A Taste of Tradition: The Ashley Corn Show 

ASHLEY — Although much emphasis is placed on growth and change in Delaware County, the village of Ashley’s Corn Show continues an enduring legacy of agricultural heritage and rural community spirit — since 1933.  

Delaware County is in the eastern “corn belt” of the Midwest; some farmers here grow field corn for grain and livestock feed and plenty of sweet corn for our enjoyment. 

The Corn Show originated from the Ashley Independent Fair once called the “Biggest Little Fair in Ohio” until 1949, which also garnered fame from its Junior Fair — the first in the nation.

The junior fair concept was developed by teacher R.B. Warner and 35 high school students who first exhibited swine at the Ashley fair in 1923. In 1929, the Ohio State Fair adopted the Junior Fair — and the rest is history.     

This year’s show, sponsored for decades by the Clyde C. Keltner American Legion Post 518, runs from July 30-August 1. 

The show has something for everyone:

• a car and bike show,
• evening bingo,
• live musical performances all three days,
• “Olde Wrestling” featured on August 1,
• a corn hole tournament,
• kiddie tractor pull,
• carnival rides,
• the very popular open pit roasted chicken dinner,
• carnival rides,
• concession stands,
• games,
• community booths,
• and of course, corn eating, corn cob tossing, and corn shucking contests.

Plus, there’s a new contest this year: tallest cornstalk (three age group divisions).  

According to Joe Pennington, Commander of Post 518, and primary organizer of the Corn Show, the 2027 show will bring back the Corn Show King and Queen competition.  

Pennington described show planning as a “true community effort.”  

Every organization, including youth such as 4-H, baseball teams, Boy Scouts and FFA; and many individuals are involved in numerous aspects of this annual event.

The American Legion’s commitment to Ashley is unfailing – “it is a family” says Pennington. Show proceeds are always used for community needs. 

It is the village’s annual opportunity to honor its ongoing agricultural roots and bring people to Ashley to join in community fun.

It also serves as a homecoming event for former residents. 

The Village of Ashley (current population over 1,300) was first called the Town of Oxford before it was platted in June 1849 and named after prominent landowner L.W. Ashley. 

Rail transportation came to Ashley in 1850 (Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Indianapolis — CCC& I) turning the town into a local commercial hub.

Ashley was incorporated in 1855. A series of at least five newspapers served Ashley in the late1800s. Ashley also had an opera house, two hotels, a distillery, many diverse businesses, and several of Delaware County’s first women physicians.

One remarkable business that began in 1907 still operates: the R.B. Powers Co. makes competition ribbon awards.  The company is currently encouraging donations for the Junior Fair Scholarship Fund through the Delaware County Agricultural Society.

The Powers Company provided the awards for the first Junior Fair in 1924. It is famous for rosettes.

American Legion Post 518 isn’t resting after the Corn Show. On August 8, the group is hosting the Camp Guy Granger Fishing Tournament beginning at 7 a.m. (1927 County Road 156, Ashley, Ohio). Winners will be announced at noon — the prize is a fishing pole for most fish, biggest fish, and little fish.

You don’t have to fish to come and enjoy the camp. A free pancake and sausage breakfast will be served from 7-9 a.m. Hamburgers and hotdogs are on the menu between noon-1 p.m. 

 Rural Americana does not get better than this!