Dows Celebrates Annual Dows Corn Days Festival

DOWS — Community spirit was on full display as residents and visitors gathered in Dows July 31 through Aug. 2 for the annual Dows Corn Days celebration, a weekend filled with family-friendly activities, entertainment, food and longtime traditions.

With the 2026 theme, “Corn to be Wild,” the festival offered something for every age, drawing crowds to the city park and downtown throughout the weekend.

The celebration began Friday with a free admission night sponsored by POET. Families kicked off the festivities with Kids Fun Day at the Dows Swimming Pool before heading to the park for inflatable rides, Lions bingo and food served by local churches and organizations.

One of the evening’s highlights was the crowning of the Little Miss and Mr. Dows royalty, followed by live music from Four Fools in the shelter. The night wrapped up with a fireworks display at the school football field, paid for through donations collected during the Dows Corn Days Can Drive. Prior to the fireworks, the Dows Legion served food and beverages, with proceeds supporting future fireworks displays.

Saturday marked the busiest day of the festival, beginning with the Dows Legion pancake breakfast before runners took to the streets during the Dows Fun Run. A community flea market, hosted in the park, welcomed shoppers throughout the morning, while visitors also had the opportunity to watch a working metalsmith demonstration at the Quasdorf Blacksmith Museum.

The annual parade traveled through town late Saturday morning, bringing together area businesses, organizations, community groups and emergency vehicles. Following the parade, festivalgoers returned to the park for an afternoon packed with activities.

Inflatable rides remained open throughout the day while food stands operated by area churches and Boy Scout Troop 1047 served meals and refreshments. Visitors enjoyed sweet corn, watermelon and ice cream during the noon hour, a longtime Dows Corn Days tradition made possible through local sponsors.

Families also took part in several contests and attractions, including class attendance signups, train rides provided by the Dows Fire Department, face painting, balloons, a show-and-shine car show, big wheel races and bags tournaments benefiting the Wright County Humane Society. The Dows Community Library welcomed visitors during its annual book sale, while Soldier Creek Winery hosted a wine tasting nearby.

Entertainment continued throughout the afternoon with performances by the Sue Studio dancers, a ceremony honoring local veterans presented by the Lake Corners 4-H Club and the Corn Days Gals Hour. Additional activities included raffle drawings, music by Mighty Fittin’ and DJ bingo in downtown Dows.

Although many attractions centered on the park, local businesses and organizations also played an important role in the weekend by sponsoring activities, serving food and volunteering throughout the celebration. Community support was evident across the festival, with numerous areas and businesses helping make events possible through financial sponsorships and donations.

The weekend concluded Sunday morning with an ecumenical church service held in the festival shelter, providing a time for the community to gather before the close of another successful Dows Corn Days celebration.

From children’s activities and classic festival food to live entertainment, community competitions and fireworks, Dows Corn Days once again brought residents together while welcoming visitors from across the county.

The annual event continues to celebrate the small-town traditions and volunteer spirit that have made the celebration a staple of summer in Dows, offering families an opportunity to reconnect, support local organizations and enjoy a weekend dedicated to community.