Housing downturn could affect Sugar Grove Corn Boil

The downturn in housing and the gloomy economy in general could affect plans for Sugar Grove's corn boil festival, scheduled for July 25 to 27 this year.

Generous contributions from developers have helped fund the three-day festival in years past, but housing starts are way down this year and developers no longer have deep pockets.

"We've had many home developers as sponsors in the past. This year so far we have zero," said Jean Lindsay, chairwoman of the corn boil sponsorship committee. "Maybe it's the economy, but the dollars aren't there yet."

The village anticipated issuing 229 building permits last fiscal year, which ended April 30. But by the end of March, only 63 had been issued.

Builders are no longer aggressively courting the village and its plan commission with massive development proposals. The village used to be able to count on developers such as Kimball Hill and Neumann Homes, but both companies have filed for bankruptcy.

Village Trustee Kevin Geary, who has coordinated plans for the corn boil for the last 10 years, is optimistic.

"We still plan to have a great corn boil," Geary said. "There are new businesses in town who weren't here last year. And Provena Mercy Medical Center has stepped up to be a sponsor this year."

At its peak, according to Geary, about half of the sponsorships came from developers, with about one-third being donated by builders more recently.

Geary said the corn boil committee has $15,000 in seed money to front this year's festivities. The event costs roughly $75,000 but also generates income. This does not include the fireworks display, which the Lions Club sponsors by raising money. The fireworks cost about $14,000 last year and the club was able to raise the money, but it didn't come easily.

If sponsorships are down, the money earned at the corn boil would have to pay for the 2008 event, leaving no funds or little money for next year.

"No sponsorships are too small," Geary said. He would like potential contributors to know a sponsorship could be worth as much as $20,000 in free advertising.

"I'm not sure how we'll make the budget," Lindsay said. "Hopefully, people will come through."

To find out about sponsorships, visit www.sugargrovecornboil.org.