 5:20 PM
