Seasonal Events Not to Be Missed!

The perfect way to experience Mendota’s spirit is to attend one of its many annual events. Mendota’s largest draw is its Sweet Corn Festival, which annually attracts more than 60,000 visitors. Held on the second full weekend of August, the festival features free musical entertainment, a crafters’ marketplace and flea market (with 200 dealers in handmade crafts and unique merchandise), plus a Queen Pageant, carnival, and beer garden in the evening.

The midways are lined with food booths, serving a multitude of ethnic, regional and festival foods. But the “big event” is the serving of tons of free, hot buttered Del Monte sweet corn on Sunday afternoon. It has been cooked to its golden goodness by an antique steam engine, and served by volunteers for nearly 60 years. The Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce, sponsors and organizers of the Sweet Corn Festival, can be reached at (815) 539-6507.

Railroad and car enthusiasts enjoy annual summer events like Railroad Crossing Days at the Union Depot Railroad Museum and enjoy the car cruises sponsored by local enthusiasts.

The Mendota Tri-County Fair is also an exceptional annual event in the community. It takes place over Labor Day Weekend at the Tri-Country Fairgrounds on 1st Avenue at 2nd Street, and features bull riding, harness racing, truck and tractor pulls, and demolition derby. Livestock judging, fine and domestic art exhibits, children’s entertainment, a carnival, food, merchandise and commercial booths round out the fair entertainment.