As Illinoisans, we understand that we are known across the country for one thing: our corn. Because of that fact, we take every chance we can to celebrate and honor our much-adored and versatile crop. Here’s some definitive proof of our love for corn:

1. We name our sports teams after corn.
Normal CornBelters/Facebook
From the Normal Cornbelters to the Hoopeston High School Cornjerkers, we have no problem integrating corn into our leisure activities.
2. We get entire towns together just to cook corn.
Sugar Grove Corn Boil/Facebook
The annual Sugar Grove Corn Boil is just one example of a city-wide event with our favorite yellow vegetable at the center of the action.
3. We build structures that look like corn.
Sean Davis/Flickr
A multi-use building in the heart of Downtown Chicago, Marina City certainly looks like corn. It's smack dab in the middle of the city's skyline, just where it should be.
4. We construct huge mazes out of corn fields.
Richardson World's Largest Corn Maze/Facebook
The largest in the country, to be exact - Richardson Farm in Spring Grove boasts the biggest corn maze in America. As you can tell, 2016's maze theme was Star Trek.

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5. We throw festivals honoring corn.
DeKalb Corn Fest/Facebook
What better way to pay homage to our beloved crop than with concerts and carnivals? DeKalb Corn Fest, Chatham Sweetcorn Festival, and countless other events return each summer to celebrate corn.
6. We eat corn for every meal, including breakfast.
Wishbone Chicago/Facebook
Illinoisans get creative when it comes to putting corn in our recipes. Wishbone in Chicago, for example, serves these delicious corn cakes each morning for their early crowd.
7. We create beautiful works of art featuring corn.
Abe's Old Hat Antiques & Country Store/Facebook
Painter Alfred Montgomery (1857-1922) featured the delectable vegetable in many of his paintings back in the day. Today, they sell for large sums of money - one sold in 2014 for $17,000!
8. We crown corn royalty.
Mendota, IL Sweet Corn Festival/Facebook
Each summer, pageant judges at the Mendota Sweet Corn Festival award the Sweet Corn Queen and her court with crowns and trophies.
9. We name our attractions after corn.
Corn Stock/Facebook
The Corn Stock Theatre in Peoria is a beautiful open air arena that puts on shows under a big top tent.

Well, now I’m hungry. How about you? Tell us about your favorite corn recipes in the comments.

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