WELCOME TO THE COKATO CORN CARNIVAL
Monday through Wednesday
August 12th, 13th and 14th, 2024
Quick Links:
First Time Visitors | Schedule | Volunteer
Welcome to the Cokato Corn Carnival!
Since 1950, the Cokato Corn Carnival has provided fun and entertainment for the entire family. During that time we have given away hundreds of tons of delicious, free, buttered corn on the cob. The Cokato Corn Carnival committee would like to welcome you to come and enjoy!
The Cokato Corn Carnival is a very family friendly event. All activities take place in Peterson Park in the center of Cokato. Admission, parking and entertainment are all free! There are rides and games, including corn bingo, and many concessions available in the park. Stipe Shows has been providing the rides and midway for over 30 years!
Free corn-on-the-cob is served on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon from 4-8. Besides the parade Monday night, additional entertainment takes place on stage Tuesday and Wednesday evening. (Please see the list of events for more information.) Peterson Park has grass terraces where you can sit and watch the entertainment! Feel free to bring along a blanket or lawn chair for your comfort.
Children’s prize drawings are held Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon. These are free but you MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN. For more information, stop in at one of the information booths at the park.
We encourage you to purchase a $4.00 raffle ticket from one of the information booths. You will receive a free button and a chance to win cash prizes. The winning names are drawn on Wednesday evening at 10:00pm. You do not need to be present to win. Information about the cash prizes can be obtained at the information booths. As an important source of it’s fundraising, a great way to support the Corn Carnival is to purchase a raffle ticket!
Information booths are at the northeast corner and near the corn stand on the south side of the park. Ride tickets can be purchased at the Stipe Shows ticket booth in the Midway. Watch for weather announcements and updates on this website or on our official Facebook page, Cokato Corn Carnival.
Service Animals
The only animals allowed on grounds are those that align with Americans with Disabilities Act’s service animals classification for animals specifically trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and are therefore not allowed on grounds.
2023 Event info:
Schedule | Park Map | Parades | Coronation and Royalty | Vehicle Raffle
COLORING CONTEST! 2023 Coloring Page and 2023 Rules.
Schedule of Events
All Events are at Peterson Park
Monday
August 7, 2023
5:00pm-9:00pm
Visit the Cokato Museum. Featured exhibit – “Our Time in the Sparkle Section: A Celebration of Cokato’s 75th Coronation.”
6:00pm
Kiddie parade starting at Broadway and 7th. Participation prizes given to all who enter.
6:20pm (time approximate)
Following the Kiddie Parade, the main parade starts at Broadway and 7th.
Evening
Food stands, Stipe Shows rides and midway open. Bingo opens following conclusion of the parade. Please note that there is no corn-on-the-cob served Monday evening.
View the Park Map
Tuesday
August 8, 2023
10:00am-9:00pm
Visit the Cokato Museum. Featured exhibit – “Our Time in the Sparkle Section: A Celebration of Cokato’s 75th Coronation.”
12:30pm
Information booths open for button sales.
1:00pm (weather permitting)
Stipe Shows rides and midway open
1:00-3:00pm
Registration for children’s prize giveaway (14 years and younger). Must be present to win.
1:30pm-Close
Bingo
2:00-7:00pm
Used book sale, Cokato Public Library, Centennial Room
3:15pm
Children’s prize drawing, on stage. Must be present to win.
4:00-8:00pm
Serving free corn-on-the-cob. (Donated by Western Integrated Seed.)
8:00pm
Miss Cokato Coronation
Wednesday
August 9, 2023
10:00am-9:00pm
Visit the Cokato Museum. Featured exhibit – “Our Time in the Sparkle Section: A Celebration of Cokato’s 75th Coronation.”
12:30pm
Information booths open for button sales.
1:00pm (weather permitting)
Stipe Shows rides and midway open
1:00-3:00pm
Registration for children’s prize giveaway (14 years and younger). Must be present to win.
1:30pm-Close
Bingo
2:00-7:00pm
Used book sale, Cokato Public Library, Centennial Room
3:15pm
Children’s prize drawing, on stage. Must be present to win.
4:00-8:00pm
Serving free corn-on-the-cob. (Donated by Western Integrated Seed.)
7:00pm
Entertainment by Mid Minnesota Concert Band, near the main stage.
8:00pm
Entertainment on stage, Duelly Noted.
10:00pm
Drawing for the vehicle. (Ten $100 and one $500 alternate prizes also awarded.)
10:00pm
Cash prize drawing: $1000, $1500, $2500; (seven $100 alternate prizes also awarded)
Fast Facts
12,000
Ears of corn served each year
74
Years the Corn Carnival has taken place
300+
Volunteers each year
Parades
Kiddie Parade
The Corn Carnival Kiddie Parade begins at 6:00pm with sign-up starting at 5:30pm at the corner of Broadway Avenue and 7th Street East. No entry form is needed for the kiddie parade. Entries are encouraged to be as creative as they wish along with dressing in family friendly costumes. Participants will walk along the main parade route with that parade to follow. Treats will be given to those who participate in the kiddie parade.
Please note: no motorized vehicles or commercial entries are allowed in the kiddie parade.
The event is sponsored by Dassel-Cokato Early Childhood. If you have any questions about the kiddie parade, please call the DC Early Childhood office at 320-286-4120.
Main Parade
The main parade begins immediately following the kiddie parade. All entries must enter the lineup at 7th Street and US Highway 12. Lineup runs from the corner of Mooers Avenue and 7th Street East to US Highway 12. For more information about the main parade, contact the Cokato Corn Carnival.
Click here for a downloadable registration form.
Wondering what the parade route is, here’s a map!
Coronation and Royalty
The Miss Cokato Coronation takes place Tuesday evening at 8:00 on the main stage in Peterson Park.
The park has grass terraces where you can sit and watch the entertainment! Feel free to bring a blanket or lawn chair for your comfort.
For more information about Cokato’s royalty program, email the Cokato Queens Committee or contact the Cokato Corn Carnival.
To see past Royalty, click here.
Vehicle Raffle
The Cokato Corn Carnival and Cokato Fire Department hold a vehicle raffle each year. The tickets are $100 each and only 400 are sold. Grand prize is a new vehicle. 2nd prize is $500. Additional prizes are 10, $100 winners.
Tickets can be purchased at Holt Motors, Cokato City Hall or from any Cokato Fire Department member. Proceeds go to Cokato Corn Carnival and the Cokato Fire Department.
As an important source of its fundraising, a great way to support the Corn Carnival is to purchase a raffle ticket!
Click here for information on how to buy a ticket!
To see the past winners, click here.
VOLUNTEER!
The Cokato Corn Carnival would not be possible without wonderful volunteers! If you’re interested in volunteering, please fill out this form and someone will contact you.
Thank you!
