Fulton County Ohio Media

Several Village Council Meetings ago, Council members had asked that community organizations send a representative to a meeting to help the Council understand what was the main function of the organization and how it impacted the Village of Swanton.  At tonight’s meeting, Alyssa (Gombash) Walberg spoke in front of Council members Derek Kania, John Schmidt, Dianne Westhoven, Noah Kreuz, Sam Disbrow and Patrick Messenger and Mayor Neil Toeppe, Administrator Shannon Shulters and Fiscal Officer Holden Benfield.  Below is her address:

Good evening, everyone! My name is Alyssa Walberg, and I’m proud to be the chairperson of the Swanton Corn Festival. I’m here tonight not just as an organizer, but as someone who truly loves this town and believes in the magic that a single day of community can bring.

 My journey with the Corn Festival started when I was just a kid. My mom joined the committee when I was in elementary school, and I got to watch firsthand the passion and love she—and so many others—poured into this event and into our town. It left a lasting impression on me. Now, as someone who has chosen to stay rooted in Swanton and raise my own family here, I want my children to grow up loving the Corn Festival, appreciating our town, and feeling proud to be part of this amazing community.

 That’s why I do this—so other families and kids can experience just how special Swanton truly is. The Corn Festival is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of Swanton. It brings together families, friends, and neighbors, and it gives our local businesses, churches, school groups, clubs, and organizations a chance to shine, raise funds, and connect with the community. Whether it’s a nonprofit hosting a booth, a sports team selling lemonade, or a small business meeting new customers, the festival lifts up so many parts of our town in meaningful ways.

Each year, we also see so many people return home to Swanton just for this weekend. It’s become a time for reunions, memories, and tradition. One of our most beloved events is the All Class Reunion and Party in the Park, which [CO1] [CO2] celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. It’s a chance for alumni, friends, and community members to reconnect and celebrate everything that makes Swanton special.

Over the years, the Corn Festival has also donated tens of thousands of dollars to various local groups, projects, and improvements throughout our community. From park upgrades to helping fund youth programs, we take pride in giving back and supporting the town that supports us. We plan to continue working with the village and different groups in our community to continue to donate and help improve our park and town.

This year, we’ve got some exciting additions and returning favorites. The festivities kick off with our brand-new Family Fun Color Run and a revamped 5K. We’ll also have our classic parade, live music in the beer garden—including Not Fast Enuf at 8PM—local vendors, kids’ activities, inflatables, and so much more.  We’re also proud to showcase local businesses like Benfield Wines and Oncore Brewing in our beer tent this year.

I want to recognize my incredible team of volunteers who have been working tirelessly all year to bring this day to life. They’ve dedicated their time, talents, and hearts to making this year’s festival a fun, safe, and memorable event for everyone. We can’t wait to see our streets filled with laughter, music, and, of course, lots of corn. Thank you for your continued support in helping us bring joy and connection to the Swanton community. And also – if we could all just send up some good vibes for 75 degrees and sunshine on August 9th, I would greatly appreciate it.

Before Alyssa stepped away from the podium, she mentioned that the committee, which is made up of approximately 15 volunteers that work year-round on the planning, could use more volunteers during the two-day event.  Anyone willing to help out can contact the committee by sending a message to their Facebook page.

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