About This Festival

The Oakland City Sweet Corn Festival is an annual community celebration held in Oakland City, Gibson County, Indiana, specifically at Wirth Park. It is a family-friendly agricultural festival focused on celebrating corn with diverse entertainment and activities. The festival for 2025 runs from August 7 to August 9, typically starting in the evening on Thursday and running through Saturday night.

The event atmosphere is festive and lively, geared toward all ages with a strong local community vibe. The festival grounds feature rides and inflatables available throughout all three days, with a special climbing wall on Thursday and Friday only. Its welcoming environment includes handicapped accessibility.

Key activities and schedule highlights for the 2025 festival include:

  • Thursday, August 7 (6 PM onwards): Opening with rides, inflatables, and climbing wall.

  • Friday, August 8: Live music performances; fried chicken and pork chop dinners available 4-9 PM.

  • Saturday, August 9:

    • 6 PM: Bingo in the small shelter house.
    • 6:30 PM: Live music, including a performance by The Honey Vines (6-9 PM).
    • Fried chicken and pork chop dinners served 11 AM - 9 PM.

  • Additional highlights (some listed as August 10 in one source but likely part of the weekend festival):

    • Parade starting with line-up at 9 AM and marching at 10 AM (line-up at Main & Columbus).
    • Noon: Music by Conner Loveless.
    • 1-5 PM: “Down on the Farm” family fun activities.
    • 2:30 PM: Little Miss Cornflower / Mr. Popcorn contests.
    • 3 PM: Kids corn-eating contest for ages 13 and under.
    • 6-8 PM: Bingo followed by music at 6 PM by Mike Lance & Starbound.

Throughout the festival week, the Oakland City Lions Club sells fresh sweet corn for $5 per dozen at Wirth Park.

The festival evolved as a community tradition to celebrate the importance of corn to local agriculture and culture, along with providing fun, food, and family entertainment. Its longstanding roots and continued community involvement make it a beloved local event, bridging agricultural heritage with modern fun and festivities.

In summary, the festival offers:

  • A parade celebrating local culture
  • Multiple live music performances across days and evenings
  • Food vendors specializing in corn dishes and comfort food like fried chicken and pork chops
  • Games and contests such as Bingo, corn-eating contests, and children’s pageants
  • Family activities including rides, inflatables, climbing wall, and farm-themed fun

This combination creates a welcoming, festive ambiance for residents and visitors alike at Oakland City's Wirth Park.