NewsTribune_Mendota Sweet Corn_080923

August 10-13, 2023

The Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce along with the City of Mendota would like to invite you to join us for three and a half days of fun.

Our 76th Annual Mendota Sweet Corn Festival will be held Aug. 10-Aug. 13 in downtown Mendota. Come enjoy the Carnival, Food and fun that will be happening throughout the weekend.

Thursday evening kicks off with teen dance. Friday will bring the reign of the 2023 Sweet Corn Festival Queen and Greenfield Station will be providing the entertainment in the Beer Garden. Saturday is jam packed fun including, Carnival Rides, Food Vendors, Craft and Flea Market and Entertainment, along with Side Hustle rocking in the Beer Garden. Sunday offers a Grand Parade at 1pm and Free Hot, Delicious Sweet Corn starting at 2pm. Remember to buy your 50/50 tickets throughout the weekend, last years winner took home $21,120.

So, pack up the car and bring your family and friends to Mendota for a fantastic event!

Thank you for your support!

Sam Setchell Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO

COVER PHOTO BY CHET PHILLIPS

Home Truths.

Over the last 6 years Starved Rock Wood Products has grown rapidly to become a leading regional manufacturer of high-quality kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Now, as we look forward to our next stage of growth, we’re busy making sure we are set up properly for the next chapter.

But while our wings may have spread, our feet remain firmly on the ground, specifically here in our hometown.

We’ve invested more than $20 million creating a state-of-the-art production facility here in Mendota, installing the latest automated equipment to complement the woodworking skills of our team. We continue to hire some of the brightest and best talent Mendota has to offer, and our team is working hard to complete our new modern showroom on Washington Street.

We’re proud to call Mendota home, and even more proud that so many local people continue to choose Starved Rock Wood Products as the place to build successful careers. Thank you, Mendota, for your continued support for our business.

Together we can grow to new heights.

A Special Day for Special Kids

Thursday, August 10 • 3 - 5 p.m.

Windy City Amusements of St. Charles, Illinois will again be setting up on the midway at this year’s Mendota Sweet Corn Festival. They will be having a Special Afternoon for Special Kids on Thursday, Aug. 10 from 3 - 5 p.m.

It does not matter where the family is from. If they would like to participate, they are welcome. The Chamber asks the family to preregister online at www.sweetcornfestival.

com by clicking the calendar tab and downloading the form and getting it to the Chamber office or just stop by the Chamber office to fill out the form. Families are to check in at the registration tent beginning at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 10. Most adult rides will be unavailable during this special time and the lights will be dimmed and music lowered for those who would be uncomfortable with it.

The Accoustix

Thursday, August 10, Friday, August 11 & Sunday, August 13

“The Accoustix” will be some of the great entertainment to be enjoyed at Mendota’s 76th Annual Sweet Corn Festival. They will have free performances in the First State Bank Hospitality Tent from 5 - 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10 to start the festival, from 2-6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11 and 12 - 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 13. Their performances are courtesy of

Mendota businesses Merritt Funeral Home, Central Bank, Kurt Bruno - State Farm, Kaleel Law and First Federal Savings Bank.

“The Accoustix,” Iggy Campos and John Kolat hale from Sandwich, IL and are an acoustic guitar duo. Both sing and play the guitar. Their genre is a mix of good old classic rock-nroll, pop country, and fun sing along.

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Windy City Amusements of St. Charles will be setting up on the midway again this year at Mendota’s Annual Sweet Corn Festival. Not only will the carnival be bringing exciting rides to Mendota but is offering a host of special promo-

Carnival & Midway

Thursday - Sunday • August 10 - 13

tions. The popular Mega Pass will be offered again this year. The Mega Pass will let you ride everyday Aug. 10 - 13, as many rides as you want, as many times as you want. The cost of the Mega Pass is $85 if purchased before Aug. 9 at 4 p.m.

Mega Passes can be purchased at the Mendota Chamber office or at WindyCityAmusements.com. There is a limited supply. After the Aug. 9 deadline, the price will be $100 and will be available at the carnival ticket booth.

There will still be Regular Unlimited Ride Armbands available:

Thursday: 6 - 10 p.m. - $30

Friday & Saturday: 12 - 4 p.m. – $30

Fri. & Sat.: 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. – $35

Sunday: 1 - 6 p.m. - $35

NEWSTRIBUNE PHOTOS BY SCOTT ANDERSON

Silvertone Junction

Thursday, August 10 • 7 p.m.

Silvertone Junction performance on the First State Bank Stage. Sponsored by Dr. Tara VanDeWyngaerde

Teen Dance Night

Thursday, August 10 • 7 - 10 p.m.

Teen Dance Night with DJ Skidmarc and DJ Famou5- Enjoy free admission and come dance to to-

day’s hits at the entertainment stage on Main St. Sponsored by RSG Millwrights Inc.

Magic Matt

All Day Friday, Aug. 11; Saturday, Aug. 12 and Sunday, Aug. 13.

Strolling the Sweet Corn Festival Midways will be Magician and Balloon Artist, Matthew Scherer. Magic Matt has been entertaining in the Chicago Area and Midwest Region for more than 30 years, presenting his family fun shows and close-up magic. He has been featured at Brookfield

Zoo’s Holiday Magic Festival, the Illinois State Fair and many more festivals and family-oriented events. Magic Matt will be found delighting audiences all day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Sweet Corn Festival Weekend, Aug. 11-13. His performances are sponsored by Schimmer GM and HCC.

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The annual Sweet Corn Queen Pageant is back for another year on the First State Bank Stage on Rt. 34 downtown with intermission entertainment featuring Andrew Bloomquist. The performance is sponsored by Eureka Savings Bank.

PHOTOS BY SCOTT ANDERSON

NEWSTRIBUNE PHOTOS BY SCOTT ANDERSON

Maya Martin, reacts after winning the 2022 Sweet Corn Queen as runners up Page Manning and Aliza Salinas-Cervantes applaud during the 75th Annual Sweet Corn Queen Pageant on Friday, Aug. 12, 2022 in Mendota.

Crafters Market Place & Flea Market

Saturday, Aug. 12 & Sunday, Aug. 13

The Crafters Market Place & Flea Market will be held from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12 and Sunday, Aug. 13. Vendors are in two locations - Veteran’s Park on Rt. 34 in

downtown Mendota and the Elks Club parking lot on Indiana Ave. & Jefferson St., just 1/2 block north of Veteran’s Park.

Mini Royalty Pageant

Saturday, Aug. 12 • 10 a.m.

Five-year-olds competing to wear the crown of Mini King & Queen of Mendota’s Annual Sweet Corn Festival on the First State Bank

Stage on Rt. 34 downtown. The pageant is sponsored by Plano Molding Company. Powered by Pure Fishing.

Nicodemus

Saturday, Aug. 12 • 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Playing rocking hits from the 70s and 80s.

Nicodemus musical performance

will be in the First State Bank Hospitality Tent. It is sponsored by Prairie State Tractor.

Proud Representative Of Mendota Mutual Insurance Company SM-LA2091011

NEWSTRIBUNE PHOTO BY SCOTT ANDERSON 2021 Sweet Corn Festival Royalty wave to people while riding in the 75th annual Sweet Corn Festival parade on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2022 in Mendota.

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Steve Cerqua

Saturday, August 12 • 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Steve Cerqua has been performing in the Illinois Valley for over 25 years.

He will be appearing at Mendota’s 76th Sweet Corn Festival courtesy of The Chalet Sports Bar on Saturday, Aug. 12.

Steve will be covering some great blues legends such as Big Bill Broonzy and Robert Johnson. You

may also hear some Eric Clapton hits from this talented vocalist and guitarist.

Cerqua will perform from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. on the First State Bank Stage. The Chalet Sports Bar invites everyone to enjoy the sounds of blues and much more on Sweet Corn Festival Saturday in downtown Mendota.

Silvertone Junction

Thursday, August 10 • 7 - 9 p.m.

Silvertone Junction is a threepiece band from the western suburbs of Chicago. The band is comprised of Steve Mclain (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), John Cresto (lead guitar) and Ron Kostka (drums and lead vocals).

We pride our sound on classic and current rock and roll, with a

generous amount of country music and some surprise tunes that enable us to interact with audience members in a fun and humorous way. We love to entertain, and bring energy and passion to each performance.

Sponsored by Dr. Tara VanDeWyngaerde.

The Valley Katz

Saturday, August 12 • 3:30-6:30 p.m.

The energetic band, “The Valley Katz,” will take to the Beer Garden Stage at 3:30 p.m. Saturday with a rockin’ style you are sure to dig! Their style...Rockabilly/Rock, featuring covers by Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, Brian Setzer and many more.

This group of very talented veteran musicians include lead singer Gary Masters, playing bass and singing vocals, Rick Topolski, and on guitar and vocals, Pat Egan.

The performance is sponsored by Ken Otterbach Excavating and Rosati’s Pizza of Mendota. Everyone bring lawn chairs and enjoy the concert, and if the music will not

let you just sit and listen…GET UP AND DANCE!

Judson Main Saturday, Aug.

Annual Sweet Corn Festival Food Contest

Saturday, August 13 • 2 p.m.

All categories of food must be made with sweet corn and prepared in advance. Judging will be held at 2:00 PM in the Mendota Elks Lodge,

707 Indiana Ave. downtown. Entry forms are available at the Mendota Chamber Office. Sponsored by Nightengale’s Thrift Shop.

Judson Main musical performance in the First State Bank Stage. Spon-

sored by Praire Land Millwright Inc

PHOTO BY SCOTT ANDERSON Jessie White Tumblers perform at the 75th annual Sweet Corn Festival on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2022 in Mendota.

Sweet Corn Festival Grand Parade

Sunday, August 13 • 1 p.m.

The annual event will be held in the streets of Mendota, featuring floats, bands, antique & classic vehicles, Shriners, and

more! Special highlights include The Jesse White Tumblers, The Jolly Giant, White Ghost and The South Shore Drill Team.

NEWSTRIBUNE PHOTOS BY SCOTT ANDERSON

Ballet Folklorico De Colores perform during the 75th annual Sweet Corn Festival parade on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2022 in Mendota.

NEWSTRIBUNE PHOTOS BY SCOTT ANDERSON

Calendar of Events

Thursday, August 10

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM - A Special Afternoon for Special Kids. The Carnival will be open for a private armband for anyone with Special Needs and their immediate family. Please call the Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce for more details.

Registration is required to get an idea of how many we should expect: www.sweetcornfestival. com

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM – The Acoustix – Performance in the First State Bank Hospitality Tent. Sponsored by Merritt Funeral Home

6:00 PM - Carnival Midway & Food Booths Open - Carnival and Midway open to the general public. (Discount ride armband from 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM)

7:00 PM –Silvertone Junction performance on the First State Bank Stage. Sponsored by Dr. Tara VanDeWyngaerde

7:00 PM-10:00PM - Teen Dance Night with DJ Skidmarc and DJ Famou5- Enjoy free admission and come dance to today’s hits at the entertainment stage on Main St. Sponsored by RSG Millwrights Inc.

Friday, August 11

10:30 AM - Food Booths featuring festival, ethnic, and regional delights, and a variety of Merchandise Booths, & First State Bank Hospitality Tent open for the day.

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM – Good Vybz Ent. Dj in the First State Bank Hospitality Tent. Sponsored by Edward D. Jones

12:00 PM - Carnival opens for the day - (Discount armband from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM)

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM - The Acoustix - performance in the First State Bank Hospitality Tent Sponsored by Central Bank Illinois.

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM - The Acoustix - performance in the First State Bank Hospitality Tent. Sponsored by: Kurt Bruno –State Farm Insurance

6:30 PM - Pre-pageant

Entertainment featuring Andrew Bloomquist Sponsored by Eureka Savings Bank.

7:30 PM - Sweet Corn Queen Pageant on the First State Bank Stage on Rt. 34 downtown with intermission entertainment featuring Andrew Bloomquist Sponsored by Eureka Savings Bank.

7:30 PM - 12:00 AM - Beer

Garden featuring entertainment from Greenfield Station.

Sponsored by Triple Service. & Euclid Beverage Co.

ALL DAY - Magic Matt -

Performing his Strolling Magic & Balloon Artistry in downtown Mendota. Sponsored by HCC

Saturday, August 12

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM - Crafters Market Place & Flea Market.

Vendors are in two locations. Veteran’s Park on Rt. 34 in downtown Mendota and the Elks Club parking lot on Indiana Ave. & Jefferson St., just 1/2 block north of Veteran’s Park.

10:00 AM - Mini Royalty

Pageant 5-year-olds competing to wear the crown of Mini King

Calendar of Events

& Queen of Mendota’s Annual Sweet Corn Festival, on the First State Bank Stage on Rt. 34 downtown. Sponsored by Plano Powered by Pure Fishing.

10:30 AM - Food Booths, featuring festival, ethnic, and regional delights, and a variety of Merchandise Booths, & First State Bank Hospitality Tent open for the day.

11:00 AM - 1:00 PMNicodemus musical performance in the First State Bank Hospitality Tent Sponsored by Prairie State Tractor

12:00 AM - Carnival opens for the day.

11:30AM - 1:30PM - Steve Cerqua acoustic guitar performance on First State Bank Stage. Sponsored by The Chalet Sports Bar.

12:00 PM - 2 PM - Lica Lorraine

will be showing off her talents at balloon artistry at the intersection of Washington St. and 8th Avenue. Sponsored by: Davis Family Health

12:00 PM - 3:00 PM – Wild Style Design Face Painting

Professional artists will be available to transform you into your favorite animal or superhero for the day. Near the corner of Washington St. & Indiana Ave. Sponsored by Advanced Drainage Systems (ADS).

12:00/2:00/4:00 PM - 3 Shows

- Mr. Steve - includes music, magic, balloons and comedy all blended into wholesome family entertainment. Located on the corner of Illinois Ave. and Jefferson St. Sponsored by McDonalds

2:00 PM - Annual Sweet Corn Festival Food Contest

All categories of food must be made with sweet corn and prepared in advance. Judging will be held at 2:00 PM in the Mendota Elks Lodge, 707 Indiana Ave. downtown. Entry forms are available at the Mendota Chamber Office. Sponsored by Nightengale’s Thrift Shop.

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM – Zac Quad Music Acoustic musician playing everything from the 60’s through today in the First State Bank Hospitality Tent. Sponsored by: Mendota Mutual Insurance

2:30 PM - 5:30 PM –Judson Main musical performance in the First State Bank Stage. Sponsored by Praire Land Millwright Inc

3:30 PM – 6:30 PM – Beer

Garden featuring Valley Katz. Sponsored by Ken Otterbach Excavating and Rosati’s Pizza of Mendota.

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM –Good Vybz Ent. Dj in the First State Bank Hospitality Tent. Sponsored by: Expressions Salon

8:00 PM -10:00 PM - Grupo Los Parientes de Rancho Nuevo performing on the First State Bank Stage. Sponsored by RSG Millwrights Inc.

7:30 PM - 12:00 AM - Beer Garden featuring Side Hustle. Sponsored by ADM & G & M Distributors.

ALL DAY - Magic Matt -

Performing his Strolling Magic & Balloon Artistry in downtown Mendota. Sponsored by Schimmer GM

Calendar of Events

Sunday, August 13

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM - Crafters Market Place & Flea Market. Over 200 vendors in two locations. Veteran’s Park on Rt. 34 in downtown Mendota and the Elks Club parking lot on Indiana Ave. & Jefferson St., just 1/2 block north of Veteran’s Park.

10:30 AM - Food Booths featuring festival, ethnic, and regional delights, and a variety of Merchandise Booths, & First State Bank Hospitality Tent open for the day.

12:00 PM - Carnival opens for the day.

12:00 AM - 2:00 PM - The Acoustix - performance in the First State Bank Hospitality Tent First Federal Savings Bank.

12:00 PM - 2 PM - Lica Lorraine will be showing off her talents at balloon artistry at the intersection of Washington St. and 8th Avenue. Sponsored by Davis Family Health

12:00 PM - The Jesse White Tumblers special high-flying performance in front of the Mendota Elks Lodge on Indiana Ave. Sponsored by Mahoney Environmental Solutions and Mauch Carpentry.

1:00 PM - SWEET CORN

FESTIVAL GRAND PARADE

Featuring floats, bands, antique & classic vehicles, Shriners, and more! Special highlights include The Jesse White Tumblers and The South Shore Drill Team.

2:00 PM - FREE SWEET CORN! Sweet Corn from Country Kids

Farm Market served steaming hot! Served at the intersection of Illinois Ave & Jefferson St. Corn donated by Larry and Beth Gies.

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM - THE Acoustix - performance in the First State Bank Hospitality Tent. Sponsored by: Kaleel Law Office

3:30 PM - The South Shore Drill Team will perform in front of the Mendota Elks Lodge at 707 Indiana Ave. You have watched them in the parade, don’t miss this very special performance! Sponsored by: Black Bros. Co., Financial Plus Credit Union, Prescott Brothers Inc., Starved Rock Wood Products.

ALL DAY - Magic MattPerforming his Strolling Magic & Balloon Artistry in downtown Mendota. Sponsored by HCC and Schimmer GM