Frequently Asked Questions
What is Corn Fest?
Beginning in 1953, the festival started as a small town celebration and is now known as one of the best food festivals in the Midwest, the Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival is always held the third full weekend in August. The featured food is 80 tons of Wisconsin grown sweet corn served over two days with savory butter and sprinkled with salt to your liking. With five days of festival activities, we’re sure to offer something special just for you!
When is the parade?
It begins at 6pm on Wednesday August 14, 2024
What is the parade route?
The parade will begin next to JW Interiors on West Main St then head down East Main St. It will turn onto Market St and end at the corner of Market St and Linnerud Rd
How long is the parade?
Typically about 1- 1 1/2 hrs
Are there bathrooms along the parade route?
No but there are porta potties available at Cannery Square.
Can I eat & shop during the parade?
Many of our businesses will remain open during the parade for your shopping and dining needs but due to road closures, access to some may be limited to by foot during the parade.
What’s going on after the parade?
Join us after the parade for our community Block Party with music by The Dirty Birds. Please consider purchasing some food from your favorite restaurant and come enjoy free music at Cannery Square! (Beer and water are available for purchase at the Block Party)
Festival
When is the Festival?
Wednesday 8/14 kicks off the festival with the parade at 6pm followed by the Block Party at Cannery Square with free music!
Thursday 8/15 – wristband night from 6-10pm with Carnival rides and carnival food available
Friday 8/16 – wristband night with Carnival rides from 6-10pm. Beer Shelter is open at 6pm with free music from 7-11pm from Super Tuesday food vendors are available by the beer tent from 7-11:30pm.
Saturday 8/17 – the festival is in full swing!
Carnival 12-10pm
Steamed Corn Served 12-7pm
Uncooked corn available 12-7pm
Business Booths 12-8pm
Kids Corner (free activities for kids) 12-8pm
Been Shelter opens at noon a Cornhole Tournament (Time TBD).
The Jimmys play from 7-11pm
Local food vendors on upper grounds open 12-11:30pm
Sunday 8/18
Carnival 12-8pm
Steamed Corn Served 12-6pm (or until supplies last)
Uncooked corn available 12-6pm (or until supplies last)
Business Booths 12-5pm
Kids Corner (free activities for kids) 12-5pm
Been Shelter is opens at 12pm with LaMovida
Local food vendors on upper grounds open 12-10pm
Midget Auto Racing at 6pm (separate entry fee)
Where should I go if I’ve lost my child at the festival?
Let Chamber Staff or SPPD know. They will announce it on the PA and the child will be taken to the Police Command Post
Where should I go if I’ve lost my keys, sunglasses, purse, etc.
If the item has not already been turned in to the Chamber booth, the owner of lost item can contact the Chamber Office 837-4547 after the grounds have been cleaned(after Monday). Or check with the Police Command Post.
What are the fairground hours? (subject to change based on weather etc)
Rides:
6pm-10pm Thursday
6pm-10 Friday
12pm-10 Saturday
12pm-8pm Sunday
Kids Corner hours:
12pm-8pm Saturday
12pm5-pm Sunday
Food Vendor Hours:
12pm-11:30pm Saturday
12pm – 10pm Sunday
Business vendor Hours:
12-8pm Saturday
12-5pm Sunday
How much are wristbands?
TBD for unlimited rides from 6-10pm on Thursday or Friday and may be purchased through the carnival.
Does the Carnival accept debit/credit?
No, cash is needed.
Where are the nearest ATM machines?
Lower grounds by the pavilion.
Or off grounds at:
The Bank of Sun Prairie, 228 E. Main Street
Kwik Trip, 1252 West Main Street
When are the races?
Racing begins at 6pm. For more info, please visit https://angellpark.racing/schedule/
When is the Corn Hole Tournament?
Where are the bathrooms located?
Bathrooms are located throughout the grounds by the corn serving shed, beer tent, Kids Corner and at the entrance by the carnival.
When is the steamed corn served?
Corn Building- is open from noon-6pm Saturday & from noon–6 pm Sunday (or while supplies last).
Why isn’t corn served on Thursday & Friday?
The cooking process we use (boiler/steam) takes hours to set up – it is cost prohibitive to do this for a couple hours on Thursday/Friday vs. eight hours on Sat/Sun.
How much is the corn?
Cooked corn in totes (about 8-12 ears) are $10
Single cooked ears are $3.00 or 2 for $5.00
Uncooked corn, you pick is $10 per grocery bag full (app. 2 doz.)
Why isn’t corn free?
The corn hasn’t been free since 1979. The festival is an event that helps with tourism to our community. It also helps support our local nonprofit benefactors.
Who are the benefactors of the profits?
The American Legion, The Knights of Columbus, The Lions Club, The National Exchange Club (Sun Prairie), The Veterans of Foreign War (Sun Prairie post) and the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce.
Who is the host of the Corn Fest?
While the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce owns and hosts this event, it relies heavily on the support of the benefactors and community to make it happen!
Is there dental floss, toothpicks, wet naps on the grounds?
No, we quit offering because of littering.
How much corn is served at Corn Fest?
Corn averages between 70-90 tons annually.
How many people attend Corn Fest?
On the average over 100,000 people over 4 days.
Can I distribute fliers (other than in a booth)?
No – only people who have paid for booth space, can hand out printed material and only at their booth.
How can I help?
Volunteer at https://sunprairiecornfest.com/