THE END OF A TRULY A-MAIZE-ING EVENT

North Ridgeville was popping with excitement Aug. 12 as the 45th annual Corn Festival drew to a close with kernels of fun.

Making its triumphant return this year was the Grande Parade which saw dozens of floats circle the southern end of the North Ridgeville Academic Center property at 34620 Bainbridge Road.

Leading the parade, just behind a squad car and the VFW color guard, was North Ridgeville Mayor G. David Gillock riding in a red convertible Mustang.

Children and their parents who lined the parade route danced to the music of the North Ridgeville High School Marching Band and made mad dashes to collect candy and other assorted items being passed out by the marchers.

Corn Festival President John Butkowski said this year’s festival has been a success.

“It was a nice weekend,” he said. “Weather was really cooperating with us. We had a steady stream of people coming in, we had some new things this year and brought the parade back.”

Butkowski said something new this year was the inclusion of Planters mascot Mr. Peanut and his large legume-shaped Nutmobile.

“That appeared to be a hit,” he said.

“It was kind of unique because I haven’t seen it in this area yet,” he said

Another new feature at this year’s festival was the Mexican street corn, which Butkowski said is tasty and features an odd ingredient.

“We’ve had a lot of requests for it over the past two years,” he said. “It’s a very unique recipe that combines mayonnaise, believe it or not, with some condiments and cheese on the hot, buttered piece of corn. It’s delicious.”

Butkowski said this was his first time experiencing the Mexican street corn and now he is “a believer.”

“We haven’t had anyone say, ‘I really don’t like this piece of corn,’” he said.

He said there’s no way to tell how many people have been to this year’s festival since it is free to the public and entry could be made from multiple locations.

Despite the crowds, Butkowski said there have been no issues, to his knowledge, at the festival.

He said that planning for the city’s 46th Corn Festival will begin as soon as this year’s festivities are cleared away.

“It was kind of unique because I haven’t seen it in this area yet.” — Corn Festival President John Butkowski

KEITH REYNOLDS — THE MORNING JOURNAL The North Ridgeville High School Marching Band shows their stuff Aug. 11 as part of the parade on the final day of the 45th annual North Ridgeville Corn Festival.

KEITH REYNOLDS — THE MORNING JOURNAL North Ridgeville Mayor G. David Gillock waves to spectators Aug. 11 as part of the parade on the final day of the 45th annual North Ridgeville Corn Festival.

KEITH REYNOLDS — THE MORNING JOURNAL Toni and Gary Krone, two of the recipients of this year’s Golden Kernel Award, wave to spectators Aug. 11 as part of the parade on the final day of the North Ridgeville Corn Festival.

KEITH REYNOLDS — THE MORNING JOURNAL Mr. Peanut waves to spectators Aug. 11 as part of the parade on the final day of the 45th annual North Ridgeville Corn Festival.