Avary Aukes peeks at the crowd while riding in a patriotically adorned wagon during the Gladbrook Corn Carnival Kiddie Parade on Thursday, June 11, 2026. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

GLADBROOK – Folks from near and far heeded the call last week – with the corn shucked by a small army of volunteers, hundreds of people came to Gladbrook across four days for the 104th annual Corn Carnival celebration.

The 2026 Corn Carnival kicked into gear on the evening of Thursday, June 11, with the Little Miss or Mr. Corn Carnival crowning on the north side of City Park, followed by the equally darling Kiddie Parade. Prior to the crowning, East Marshall student Lily Smith sang the National Anthem.

Throughout much of the day Thursday, severe weather, including high winds and heavy rain, battered the area, threatening the parade’s 6:30 p.m. start. The skies mercifully cleared just before 5 p.m., giving way to sunshine and pleasant temperatures.

Quinn Plett was crowned Little Miss Corn Carnival 2026 while Cameron Garrison was crowned this year’s Little Mr. Corn Carnival. The event was sponsored by the Gladbrook Young Women service organization. Moments later, Jenna Brallier was crowned the 2026 Corn Cob Queen, sponsored by Anderson Funeral Homes.

Many of the participants in the Kiddie Parade adhered to the 2026 theme, “If You Shuck It, They Will Come,” with little ones sporting plenty of baseball gear, Kevin Costneresque attire, and “corny” decorations. Classic Americana decorations were also in abundance.

A pair of adorable Corn Carnival Kiddie Parade participants march down Fourth Street in Gladbrook last Thursday evening. “You Shuck It, We’ll Pop It” declares their placard. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Near the beginning of the parade dressed up as festival mascot Cobbie the Corn Cob, Jackson Gienger waved to those gathered along the route, while his little sisters passed out plastic corn cob necklaces and other fun bling.

The following evening, the Grand Parade was the main event, promenading through the streets of Gladbrook to the delight of the community and guests. Like Thursday evening, the skies remained rain-free.

The Gladbrook American Legion Ehrig-McTurk Post 127 color guard led the Friday night parade, followed shortly thereafter by Grand Marshals Keith and Jo Anne Sash riding in their black 1972 Mercury Cougar convertible driven by their son, Craig Sash. The Sashes’ youngest grandchildren – Craig and Autumn Sash’s daughters Dayton and Dawson Sash – cleared the path for their grandparents, marching ahead of the convertible with a bright red banner that read “If You Shuck It, They Will Come.”

Several dignitaries were featured in the parade, including Department Commander of the American Legion of Iowa Darrin Alderson of Oskaloosa. The trio of candidates for 2026 Tama County Fair Queen – Benton Community’s Belle Werner and GMG’s Violet Jackson and Kenzie Bartel – also rode in the parade atop convertibles.

First responders from practically every department in the area participated in the parade including those from Gladbrook, Lincoln, Garwin, Montour, Green Mountain, LeGrand, and Beaman. Tama County Sheriff Casey Schmidt and his family – pulling the official Corn Carnival float – as well as the K-9 unit and Tama County Emergency Management also participated.

Gladbrook Corn Carnival mascot Cobbie the Corn Cob (aka Jackson Gienger) waves during this year’s Kiddie Parade. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Parade floats were plentiful and included dozens of local businesses, both county political parties (Republican state Rep. Dean Fisher of Montour walked the route), a sea of tractors and farm equipment, the Gladbrook American Legion and Auxiliary, Garwin Little League, the Gladbrook Lions Club, the Gladbrook Public Library, the Gladbrook Theater/Matchstick Marvels, Peace United Church of Christ, and Gladbrook United Methodist Church. Gladbrook High School classes of 1956, 1961, 1981, and 1986 were also represented.

Gladbrook-Reinbeck head football coach John Olson and head volleyball coach Paula Kelley marched together in the parade alongside student-athletes from their respective teams – both Rebel programs qualified for state this past school year.

Following the parade, most paradegoers made their way to the blocked-off downtown for supper and festival fun.

One of the most entertaining events of the evening was the new Corn Eating Contest, which started at 9 p.m. Jacob Schmidt, a G-R Class of 2013 alumnus, won the inaugural cob extravaganza.

The weather Saturday proved a bit dicey with rain off and on but Corn Carnival organizers powered through and most events were held, although some activities moved to shelter areas and/or paused while waiting out the rain.

2026 Corn Cob Queen Jenna Brallier, right, and last year’s queen, Dana Brown pose for a photo together on Thursday, June 11, following Brallier’s crowning which took place across the street from Gladbrook City Park. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

“A big thank you to the Tama County Sheriff’s Office for once again pulling the corn cob in the Grand Parade!” Corn Carnival Committee member Melanie Wagner posted to social media at the conclusion of the festival. “[T]he dates for next year’s Corn Carnival (are) June 10-13, 2027. Mark your calendars now! You won’t want to miss another year filled with fun, great food, entertainment, and so much more. We can’t wait to see everyone back for another fantastic Corn Carnival!”

The 2026 Little Miss or Mr. Corn Carnival candidates pictured with last year's royalty. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Little Mr. Corn Carnival 2026 Cameron Garrison, left, and Little Miss Corn Carnival 2026 Quinn Plett, right. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

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PHOTO BY SOREN M. PETERSON