Taber Cornfest 2021 kicks off in southern Alberta, record attendance for parade

An annual festival is back in southern Alberta this weekend. Taber Cornfest kicked off on Thursday and runs until Saturday offering all well known festivities and, of course, the famous corn on the cob. 

Hundreds of people will make their way to Taber this weekend to take in the festivities and try the sweet taste of corn. Cornfest is known to be the largest family-friendly festival in Western Canada and sees people from all across Canada including Michael Reimer.

“Flights were cheap so I said I was going to come down for Cornfest, Ontario is boring, so I came down to Alberta for Cornfest,” says Reimer.

Reimer grew up in Taber but moved to Ontario a few years ago, he says he’s missed coming ever since he moved. 

“Cornfest is awesome. Everyone should come down, it’s a blast,” added Reimer.

To kick off the weekend, the parade saw a record number of people come out to celebrate, co-chair Rick Popadynetz says he’s excited to see what the weekend brings. 

“There were so many people and the town was buzzing yesterday with the parade, which flowed into the stage and midway,” says Popadynetz.

Aside from the live entertainment, food trucks, market, beer gardens, and midway, three new events are making their annual debut. A Jeep club car show, pure power wrestling and a space to learn about Indigenous culture.

For those who may not feel comfortable coming to Cornfest in person this year, you can view a live stream on the Taber Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. For those who want to take in the festivities, Popadynetz says there is something for everyone.

“Friday night we have some great bands coming on stage. Dirt bikes are currently setting up for the big dirt bike jumps, we have a climbing wall for the kids and bouncy castles,” added Popadynetz.

If you are looking to attend the festival, Popadynetz has one message…

“This is the sweetest festival in southern Alberta, like our corn,” says Popadynetz.

Cornfest wraps up on Saturday night with a fireworks display at 9:50 p.m.