Organizers plan to serve 6000 ears of sweet corn tomorrow during Sweet Corn Days in Estherville.
The festival started last night in Estherville’s Library Square with a “burning of the cobs” and the making of s’mores over the bonfire. Lexie Ruter of the Estherville Area Chamber of Commerce says one of tonight’s highlights features hula hoops. “Following the hula hoop contest, we’ve got our fireworks,” she says. “We pay extra money for extra high fireworks so you can see them over the trees and over the buildings.”
The sweet corn is served midday Saturday, but the prep starts early. “If you would like to give of your time and help shuck that, it’s at 8:15 on Saturday,” she says.
On Sunday afternoon, there will be group float on the Des Moines River for canoers and kayakers. “We have checked river conditions. They are superb,” Ruter says. “There is one spot you have to portage around, so do be prepared, your feet are going to get muddy, but it is an easy portage.” Ruter stresses that participants should come prepared with the right safety equipment.
Tomorrow, there’s a golf ball rolling contest at 3 p.m. and the owner of the ball that crosses the finish line first wins $1000. Esterville’s Fire Department is hosting a mud volleyball tournament that starts at 4 p.m. Saturday.
(By Ed Funston, KILR, Estherville)