There's so much to do at Sugar Grove Corn Boil
Sweet corn is one of the main attractions at the Sugar Grove Corn Boil festival, which returns this week. It is presented by an all-volunteer committee.
Festival hours are: 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 20; 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, July 21; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 22; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 23, at Volunteer Park, behind the John Shields Elementary School, 85 S. Main St.
Carnival: Windy City Amusement will be hosting the carnival with unlimited ride tickets for $35 per ticket. Hours are: 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Bingo fundraiser: This year's bingo games will support four nonprofit organizations. The tent will be behind the elementary school, inside the school's park area. Volunteers from Kaneland Special Needs PTA in Maple Park will host bingo Friday from 5 to 10 p.m. Early on Saturday, volunteers from Casey Safe Haven Holistic Horse Rescue in Maple Park will run the game from noon to 5 p.m. It will be followed by 3:11 Project Mission from 5 to 9 p.m. (when fireworks begin).
On Sunday, Elevation Dance Arts in Elburn will host the bingo from noon to 5 p.m.
Bingo cards are $1 each and the pots will be split 50/50. You must be at least 18 years old to play.
Corn Boil 5K Run/Walk: Before the festival opens on Saturday, July 22, join the annual Corn Boil 5K Run/Walk, a fast, flat, two-lap course. The 3.1 mile USATF certified course is electronically timed and features traffic control, splits at 1 and 2 miles, first aid and water stations, and post-race snacks. Cost is $30. To sign up, visit www.sgparks.org/5k/.
The race begins at 7:30 a.m. at Kaneland Harter Middle School. Awards will be presented to the first male and female finishers, as well as first, second, and third place in each age division. The ceremony follows immediately after tabulation of results.
Craft show and business expo: The craft show and business expo will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (or dusk) Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Entertainment: On Thursday, bring the family for a "Movie Night" featuring the 2011 animated film "Puss in Boots" from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed by the 2022 Tom Cruise film "Top Gun Maverick" from 8 to 10 p.m.
On Friday, July 21, the Duke Band will open the festival stage from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by ARRA, a classic rock tribute band, from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
The Boy Band Night will headline the Friday night concerts from 9:30 to 11 p.m. They perform hits from the Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, NKOTB, One Direction, Jonas Brothers and more.
On Saturday, July 22, the White Saddle Band will perform from 5 to 6:10 p.m., followed by the pop/rock band Serendipity playing a combination of popular 1960s to '80s covers and current pop hits from 6:45 to 8 p.m.
The party band Hello Weekend, with a set list that covers everything from Gaga to Guns 'N Roses, Bruno Mars to the Beach Boys, will take the stage from 8:30 to 11 p.m.
The fireworks show will begin at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Donations are welcome.
Sonic Sanctuary will be performing timeless rock hits to close out the festival from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday.
Car show: The Rock 'n Roll Car Show on Sunday, July 23, at Volunteer Park is open to all types, years, and classes of cars and trucks. Registration will be 10 to 11 a.m.; the cost is $10 per vehicle. The show runs from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., with winners being announced at the main stage at 1:30 p.m.
Participants will judge the entries. Awards will be presented for a variety of different categories, including best in show car and best in show truck.
Enter at the west entrance of the park off of McCannon Street.
Mini fun fair: The Township of Sugar Grove invites kids 10 or younger to a free mini fun fair from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 20, at the Sugar Grove Community Building, 141 Main St. Games include mini bowling, scooter races, mini-basketball throw, skee-ball, Velcro dart board, Hula-Hoop roll, and the duck pond. Prizes will be awarded. They also will have a face painter from the Kane County Cougars games.
Shuttles and parking: Guests can park and take the free shuttle service to and from the Sugar Grove Library parking lot, 125 Municipal Drive, and the village hall/police station center parking lot, 10 Municipal Drive.
A large hay wagon shuttle pulled by a tractor makes a loop continually during the festivities, dropping off and picking up at two park entrances and the library. Free golf cart shuttles will also be patrolling the streets.
Senior, handicapped, and all veterans can park in the lot directly in front of John Shields Elementary School, 85 S. Main St. There will be six "Veteran Preferred" spaces in the senior/handicapped lot.
Learn more at sugargrovecornboil.org or facebook.com/SugarGroveCornBoil/.