For the past three days, the streets of downtown DeKalb have been lined with stalls and filled with people. Strollers were the only four-wheelers on the crowded streets at Corn Fest, DeKalb’s annual festival.

The festival, one of the few remaining free festivals in Illinois, attracted thousands of people from near and far.

While residents and visitors enjoyed the food, games and music, local businesses tried to sell their wares and get their names out to the people.

Passersby quickly consumed the free, boiled corn being given out on Saturday morning.

“I’m here for the corn,” said Wheaton resident Brian Collins, who was at the festival for the second day in a row. “The corn is awesome.”

Palm readers, face-painters, henna tattoos, a rock-climbing wall and food stalls featuring everything from elephant ears to butterfly fries attracted buyers.

“They have good stuff for kids,” said Chicago resident Scott Redman, who was there with his four-year-old daughter, Lauren. “We really liked watching the local gymnastics club do flips.”

Free inflatable rides, such as a pumpkin walk and slides, also amused the kids.

Kids and grown-ups alike enjoyed rides, such as a Merry-Go-Round, Ferris Wheel and Tilt-A-Whirl at the carnival on South Fourth Street.

“The Corn Fest brings about 10,000 to 20,000 people to the carnival every day,” said Rocky Jordan, one of the workers at the carnival rides.

Local and national bands played on the Community Stage set up near the beer garden, where many enjoyed cold beer under the hot sun.

Third Street was transformed to Crafter’s Alley, featuring booths selling homemade arts and crafts. Everything from paintings, candles and jewelry to water guns lined the stalls.

Chicago resident Deloris Quint, who read about Corn Fest in an arts and crafts magazine, was there to display her vibrant sponge gators and beaded hair wraps.

“It’s getting busier, but people come for food and not arts and crafts,” Quint said.

Sycamore resident Joe Bussone said Corn Fest is a great way to meet people and socialize.

“It’s nice seeing people, and sometimes I only see them once a year at Corn Fest,” he said.