Morden, MB |  August 23-25
Big names: Trooper
Local: Bryce Pallister, Trio Bembe
Free admission
Free parking
cornandapple.com

Since 1967 the Morden Corn and Apple Festival has been going strong, and with its focus on all things free, from the admission to the entertainment, the hot-buttered corn on the cob and ice cold apple cider (as well as shuttle services) it’s definitely the hot spot for family friendly good times this summer.

Like all summer festivals, this one has a heck of a music line up, including such Manitoba acts as Bryce Pallister, Curtis Newton, The Treble, Trio Bembe and classic rock heroes Trooper. There’s also the Cottonwood Stage, specializing in Old Tyme Country and featuring the likes of Mark Morisseau, The Fugitives, Cathy Erickson, The Echo Valley Boys, North Border, Highway 6 and Neil Kehler & Friends. The festival also puts the spotlight on up and coming musicians, with a stage that features young local bands and a Guitar Hero competition.

While the stage is the place to be, there’s so much more to see: Corn and Apple has got a Show & Shine, Kids Tent (with petting zoo, natch) and the staple of any good fair - the Wonder Show Midway. Yup, you can win that giant-ass stuffed panda and take it home to your sweetheart (or mom, or substitute science teacher, or keep it for yourself. Whatever - it’s your panda!)

Possibly the coolest thing about the festival is that it attracts people from all over, and not just Manitoba.

“One year there was an Elder Hostel group tour from Australia that visited the Festival,” says Cheryl Link, Festival Administrator. “They were shocked that we ate locally grown corn and even more shocked at how good it was. Apparently, in Australia, locally grown corn is only fed to hogs. They left the Morden Corn & Apple Festival as happy converts.”

You never know what will happen at the festival - one can only hope that during the Show & Shine, Roman McGuire from Trooper will jump into a bright white sports car and a Morden-wide singalong will erupt. It could happen, and if you don’t attend, you’ll never see it!

Part of the series: Summer Festival Guide 2013

Published in Volume 67, Number 27 of The Uniter (July 17, 2013)