South Florida Sweet Corn Fiesta returns
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — After being limited to a “drive through” event in 2020 due to the pandemic, the annual South Florida Sweet Corn Fiesta will make its in-person return from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, April 25. Presented by the Western Palm Beach County Farm Bureau, this is the 21st annual fiesta and will be held at Yesteryear Village, South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd.
“We’re back,” said Ann Holt, founder of the Fiesta, referring to the cancellation of last year’s event due to COVID-19. “We made the best of our drive-through event last year but it’s not the same as hosting our usual fun-filled family event.”
Among the highlights is the freshly harvested corn itself, grown locally and prepared hot and buttery, along with other summertime foods. This family-friendly event also will feature children’s games, all-day ride wristbands for the Kid Zone, a green market, corn shucking and other contests, and live music.
Also returning to the fest: The return of the National Sweet Corn Eating Championship, as part of the 2021 season of sanctioned eating championships. Major League Eaters from across the country will challenge themselves consuming one ear of corn after for 12 minutes of demanding competition, which will begin at 3 p.m.
At the 2019 event, Gideon Oji ate 57 ears of Florida sweet corn to claim the title. Darron Breeden finished second with 43, while Nick Wehry came third with 35.5. At this year’s event, Carmen Cincotti’s world record of 61.75 ears in 12 minutes will be on the line. The total prize purse is $6,100 with the first-place champion earning $2,500.
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12, and free to kids 5 years old and younger. Parking is free. No outside food or beverages are permitted. No pets are allowed except for service animals.
The South Florida Sweet Corn Fiesta celebrates Palm Beach County’s heritage as the “Sweet Corn Capital of the World.” Palm Beach County grows more sweet corn than any other county in the US. Local farmers cultivate more than 27,000 acres yearly. The Sweet Corn Fiesta is an outreach activity of the Western Palm Beach County Farm Bureau and is made possible by volunteers and sponsors, which include Sunshine Sweet Corn Farmers of Florida, Florida Crystals, and Palm Beach County. Proceeds go to agriculture education and advocacy and to Glades area food banks. For more information, call (561) 996-0343 or visit the website, http://www.sweetcornfiesta.com.