Anticipation for the annual summer-end Corn Fest has begun to rise as returning students mark the end of NIU’s summer vacation.

Aug. 26 will mark the beginning of the time-honored DeKalb tradition, which is estimated to bring 200,000 people downtown.

One of the few remaining free-entrance music festivals in Illinois, Corn Fest has been supported through local and commercial sponsorships, including the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce and Miller Lite.

The number of companies participating increased slightly since 2004, but larger corporations make up a greater percentage of the sponsor list according to sponsorship coordinator Lisa Wilcox.

Monetary contributions are not the only donations Corn Fest receives.

“Don’t count out being part of the Corn Fest if you don’t have the money,” Wilcox said. “[Companies can] donate a service.”

Advertising by Nine FM and B95 radio stations has been one such offering, as has space dedicated for the Diaper Derby and 10K run offered by DeKalb High School.

Sponsors have kept many of the activities running since the celebrations began 28 years ago.

The 70 tons of buttery sweet corn prepared for ravenous appetites is far from Corn Fest ‘05’s only attraction.

The 31st Vintage Auto Show is a returning attraction, where antique cars compete for prizes and awards while a raffle is conducted.

The Corn Creation contest, located inside Eduardo’s Mexican Restaurant, 214 E. Lincoln Highway, is another free entertainment option. Competitors use their ingenuity to create a piece of art out of corn.

Events targeting a younger crowd include Art Fest for Kids, located in Memorial Park, and creative corndog and cake decorating contests.

The Art Fest for Kids will include free face painting at 6 p.m. on Friday at the Community Stage on the corner of 1st Street and Lincoln Highway.

This year’s musical lineup consists of nine bands, including the self-described “metal power pop” headliner, Night Ranger.

The band received national attention in the early 1980s for the song “Sister Christian,” which was used later in the 1997 film “Boogie Nights.”

After touring with Ted Nugent in 1996, the band continued to play alongside such ‘80s favorites as Cheap Trick, Cinderella and REO Speedwagon.

The band is set to play Sunday, Aug. 28 at 4:30 p.m. on the Soundstage at North 2nd and Locust Street.

A returning favorite, the Fabulous Janes, has become a local staple, singing popular ‘80s and ‘90s covers by such artists as Prince, Weezer and Rick Springfield.

“[The Fabulous Janes are a band] everybody 50 on down will love,” Wilcox said.

Hi Fidelity, a classic rock band, will follow the Fabulous Janes.

On the local level, the Community Stage offers a variety of area talent ranging from the Suzuki Strings, a children’s violin concert, to Basically Bluegrass.

The Bike Rally, a scenic 12-mile ride into Sycamore, will conclude the festival on Sunday, Aug. 28, alongside the second 18-hole round of the annual Gold Outing.

Contact the Corn Fest hotline at 815-748-CORN for more information.