We grow Jimmy Red Corn here at Rare Bird Farm and mill it on our stationary bike mill and make grits and flour with it.
Corn Day is a celebration of corn in all its forms—agricultural, culinary, historical and cultural. Inspired by traditions of gathering at harvest, the day will feature Appalachian stories and ballads led by William Ritter and Jim Veteto as we shuck corn and do other hand work together. We’ll have tortillas for sale by Luis Martinez, who will also talk about heirloom Oaxacan corn varieties. Derek Pettigrew will talk about corn beyond the kitchen. Bring your best cornbread for the Cornbread Cook-off—the winner will get some corn.
Corn Day Approximate Schedule:
1pm - Corn Day begins! .
2:30pm - 3:30pm - Working Bee. Jim Veteto and William Ritter sing ballads as folks work independently on corn husking, bean shelling, crafting, whatever else they may want to work on.
3:30 pm - Derek Pettigrew speaks about corn distilling.
4:30pm - Jim, William and Luis Martinez speak about seed saving.
5pm - Cornbread Cook-Off judging and winner announced
6pm - clean up, wrap up, everybody go home and think about corn
All day long - Luis Martinez is selling tortillas and demonstrating how to make them. Jim Veteto and William Ritter are facilitating a seed swap. Sara Stewart is doing live screen printing. Laura Walkingstick is selling her cornhusk dolls and other traditional Cherokee crafts.
Also check out the Cornhusk Doll Making Workshop with Laura Walkingstick from 11am to 1pm (ticketed separately).
Community Supported Ticketing
We believe the arts are strongest when everyone has a chance to participate.
The true cost of admission is $25. If you're able, consider choosing a Friend of Rare Bird or Rare Bird Supporter ticket to help keep events accessible, support artists, and strengthen our community.
No one will be turned away for lack of funds. If cost is a barrier after Community Tickets have been claimed, please reach out—we'd love to help.
Thank you for helping make the arts accessible for everyone.
Community Ticket — $10
General Admission — $25
Friend of Rare Bird — $50
Rare Bird Supporter — $100