Usually corn and potatoes are considered common, some might even say lowly, but on the first weekend of August the residents of North Branford elevate the two starchy staples to extraordinary heights. The Potato and Corn Festival now brings tens of thousands of visitors to the typically sleepy farm town.

Emerging almost overnight in a hay field at the former Augur Farm on Rt. 22 in the middle of town, a midway with rides, dozens of food vendors, craft vendors, potato sack races, corn shucking contests, tractor pulls, and a classic car show all appear. Many local and far flung bands perform and a spectacular fireworks display – some say among the best in the state – occurs on Saturday night. And of course, there are baked potatoes and roasted corn.

The event has become much loved. “In such a small town, to have many hundreds of volunteers, from high school sports teams directing parking to our seniors scrubbing potatoes, it’s just amazing,” said Tracey Fair, a longtime volunteer.