Up, up and away to Gladbrook's 100th Corn Carnival! The 100th Celebration of Gladbrook's Corn Carnival was held from June 16 through June 19. In a fitting closure to the multitude of activities and events, 100 red balloons were released following the Community Worship Service. –Photo courtesy Margaret Thomsen

The 100th Gladbrook Corn Carnival celebration is now history. The theme was “Century of Celebrations”. Many people have been working for years for this milestone event. Even the weatherman cooperated with the heat tolerable and no rain for the multitude of activities.

The event began June 16 -19, with the Collectors Fair. Area collectors displayed a vast array of memorabilia. It was then on to the crowning of the Corn Cob Queen Thursday evening. Contestants were Ashley Olson, Beth Murty and the 2022 Corn Cob Queen Anna Miller. The Crowning of Little Miss and Mr. Corn Carnival followed. Eight area children entered the random drawing of winners. Little Mr. Corn Carnival Theo Schmitz and Little Miss Corn Carnival Kinley Miller were the lucky winners.

The Kiddies Parade Thursday evening featured a lot of pretty fancy floats, bicycles, pets, etc. “Vinyl Frontier Band” was the free entertainment on Main. The Quilt Raffle Winners Show of all the quilts raffled off was amazing to view. Kiddies all enjoyed the selection of rides while adults enjoyed a hot game of Bingo.

Friday’s highlight was the Grand Parade at 6:30 p.m. It was perfect weather and it was amazing how many graduates of the Gladbrook School District – prior to the merger with G-R – provided class floats. It was a true support of the community once again uniting as the beloved Gladbrook school is being demolished.

The highlight of the Grand Parade was the Grand Marshall float. It recognized the untold number of persons who have contributed their time and support to the Corn Carnival for an amazing 100 years. It has truly been an event with united support from the community, school, churches and civic organizations.

The 2022 Little Mr. and Miss Corn Carnival, Theo Schmitz and Kinley Miller, pictured on Thursday, June 16, shortly after being crowned. Theo is the son of Dave and Jenny Schmitz and Kinley is the daughter of Justin and Anna Miller. The Little Mr. and Miss Corn Carnival is sponsored by Gladbrook Young Women. –Photo courtesy Gladbrook Young Women

TF Clydes of Gladbrook brought an eight-horse Clydesdale hitch and wagon. It was an amazing sight to see those big black and white horses march down the parade route.

Everyone had built up an appetite after the parade and had their choice of the traditional maid rite and pie from the Peace Church-American Legion Food Stand, to Tama County Cattlemen beef and Tama County Pork Producers burgers and loins. And don’t forget the hundreds of ears of hot buttered sweet corn.

The Petting Zoo, young women of Iowa’s Charreadas (Mexican rodeos), and local gal Katie Wedmore and her “Katie and the Honky Tonks” band also drew in a crowd.

Saturday featured Breakfast on Main, Tractor Ride, 5K Walk/Run, Cribbage and Pepper Tournaments, kids activities in the City Park, and the Fireman Waterball Contest. The Antique Car Show featured nearly 70 cars and trucks and 2 old motorcycles.

Saturday closed out with a special presentation, “100 Years of Corn Carnival Show”. The 2 shows featured presentations of slides, pictures, Carnival highlights, and live entertainment. “The Dueling Pianos” were sponsored by Hometown Foods and provided easy-listening piano music. A fireworks show closed out the evening.

TF Clydes of rural Gladbrook provided an amazing sight as they brought their eight-horse hitch and wagon to the Grand Parade at Gladbrook's 100th Corn Carnival. –Photo courtesy Margaret Thomsen

Sunday’s Community Worship Service featured speaker Nicole Clapp, Past National American Legion Auxiliary President. Britany Young and the Community Choir with June Bessman as accompanist provided the music. All are Gladbrook residents. Following the service, the crowd gathered outside the City Center and released 100 red balloons.

Sun Courier note: The Friday, July 1 edition of the Sun Courier will feature a special page devoted to Gladbrook Corn Carnival coverage courtesy of correspondent Margaret Thomsen.

The float "Celebrating 6 Generations and 100+ Years of Bruenes Farming in Gladbrook. Established in June of 1882" was part of Thursday night’s Kiddie Parade in Gladbrook. Children are Charlette and Wesley Bruene; parents are Douglas and Ashley Bruene. –Photo courtesy Margaret Thomsen

Beth Murty, left, shares a quick moment with her sister, 2021 Corn Cob Queen Katy Thompson. –Photo courtesy Margaret Thomsen

Gladbrook Corn Carnival Corn Cob Queens past and present. –Photo courtesy Margaret Thomsen

"Come on ‘Up’ to Corn Carnival" was the Kiddie Parade entry for Vinny Thompson, son of Tanner and Hannah Thompson, and Cooper Murty, driving, and Baylee and Kollin Murty, children of Blair and Beth Murty; grandparents are Kim Thompson, Jenifer Murty and Bill and Janelle Murty. –Photo courtesy Margaret Thomsen