Area residents pleased with Corn Fest

By Rob Heselbarth

This year’s Corn Fest has come to an end, but the 1957 tradition once again has left behind many satisfied customers.

Corn Fest was held one week later than usual this year in order to attract more NIU students.

Matt Grubb, senior finance major, said the moving of Corn Fest didn’t matter to him.

“I would have come no matter what the date was,” Grubb said.

Phil Detter, Genoa resident, said the date change had no effect on his choice to attend this year’s Corn Fest either.

Some Corn Fest veterans were impressed with this year’s events.

“This year seemed much better than last year,” said Dave Henke, Sycamore resident.

Participants said one of the attractions of Corn Fest is the variety of food booths to choose from.

“The food was as good as it always is,” Detter said. “I loved it.”

However, Paulette Henke, Sycamore resident, said she felt the food booths lacked variety.

“There seemed to be a lot of potato booths this year,” Henke said. “There were too many potatoes.”

The Soundstage had a variety of musical groups, including John Kay and Steppenwolf.

“I guess the music was better this year because I can’t remember who played last year,” Grubb said.

Detter agreed the music was better than last year. “I think they did a great job in getting bands this year,” he said.

The beer/wine garden was another popular attraction at this year’s Corn Fest.

However, Grubb said he was not completely pleased with the beer/wine garden. “I think the beer was too expensive,” he said. “Seven dollars and 50 cents for a bucket of beer and $6 for a refill is just too much.”

Paulette Henke said she was generally pleased this year. “Everything was great and this year the garbage was emptied more,” she said.

Detter said he also was happy with this year’s Corn Fest. “It’s too bad they only have Corn Fest once a year,” he said.