After 30 years in downtown DeKalb, Corn Fest has a new location: the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport located at 3232 Pleasant St.

Due to downtown revitalization projects, Corn Fest, which will be held August 22-24, was moved to the airport for this year’s fest, said Lisa Angel, chairperson for Corn Fest.

Food and business vendors and a carnival will be set up all weekend. The sound stage will feature concerts all three nights of the festival this year, as opposed to two in previous years, and the beer garden will be open all three days, said Shawn Lowe, festival co-chair and sound stage director.

A range of bands will play at the Fest, from Red Woody, a classic rock cover band, to Pirates Over 40, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band, to country star Travis Tritt.

Lowe said booking Tritt happened out of luck.

“We got wind that he was on tour and we inquired about the price … and negotiated for about three months,” Lowe said. Angel said many people who live out-of-state have called to ask how much tickets are, and she tells them, “It’s a free show!” she said with a laugh.

Lowe believes the larger space the airport offers will greatly benefit those seeing the music acts.

“I think it’s going to give the audience a little bit more room,” he said. “More people can enjoy the concerts.”

In previous years, some activities were held at schoolgrounds and parks, separate from the main downtown location. This year, all events — like the corn boil, crafter’s fair and autofest — will take place at the airport.

Appropriately, airplanes will be on display. A B-17 bomber and MiG jet will be on the grounds at the airport. For those with a spare $425, a half-hour ride in the B-17 bomber is available. Angel said many people have already expressed interest.

“To have the chance to be in a World War II plane is great,” she said.

Because of the location change, shuttle buses will be available to pick up fest-goers at the Holmes Student Center and downtown DeKalb and take them to the airport.

NIU Transportation Services is loaning the buses, Angel said. “The shuttle buses are a real big deal,” she said.

Five hundred parking spaces will also be available across the street from the airport, for those who choose to drive.

For a complete listing of bands and other information on the festival, check out www.cornfest.com.