The 18th annual South Florida Sweet Corn Fiesta will return to Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 29. The day will feature Major League Eating’s National Sweet Corn Eating Championship at 3 p.m.
More than 4,000 visitors are expected to attend this annual event to eat some of the best locally grown sweet corn and enjoy other activities for both children and adults.
Among the highlights is the National Sweet Corn Eating Championship. At stake is a total purse prize of $6,100. Carmen Cincotti, last year’s winner and new world record holder, will be back to defend his title. He consumed 61.75 ears in 12 minutes. Yasir Salem, the 2016 title holder, also will be returning for a comeback effort. An amateur contest will precede the professional competition. To enter, participants must be at least 18 years old and sign up before 12:45 p.m.
Other highlights include a Kid Zone, sponsored by Florida Crystals, with rides and other contests beginning at 1 p.m., including old-fashioned bathing suits, as well as kids and adult corn shucking.
Two bands — the Krystal River Band and the Andrew Morris Band — will provide live music throughout the day.
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 sponsors and volunteers. Proceeds go to agriculture education and advocacy and to Glades-area food banks.
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 11. It is free for kids 5 years old and younger. A $5 unlimited rides wristband is available for kids. Parking is free. No outside food or beverages are permitted.
For additional information, call (561) 996-0343 or visit www.sweetcornfiesta.com.
