Taber ready for Cornfest

ANNUAL CELEBRATION BEGINS THURSDAY

Taber corn arrived early this year, but the town’s Cornfest celebration is right on schedule.

The three-day fair will kick off with a downtown parade on Thursday, 4 p.m., and continue until midnight daily through Saturday.

Southern Alberta bands will perform each evening, while fairgoers enjoy midway rides, a skateboard “corntest,” an arts and crafts market and the Corn Country Cruisers; “Show and Shine.”

Corn tasting, eating and stuffing events will be held as well, along with such culinary contests as a chili cook-off and a cornbread competition. Earlier on Friday and Saturday, pancake breakfasts will be served.

Facepainting and an Astro Jump are lined up for youngsters, while teens will get their fill of rides on Thursday, “wristband night.”

Older visitors may enjoy the beer garden. Nearby, the “Angels in the Outfield” softball tourney will be underway.

Entertainers announced for this year’s Cornfest include Dance Images, Tanner James and Dusty Roads on Thursday night. Friday’s lineup, starting at 1 p.m., has Adequate, Close as Strangers, Cornucopia, Hibikiya, the Filipino society, Moon Dawgs, Trevor Panzak and closing with Southern Flyer.

Stage shows begin even earlier on Saturday, starting with Erin Ross at 10 a.m., followed by Four on the Floor, Zumba, Enslow, Hippodrome, Mark Maxwell, Plum Crazy and ending with The Chevelles.

Fireworks are scheduled Friday at 10 p.m. and Saturday at 9:50 p.m.

The annual celebration is scheduled to close with a non-denominational worship service in the park, Sunday at 10 a.m.