Perfect Weather Accompanies Annual Corn Festival

By Editor | September 10, 2025

By Echo Menges

The annual Knox County Corn Festival was held Friday through Sunday, Sept. 5–7, 2025, at the Edina Town Square with near-perfect weather conditions throughout. The crowd was welcomed opening night at the 4-H/FFA Pavilion with the annual Knox County Rescue Squad Fish Fry, and the festivities continued through the weekend with the largest crowd attending the annual Corn Festival Parade.

Events kicked off Friday evening with an opening ceremony, including prayer and the National Anthem, followed by the fish fry and live entertainment. The Girls Next Door performed on the bandstand, while bingo and Texas Hold’em tournaments got underway in the courtyard and beer garden. The evening wrapped up with a performance by vocalist “Rockin’” Bob Marty at The Pavilion.

Saturday morning began early with the Knox County Cornfest 5K Run, held near the beer garden, with proceeds benefiting Special Olympics Missouri. The day was packed with activities for all ages, including a car show, petting zoo, tractor show, and the ever-popular Kids Corn Scramble. The Knox County Kut-ups Quilt Show and the Historical Society Museum were open throughout the day for those seeking a more relaxed experience.

The Corn Festival Parade lined up at 9 a.m. and made its way through downtown Edina, drawing a large crowd. Attendees enjoyed a traditional tractor show and lunch options from various local organizations and churches, including the Knox County United Methodist Parish pork tenderloin meal and a whole hog roast supper featured by Andre Nixon and John Greenley.

Entertainment continued throughout the afternoon with multiple performances by mentalist The Mind Meddler and the wild whip show from Aubrey Whipit Zechariah. Local musicians Shakey Ground and Hardy but Hardly played live sets, along with featured vocalist Lacey Mihalevich. As the sun set, Street Dance band Riker took the stage, performing into Saturday night.

The youth dance, featuring Matt Rayl and sponsored by the Knox County Chamber of Commerce, took place on the east side of the courthouse square.

Sunday morning featured an ecumenical church service at The Pavilion, followed by a pulled pork meal served by the Knox County 4-H. Musical entertainment was provided by KC Worship Co., and the traditional Corn Chip Bingo, sponsored by the Hurdland Fire Department, began at noon.

The Hurdland Fourth of July Committee’s Cow Chip Bingo and Corn Festival grand prize drawings were held Sunday afternoon.

Throughout the weekend, a bounce house park was featured on Fourth Street after the carnival rides were unexpectedly cancelled by Amusement Associates. Additional attractions included food and other vendors.