Corn Festival a-MAIZE-es with Record Turnout and Autumn Cheer
HANOVER, MA – September 22, 2025 | Under perfect fall skies, more than 2,000 community members flocked to the South Shore YMCA’s Emilson Branch and Family Farm on Saturday to take part in the 47th Annual Corn Festival.
For nearly five decades, the Corn Festival has brought neighbors together to experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of a New England fall. This year’s festival treated guests to a full day of autumn fun and community connection. Families explored the Y’s scenic Family Farm while enjoying hayrides, live music, pony rides, a corn maze, and friendly farm animals. Festival favorites like the corn pit, games, and seasonal eats, including the Y’s famous corn pizza and free popcorn, kept visitors smiling from morning to afternoon.
Sarah Kugel, Director of the South Shore YMCA Nature Center, attended with her own family and shared, “Corn Festival is such a joyful day for families to connect with nature, learn about local history, and simply play together. As both a staff member and a mom, I love seeing my own children experience the magic of the Y and the Family Farm.”
A highlight of the day was Professor Jim’s Corn Lab, where families explored the science of corn through fun, hands-on experiments. Led by Jim Spinale, a retired science teacher and beloved South Shore YMCA Nature Center volunteer of more than 25 years, “Mister Jim” has inspired generations of children with his love of learning, turning simple kernels into sparks of curiosity.
The Corn Festival began nearly 50 years ago at the South Shore YMCA Nature Center in Norwell to raise awareness for the Y’s mission of environmental education. As the event grew, it moved to the Emilson Y in Hanover, where the expanded campus and Family Farm provide space for more activities, local vendors, and thousands of visitors each year.
“The Corn Festival is one of our favorite opportunities to bring the community together,” said Ashley Genrich, Associate Executive Director of the Emilson YMCA. “It’s a day to celebrate the harvest, enjoy the outdoors, and share the Y’s commitment to healthy families and strong communities.”
The South Shore YMCA extends its heartfelt thanks to the many volunteers, staff, and community partners whose efforts made this year’s record-breaking celebration possible. Their dedication created a day filled with laughter, learning, and harvest traditions, showcasing the Y’s mission to bring people together and strengthen the community it serves.
The fun continues this fall at the South Shore YMCA Nature Center in Norwell. Get ready to dive into the delightful world of cranberries at Cranberry Day on Saturday, November 8. This annual celebration honors more than 200 years of cranberry cultivation in Massachusetts with activities for all ages, including cranberry-themed games, STEAM activities, and delicious cranberry treats. Learn more at ssymcanaturecenter.org/cranday.
