Billed as the “biggest, best, little festival in the U.S.”, the Sweet Corn Festival held in Olathe, Colorado has been known to attract some of the biggest names in country music. Once a year, this tiny town in western Colorado explodes with music, shopping, live entertainment, food and all the sweet corn you can eat. This year will be no different as LeAnn Rimes gets set to headline the stage for this year’s concert.
The small town of Olathe, Colorado is located on Highway 50 between the larger cities of Grand Junction and Durango. The Sweet Corn Festival has been taking place since 1992 and was born out of the pride in the largest agricultural crop in the area. Olathe sweet corn is a prized treat that is eagerly awaited by the residents of western Colorado every year, and the Corn Festival celebrates that abundance with music, food and fun.
Over 200 vendors are scheduled to be at this year’s festival and will be offering food and drink specialties that are anticipated every year. Sweet corn stands are traditionally located in the far corners of the festival grounds. Corn is offered either boiled or roasted. Butter, salt and other spices are also provided. Festival goers are encouraged to eat as much corn as they can hold and there is no additional charge for this feast.
The Sweet Corn Festival is two day event that is scheduled to begin this year on Friday, August 3, 2007. The first event will be a car show at 3:00 p.m., a burn out contest followed by a street dance in the downtown area. Live entertainment will be featured for the street dance that will begin at 8:30 p.m.
On Saturday, August 4, 2007 early risers can get their day started with the “Field of Dreams” 5K run/walk at 7:00 a.m. A pancake breakfast will be held at the Bank of Colorado parking lot starting at 7:30 a.m. The Olathe Sweet Corn Parade will get under way at 9:00 a.m. and will wind its way through the downtown area. The festival gates also open at 9:00 a.m. and the fun begins with the Western Slope Karaoke Championship.
Live music can be heard all day beginning at 10:00 a. m. with the Vigil Brothers Band. At 11:30 a.m. the Ghost River Band takes the stage followed by the Kenny Ray Band, On the Money and The Anders Brothers Band at 7:30 p.m. LeAnn Rimes takes the stage for the music finale at 9:00 p.m. immediately followed by a spectacular fireworks display that officially ends the festival.
Tickets for the 16th Annual Olathe Sweet Corn Festival will be $19 for adults, $14 for Senior citizens and $3 for children 12 years old and under. A free shuttle will be available for those wishing to park off site. The shuttle runs between the Olathe Community Park festival grounds and the downtown area.
