Sugar Grove- Corn Boil

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Sugar Grove’s very own Corn Boil took place on July 23, 24, 25 and 26. Attracting people of all age groups. Folks come out from all nearby towns to experience the four-day event. This year, the Wilson Family Show supplied the carnival rides.

First year carny Scott Kassel worked the “Dragon Wagon” all weekend and absolutely loved his premier Corn Boil experience.

“I love making the kids smile, seeing them have a smile on their face, that’s what it is all about,” Kassel said.

Other rides included: The Zipper, Combination, Orbiter, Pharaoh’s Fury and 1001 Nachts.

Pre-sale wristbands for the event were sold throughout the month of July at participating local banks(Old Second National Bank and Castle Bank). If one failed to purchase a $20.00 presale wristband, they were sold all weekend at a ticket booth for five dollars more. Taking into consideration that some carnival-goers would not care for unlimited access to the rides, tickets could also be bought for just one dollar each.

Corn Boil goers also were able to get a little light shopping in at the vendors located all around the fair. Most vendors sold arts and crafts, jewelry and unique trinkets that lured attendees in.

Aside from the variety of profound carnival rides and vendors, the Corn Boil offered many other attractions that have a way of making visitors want to come back for more.

Being only her second year attending the Corn Boil, sophomore Francesca Lassandro felt the need to come back again after her first experience to catch up with her peers.

“I enjoy getting to see my friends during the summer time,” Lassandro said.

This year, bands specializing in all different types of genres gave attendees a reason to dance. One of the most popular bands, 7th Heaven, took the stage at 6 p.m. on Friday.

The following morning, Saturday, July 25, locals laced on their running shoes to participate in an early morning 5K run, held on Main Street.

After the run, most participants sweated up an appetite. Fortunately for them, the Corn Boil offered a large variety of delicious food and cold beverages. Fillers such as ice cream, pizza, BBQ, lemon shake-ups and of course corn did the tasty trick.

After a fun filled day of carnival rides and eating, what better way to close the night by attending a firework show? People of all ages brought out their lawn chairs and blankets to sit on the grounds of the Grove and watch a breathtaking firework show.

“I will most definitely be back next year.” Kassel said.

Elburn- Elburn Days

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Celebrating the start of a new school year, Elburn Days kicked off on August 21 with the annual parade, which ran through Downtown Elburn. The parade included special appearances from Kaneland High School sports teams, marching band and local organizations, all of whom tossed out candy, business cards and other trinkets that made the crowd go crazy.

After the parade, most escaped to Lions Park to purchase their $19.00 wristbands, which gave them unlimited access to the rides on the day of purchase. There was also the option to buy single tickets at a whopping price for $1.00 each.

Rides included the Zipper, Sizzler, Giant Wheel and Gravitron, but the fun didn’t stop there. Aside from these attractions, festival goers were urged to check out the craft show, play bingo, take a tasty trip to the food stands and make a pit stop at one of the two entertainment stages.

What is a carnival without out festive carnival games? Elburn Days had various classic games set up throughout the park, giving those who play the opportunity to win anything as basic as a stuffed animal to as elaborate as a pet fish.

Kaneland High School’s very own cheerleading team provided a game booth (dunk tanks) of their own to help raise money for the upcoming season.

“I love participating in the dunk tanks because it’s an amazing time to bond with my team and it’s really fun watching the little kids throwing balls at the targets to dunk us,” junior Alex Grimpe said.

On Saturday 22, people were out as early as 7 a.m. to participate in the Filmore Street 5K Fun Run/Walk. Others who were uninterested in being a part of the dash attended the St.Gall and Community Congregational Church’s Rummage Sale. The bargains just kept getting better and better as people made their way over to Town and Country Library’s Book Sale.

Back at Lions Park, the food stands opened at 11 a.m. making for the perfect timing for people to grab a quick bite before the rides opened up to those who purchased wristbands or great for those wanting to bring a snack to one of the upcoming shows. Craving anything from chinese food to italian food Elburn Days had it all.

Curious to know just how good the food actually was? Check out Lucas Rotter’s Review on the various food items found at Elburn Days: https://kanelandkrier.com/11433/uncategorized/elburn-days-carnival-food-one-in-a-melon/

Elburn Days had two stages, the community stage and the main stage. Entertainment acts at the community stage included– Ronald McDonald performing magic tricks and M&M Dance Studio. Acts on the main stage acts included–  High Indifelity, 7th Heaven, Back Country Roads and the reveal of a 50/50 car raffle.

Like the Corn Boil, the weekend came to an end Sunday night when the vendors closed their tents and the final band played their last anchor.

Over the years, a sometimes overlooked rivalry has divided the two local fairs.

Kaneland gym teacher Keith Snyder explained that he enjoys going to Elburn Days more than the Corn Boil due to the easy access.

“It is much easier to go to, being an Elburnight in all,” Snyder said.

Elburn Resident Sami Martens has been attending both fairs since she was little, but always finds herself enjoying the bands and catching up with her peers more while at the Corn Boil.

“I just love to see my friends and all my classmates that I haven’t seen throughout the summer,” Martens said.

Sharing many similarities it is difficult to decipher which of the two should be given the title as “better” than the other.  Both summer celebrations shift to reflect their community and this is what makes attendance of each fun.