Auburn Cornfest Set for a Comeback: Local Court Ruling Clears Path for Festival’s Return to Original Venue

Auburn, MI — The Auburn Cornfest, a cherished local tradition, is on its way to make a triumphant return following a pivotal legal decision. The event had faced an uncertain future after its cancellation in 2023 due to property and financial disputes. However, a recent ruling by Bay County’s 18th Circuit Court Judge Joseph Sheeran has green-lighted the festival’s comeback, which could resume as early as next year at its historic location, Auburn Park.

The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce expressed relief and optimism following the favorable court decision. After a year-long legal wrangle, the ruling marks a significant breakthrough, allowing the Chamber to reclaim control over its assets and proceed with plans for the upcoming festival. The decision is expected to be enforced starting July 25 when the Chamber’s bank account funds are anticipated to be accessible once again.

Scott Hartsough, president of the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the ruling’s importance in a statement, stressing it would enable the Chamber to secure its property and continue its community-centric endeavors. He underscored the Chamber’s longstanding commitment to safeguard the festival’s legacy and ensure its future within the community it originated from over half a century ago.

The local community has been deeply affected by the property disputes and leadership struggles surrounding the Cornfest. The Chamber’s statement also shed light on the ‘Chamber takeover’ by external individuals, describing it as a destructive event that strained community relationships and fostered divisiveness. Despite these challenges, the Chamber is now focusing on community healing and the festival’s recovery.

Mayor Lee Kilbourn of Auburn conveyed his hopes for the festival’s return next summer but acknowledged that resolving the ongoing legal issues remains a prerequisite. Nearly 30 community stakeholders, including residents, business owners, and Chamber members, attended the court hearing, reflecting strong local support for the festival’s continuation.

The dispute involved Auburn Improvement and Management, a separate entity created decades ago by the Chamber and the Auburn Jaycees to manage the Cornfest property and the festival itself. After the court’s ruling, Auburn Improvement and Management officials were notably absent from the public discussions, a fact pointed out by Mayor Kilbourn as being very telling.

The legal contention centered on the property where the festival is held, historically co-owned by the Chamber and the Auburn Jaycees. This year, an alternative event dubbed “The Cornfest” was hosted at the Midland County Fairgrounds from July 11-14, orchestrated by Auburn Improvement and Management and the Great Lakes Bay Jaycees.

As the community anticipates the ruling’s implementation, the focus now shifts towards preparing for next year’s Cornfest, with the hope that it will bring together the residents of Auburn once more in celebration of their shared heritage and culture. Auburn officials, including Mayor Kilbourne, remain cautiously optimistic about overcoming the remaining legal hurdles and reviving the beloved Cornfest in its rightful home at Auburn Park.