The final pieces are being put in place for a Tecumseh tradition.
The 44th annual Tecumseh Corn Festival takes place in August at Lacasse Park.
Director of Parks and Recreation Paul Anthony says there are some new additions and minor changes this year, but residents can expect the same good time they've become accustomed to.
For the first time, there will be a 3-on-3 ice hockey tournament as well as pickleball and disc golf tournaments.
Anthony says the popularity of disc golf has exploded in the region with the course at Lakewood Park.
"It's the only disc golf course, I believe, this side of London outside of the U.S. and it's quite popular," he says. "It gets a lot of play. They've also expanded this year into the schools. So they're teaching disc golf in the high schools and they hope to reach into the public schools next year. There will be a demonstration as well back at Lacasse Park during the weekend.
Anthony says they've also made some layout changes to improve the festival flow.
"One of the first things you used to see when you came into the park was administration trailer. So we've changed that now so you'll see the corn booth which is what the Corn Fest is all about. We did ask the entertainment to wrap around the festival a little bit. So there's a lot of exciting things we're thinking will give it a new look and hopefully the weather will hold out and we'll have a great turnout," Anthony added.
He says, unfortunately, the town has had to raise admission from $3 to $5 to cover rising costs across the board.
"Costs have gone up. It's in line with all the other festivals in the area; actually it is still on the low end of the other festivals. Youth 12 and under are still free. We have to help offset some of the costs and this is a way, the users that are coming into the park help offset that."
For the second year in a row, there will be no beer tent after the Knights of Columbus group that previously handled alcohol responsibilities notified council in 2017 it wouldn't be taking on the job any longer, starting in 2018.
The Tecumseh Corn Fest goes August 23 to 25 at Lacasse Park.
The event usually draws 15,000 to 20,000 people and has been named to Festival and Events Ontario's 'Top 100 Festivals' list for 14 consecutive years.