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   It is the time of year again for Backus’ annual CornFest! CornFest is a fun-filled weekend with events and meals for all ages to enjoy, starting on August 11 and wrapping up on the night of the 13.

  The weekend kicks off on Friday, August 11 with a “Battle of the Bands” from 5:30 to 8 p.m. After everyone is warmed up, Sundance is performing for a street dance on Front Street. The day’s events end with a meat raffle on Front Street.

   Saturday’s jam-packed events start out early with the vendor and craft fair on Front Street from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. Beginning at the same time is the Kids Fishing Tournament at Rocky Dock! On your way to either of these activities, you can stop and get some rolls and coffee at the Senior Center on Front Street. From 9 to 11 a.m., bring the kids to Front Street for kids games and rides sponsored by Damascus Way. When you get hungry, BBQ ribs, all you can eat corn and many other delicious sides will be served at the Backus City Fire Hall from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Starting at the same time is Treasure Map at the Pavilion. A money scramble will start at 11:30 a.m. on Front Street, followed by a new plethora of kids games at noon! Closely afterwards at 12:30, the Cornfest parade lineup begins. The Horseshoe and Beanbag tournament kicks off at 1 p.m., with signup beginning at noon at the Legion. The annual CornFest parade starts on Wood Street at 2 p.m. with the theme “Decades of Fun in the Sun,” and ends on Front Street. Head over to the Senior Center for Bingo at 3 p.m. Starting at the same time are relay games, such as tug of war, water balloon toss, and what would CornFest be without a corn eating contest? An adult fishing bowl tournament will be held on Front Street from 4:30 until 7:30 p.m., followed by an all class reunion dinner at Foothills Christian Academy from 5 to 8 p.m. Another meat raffle will be held at the Legion at 6:30 p.m., followed by an outdoor revival at the Foothills School from 6:30 until 9 p.m. Another street dance will take place on Front Street at 8 p.m., with live music from the Wayne Renn Band. While the dance is going on, a chance to win with another meat raffle starts at 9 p.m. Once the sky darkens, a beautiful fireworks display will light the night, which can be seen from either Rocky Dock or Front Street!

   Sunday at 10:30 a.m., head over to the Foothills School for a church service on the old football field. Afterwards at noon, Willards will host the 50/50 drawing. After the drawing, there will be a corn cook off and the final meat raffle of the weekend. To wrap up your event filled CornFest, join in a dance with the Frankie Lamb Band at the Legion from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m.

    Come celebrate CornFest with your friends & family! With three days of jam packed fun, there is something for everyone to enjoy. For more information go to www.backuscornfest.com

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