By Cindy Peterson
Mount Dora Hosts First Corn Festival This Weekend
Get ready to experience the golden goodness of Zellwood sweet corn at the inaugural Mount Dora Corn Festival. This festival honors our rich agricultural heritage with two days of family-friendly activities, corn-themed treats, and exciting entertainment.
Event Details:
- Dates & Times:
- Friday, May 24th: 6 PM to 9 PM
- Saturday, May 25th: 3 PM to 9 PM
- Location: Downtown Mount Dora
Festival-goers are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to enjoy a lineup of live musical performances, including country sensation Mark Wills, known for hits like “Wish You Were Here” and “19 Somethin’,” along with performances by Shelby Darrall, Will Jones, and the band Nine Days.
Ticket Information:
- Adults (10 years and older): $18
- Kids (4-9 years): $9
- Children 3 years and under: Free
- *Tickets include two ears of premium Zellwood sweet corn per admission.
Festival Highlights Include:
- Entertainment: Enjoy back-to-back concerts featuring renowned artists across both festival days.
- Corn Eating Contests: Test your speed at the Corn on the Cob Eating Contest, with categories for all you can eat and hot corn. Register at DoraCornFest.com to join the fun!
- Corn Shucking Contest: Show off your husking skills on Friday at 7 PM.
- Cornbread Cook-Off: Local businesses and bakers can compete on Saturday at 4:30 PM to claim the title of Best Corn Bread in town. Register by emailing CarsonC@CityofMountDora.com.
- Kids’ Activities: A dedicated kids’ area ensures fun for all ages with a petting zoo open on Saturday from 3-6 PM.
- Fireworks: A dazzling firework display will light up the sky on Saturday at 9 PM.
Additional activities include a corn hole tournament, hay rides, and the crowning of the Corn King and Queen. Service dogs are welcome.
Access & Parking: Parking is available throughout downtown Mount Dora. Free shuttle parking is available on Saturday from 2:30 PM to 9:30 PM, with pickups at First Baptist Church Mount Dora and Gilbert Park.
Join us as we celebrate the community spirit and the agricultural prowess of Mount Dora with unforgettable experiences and the best sweet corn you’ve ever tasted.
For more information, tickets, and a full schedule of events, please visit https://ci.mount-dora.fl.us/1485/Corn-Festival.
Originally from the small town of Berryville, Arkansas, Cindy has become a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography, and video editing. She has a B.S. in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine's Sports Hub Podcast and the Healthy Living Podcast. She also produces for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy loves traveling the National Parks with her husband , Ryan, and son, David, photographing wildlife.
