Corn Fest returns Saturday, Aug. 1 to the Community Church of Rolling Meadows for its 69th year. That’s right. Church leaders held their first Corn Fest in 1957, as something of a backyard barbecue for its members, before growing it each year with more and more activities.
Organizers ordered more than 10,000 ears of corn.
Still, despite its growth — both in terms of ears of corn and patrons — Corn Fest continues to stay true to its roots, of offering good food and fellowship to its surrounding community.
“For our congregation, Corn Fest has never been just about serving food or raising funds,” says Pastor Bill Ferrell. “It’s our way of saying ‘thank you’ to the Rolling Meadows community that has been our home for generations.
“What began as a small church gathering has become a community tradition,” he adds, “and we’re grateful to create a place where neighbors, friends and families can come together, reconnect and simply enjoy being with one another.”
The menu offers grilled burgers, brats, hot dogs and veggie burgers.
The festival takes place on the church grounds, located at 2720 Kirchoff Road in Rolling Meadows, and features an arts and crafts fair with nearly 80 booths, as well as face painting and balloon creations for children. The meal includes a grilled sandwich — hamburger, brat, hot dog or veggie option — as well as a slice of watermelon and a cold beverage. Of course, the main feature is the corn, and the price of a meal includes unlimited ears.
“It’s grown locally and picked just hours before it is boiled to perfection and smothered in butter,” says church member Lesley Lupo. “And back by popular demand, we have a drive-thru to enable patrons to get a meal to-go without getting out of their car. Fresh picked, uncooked sweet corn also will be bagged for sale by the dozen or half-dozen.”
This year, church organizers reached out to Rietveld’s Farmstand and Greenhouse in Bourbonnais. The farm is located in the heart of Kankakee County and among its specialties is its sweet corn.
Children’s activities include a corn maze.
“Our corn is so sweet, you can eat it right off the cob,” says Manager Jessica Molina. “You don’t even have to boil it.”
Corn Fest members ordered more than 10,000 ears of corn for this year’s festival, but even that number did not sound daunting to officials at Rietveld’s.
“We regularly get orders that big from festivals in the area, and even draw people from other states who come in for the corn,” Molina says. “This is our first year with Corn Fest in Rolling Meadows, but we’re happy to share our corn.”
Seating at Corn Fest is available under a canopy as well as open air seating, with patrons encouraged to bring their own chairs. In all, the relaxed setting and community feel of this nearly 70-year old tradition makes for an enjoyable afternoon and one that generations of families continue to enjoy together.
Sam Chatham works the grill at Corn Fest in 2025.
“We believe loving our neighbors is something to be lived out in practical ways, and Corn Fest is one expression of that,” Pastor Ferrell adds. “Our faith in Jesus Christ inspires us to serve with joy, and we hope everyone who comes leaves feeling welcomed, encouraged and cared for.”
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