The Darien Cornfest Committee spoke to the Delavan-Darien Rotary Club on February 17, 2014 at Lake Lawn Resort. Four members of the committee spoke about their respective areas. Cornfest President Karen Haman spoke about the history of the fest. Cornfest started in 1960 as a fire department barn dance. Over the last 54 years, Cornfest has grown to a three day event during the Friday, Saturday and Sunday after Labor Day Weekend. Birds Eye food donates the 20 tons of corn used at Cornfest each year. The Darien Fire Department cooks the corn with three large roasters. Attendance runs from 15,000 to 20,000 people each year. The corn, parking and entertainment are free each year to attendees. The village of Darien donates $1000 each year for the fireworks. These are the only public funds used for Cornfest. During Cornfest, raffle tickets are available. 10,000 tickets are printed each year, and there are 6 prizes: $1000, two $200 winners, a roasted pig, 1/2 side of beef and a $200 Piggly Wiggly Gift Card. Cornfest 2014, the 54th annual, will be held September 5, 6 and 7. Their motto is: “Darien Cornfest, Another Year, Another Ear”