Freshly harvested corn, grown locally and prepared hot and buttery, is what the Sweet Corn Fiesta is all about. Now in its 24th year, the one-day-only event will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 28 in Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds, located at 9067 Southern Blvd.
Palm Beach County grows more sweet corn than any other county in the United States. 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 the 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 to split a total prize purse of $6,100.
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 to the Sweet Corn Fiesta is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to 12, and free to children 5 years old and younger. Parking is free. Proceeds benefit agriculture education and advocacy programs, as well as 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. Learn more at www.facebook.com/SweetCornFiesta.
Yesteryear Village is a living history park nestled on 10 acres at the South Florida Fairgrounds. The park showcases early, original and replicated buildings and artifacts from days gone by.
