Many summer traditions never go out of style.
To note, the Highland Rotary Club’s Corn Roast on Aug. 3 at Main Square Park has been in place for more than three decades.
“We’re ready with 200 dozen ears of corn, and the weather has cooperated, so I believe we’ll have a successful day,” said Rotary event chairman Keith Bruxvoort as he and his team readied food for the expected 1,300–1,500 customers. “This is our only fundraiser so it’s important that everything falls into place.”
Visitor Linda Sapyta, of Highland, has been a regular at the event since the Corn Roast began.
“We’re here every year,” she said, as she gathered family members to sit together. “This park is lovely, people are congenial, the food is delicious – what else do you need?”
After the corn was cooked in the kitchen of Highland business Cakes by Karen, it was delivered to the park for “shucking” (peeling away the husk) by volunteers of the Highland High School Cross Country team.
‘It’s a good feeling to be doing something good for the community,” said team member Nick Markus, as he worked with the corn. “And it’s wonderful that our team will be one of those benefiting from this event.”
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The Youngman family of Merrillville used to live in Highland, and like many other former residents, returns to Main Square Park many times during the year.
“This is one of the most beautiful parks around,” Jim Youngman said, as he waited in line for his meal. “They always have fun festivals, free outdoor plays and we never miss the New Year’s Eve fireworks.”
In addition to the main dish of freshly roasted corn on the cob, hot dogs, polish sausage, chips, soft drinks and desserts were on the menu.
“This is a very relaxing evening for us,” said Paul Schweiger, of Cedar Lake, as he and his wife Barb tasted their first ear of corn. “We’re pleased with the selection of food, the price and the atmosphere. And this park is the perfect place for a picnic.”
The 54-year-old Highland Rotary Club not only distributes the Corn Roast proceeds to community endeavors – the Highland High School Cross Country team, the Highland Parks Department, the police department and a scholarship fund for Highland students – they also give all Highland third-grade students a dictionary each year.
“We’ve done this for the past 10 years,” Bruxvoort said. “We believe that even with new technology, dictionaries continue to be important. The Rotary Club is big on literacy and this is one way to promote that.”
For diners wanting to linger for a while, another event in the park shortly followed the corn dinner. The Highland Summer Theater presented “Sleeping Beauty” in the gazebo located near the picnic tables.
“This is a perfect night for my family,” said Jeannine Martin, of Highland. “We’ve got the grandkids today and once they’re fed, we’ll set up a blanket in front of the gazebo. The play should be fun and we all get to relax.”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
