What Happens When People Get Together for Some Fun, Listen to Music, Play a Little Music

CORNSTOCK?!??

What happens when people get together for some fun, listen to music, play a little music and start to talk? Ideas bounce, silliness happens and, like “kids” often do, someone says ,”Hey, WE SHOULD HAVE A SHOW1”. Original….Right?

Well, this is really how the idea about having a Music and Arts event got started and the concept was embraced by the Kalamazoo County Parks Department for a show in June of 2005. Robert Beardsley, from Scotts, and Denny Cooley from the Kalamazoo County Parks Department took the idea and ran with it.

So ..What do you call a music and arts event held in an obscure, rural county park located in the boondocks? Many names were tried on and didn’t fit…..but Woodstock (for those of you that remember) seemed to capture everyone’s imagination. Woodstock….HMMMM …already used….So what DO you call an event that is held among the corn fields, wheat fields, woods, and critters? Someone (Robert) laughed and said “We should call it CORN-stock” and the name had a ring. Samuel Morrison created the Cornstock guy, and James Burkett wrote the Cornstock
Anthem which proclaims that “Music Tastes Better Out Here!”

The first event, in 2005, was enjoyed by participants and audiences who agreed that a Cornstock second year was a must. Robert was especially encouraged by the musicians who liked the grounds, the audience and the event. Denny, from the Parks Department was pleased with the attendance and the event.

So here we are at the Sixth ANNUAL CORNSTOCK Music and Art Festival with another great line up of local musicians who are great to watch and listen to. . Through the kindness of Bob, Martha and the rest of the Gibson Family, We have a new space to continue our mission. We hope you enjoy your day here and that you will visit the arts, craft, vendor and food booths.. In the Kids booth, opportunities to make musical instruments will be assisted by Debbie and Aiden and all kids will be able to play their creations during the afternoon Kidstock Parade.. Check the schedule for that special performance!

This year we are raising funds to help support the Kalamazoo County Fair and there endeavors.

We appreciate your attendance and hope to make this a continued annual event. WE WILL WELCOME ANY $ DONATIONS FOR FUNDING A BIGGER AND BETTER EVENT NEXT YEAR. YOU WILL FIND A DONATION CAN AT THE INFORMATION BOOTH WHICH WILL GRACIOUSLY ACCEPT YOUR GENEROSITY.

And Remember…MUSIC SMELLS BETTER OUT HERE!