History
The North Ridgeville Corn Festival Committee is a not-for-profit organization composed entirely of volunteers. Proceeds are used to benefit the citizens of North Ridgeville through contributions to educational programs, worthy community and city projects, various city departments, as well as the beautification of South Central Park. In addition, organizations are offered the opportunity to raise funds for their programs.
The Bicentennial Committee for the City of North Ridgeville was formed in 1975 to celebrate the upcoming United States bicentennial in 1976. The first festival ran 6 hours and featured 13 booths around the North Ridgeville Middle School track. The proceeds were donated to the library to assist with the cost of relocating it from the old Lawson’s store area to the Olde Town Hall building across the street. In 1976, in addition to celebrating the bicentennial, the festival was held to honor Harold Sweet, a sweet corn grower in North Ridgeville, and his contributions and support to the youth and citizens of the city. The proceeds from this festival were donated to purchase trees for the new Bainbridge Extension along with 2 bicentennial flags for City Hall. The Bicentennial Committee was renamed the North Ridgeville Corn Festival Committee in 1977.Image8
In 1981, the committee completed the admission requirements of the Ohio Festival and Events Association (OFEA), and after several inspections was admitted to the organization. The festival is continuously inspected by this organization, as well as other member festivals, and is proud that our annual improvements and general operation have allowed the festival to be a member for over 20 years! At the time of admission, OFEA had only 20 member festivals. Today there are over 60! The membership through OFEA has allowed for continuous improvement and new ideas to be brought to the festival.
The corn in North Ridgeville is always knee-high by the Fourth of July. That’s when the city begins its countdown to the Corn Festival, held the second week in August. What started out as the Lorain County city’s observance of the country’s bicentennial has turned into a three day fete complete with great live entertainment, corn eating contest, and the Grand Parade NOW WITH IT’S NEW ROUTE. Last year, thousands of ears of corn were steamed, roasted, and consumed. The festival since its inception has raised more than $110,000 for civic and charitable projects.
The annual Corn Festival offers FREE admission, FREE entertainment, FREE parking and it is “Always the Second Weekend in August!”
