The Morden Corn & Apple Festival, a three-day event that draws in visitors from all over the province each August and marks the close of summer for many people, is just around the corner.
Music to remember
In addition to the favourites, including handing out piles of free corn (as many as 50,000 cobs throughout the weekend), thrilling rides on the midway, a large selection of market vendors, and food trucks lined along Morden’s historic Stephen Street, top-tier musical talent is also in store for the weekend.
Chairperson Nathan Knight said that for the country fans, B.C. native Chad Brownlee will take to the stage on Friday evening, and Saturday, the audience will enjoy the sounds of Big Shiny ‘90s — a cover band from Ontario that plays all the hits from the dial-up era.
“If you think back to being a teenager in the 90s and the big shiny tunes albums you had — all the cracked CD cases in your car — it’s going to be great,” he said.
Knight added that local bands will open for the musical acts. On Friday, Brothers Keep will kick things off, and on Saturday, The Monochromatics will light up the Corn & Apple Festival.
Budding talent on the youth stage
The weekend will also feature acts on the youth stage, a space reserved for showcasing young talent.
“It's right outside the Kenmor Theatre,” said Knight. “It’s not that if you're not under 18 you won't have a good time at the stage, but ... a lot of times it gives entertainers a chance to perform.”
Other events
Knight said that another attraction at Morden’s Corn & Apple Festival is its flea market.
“That, I would say, is our most popular area of the festival,” he said. “We have a waiting list for those tents each and every year.”
Alongside the classic features of the festival, a new addition is the first-ever Corn & Apple 50/50 draw.
“[We were] just looking for ways to increase the revenue of the festival, so we thought this is a great way for people who like the festival and who are passionate about it to ... maybe help out,” he said. “Whether you want to spend $500 or $10 or anything in between, it's up to you, and of course, there's a bit of a chance of some monetary benefit.”
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Currently, the 50/50 amount is hovering at approximately $10,000, but Knight expects the total to increase throughout the weekend ahead of the draw on Sunday, which he said one does not need to be present at the festival to win.
“The number will be posted on our website,” he said. “You'll have 30 days to claim it.”
A useful tip
Although a full schedule of events and activities will be available all weekend, Knight has a tip for residents of the Pembina Valley.
“Friday night is always a great night for locals,” he said, adding that the festival isn’t as busy on the opening evening as it is on Saturday when an influx of visitors attends.
“[Friday] is a nice time for the kids. The lineups at the rides [are not] quite as long ... It’s just a great night for locals to get out and take in the festival.”
A big thank you
As Morden gears up for the Corn & Apple Festival, Knight has a message of thanks for those who help make it possible, including the event's sponsors.
He also thanks the volunteers.
“Thank you to the hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of volunteers who take part in the festival every year. It's not done without volunteers. There would be no festival," he said.
To see the full 2025 Corn & Apple Festival schedule, click here.
With files from Ty Hildebrand and Jayme Giesbrecht