Corn Fest highlights community pride

Annual city tradition marks 43rd year

The streets of Bainbridge Road backing North Ridgeville’s picturesque South Central Park were packed on Aug. 11 as the city’s summer classic opened for the 43rd occasion.

The annual North Ridgeville Corn Festival opened festivities in a celebration of community pride, togetherness and family while honoring a local delicacy.

The official opening of the festival began with a flag raising ceremony by members of North Ridgeville’s VFW followed by the singing of the national anthem.

President and Chairman of the Corn Festival John Butkowski said in welcoming guests that the annual tradition held the second week of August is like a community homecoming.

“It is hard to believe we have been around for 43

“It is hard to believe we have been around for 43 years having a community party like this. It is really interesting because many of the kids that were kids when we started are now bringing their grandkids here.”

— President and Chairman of the Corn Festival John Butkowski

years having a community party like this. It is really interesting because many of the kids that were kids when we started are now bringing their grandkids here,” Butkowski said.

The Golden Kernel was awarded posthumously to Jo-Ell Jacobson. Jacobson was honored as part of the original Corn Festival committee and remembered as an integral part of its growth over the year. Jacobson died in April following a battle with cancer. The honor was accepted by her daughter Jyl Andrews.

“She just loved this town and wanted to see things improve and see more families getting together to come here,” Anderson said. “She was part of the festival for 43 years from the get-go and just loved it up here.”

Jacobson was also honored with official proclamations from the city of North Ridgeville and state Sen. Gayle Manning.

The Golden Kernel was established in 1991 to honor North Ridgeville residents who have improved life in the community through their civic engagement.

The North Ridgeville Corn Festival Committee also announced scholarships awarded to Kyle Baker and Lindsey Womack, who will both be studying middle childhood education at The Ohio State University and the University Mount Union, respectively.

The festival committee also purchased books in Jacobson’s name available at the North Ridgeville Library to honor her passion for the history of North Ridgeville in addition to planting a tree in remembrance of her contributions to the city.

Since its inception, the Corn Festival has raised more than $110,000 for local civic and charitable initiatives.

KEVIN MARTIN — THE MORNING JOURNAL North Ridgeville Corn Festival mascots march down Bainbridge Road in North Ridgeville as the 43rd edition of the summer classic kicked off on Aug. 11.