Popular Festival Now Set to Return to Valleyfair This Summer

Valleyfair has been one of Minnesota's top attractions for nearly 50 years and it just announced that a popular festival will also be returning this summer.

There are many places of interest for which we're known here in the North Star State, right? The following are all venues and attractions that instantly scream Minnesota whenever you hear them:

• US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis
• Split Rock Lighthouse in Two Harbors
• Target Field in Minneapolis
• The Aerial Liftbridges in Duluth and Stillwater
• Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul
• Mayo Clinic in Rochester
• Mall of America in Bloomington
• The Cathedral of St. Paul

But there's only ONE Valleyfair, am I right? Minnesota's lone amusement park has been standing tall along Highway 169 in Shakopee since opening back in 1976. The park features more than 75 rides including eight roller coasters, Planet Snoopy featuring 15 children’s rides, and is home to Soak City, a seven-acre water park filled with slides, a wave pool, lazy river, and children’s water features.

Earlier this summer, Valleyfair announced that it had new owners, as a merger deal between Cedar Fair and Six Flags had officially closed. That means that Valleyfair is now part of the new Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, and is now among what a release called 'the largest and most diverse amusement park operator in North America,' with a total new combined portfolio of 42 parks across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

ALSO INTERESTING: Minnesotans Urged To Avoid This Now-Toxic Lake

Before that merger announcement on July 1st, the Valleyfair campus in Shakopee was affected by rising flood waters from the Minnesota River and was forced to close several rides as well as part of their parking area. Check out what things looked like in late June (and, no, that's NOT a water ride!)

Now, though, the waters have receded, and all rides and the parking area are back open again. Which is good news, because Valleyfair also said that a popular program will return again this summer, as well.

Earlier this week, Valleyfair said its Corn Fest was set to return to the park, beginning in late August and running through Labor Day:

Corn Fest at Valleyfair is a celebration of Minnesota’s favorite crop. This delicious food festival offers a bushel of sweet and savory takes on corn, live and local music, and a barrel of corn-forward activities. Corn Fest will have tons of kernel-popping fun for the entire family.

Valleyfair also said that Corn Fest will feature live music, special corn-based dishes and drinks, as well as corn-eating contests, cobs of games, and other corn-based crafts, all led by 'Mayor Shuck and his friendly associates.'

Get our free mobile app

Here are some of the corn dishes you'll be able to try, in addition to butter-dipped corn-on-the-cob.:

+ Rainbow Elote
+ Frito Pie with Corn and White Bean Chili
+ Corn Ribs
+ Roasted Green Chile Corn Burgers
+ Roasted Black Bean and Corn Queso Fries
+ Loaded Corn Nuggets
+ Corn Ice Cream Funnel Cakes
+ Caramel Corn Funnel Cake Fries.

And, Corn Fest is also set to feature several corn-inspired drinks, as well, including special Jack Daniels cocktails (Maizie’s Rhubarb Refresher, Tennessee Whiskey Mule, Front Porch Peach Fizz) and popcorn and beer flights.

Corn Fest is set to run Saturdays and Sundays (including Labor Day) from August 17 through September 2. And admission to Corn Fest is included with Valleyfair's regular park admission. Just how well do you know your Valleyfair rides? Keep scrolling to check out a gallery of some of Valleyfair's popular rides and attractions!

Listen to Curt St. John & Samm Adams
weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m. on Quick Country 96.5