Photo: Tate Carlson
Whether you eat your corn on the cob around or across, it’s time to hone your corn-eating skills at the 33rd year of Cornfest at St. Jude of the Lake Catholic Church. Cornfest began in 1984 and has continued to be a popular event in Mahtomedi, drawing 1,500 to 2,000 people a year. “Father Irvin and parishioner Don Kobele got together to figure out how the church could connect with the community,” says Lorraine Kluegel, who is in charge of ticket sales. “Don owned a cornfield and suggested having people gather together and he would give away corn.”
The event has grown over the years and become more of a community get-together. “The first year of the event, corn was given away,” Kluegel says. “In subsequent years, committees were formed and fresh ideas were given.” Some of those ideas included games like bingo and a brown-bag raffle. For the kids, they have a wide variety of children’s games, a petting zoo and a climbing wall. Don’t forget to check out the yummy food and drinks—including pie and a chicken dinner. “One of the favorite events is the outdoor mass that’s held in the parking lot at 10 a.m. on Sunday morning,” Kluegel says.
So what about the sweet corn? The corn is grown near Hampton; they sell 2,500 to 3,000 ears of corn each year. “The corn is always hand-picked the day before the event and shucked that morning with the help of volunteers,” Kluegel says. “It is a hybrid sweet corn.” Approximately 200 volunteers are on hand to make the event a success.
WHERE: St. Jude of the Lake Catholic Church
WHEN: Saturday, September 9
COST: Free
INFORMATION: 651.426.3245
