The Camp Verde Cornfest has been a mainstay of Verde Valley culture since 1991, an event that occurs at the height of Hauser and Hauser Farms’ corn-growing season to highlight the community’s shared farming heritage.
“Nothing says summer like delicious fire-roasted, buttered, sweet corn,” Nikki Miller of Camp Verde Promotions said. “And no event in Arizona pays homage to this summertime treat like the Camp Verde Cornfest, where visitors can enjoy festivities for all ages along with all the corn you can eat or carry out by the dozen.”
In addition to all the corn you can eat — over 600 dozen ears, according to nonprofit event organizer Camp Verde Promotions — the Cornfest features contests, art projects for children, a craft fair, live music, food and craft vendors, a beer garden and the annual cash-prize corn hole tournaments.
One new addition is a slip ‘n’ slide, allowing folks to cool off before heating back up again.
On Saturday, Fort Verde is also hosting a “Martha & Jack Summerhayes” presentation at 1 p.m., in addition to its 10 a.m. vintage base ball game.
“We need many, many volunteers,” Miller said, adding that the typical 80 volunteers she requests are enough to cover service at the corn tent, which includes tasks such as roasting and serving corn for two-hour shifts.
“It would be closer to 110 people who would help us from start to finish …. We have an intense need for volunteers.”
According to Miller, the majority of volunteers are in their 60s and older. That population, she said, has a particularly hard time in the heat of July. As a result, she is petitioning for younger volunteers to bolster the ranks.
Following several dog fights at recent public events hosted Camp Verde Promotions and one instance of an owner leaving their dog in the car on a 115-degree day during last year’s Cornfest, no pets will be allowed at the event. Those coming with a pet will be turned away at the door.
For more information, contact questions@ campverdepromotions.org, call 301-0922 or follow Camp Verde Promotions and VisitCampVerde on Facebook.
