Cornhusking competition to be held in Nappanee

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  Sports and Competition on Fri, Aug 29th, 2025

Nappanee Prepares for Its Annual Corn‑Husking Showdown

Nappanee, IN – The town of Nappanee is revving up for a quirky, grain‑filled tradition that’s been a staple of the local community for decades: the annual corn‑husking competition. Set to take place this Saturday, the event will bring together farmers, high‑school teams, and enthusiastic hobbyists for a spirited showdown of speed, skill, and old‑fashioned farm‑hand prowess.

The competition, which has been running for more than 70 years, is hosted on the grounds of the Nappanee Fairgrounds and will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The fairgrounds, known for its sprawling barns and a wide‑open, green‑grass fairground, is a fitting backdrop for an event that celebrates the hard work of the region’s corn‑growers. The event will also be held in conjunction with the larger Nappanee Harvest Festival, which includes a farmers’ market, live music, and a local food tasting fair.

A Tradition That Keeps Growing

The idea behind the competition was simple: give local farmers a chance to showcase the work that goes into preparing a single ear of corn for market. But the event quickly grew into a community festival. In its early days the competition involved a small handful of teams and was judged by a local farmer’s association. Today, the competition draws more than 20 teams, from high school agriculture clubs to seasoned farm‑hand groups. The most recent competition saw 32 teams from across the region, each with a different strategy for husking the corn efficiently and safely.

The organizers, led by the Nappanee Community Association (NCA), are keen on keeping the tradition alive for future generations. “Corn husking is one of those hands‑on skills that is rarely taught to kids today,” said NCA president Linda Thompson. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate the heritage of this area while providing a fun, competitive activity for the community.”

How It Works

The competition is broken down into three categories: junior (under‑18), senior (over‑18), and mixed‑team. Each team is given 12 ears of corn to husk, and the goal is to finish all 12 in the shortest time possible. Teams are judged not only on speed but also on technique, as the judge will look for clean, efficient husking with minimal waste. A team’s time is measured by a digital stopwatch, and the prize money is split among the top three finishers in each category.

According to the event’s official schedule, the first round of husking will begin at 9 a.m. After a short break, a brief demonstration on “proper husking technique” will be conducted by a local corn‑grower, Mr. Robert “Bob” Mitchell, who has won the competition five times in his career. “It’s about preserving the integrity of the corn and learning how to work with it rather than against it,” Mitchell said.

The competition will conclude with a ribbon‑cutting ceremony, awards presentation, and a free community lunch featuring local produce. Local businesses, including the Nappanee Grain Co. and the Nappanee Corn Bakery, will be sponsoring the event, providing prizes and refreshments.

Why It Matters

Beyond the excitement, the competition also serves as a fundraiser for the local school district and the Nappanee Community Health Center. All proceeds from ticket sales, concessions, and sponsorships go toward supporting local educational programs and healthcare services. According to the NCA’s financial officer, Mary Lee, the event raised $3,200 last year, with $2,100 going directly to the school district and the rest funding health‑care services for seniors in the area.

Community leaders point out that the competition has become an opportunity to draw visitors to the region. Last year, the Nappanee Harvest Festival drew more than 4,000 visitors, according to the Indiana State Tourism Board. “The corn‑husking competition is what brings folks from out of town,” said local mayor Tom Jensen. “It’s a unique event that we can’t find anywhere else, and it puts Nappanee on the map.”

What to Expect

• Location: Nappanee Fairgrounds, Main Street, Nappanee, IN
• Date & Time: Saturday, August 3, 2024, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Admission: Free to the public; $5 per adult, $2 for children under 12
• Parking: Available at the fairgrounds, with a dedicated loading dock for vendors
• Vendor Stalls: Food, local produce, crafts, and an information booth for community services
• Highlights: Corn‑husking competition, farmer’s market, live music, and free community lunch

For more details about the corn‑husking competition, including team registration and judging criteria, visit the Nappanee Fairgrounds official page at https://www.nappanee.org/fair or the Goshen News article on the event: Cornhusking competition to be held in Nappanee.

Whether you’re a seasoned corn‑husker, a curious spectator, or a family looking for a fun community activity, the Nappanee corn‑husking competition promises an afternoon of tradition, teamwork, and plenty of tasty treats. Come down, show off your skills, or just enjoy the vibrant atmosphere that turns the humble corn husk into a symbol of community pride.