Over the last two and a half decades, the Camp Verde Cornfest has become a stable of local culture — an event informed by daily life in the Verde Valley and an awareness of our shared farming heritage.
“For the past quarter century the Camp Verde Cornfest has celebrated the annual sweet corn crop grown on the banks of the Verde River by Hauser Farms,” stated Camp Verde Promotions President Nikki Millers. “But the Cornfest has always been much more than that. It is a celebration of families and summer, as well as Camp Verde’s rich agricultural history and the simple joys of small town life.”
This year, many favorite activities are returning, including hot air balloon rides Saturday morning, weather permitting. A full bevy of old-fashioned games and activities will be available alongside a craft fair, vendors of all kinds, food, live music and a beer garden. Fort Verde State Park will host an adobe brickmaking workshop at 10 a.m. Saturday and a vintage base ball —
“That’s how it was spelled in the 1880s,” Miller added — game at noon.
The Verde Valley Farmers Market will be in full swing on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. The historic 1933 jail will be open for tours and photo opportunities. In addition, the Camp Verde Historical Society Museum and the Verde Valley Archaeology Center will be open.
And the Cornfest just wouldn’t be the Cornfest without the annual Corn Hole Contest. Grab yourself a doubles partner and plan to come down Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. There are cash prizes for the winners.
Of course, Miller added, “the Cornfest will offer plenty of fire-roasted sweet corn to gnaw on, sacks of corn to take home …. And the Cornfest just wouldn’t be the Cornfest without the annual Corn Hole Contest. Grab yourself a doubles partner and plan to come down Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. There are cash prizes for the winners.”
For all of the joy of celebration, Miller noted that the annual event has not been without its challenges — ones that any recent Cornfest-goer couldn’t help but notice: Over the last decade, at least seven Cornfests have been rained out.
“Last year, we had a micro-burst and it was not pretty,” Miller explained, laughing. “Tell people not to do any rain dances, please.”
Nonetheless, Miller estimated that last year’s event attracted nearly 3,000 people. Miller and co. sold over 500 dozen ears of corn.”
Miller added that she is still seeking volunteers, especially young people. Those interested are asked to contact her at 592-9137.
| Lend Me Your Ear |
| What: Camp Verde Cornfest When: Friday, July 15 and Saturday, July 16 Cost: No cost for general admission All festivities will take place in downtown Camp Verde, at the community center and soccer field on Hollamon Street and at Fort Verde, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday. Offsite parking will be available in the Bashas’ parking lot with a shuttle to downtown. Visit campverdepromotions.org or visitcampverde.com for updated information and a schedule of events. |
