There’s nothing quite like biting into a butter-slathered ear of corn on a hot August afternoon. For many Wisconsinites, this golden, starchy vegetable is more than just food. It’s a late summer ritual that fills our stomachs and, somehow, our hearts too.
Picture driving down a quiet county road, windows rolled down, music playing, when a handwritten sign catches your eye: “SWEET CORN $6/dozen.” Naturally, you pull over, because fresh sweet corn like that is impossible to pass up.
A Late Summer Tradition
For many, the sight, taste, and smell of sweet corn is a marker of late summer in Wisconsin. It’s a bittersweet reminder that summer days are numbered.
Sweet corn holds a special place in many memories. It begins with shucking husks outside with siblings, moves to families passing the salt shaker around the dinner table, and ends with very happy (and very full) stomachs.
It also evokes summers at the county fair with friends, wandering through stalls in search of the tastiest food before inevitably settling on butter-dripped cobs from local farmers.
More than just a seasonal treat, sweet corn is a thread that weaves people together. It brings families close during backyard cookouts, fills picnic tables at neighborhood gatherings, and creates a sense of community at county fairs across Wisconsin. Each buttery bite carries the warmth of shared stories, laughter, and tradition, reminding us that sometimes, the simplest foods are the ones that connect us most.
Hunting for the Perfect Ear
One of the joys of sweet corn season is the adventure itself. Across Wisconsin, from small towns to rural crossroads, family farms set up roadside stands brimming with golden corn, ripe and ready for enjoyment.
By choosing to buy from these local growers, you’re not just filling your basket; you’re supporting families who keep Wisconsin’s agricultural traditions alive. It’s a chance to connect with the land and the people behind the food, making every buttery bite taste even better.
Sweet Corn Festival - Sun Prairie, Dane County
If you’re looking for festive fun with a touch of convenience, August in Sun Prairie brings the Sweet Corn Festival, a beloved Wisconsin tradition celebrating summer and the harvest of this iconic crop. August 13th-17th, locals and visitors will gather to enjoy freshly steamed, butter-dripped sweet corn. Every year, they serve over 80 tons, alongside hosting carnival rides, live music, a festive parade, and exciting races. The festival isn’t just about great food and fun. It’s a community gathering that brings people together and creates memories that last long after the last cob is eaten. For anyone who cherishes the taste of summer in Wisconsin, the Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival is a must-attend.
August corn doesn’t last forever, just like summer. So pull over for that roadside stand, eat with your hands, and don’t be afraid to get butter on your chin.
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Josie Bartol is a Marketing Specialist and Project Manager at Discover Mediaworks. Watch the show online at DiscoverWisconsin.com. Follow Discover Wisconsin on Facebook (facebook.com/discoverwisconsin), Instagram (instagram.com/discoverwisconsin), and TikTok (tiktok.com/discoverwisconsin).
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Press releases and other content not written by a specific Eye On Dunn County author are listed as Eye On Dunn County Staff.
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