Community Corner

Union Mills Homestead to Host 43rd Annual Old Fashioned Corn Roast Festival

Union Mills Homestead prepares to host its 43rd Annual Old Fashioned Corn Roast Festival, one of the oldest Homestead Foundation traditions.

This weekend, the Union Mills Homestead Foundation kicks off their 43rd Annual Old Fashioned Corn Roast Festival. 

Sam Riley of the Union Mills Homestead Foundation explains that the festival dates back to an old tradition in the Shriver family which celebrated the annual harvest with feasts including corn and watermelon. 

“The locals sometimes called this festival a watermelon frolic,” Riley said.

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Built in 1797, the Union Mills Homestead was home to the Shriver family for six generations.  The Homestead now serves as a museum of American culture operated by the Union Mills Homestead Foundation.  This non-profit foundation gathers proceeds to preserve and restore the Homestead complex.

This weekend’s annual benefit, the annual corn roast, includes a meal ticket which buys a serving of fried chicken, applesauce, sliced tomatoes, roll and butter, ice tea or lemonade and most important: “all the roasted corn you can eat."

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The corn is cooked inside the husk in a cast iron stove made specifically for the festivals.

The event will take place Saturday, Aug. 3 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 6-12. 

Throughout the day there will also be live music performances by The Standard Delivery Jazz Combo.  Visitors may also enjoy shopping provided by the Homestead Gift Shop and Blacksmith Shop and a variety of local vendors.  The Artists Guild of Carroll County will display and sell artwork and the Homestead will have stoneground flours from the mill for sale.

Guided tours of the Shriver Homestead and Grist Mill are available for a fee.  Parking and admission to the grounds is free.

For more information or for directions visit The Union Mills Homestead 43rd Annual Old Fashioned Corn Roast Festival web page


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