Festival-goers in Loyal will be grinning from ear to ear during the town’s annual Corn Festival, taking place this year from August 24-28. As one of the premier small town festivals in the area, now celebrating its 58th year, Loyal Corn Festival is fun for all ages.
The event kicks off on Wednesday night with the Queen and Little Miss Cornfest coronations, and continues throughout the weekend with carnival rides, food, games, minirods/horses/truck and tractor pulls, a bean bag tournament, state sanctioned River Valley Kids Pedal Pull, coin find, bubble soccer for the kids, and Central Wisconsin’s Got Talent.
Sunday morning’s pancake breakfast and the Loyal Cornfest Parade are also popular, and just a short walk from the Loyal Lions and Loyal Historical Society chicken stand- another staple.
“Everyone can get in on the fun!” said Jodie Gardner, member of the Loyal Cornfest Committee. “We usually serve an average of 6 tons of corn in 2 days to those that have a Cornfest button.”
Throughout the festival, shop the city-wide garage sales, enjoy music, and savor some food.
Attendees can also get active, through Spanky’s Run on Saturday morning or dancing to Boogie and the Yo Yoz Friday night and a DJ in the Fire Hall Saturday night. Bingo and Corn Creation recipe contests are also enjoyable.
“Cornfest is a staple in the Loyal Community,” said Loyal native, Megan Jasurda. “It’s great to come back, visit home and see many familiar faces. Boogie & the YoYoz have been coming to perform the last few years which has been a great addition to have them at Cornfest.”
With Loyal being a short drive for anyone in Central Wisconsin, Cornfest offers a great opportunity to learn about this small community named after the patriotic nature of the men from the pioneer town who went off to protect the union during the Civil War in the 1860s.
“The Loyal Cornfest is a great way to have fun with your family and friends and make new friends,” said Gardner. “This is a fantastic opportunity to check out our town and see all we have to offer.”
Funds raised at the Loyal Cornfest helps the Loyal Fire Department & Ambulance and many other non-profit organizations, and scholarships.
