WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Freshly harvested corn, grown locally and prepared hot and buttery, is what the Sweet Corn Fiesta is all about. Now it its 24th year, the one day only event will be held from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, in Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd.
Palm Beach County grows more sweet corn than any other county in the U.S. Local farmers cultivate more than 27,000 acres annually. That’s cause for celebration, the impetus behind the fiesta, letting residents know the importance of this crop.
The event will feature live music by two bands — Andrew Morris Band and Krystal River Band — along with a green market, children’s games, and corn shucking and corn eating contests.
“This year we have a surprise for the kids but they’ll have to attend the event to see what that is,” said Ann Holt, who founded the Sweet Corn Fiesta.
The event culminates with the National Sweet Corn Eating Championship presented and sanctioned by the International Federation of Competitive Eaters, Inc. During this grueling yet quick competition, Major League Eaters from across the country challenge themselves by consuming Florida sweet corn ears for 12 minutes. The total prize purse is $6,100 broken down as follows: 1st – $2,500, 2nd – $1,500, 3rd – $1000, 4th – $600, 5th – $300, 6th – $200.
Last year marked the rise of a new corn queen, Miki Sudo, consuming a jaw-dropping total of 52 ears of corn in just 12 minutes. She dethroned the 2022 champion, Gideon Oji, by just half an ear of corn. Carmen Cincotti holds the world record of 61.75 ears.
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12, and free to kids 5 years old and younger. Parking is free. Proceeds benefit agriculture education/advocacy programs and Glades area food banks.
For those who can’t attend the Sweet Corn Fiesta, boxes of sweet corn will be available just outside of the entry gates for $25. One box holds about 48 ears. Attendees may purchase the same size box for $20.
About Yesteryear Village
Yesteryear Village is a living history park nestled on 10 acres at the South Florida Fairgrounds,9067 Southern Boulevard, in West Palm Beach. The park showcases early, original and replicated buildings and artifacts from days gone by. There also is the Sally Bennett Big Band Hall of Fame Museum — the only big band museum in the United States. Group and school guided tours are available by request. Call 561-795-3110 to schedule a tour. Special events, photo shoots, weddings, and corporate events also are available. Call 561-790-4908 for additional information and to reserve the facility.