Taber Cornfest has something for everyone

EVENTS BEGIN TODAY, CONTINUE THROUGH SATURDAY

Cornfest begins today in Taber and is sure to be one to remember for locals and visitors alike.

“The whole community comes together and does a volunteer event that’s free for all people around southern Alberta,” said Rick Popadynetz, president of the Taber and District Chamber of Commerce.

“We have a car show, we have a Bull-a-Rama, we have a ball tournament, we have a parade, free corn.

“It’s a real small-town atmosphere and a great event.”

One of the largest free festivals in Western Canada, the three-day event at the end of August has a little bit of everything for a family to enjoy.

Cornfest has put Taber on the map, as many people have got a taste for the free festival in their travels and have returned to make it an annual occurrence on their social calendar.

“I think it’s more than just an event. We’re known across Western Canada,” said Popadynetz. “There’s people that come from California to attend, there’s people from all over Alberta, B.C. and Saskatchewan come to attend it. It’s also a homecoming — a lot of times high school reunions are held on that weekend, so people come home and take in the event. Now we have fireworks on Friday and Saturday night, so it’s really great for anybody coming home.”

The festivities start today with the Taber Parade lining the downtown streets at 4 p.m. Entertainment goes today, Friday and Saturday with 22 different acts for people to enjoy at the stage in Confederation Park, starting at 6:30 p.m. today and ending with the Chevelles performing at 10:10 p.m. on Saturday.

There are also fireworks planned for Friday and Saturday.

Pancake breakfast, laser tag, go karts, chili cook-off, bull riding entertainment, craft sale, midway, fun run, petting zoo, show ‘n’ shine, mini golf, corn stuffing and eating contests, skateboard contest, photo booth, beer garden and fireworks are just some of the many things people can enjoy with no entry fee during Cornfest thanks to the support of the local business community and its volunteers.

One highlight for Popadynetz is the opportunity to take in the huge collection of classic automobiles that motor their way into the community on Saturday for the Gear Lords Car Club Show ‘n’ Shine from 10-4 p.m. along 49 Avenue.

“The car show keeps getting bigger and bigger every year, so it’s really neat to see all these different types of classic cars,” he said.