Oskaloosa Main Street Receives MCCF Grant Funding for a New Corn Cooker!
Oskaloosa Main Street Receives MCCF Grant Funding for a New Corn Cooker. (Submitted Photo)
(Oskaloosa, Iowa) – Oskaloosa Main Street is excited and grateful to receive grant funding from Mahaska County Community Foundation for a new corn cooker for Sweet Corn Serenade!
2020 was the year that Sweet Corn Serenade almost did not happen—in part because of the challenges and uncertainty of event planning during a pandemic, and in part because the long-relied-upon corn roaster was discovered to be no longer operable shortly before the festival. Fortunately, the Mahaska County Cattlemen lent their second grill for the event, which went on in a drive-thru format with small crowds due to COVID-19 precautions. The day was saved, and a long-beloved community event continued its 33rd year in historic downtown Oskaloosa with social distancing, masked volunteers, and a steady line of drive-thru orders.
“Sweet Corn Serenade is a community event beloved by all ages,” says Janet Kuskie, Oskaloosa Main Street Board President. “This grant will help ensure that one of our favorite summer traditions continues for many more years.”
With plans underway for the 34th annual Sweet Corn Serenade, Oskaloosa Main Street applied and received full grant funding from Mahaska County Community Foundation to purchase a new towable, food grade stainless steel gas grill.
“Every year, Mahaska County Community Foundation does so much good in our community. We are deeply grateful for the generous support of MCCF,” says Jessica Reuter, Oskaloosa Main Street Director.
Sweet Corn Serenade is happening on Thursday, July 29th from noon to 9 PM on the Square in downtown Oskaloosa. In addition to the fresh-cooked sweet corn and burgers hot off the grill, the day’s festivities will include a craft and vendor fair, children’s activities, food vendors, live music, and more. Oskaloosa Main Street is currently accepting applications for craft and product vendors, food trucks, and the band performance. Volunteer opportunities are also available!
For more information about Sweet Corn Serenade and other upcoming Oskaloosa Main Street events, visit mahaskachamber.org/mainstreet and follow Oskaloosa Main Street on social media.
