The Corn Festival is marking its 10-year anniversary this year while also joining in recognition of America’s semiquincentennial, combining both milestones into a single day of summer celebration at the Coastal Alabama Farmers & Fishermens Market.

The event will be held Saturday, June 20, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the market, 781 Farmers Market Lane. Organizers describe the festival as a celebration of the flavors of summer, with farmers bringing in fresh tomatoes, juicy watermelon and corn as the centerpiece of the offerings.

The festival will feature kids’ activities, a corn-eating contest and a culinary showdown that highlights local flavor and friendly competition.

A signature attraction, the Corny Dad Cook-Off, returns with three local chefs who are also fathers preparing original corn-based dishes. About 200 market patrons will be selected to sample each dish and vote for a favorite. Each voting ticket includes a free miniature American flag.

The corn-eating contest will include a new twist this year. Contestants will compete by eating two ears of white corn, five slices of red watermelon and a cup of blueberries. Awards will be presented in both adult and children’s divisions.

Organizers say the combined anniversary and semiquincentennial theme is designed to bring added energy to a longstanding community tradition centered on summer produce and family-friendly activities.