Hoopeston celebrates 80th annual National Sweetcorn Festival

HOOPESTON, Ill. (WCIA) –For eight decades, Hoopeston has been adding their own twist to the holiday of Labor Day.

On Monday, residents celebrated the 80th Annual National Sweetcorn Festival. Each year, nearly 50,000 ears of corn gets cooked for the community, with people coming from all over to have a good time and try some of the ears of sweetcorn.

One visitor said this event continues to grow each year.

“I’ve seen thousands of people out here in the past five days,” Alexa Bailey, Miss Hoopeston 2024, said. “And what’s crazy is not just I’ve seen community members, people travel from out of town to come to our festival and they love it. And I’m so glad that we can continue to provide such an awesome festival.”

All the proceeds from the festival goes towards the Hoopeston Jaycees Christmas projects: Toys for Kids and Underprivileged Kid’s Christmas.

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