September 3, 2026
By Heath Scofield
Families from all over central Ohio enjoyed the opening day of the 2026 Millersport Sweet Corn Festival on Wednesday despite the blistering heat.
From now through Saturday, vendor booths, operated by local non-profits, are presenting festival-goers an assortment of tasty treats and engaging carnival games.
From Pickerington, the Lions Club is selling iced pumpkin cookies for $5.00 per box of six, while Scouting America Troops 26 and 42 are running a “make wins” basketball game and offering Donatos Pizza.
Fair rides and the garden tractor pull started at 5 p.m. in the midway and the covered bridge area respectively. At 6 p.m., the Grand Parade began at Millersport High School, marched down Lancaster Street to Chautauqua Boulevard to enter the festival grounds. Parade participants included first responders, businesses, non-profits, festival queens and more than 15 high school marching bands.
After the parade, the Corn Eating Contest commenced at the Founder’s Common Stage, while the Land of Legend Barbershop Chorus performed at the Hickory Grove Bandstand.
The evening’s entertainment came to a close with Columbus local Tyy Perkins performing Country/Alt Rock tunes on the Founders Common Stage.
The festival gates reopen at 5 p.m. on Thursday, with the day’s entertainment highlighted by the selection of the 2026 Sweet Corn Festival Queen and Court, as well as performances by American Folk artist Al Dantzer (6 p.m.) and Matthew Adam and the River Benders (7 p.m.).
On Friday, Grammy Award winning country band Diamond Rio takes over the Hickory Grove Bandstand for an 8:30 p.m. show.
Saturday begins with the Ken Keener Classic 5k at 9 a.m. followed by a full slate of contests and musical performances. At 8 p.m., officials will introduce the 2026 Sweet Corn Queen and her court then the Little River Band will take the stage to close the festival.
The Millersport Sweet Corn Festival is held at Millersport Lions Park (2905 Chautauqua Blvd, Millersport). Parking is available on property for $15, though cash is required. The park does have ATMs.
