The annual Sugar Grove Corn Boil, the village’s big summer bash, is set to open Thursday, July 23, and run through the weekend at Volunteer Park, 31 S. Main St. in Sugar Grove.
The event, organized annually by a citizen volunteer group, has been held for nearly 60 years in Sugar Grove.
“This year, we are proud to honor our country’s 250th anniversary and reflect on our rich history,” event organizers said in a press release. “The 2026 Corn Boil is partnering with the American Legion to support veteran mental health through their “Be the One” campaign and K9s for Veterans. At the event, we will offer red, white and blue light-up bracelets and glow sticks for purchase, with proceeds — along with other fundraising efforts — benefiting these important organizations.”
The fest will again offer carnival rides. New this year is an unlimited ride bracelet that can be purchased at the site for $35.
Other features of the festival include a vendor market on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, bingo sessions on Friday and Saturday and a parade beginning at 5 p.m. Friday near the Sugar Grove Public Library. Musical entertainment will be offered nightly with multiple bands on Friday and Saturday nights.
Fireworks are scheduled for Saturday night, and a car show will be offered on Sunday.
Admission is free, and over the four days attendance can reach 35,000 with good weather, organizers said.
The Corn Boil also features a variety of food options and of course, corn. Officials said that during the event, about 12,000 ears of corn are sold.
“This was a corn community and so many people grew it and that just continued over the years. Everybody comes for the corn,” said longtime Corn Boil committee member Jean Lindsey.
Bingo returns this year, she said, adding that “it was something that we haven’t had for a while, but it’s back.”
The Sugar Grove Corn Boil will run from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 23; 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, July 24; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 25; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 26.
For more information, go to www.sugargrovecornboil.org/
David Sharos is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
