This past weekend’s 31st annual Corn Fest brought the biggest crowds in its existence, offering both new and old traditions.

“It has been the largest attendance that Corn Fest has ever had,” said Lisa Angel, chairperson of Corn Fest. “It helped to have the space out there.”

In years past, Corn Fest has been held in downtown DeKalb. The event was moved to the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport, 3232 Pleasant St., because of the downtown revitalization construction which is expected to take place over the next two years.

Next year’s Corn Fest will also be held at the airport, and the following year’s location will be re-evaluated once the downtown revitalization is complete, Angel said.

The change in location allowed for downtown merchants to participate in the sidewalk sale event that was also held this past weekend.

“It was a win-win-situation for merchants and for Corn Fest,” Angel said. “The merchants had a successful sidewalk sale event over the weekend, and Corn Fest had its best attendance to date.”

Another benefit that came from the move was being able to include more attractions. The Auto Fest and Craft Fest were able to be held at the main Corn Fest location when they were unable to do so in previous years. Before they had to be held at Huntley Park and Clinton Rosette Middle School. The carnival was also able to be expanded.

The community seemed to respond positively to the change of location.

“We have had numerous people stop in, e-mail us and call, and those people have been really excited about the new location,” said Chuck Siebrasse, Executive Director of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce. “They felt that it all went very well.”

The airport offered more space and attractions that tied into the theme of the location, like the World War II B-17 Bomber on display. Visitors could also pay $30 to take a helicopter ride around DeKalb and $425 for a half-hour rides in the B-17 bomber.

“It was well worth the money, and it beats all of the other rides,” said DeKalb resident Bill Harris, who paid to ride the helicopter ride and took his two sons. “I was terrified at first because it felt weird with no doors.”

One thing that remains the same regardless of location is the free corn offered Saturday around lunchtime.

“Some years we run out,” said Bryan Klatt, Corn Fest co-chairman. “A lot of factors contribute like weather and the attractions.”

Another tradition of Corn Fest that has remained the same is the 10K race Saturday morning.

“I come back to DeKalb because I like the race and you can’t beat free corn,” said Kevin Wick, Naperville resident and NIU alum.