Weather conditions and train whistles competing with live music could not stop Corn Fest from providing its annual celebration of food and entertainment.

The Rockford Chariots played the DeKalb Aldermen in a game of wheelchair basketball as a kick-off event for the upcoming Wheel-a-Thon on Saturday, September 30.

The teams practice once a week for nine months starting in September and normally play two tournaments a month, according to Randy Cloyd, no. 41 and Machesney Park resident.

Team members have traveled to places like Virginia, Las Vegas and Birmingham, Alabama to compete in tournaments.

The Salvation Army Martial Arts School also performed, entertaining audiences Saturday with a show of martial arts moves.

Many children in the school showed the audience different ways of how to break wood.

Bands like Howard and the White Boys attracted crowds with jazzy rock and up-tempo blues tunes Sunday.

But for some, Corn Fest’s multitude of food also served as quite the attraction.

Hot dogs, corn, chicken, lemonade and much more were all available during the festival.

“I’ve been waiting all year for this funnel cake,” said Sarah Holbrook, a third-year law student.

Weather conditions also played into this year’s festival.

“If you wear a black shirt, don’t get the powdered sugar on the funnel cake,” said Keri Sanders, a second-year law student in reference to the wind visitors experienced.

Some visitors like Wanda Beard of Corunna, Michigan even had to park on NIU’s campus in order to attend the event.

Former Dekalb resident Juhani Puistolahti and his family have made Corn Fest an annual event for their family, this year dressing up in corn outfits.

“They should sell floss, and the trains need to shut up.” Sanders said.