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   Backus is gearing up for one of its most beloved annual traditions as Cornfest returns August 8–10 with a full lineup of events, entertainment, games, and of course, plenty of sweet corn. With the theme “It’s Corn,” this year’s festival promises fun for all ages and highlights the strong sense of community that defines the town.

   Festivities begin Friday, August 8, with a 5:30 p.m. meat raffle at the Backus Legion. That evening, Willards will host a street dance from 7 to 11 p.m., featuring live music by the band Dangerous Age.

   Saturday, August 9, starts bright and early with a vendor and craft fair from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and a kids fishing tournament from 8 to 11 a.m. at an area lake. Coffee and rolls will be served at the Senior Center starting at 8 a.m., and the CMA Motorcycle Ministry will host kids games and rides from 9 to 11 a.m.

   From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., families can enjoy inflatables with $15 wristbands available for unlimited play. The same hours also feature traveling music and games, including minnow races, basket pong, water balloon fights, human battleship, and more. A treasure map activity begins at 11 a.m., and the Cornfest dinner will be served at the firehall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

   At 12:30 p.m., parade participants will begin lining up, with the main Cornfest parade starting at 2 p.m. This year’s theme is proudly titled “It’s Corn.” Other Saturday events include a horseshoe and cornhole tournament at 1 p.m. at the Backus Legion, and purse bingo at 3:30 p.m. at the Senior Center.

   Evening festivities continue with the adult fish bowl tournament from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed by a meat raffle on Front Street at 5 p.m. and another meat raffle at the Legion at 6:30 p.m. Saturday night ends on a high note with a street dance from 7 to 11 p.m. featuring live music by Spitfire, and a fireworks display at dusk. A 50/50 raffle will be held Saturday, with ticket sales ending at midnight.

   Sunday, August 10, starts with an Auxiliary breakfast from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Legion, followed by church services at 10 a.m. at various local churches. The Cornfest 50/50 raffle drawing will take place at noon at Willards, and the day concludes with a dance at the Legion from 2 to 5 p.m. featuring Frankie Lamb. The final event is the Auxiliary raffle drawing at 5:30 p.m.

   Backus Cornfest is powered by volunteers and generous support from across the area. With music, games, and plenty of corn on the cob, Backus Cornfest is the perfect way to soak up the last days of summer.

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