One Month to the North Branford Potato and Corn Fest!

One month from today, Augur Field on Route 22 in North Branford will be transformed. The wide-open field will be bustling with activity as the 11th annual Corn and Potato Festival is Aug. 3, 4 and 5.

Dennis Pannone, chairman of the , said the event has consistently drawn about 20,000 visitors over the weekend and he’s hoping for another big turnout this year.

Food, Fun and Entertainment!

As usual, there will be plenty of family friendly fun over the course of the weekend, highlighted by a fireworks show on Saturday, Aug. 4.

“The fireworks are certainly a major draw,” said Pannone. “It’s a great show by the company that does Mohegan Sun’s shows.”

The antique car show will be Friday, Aug. 3, while Sunday is highlighted by the fourth annual 5K Spud Run at 9:30 a.m. The first 150 registrants will receive a T-shirt. In addition, there is also a one-mile Tator Tot Fun Run at 9 a.m. and a 5K Fitness Walk, which also starts at 9:30 a.m. You can register online at www.nbparkrec.com.

The midway will be lit up by carnival rides and games, running throughout the weekend. There will be entertainment on two stages, including the main stage and the stage under the big top where local acts and a DJ will perform, as well as tractor pulls.

There will also be fun and games including potato tosses, sack races and more. Craft vendors and the business expo will be open throughout the weekend.

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Pick a Square, Any Square!

The is on Sunday. The Cow Chip Raffle is being run in conjunction with the Touchdown Club. Tickets, which are $10, can be purchased from members of the Touchdown Club or at the Parks and Recreation Office.

Not sure what a cow chip raffle is? A field is marked off into squares, those squares are numbered and the cows are let loose to do their business. If the cow poos on your square, you win!

Volunteer Opportunities

Pannone, who has been volunteering at the fest for the past four years, has moved up through the ranks. Last year, he ran the Potato and Corn booth, but he stepped up to chair the committee this year.

“They needed someone to help [Recreation Director] Pam [Gery] out and take the lead role,” said Pannone. “It’s very satisfying and fulfilling and I look forward to it every year.”

Pannone said there are a number of other volunteers–about 180–who come back year after year, as the festival is run by volunteers.

“I’ve talked to people who come every year who have said it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to this town,” said Pannone. “It’s become a really good community event, it’s a good time to get together.”

What You Need to Know

• What: North Branford Potato and Corn Festival
• Where: Augur Farm, 298 Forest Road, North Branford
• When:
• Parking: free shuttles available from Stanley T. Williams and North Branford Intermediate School; onsite parking is $5
• Admission: free

2011 Potato and Corn Festival Coverage