16 | NIU NIUWelcome WelcomeBook Book || 2016 2016Back Backto toSchool SchoolEdition Edition
elephant ears to Thai food and empanadas. 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 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 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 .
DEKALB KITE FEST
Sunday, Sept. 11th, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This isn’t your backyard kite flying experience! The 10th annual DeKalb Kite Fest features some of the most amazing kites you’ll ever see.
“Some kites are 90 feet in length, and it’s not every day that you see a kite like that go up in the air,” said Debbie Armstrong, co-chair of DeKalb Kite Fest. “We have fish, cats, panda bears, just a huge selection. There are dancing kites and flying kites… and even a candy drop. The kites are unique and come in all shapes and sizes.” This year’s Kite Fest falls on NIU’s Parents’ Weekend, so bring mom and dad to enjoy a beautiful afternoon on NIU’s “North 40” which is located off Lucinda Avenue and Kishwaukee Drive. Marvel at hundreds of kites and visit with some of Northern Illinois’ best kite-fliers and kite-builders. Several expert kite enthusiasts will be on hand to put on a show for the nearly 5,000 people who attend each year. You can even try flying your kite in the specially-designated public kite-flying area. You can bring your kite, make one there, or buy one from the Chicago Kite/Kite Harbor Shop. “All you see is smiles on everyone’s faces. People really have a great time,” Armstrong said. NIU students are a huge part of Kite Fest. Armstrong said about 100 to 150 students volunteer every year. “It takes a lot of people to put on this event,” she said. “The students love it, they love working with kids. We couldn’t do this without them.” Admission is free, and food and drinks will be available for purchase. VIP Parking is available for $3 per car, but the festival is easily within walking distance from NIU’s residence halls. For more information, visit www.dekalbcountycvb.com.
SYCAMORE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL October 26th - 30th
One of Illinois’ premier fall festivals is right in NIU’s backyard! The 55th annual Sycamore Pumpkin Festival, which takes place in beautiful downtown Sycamore, features two carnivals (one for children and one for teens and adults), plenty of local fare, a 10k race and hundreds of pumpkins that are brilliantly decorated by local children. Pumpkin Fest boasts one of the largest parades in the state. The Pumpkin Parade kicks off at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30th, and proceeds down historic Somonauk Street into downtown Sycamore. The parade showcases bands from all over Northern Illinois, as well as floats and entertainment from local businesses and community groups. Rose Treml, executive director of the Sycamore Chamber of