The village of Sugar Grove will be lighting the town blue this year in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Sugar Grove Corn Boil.

For residents of Sugar Grove, the Corn Boil is the big kahuna of summertime, an annual festival that promotes a sense of community and provides local service organizations a fundraising opportunity. This year, the Corn Boil hopes to raise awareness and support for those affected by autism by selling wristbands and bracelets, holding a parade and lighting up the town in blue.

The Sugar Grove Corn Boil is a non-profit organization that is run by local volunteers, business owners and community leaders. Each year the committee raises funds for the Corn Boil, and after all bills are paid, the committee donates to a variety of community groups. Last year the committee donated to a total of 18 local charities.

A vital reason the Corn Boil takes place each year is to help the community it serves. It is important to continue to lend its voice to special causes that affect the community. This year, the Corn Boil will be dedicated to Giant Steps’ Canopy Adult Services Program which focuses on the needs of adults with autism and provides opportunities that help these individuals interact and engage with others.

Beginning on Thursday, July 27, the Corn Boil committee will show support to Giant Steps and CASP by donating $5 to Giant Steps for every carnival wristband that is sold (excluding pre-sale tickets) during the evening. The price of a wristband is $25 and will allow one individual the ability to ride any and all rides during the unlimited ride hours of 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

For the first time, the Thursday night celebration will also feature live music under the big tent. Food and beverages will be provided by Genoa Pizza and Italian Concessions. The Sugar Grove Volunteer Fire Association will also open the beer tent.

Sugar Grove Corn Boil

The celebration kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday, July 28, with a parade led by CASP participants and staff members and will end in Volunteer Park where the Corn Boil festivities are held. Autism awareness activities will continue throughout the event.

As the festival takes place, the committee requests all local residents and business owners to help in lighting the town and surrounding communities blue. In the next few weeks, the committee will begin selling blue light bracelets that represent the voice of the Sugar Grove community and the Corn Boil.

Individual bracelets will be $5 and will be available at several local businesses in Sugar Grove, including Old Second Bank, First National Bank, 1st Secure Community Bank, Genoa Pizza, Paisano’s Pizza and Grill, Ace Hardware Sugar Grove and at the event. Before the main performer takes the stage, the Sugar Grove committee invites those wearing blue bracelets to participate in a special moment.

The Sugar Grove Corn Boil takes place in Volunteer Park, located at 61 Main St., Sugar Grove. For continued information, please visit the website or Facebook page.

About Giant Steps

Giant Steps is an organization that provides support to individuals and families affected by autism. Since its inception in 2012, Giant Steps’ Canopy Adult Services Program has served as a re-imagined community for adults living with an autism spectrum disorder. The program offers hope for a safe, fulfilled, purposeful and happy life.