The Aumsville Corn Festival celebrated 53 years of “fun, festivities and free corn” on Aug. 20-21, earning recognition from the Oregon Heritage Commission.
“We are also excited that the Corn Festival has been designated a heritage event by the Oregon Heritage Foundation,” said Ron Harding, city administrator.
Commissioner Anne LeVant Prahl from the Oregon Heritage Commission presented the designation to the Aumsville City Council on Aug. 9.
According to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, the Corn Festival is the 26th event in Oregon to earn this designation. Other Oregon Heritage traditions include the Great Oregon Steam-up in Brooks, Oregon State Fair, Pear Blossom Festival in Medford, the Pendleton Round-Up, the Portland Rose Festival, and Woodburn Fiesta Mexicana.
“The designation recognizes those traditions that have been ongoing for 50 years or more and that add to the livability and identity of the state,” said Katie Henry, Oregon Heritage Commission Coordinator.
“The Aumsville Corn Festival preserves the agricultural heritage of the area in a time where agriculture is evolving and diversifying. It’s a great family event that has opportunities for all that attend, from the community and tourists to the area.”
The Corn Festival began in 1968 with a group of Aumsville residents who organized a corn feed at the local park. In 1969, they added a parade, sack races and other family games, and gave away hot buttered corn.
Today’s festival also offers vendor booths, entertainment and contests. Garage sales are held throughout the city, a kick-off party takes place on the Friday before the big day at Mill Creek Park, and the Aumsville Fire District starts Saturday off with a pancake breakfast each year.
The event is free to attend and attendance is estimated by how many pounds of corn is sold or given away each year. The corn is locally grown with the city contracting with a farmer in January to grow corn specifically for the August festival.
The Aumsville City Council modified last year’s festival to be a drive-thru event where free corn was given to visitors and a video contest and citywide scavenger hunt took place, Harding said.
An Oregon Heritage Tradition must have been in continuous operation for more than 50 years, demonstrate a public profile and reputation that distinguishes it from more routine events, and add to the livability and identity of the state. A list of Tradition designations is available on the Oregon.gov website.
The Oregon Heritage Commission coordinates efforts to solve statewide heritage issues through grants, education, and advocacy, and also promotes heritage tourism efforts. To learn more about the commission and its efforts visit www.oregonheritage.org.
