Get out the butter and salt and be the first to sink your teeth into a new variety of farm-fresh sweet corn at the 24th annual Sweet Corn Fiesta.
Redemption, the new variety named by growers, will make its debut during the corn-themed event from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 28, in Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach.
“What makes it different is that it’s really sweet and has a long shelf life,” said Eva Webb, Sweet Corn Fiesta co-chairwoman and director of the Western Palm Beach County Farm Bureau. “The sugar in the corn is what helps it stay fresh longer. It’ll last up to 10 days in the refrigerator after you buy it. It’s very tender. No sugar is actually added.”
The began more than two decades ago as a way to celebrate the county’s freshly harvested corn crops, which span more than 27,000 acres annually. It also benefits food banks, and agriculture education and advocacy programs.
Led by volunteers, the festival has seen attendance more than double through the years, Webb said.
“We started this because we wanted the public to know this is our big season. We felt we had to do something to help our local agriculture,” she said.
Taking place against the backdrop of — with its collection of historic homes, schoolhouse, fire station, church, museum and general store — the Sweet Corn Fiesta is reminiscent of an old-fashioned hometown gathering.
“It’s like stepping back in time. People like the down-home feeling of the event,” Webb said. “A lot of it has to do with the venue. Where else are you going to meet farmers who grow your food?”
While attendees can, of course, chow down on cobs of corn, they’ll also find other food such as barbecue, strawberry shortcake and watermelon for sale.
They can also peruse the green market for fresh vegetables, take part in craft activities, children’s games, rides, face painting and a corn-shucking contest, and listen to music from the Andrew Morris and Krystal River bands throughout the day.
Outside the Yesteryear Village gates, anyone can stop by to purchase a box of 48 ears of sweet corn for $25. Sweet Corn Fiesta attendees can buy a box for $20.
Organizers have focused on making the festival affordable for families again this year.
“We like to keep expenses down,” Webb said. “We understand people are struggling, looking for a fun family day and give them their money’s worth.
“We’re able to do this through our sponsorships,” she added. “Most of them are the farms.”
During the main event, things really get juicy — literally. You can watch the kernels fly starting at 3 p.m. when Major League Eaters from across the country compete in the which is presented and sanctioned by the .
The premise is simple: Eat through as many ears of corn as your jaws and stomach will allow in 12 minutes.
Last year, winner Miki Sudo may have dethroned 2022 champion Gideon Oji by tearing through 52 ears of corn, but Carmen Cincotti still holds the world record of 61.75 ears.
Will a new champion of the cob be crowned this year?
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Sweet Corn Fiesta
WHEN: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, April 28
WHERE: Yesteryear Village at South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach
COST: Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children age 6-12, and free for age 5 and younger. For rides, there’s an extra $10 all-day pass. Parking is free.
INFORMATION:
