Search Results for: sweet corn Festival

Serving Corn at The Sweet Corn Festival with Photos

Terry Traveler here to say “Wow!”

What a great Adel Sweet Corn Festival this year!

It has to have been one of the best I’ve ever been to!

Chris asked me take photos of the entire two days, the shucking, the open houses, the parade, the 5K, the Crowds, the events.

All award winning.

Those photos aren’t here.

I know the lens cap was off my camera and that I had plenty of flash cubes for the evening as well, but somewhere between midnight Saturday and today I lost my camera. I checked the car, the route home, even the dog. Unfortunately they’re gone.

Boy was Chris hot! I swear I saw him blink! 

Nonetheless, Chris took photos while LSB was serving Sweetcorn. Not the same quality as mine, of course, and not as plentiful, but hey they exist!

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It’s not my photo carousel, but hey if you click on a photo you can move from one photo to another  by clicking on the gray arrows at the bottom. Of course it’s missing that click noise, so you’ll have to make that yourself.

Happy travels!

Terry

Terry Traveller
Email: terry@discoveradel.com
Facebook: facebook.com/DiscoverAdel.TerryTraveller?fref=ts

Class of 81 – Sweet Corn Festival Photos

ADM Class of 1981 held their 30th Class Reunion on Saturday, Aug 13th.

We had a float in the parade as well as a get-together that evening. Attached is a group picture of most everyone who attended as well as one from the parade.

There were 35 class members who participated in the day’s events. Everyone enjoyed catching up with each other and reminiscing about our high school days.

The float was constructed by Steve Weigel, and those who were at the parade were, Scott Steelman (driving), Cheryl Schwartzkopf-Mikuls, Marie Eldridge-Hansen, Craig Becker, Kirk Howe, Curt Rasmussen, Bill Dawes, Steve Weigel, Jeff Beal, Jody Warford, Lynn Meggison-Hawkins, Mike Stoppel and Joe Burnham were on the back side of the tiki hut.

The reunion photo is of the following classmates, starting in the front row; Cheryl Schwartzkopf-Mikuls, Jody Warford, Jill Mowrer-Bettes, Ann Peacock-Kelly; 2nd row Scott Steelman, Gary Kern, Terry Hagen, Guy Colglazier, Angie Reynolds-McLaughlin, Sheila Benson-Seeley, Brenda Thomas-Jones, Marie Eldridge-Hansen, Bill Dawes; 3rd row Scott Hughes, Mike Stoppel, Scott West, Curt Rasmussen, Jeff Chapman, Kent McLaughlin, Nancy Davis-Kuper, Tina Wood-Allen, Lynn Meggison-Hawkins, Steve Weigel; back row Steve Chapman, Joe Burnham, Daryl Nerness, Ellen Wagoner-Roberts, Rod DeReus. Not pictured was Sue Olson-Merical, Sue Mongan-Etzen, Dennis Sandquist, Jeff Beal and Ron Stajcar. (Click on photo to view larger)

Submitted by Marie Hansen.

Sweet Corn Festival Named in 23 Best Events (Updated)

The Des Moines Register has listed the Adel Sweet Corn Festival as one of it’s “23 best events in central Iowa this summer“.

The Adel Sweet Corn Festival is Aug. 12-13. www.adelpartners.org.

From the Article:

“Nothing says “summer in Iowa” like fresh sweet corn, and the community of Adel goes all out to celebrate this golden treat. Gather at the parking lot at 10th and Court at 5 p.m. Aug. 12 to help shuck the corn. Watch the parade from 9:30-11 a.m. Aug. 13, and then stand in line for free sweet corn starting at 10 a.m. until it’s gone.”

Terry Visits the Adel Sweet Corn Festival

Over the years I have been part of various festivals around the world. From the Pilgrimage in Rome to a Scandinavian Cheese Rolling Festival in 1984, I always have a great time celebrating with the locals.

In August I participated in the Adel Sweet Corn Festival for the first time in 10 years after being abroad.

I began my morning watching the parade. Kids lined the streets rushing for the goodies thrown from the float. I snagged a few pieces of candy that were good-naturedly tossed at my head from a fast moving dune buggy.

I then joined the crowd as we marched to the destination of the day, the Corn Tent! The lines moved quickly as I chitchatted with festival goers young and old. The kids, impatiently shifting from foot to foot, next to their parents who kept reassuring them it was worth the wait.

I got to the front of the line, and not wanting to be greedy, asked for just 8 ears of corn. I was served by the Adel Fan Club and got an Official Adel Fan Club 2010 bracelet I still wear with pride.

I joined a group of friends on the Courthouse lawn and devoured plate after plate of corny goodness. It was the best corn I’ve ever had, and I’m sure the other 10,000 people would agree!

Once full, I started taking in the sites. I bought my fair share of BBQ and handmade crafts before I stopped by the DiscoverAdel.com booth. Imagine my surprise to find a family posing for pictures with a, dare I say it, dashing cutout of yours truly! *A worthwhile disclaimer, I like to think I’m taller in person.

Before the family moved to the next booth, they registered to win the great prizes we had to offer. Shanna Anglin won the Atherton House Artisan Pitcher, with Mike Whisner and Troy Havener each winning a set of golf passes to the River Valley Golf Course.

As the sun started to retreat, we back to the DiscoverAdel headquarters to relax, just for a moment, before heading out to the Community Dance.

Even after a long day, the crowd was excited to hear some live music and enjoy a beer or two. I sat in my lawn chair and looked around, a smile moving across my face. In all my years of traveling, of finding the new and wonderful, nothing beats Adel!

– Terry

Adel Sweet Corn Shucking Gallery

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Seven tons of sweet corn was shucked Friday evening on the 13th, in preparation for the Adel Sweet Corn Festival, which was held the next day.

It rained in the afternoon but cleared up shortly before the schucking started.

KIOA radio was on hand to playing music for the crowds as families and friends gathered.

In less than 3 hours all of the corn was prepped for the festival. Many thanks to all who turned out to help!

Dallas County Extension 100 Year Celebration Video Recap

Courtesy of ISU Extension Dallas County:

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Dallas County celebrated 100 years at the Sweet Corn Festival in Adel, Iowa on August 10th.

Special thanks to our chambers Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce, Perry Chamber of Commerce, Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce, Grimes Chamber & Economic Development, Iowa State University Extension and VP John Lawrence for help making it a special day. Thank you to everyone for celebrating our 100 years.

What a wonderful day it was! Here is a recap video of our event.

Dallas County ISU Extension Office
28059 Fairground Road
Adel, Iowa 50003
Phone: (515) 993-4281
Website: www.extension.iastate.edu/dallas

Doug James – Coming Home to Play After 48 Years

August 8th, 2015 will be a homecoming for Doug James.

Doug is a Class of 67′ graduate who makes his living as a DJ, voice talent, actor, and musician in Chicago.

His band, Doug James and the Pocket will be playing on stage August 8th from 11 am to 2 pm after the Adel Sweet Corn Festival parade.

In 2010, former Chicago Dee Jay Doug James recruited a veteran band of Chicago musicians to form Doug James and The Pocket.

“Since then we’ve been tearing through Chicagoland with shows at the House of Blues, Buddy Guy’s legends, the Hard Rock Cafe, Reggies, Harlem Ave Lounge, the Chicago Blues Fest, Ribfest and other venues.”

“We make music that matters to us – part blues, part funk, part r&b, part rock. We play real loose with the proportions, though.” says Doug,

The band’s recently released CD ‘Leg Up’, is available for download on iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon, Google Plus and on BandCamp.”

“Leg Up should come with a warning: Once you put it in your CD player, you may not be able to get it out… James has assembled a killer lineup of tunes that represents the best of their live shows, dripping with authentic Chicago-style rhythm and blues. They are the real deal!”
— Steve Downes, WDRV-FM Chicago

Band Members:
Doug James – Vocals/Keys/Percussion
Rick Demshi – Bass/Vocals
Ken Johnson – Keyboards
Chuck Wasserburg – Guitars/Mandolin.Vocals
Dave Rix – Harmonica/Vocals/Percussion

On Saturday, his nephew Aaron James, will be sitting in on percssion while Dave enrolls his daughter in Harvard.

“Aaron is a great musician, I’m looking forward to performing with him on stage.”

Although Doug might not make back to Adel very often, you’ve probably seen or heard him. He’s a very talented performer who successfully does a wide range of work in film, television, theater and music.

Recently he’s been the voice of McDonalds, Craftmen, Reese’s Puffs and Eggo to list a few.

His film work includes, Google Me Love, Just Like a Woman, Diversion, The Express, and Check Please.

On TV he’s been in, Chicago PD, ER, Cupid, Prison Break. and as a villain in the STARZ hit, Boss.

“I play a VERY bad man. I was known simply as ‘The Grey Haired Man’ until season 2 when my identity was revealed. I play an anonymous, mysterious, somewhat scary guy who basically does surveillance and if the job requires cleans up any loose ends. The Kelsey Grammar series lasted only 2 seasons. But it was a great show and so much fun to be working with so many fine actors!”

On living in Chicago, Doug replied, “…it’s been the best place to do what I’ve done, but it’s the Adel start that helped make that possible.”

When asked what to expect on the 8th,“We hope that when you listen to us you dance a lot, laugh some, and yes, maybe even think some. That’s what we’re all about.” – Doug

You can see and hear clips of Doug’s work at DougJames.com and listen to the great sounds of Doug James and the Pocket at www.djp6.com.

Mayor Peters Discusses the City of Adel

Courtesy of City of Adel:

In June, Adel’s Mayor, Jim Peters spoke with Mediacom Newsleaders host, Elizabeth Klinge about the city of Adel.

They cover some of the history of Adel, the downtown district, the Court House, the brick streets, the Adel Tax incentive and the Adel Sweet Corn festival, which is August 8th.

View the conversation

Adel City Hall
301 S. 10th Street
Adel, Iowa 50003
Phone: (515) 993-4525
Website: www.adeliowa.org
Facebook: facebook.com/CityofAdelIowa

2012 ADM Alumni Golf Tournament Photos

Courtesy of ADM Alumni Association

The ADM Alumni Association has posted photos from the 2012 Golf Tournament held during the Adel Sweet Corn Festival.

If you have pictures to share please send to wix4hawks@aol.com. All are welcome!

Congratulations to our winning team of Jay Albright, Jeff Tracy, Dick Hall, Chris Heikes, with a winning score of 56.

See the full article and photos at the ADM Alumni Association site.

ADM Alumni Association
P.O. Box 122
Adel, Iowa 50003
Website: www.admalumni.com

Nile Kinnick Event with Jim Zabel & John Miller

A Conversation on Nile Kinnik, with Jim Zabel & Jon Miller” will be an informative and entertaining evening.

Featuring two of Iowa’s most noted sports broadcasters, Mr. Zabel will be here via satellite hook up from Phoenix.

They’ll be headlining for the upcoming Nile Kinnick Institute & Museum project.

The event is Saturday, August 20th 7:00p.m. at the ADM High School Auditorium.

Tickets are $10.00 and may be purchased at the Nile Kinnick Institute & Museum booth during the Adel Sweet Corn Festival.

The Official Adel Fan Club Gallery

Traveling each year from California, the Official Adel Fan Club has become a much loved part of the Adel Sweet Corn Festival.

Jacqueline McLaughlin, Matthew Livingston, and Mary Wilcox (all from California) were introduced to the festival by Laura O’Brien (also from California) who is married to Jerry O’Brien (from Adel).

Over the years they and the town of Adel have adopted each other as family. This year the ladies even painted their toes to match the corn!

As you’ll see in the gallery, they were as energetic Sunday night as they were Saturday!

Adel looks forward to welcoming them back again next year!

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The Adel Fan Club

(Reprinted from the August 2010 Newsletter)

The Adel Sweet Corn Festival has been drawing huge crowds for over 3 decades. Each year the event grows, gaining recognition for Adel.

Fans of the festival are all ages and come from around the world to enjoy the spirit of the community, small town charm, and never ending hospitality.

One group, the Adel Fan Club, travels each year from California and has become as much apart of the tradition as the corn served.

We got the chance to speak with Jacqueline McLaughlin, Matthew Livingston, and Mary Wilcox about why they love the Sweet Corn Festival!

Q. What was your first Sweet Corn Festival like?

Matthew: My friend and partner in crime, Jackie, invited me to the festival in 2001. Her exact words were ‘No! You don’t want to go on a surfing safari. I know just the thing you need.’ The first thing I remember was pulling into the town square and seeing the Courthouse. It was magnificent. I thought, ‘We are on to something here!’

Mary: In 2003, my friend Laura O’Brien (from California) who married Jerry O’Brien (from Adel) invited me to join them for the Festival. My first view of Adel was driving in on the Saturday of the festival, in my rental car and Laura greeting me on the corner with an ear of sweet corn and a cold beer. Since then I have been back every year.

Jacqueline: My friend, Jerry O’Brien told me about the Sweet Corn Festival. My first trip to Adel was in 1996, and I’ve been coming back ever since.

Q. Why do you keep coming back?

Jacqueline: I truly love and adore my friends that I have made in Adel. Everyone is always so hospitable to us.

Matthew: The friends I’ve made and the chance to make new friends. Jackie and I met Mary in 2003 at the Rendezvous Lounge. It is about the Parade, the John Deere Tractors are my favorites, the sense of community at the corn shucking, and the corn!

Mary: Besides the best sweet corn I have ever tasted and the old school charm of the town of Adel, its about the most dear and wonderful people in my life that I met at that festival. They have made us feel not only like a part of the community, but a part of the family.

Q. Why are you fans of the Festival?

Jacqueline: To say we are fans would be an understatement! We love Adel, the residents, and the Sweet Corn Festival so much we started the Adel Fan Club.

Matthew: It’s about corn! One year we festooned my car with banners and streamers; the girls in fine evening wear and boas, me, driving in a tux & bow tie.We snuck my car down our friends’ driveway, entered the parade, and the Adel Fan Club was born.

Mary: We have been in the parade 3 times (unofficially and officially.) We formed The Adel Fan Club, of which I am the vice president, and now have a standing sweet corn serving shift right after the parade.

Q. What are you looking forward to this year?

Mary: I am looking forward to the Festival, shucking corn Friday evening, enjoying the parade, and of course our shift serving corn. Most importantly I look forward to seeing and spending time with our treasured friends.

Jacqueline: We proudly work the first corn serving shift every year, which is always a highlight of the day! Another thing we always do is help shuck the corn on Friday night in preparation for the big day. This is a fun time to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.

Matthew: When in line for corn, look in the back. I’ll be one of the guys bringing the fresh cooked corn to the girls… more corn!

Make sure to stop by the corn tent and introduce yourself and say hello to the Adel Fan Club August 14th!

Local Artist Showcases Work

While in town visiting the Adel Sweet Corn Festival Saturday August 14th, stop by 1306 Court Street.

A local Adel artist will be demonstrating his skills and selling original Fantasy and Sci-Fi paintings.

Pick up one of a kind, original artwork for your home, office, and more!

Nile Kinnick Museum Article

We’ve had several requests to re-run the March Newsletter article we ran on Nile Kinnick. With the passing of June and the anniversary of his death, it seems only fitting to honor one of Adel’s native sons. We hope that you enjoy. (July 17, 2009)

– Courtesy: Julie Bailey – Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce.

The community of Adel is well-known for its brick streets, beautiful County Courthouse, and the Sweet Corn Festival. Adel is also the hometown of Nile Clarke Kinnick Jr., the winner of the 1939 Heisman Trophy for the University of Iowa. The football stadium at the University of Iowa is named in his honor.

The Adel Historical Museum and Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce are pursuing a vision for a Nile Kinnick Wing of the current historical museum in Adel.

In April 2009, a few select pieces of Nile Kinnick memorabilia will be available through an online auction. The Adel Historical Museum is fundraising in an effort to purchase all or part of this memorabilia and bring it home to Kinnick’s community where he spent his childhood. This would also complement the Kinnick items currently held in the Adel community and support the beginnings of a museum addition to highlight Kinnick’s life.

Nile Kinnick was born on July 9, 1918, in Adel, Iowa, the grandson of a governor. His grandfather, George Clarke was Governor of Iowa from 1913 to 1917 and practiced law in Adel. Nile was a star athlete in football and basketball at Adel High School before the family moved to Omaha, Neb., after his junior year.

In 1939, Irl Tubbs was out as coach, Eddie Anderson was in, and the path was cleared for Kinnick’s senior season at the University of Iowa. A halfback who was the team’s main passer, Kinnick threw for 638 yards and 11 touchdowns as well as rushing for 374 yards on 106 carries (3.5-yard average). He also made 11-of-17 dropkick conversion attempts and scored 41 points. By passing, running or kicking, Kinnick was directly involved in 107 of Iowa’s 130 points that season. He also made eight interceptions. He finished his career at Iowa with 1,674 yards rushing, 18 interceptions (an Iowa record that lasted half a century) and an average of 39.9 yards per punt.

The Chicago Tribune’s version of the Big Ten MVP award preceded Kinnick’s winning the Walter Camp and Maxwell awards, further validating the prevailing opinion he was the nation’s best football player. On Dec, 6, 1939, his acceptance of the Heisman Trophy became a seminal moment – both in athletics and in oratory. Kinnick’s celebrity became so strong, he was named 1939’s top male athlete in the country by the Associated Press. The honor was particularly noteworthy considering his competition included Joe DiMaggio, Joe Louis and Byron Nelson.

In August 1941, Kinnick decided war was imminent and joined the Naval Air Corps Reserve. While waiting to be called to active duty, he was an assistant coach for Iowa that fall. On December 4, three days before Pearl Harbor, he reported for duty. On June 2, 1943, Kinnick was flying a training mission from the U.S.S. Lexington off the coast of Venezuela when he experienced engine problems. Rescue parties searched for several hours, but Kinnick’s body was never found amid the oil slick. Nile Kinnick was 24.

“A Nile Kinnick wing of the Adel Historical Museum would be a tremendous asset to the Adel community and the state of Iowa.” says Julie Bailey, Program Director for the Adel Chamber of Commerce. “Kinnick’s legacy is so large and it only seems fitting to honor him in the town he loved so much.” she continued.

Anyone interested in learning more about the Kinnick museum planning process or is interested in making a tax deductible contribution toward the purchase of the memorabilia to begin the new museum effort can contact Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce via email at chamber@AdelPartners.Org or phone 515-993-5472.

Kevin Hircock – Team RunFree

This month, we were honored to meet with Kevin Hircock, founder of Team RunFree, a nonprofit organization in Adel that shares the joy of adaptive running, one race at a time.

Terry Traveller – Top 10 Reasons to Discover Adel, Iowa

As a traveler, I find myself drawn to “Top 10” lists whenever I’m looking into a new place to travel. Now, Adel has a Top 10 list, too!

10. Nile Kinnick
Iowa City may claim the Heisman Trophy winner and WWII hero but we know that true Kinnick Pride starts in Adel. Check out Nile Kinnick Jr.’s boyhood home on 12th Street.

9. Adel Historic Museum
In the mood for more Nile Kinnick? Look at photographs and memorabilia while listening to tales of Adel’s favorite son. The Nile Kinnick Institute and Museum is currently raising funds- buy your commemorative tee shirt today! Additional exhibits cover Adel’s long history with politics, the railroad, and bricks.

8. George W. Clarke
The Iowa governor called Adel home in the early 1900’s, and his house still stands on 15th Street.

7. Adel State Bank 
Sight of the famous bank robbery attempt that was thwarted by that same George W. Clarke, soon to be governor.

6. Dallas County Courthouse
If architecture is your cup of tea, you have to see the French Chateau inspired design of the Dallas County Courthouse in Adel built in 1902. Part of the Adel Historic District.

5. Adel’s Historic District
Downtown Adel is part of the National Registry of Historic Places. With the help of grant funding and architectural guidelines, businesses have recently brought new life into the downtown square and surrounding area. Check out the new businesses throughout town!

4. For the love of Trains
See the former Chicago-Milwaukee-St Paul Train Depot on South 9th Street, now a picturesque law firm. Ride the rails of the Raccoon River Valley Trail, cutting through the countryside following the former rail line.

3. Good Eats
Ice cream, pizza, Chinese, Mexican, Italian, coffee shops, a hometown diner and a winery- Adel is home to plenty of restaurants and bars eager to satisfy your small town cravings, including those community pancake breakfasts. And don’t leave town without trying some real Italian toffee and gelato!

2. Recreation
With a disc golf course, new swimming pool, golf course and waterway entry to the Raccoon River, there are ways for all ages to enjoy central Iowa’s beautiful scenery.

1. Sweet Corn!
Iowa is the corn state and the best sweet corn is Deardorff’s Peaches and Cream variety grown in Adel. Visit in August for the annual Sweet Corn Festival. This 2 day extravaganza showcases Adel businesses and features 3 tons of hot and buttery all-you-can-eat corn, vendors, live music, street performances, an old school parade, and fun 5k race.

Come out the night before to help shuck the corn and be part of the tradition!
There are so many reasons to visit Adel- fall festivals, high school sports and fine arts, quilt shows, library events, free concerts…the list just keeps going.

Do yourself a favor, discover Adel!

-Terry

Terry Traveller
Email: terry@discoveradel.com
Facebook: facebook.com/DiscoverAdel.TerryTraveller?fref=ts

Elizabeth Holland – Adel Veterinary Clinic

This month we are proud to bring you an interview with Veterinarian Elizabeth Holland and new owner of the Adel Veterinary Clinic on Highway 6.

First Adel Chamber Annual Dinner a Huge Success!

Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce:

Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce hosted the first ever Chamber Annual Dinner and Awards Night on Tuesday, March 24.

The event was held at Park Place in Adel and over 125 people attended.

The members of the planning committee worked hard to plan a memorable evening that both celebrated the Chamber’s recent successes and offered an opportunity for new and prospective members to get acquainted with the Chamber and our members.

Many thanks to Rob Burditt with Brick Street Financial, Peg Chapman with Eric Schepers State Farm, Tammy Howe with Adel & Winterset TV & Appliance, and Dan Juffer with Horizon Printing. The event sponsors donated generously to help cover the costs of the event.

This year’s sponsors were Eric Schepers State Farm Insurance, Lincoln Savings Bank, Peoples Trust & Savings Bank, Raccoon Valley Bank, River Valley Insurance, and Russell Abstract & Title. Several businesses donated their time, services, and products for the event, including Fareway, Harvey Floral Company, Horizon Printing, Iowa Beverage Systems, and Raccoon Valley Radio.

These local partners made it possible for the Chamber to make the first Annual Dinner a wonderful experience and something to look forward for next year. One of the highlights of the evening was speaker Chuck Offenburger. Chuck spoke about his experiences writing about small towns throughout Iowa over the past 50 years and encouraged the Adel business community to work together toward continued success.

The evening concluded with the Annual Chamber Awards. Adel is a growing and thriving community in large part because of our great local businesses and strong base of volunteers. The awards provide an opportunity to honor a few of those businesses and individuals. Rich Hughes was named the 2014 Volunteer of the Year for his years of organizing the corn tent during the Sweet Corn Festival. Rich loyally helps out behind the scenes and is well-deserving of this award.

The Business Improvement Award was given to Adel Family Dentistry for their investment in the Adel community and continued growth.  

Adel & Winterset TV & Appliance was named the 2014 Business of the Year in recognition of their substantial history of success and positive impact on the community. As one of Adel’s oldest businesses, they continually go above and beyond to meet the needs of their customers. Since opening in 1960, the business has continually grown and expanded over the past 55 years. The Chapman family is well-known in Adel for their contributions to the community.

Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 73, 301 S. 10th Street, 2nd Floor
Adel, IA 50003 Email: chamber@AdelPartners.Org
Website: www.adelpartners.org
Facebook: AdelPartnersChamberOfCommerce

Al Laudencia – Hal n Al’s Q & Catering

We were honored to speak with Al Laudencia of Hal n Al’s Q & Catering, an up and coming Adel-based barbeque business that is taking the Des Moines metro area by storm.