'Light It Up Blue' with Sugar Grove Corn Boil July 27-30

The Sugar Grove Corn Boil has partnered with Giant Steps, an organization that provides support to individuals and families affected by autism. Beginning Thursday night, July 27, the Corn Boil Committee will show support to Giant Steps and its Canopy program.

The program is focused around the needs of adults with autism, providing opportunities that help these individuals interact and engage with others.

The committee will donate $5 to Giant Steps for every carnival wristband that is sold on Thursday evening at the Corn Boil. This excludes pre-sales. The price of each carnival wristband is $25 and will allow one individual the ability to ride any and all rides during the unlimited ride hours of 5 to 10 p.m. that night.

The Sugar Grove Corn Boil will "Light It Up Blue" throughout the entire four-day festival, Thursday, July 27 through Sunday, July 30.

The committee has begun selling the blue lite bracelets that represent the voice of the Sugar Grove community and the Corn Boil. Individual bracelets will be $5 and will be available at several local businesses in Sugar Grove including: Old Second Bank at Route 47 and Cross Street; First National Bank, 36 E. Galena Blvd.; 1st Secure Community Bank, 670 N Sugar Grove Pkwy.; Genoa Pizza, 44 Cross St.; Paisano's Pizza and Grill, 98 S Main St.; Ace Hardware, 160 E. Galena Blvd. The bracelets also will be available at the event.

As part of the festival's emphasis on Autism Awareness, the committee requests that all local residents and business owners help in lighting the town and surrounding communities blue.

Mark Driscoll, owner of Ace Hardware-Sugar Grove, will be selling blue light bulbs at $1.99 a bulb. He will donate 99 cents to Giant Steps for every one sold.

On Friday between 9 and 9:30 p.m., before the final night's band, Whiskey Romance, begins to play, the committee will invite everyone to participate while wearing the blue bracelet. There will be a short presentation and festival-goers will be asked to lite their bracelets blue and raise their hand toward the sky in honor of Giant Steps and its Canopy Program.

As a video plays, a drone will capture this special moment symbolizing the voice of the Sugar Grove Community in its support of Autism Awareness. The committee will present a check to Giant Steps from the Thursday proceeds of purchased carnival wristbands and the donation made by Ace Hardware of Sugar Grove.

For the first time, in its 50th year, Thursday night at the Corn Boil also will feature live music under the big tent from 5 to 10 p.m. Food and beverages will be provided by Genoa Pizza and Italian Concessions. The Sugar Grove Volunteer Fire Association open the beer tent.

The festival takes place in Volunteer Park, 61 Main St.

For information, visit www.sugargrovecornboil.org or www.facebook.com/SugarGroveCornBoil.