Farmers became national heroes in the late 1920's and into the 30's.  In 1923 a three man competition in Iowa started what would become, according to Time Magazine in 1936, "the fastest growing sporting spectacle in the world".  Contests drew as many as 100,000 people and were broadcast coast to coast on NBC's National Farm and Home Hour.  The contests were  80 minutes with no time outs and no substitutions, just a competitor, a wagon and as much corn as they could shuck.

 

Today nine corn belt states host a state contest and each year the national contest rotates among the states.  Oakley hosted their first state contest in 1970 and has been shucking every since.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our corn wagon display, at the site of the Buffalo Bill Bronze sculpture in Oakley, is available year round for a great photo opportunity.  An interpretive panel on the wagon offers a peak into the past as we share the heritage of old time hand shucking and Oakley's part in reviving and preserving this tradition.   Inside the Buffalo Bill Cultural Center you can view Heritage Documentary's historical production of "When Farmers Were Heroes".

 

For a real rural, hands on experience, come on out to Oakley the second Saturday of October for the Oakley Corn Festival and learn to hand husk, watch the contest, or even enter the contest.  Huskers of all ages can enter a 10 minute, 20 minute or three man team competition.  The Corn Festival offers indoor and outdoor activities for the whole family.  Learn more here.