DeKALB | Cornfest will be forced to move location next year due to construction.

The revitalization of downtown is forcing Cornfest to find a new home. Proposals to host the festival have been received from DeKalb’s Farm Bureau, park district, and NIU’s Convocation Center.

Lisa Wilcox, festival chair, says the planning committee is leaning toward the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport for the new location.

Wilcox believes the move will help relieve traffic problems during the festival. Attendees will only have to park across the street instead of walking a long way from the festival to their vehicles.

“A shuttle bus to take people back and forth from downtown DeKalb to the airport is in the works.” Wilcox said, “The shuttle will also help the number of people drunk driving.”

The airport would allow the festival to remain outdoors. According to Wilcox, the new venue would provide at least twice as much space. Areas like the beer garden and sound stage would expand with the space.

Wilcox said the move might be permanent. She stated if it returned the festival would have to be scaled down because of the changes in the downtown landscape and the reduction of Locust street.

Those who attend Cornfest 2008 might have more room in an alternate location opposed to the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds downtown.

The added space could also allow for a more family-friendly environment. The area designed for children would be further away from the beer garden than it is downtown.

Some concerns from community members have emerged with news of the possible change.

“I bet no one will go if it [Cornfest] isn’t downtown,” said Kelsey Musich, resident of Sycamore.

“Attendance may go down the first year because of the change,” said Wilcox in response, “but I think more people will want to come once they see what the airport has to offer.”

Concerns the move may hurt business of downtown shops have also come up. Since many downtown managers have complained about traffic, public drunkenness, and trash, the move would most likely help business.

Wilcox wants those individuals with concerns to remember that the people who are planning Cornfest are volunteers and community members.

“The revitalization will help ensure the success of local businesses and the city,” said Wilcox. “We respect tradition but moving Cornfest may be the best thing for DeKalb.”