5 things to do in DeKalb County: DeKalb Corn Classic, Clean the Kish, Taste of Sandwich and more

1. The 41st annual DeKalb Corn Classic Sunday, Sept. 26

Join in the annual 10K and 5K DeKalb Corn Classic on Sunday. The 10K starts at 8:15 a.m., and the 5K at 8:30 a.m.

Beginning and ending in downtown DeKalb, the route will take runners through historical neighborhoods, along the Kishwaukee River via Prairie Park, through Northern Illinois University’s campus and Huskie Stadium and ending in Van Buer Plaza with a post-race celebration. On-course entertainment includes the Huskie Marching Band, NIU Jazz Band and Steelband. For those who will not be ready for in-person racing or would like to run in the event anywhere from around the world, a virtual option is offered.

Registration is open and can be found at www.dekalbcornclassic.org.

2. Kishwaukee Sunrise Rotary presents Taste of DeKalb from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Frank Van Buer Plaza in downtown DeKalb

The event starts directly after the DeKalb Corn Classic on Saturday. Entrance to the event is free, with food and beverage vendors offering culinary options. The event is the rotary club’s primary annual fundraiser to support a $10,000 community grant that goes each year to local non-profit organizations to improve the lives of children, youth and families in DeKalb County.

Community performances and a DJ will perform from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Back Country Roads will perform from 1 to 3 p.m.

For information, go to kishwaukeerotary.com.

3. Taste of Sandwich and Craft Show on Sept. 29 and Sept. 30.

The Taste of Sandwich will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 29 in downtown Sandwich.

The event gives local businesses and organizations an opportunity to set up abundant food stands in the parking lot across from Prindi’s Antiques at the corner of Railroad and Main streets and throughout the downtown area. Bite-size samples of food and treats will be provided.

Entertainment tickets cost $5 and will be available at First Midwest Bank in Sandwich one week before the event.

On Sept. 30, two large tents will house crafts made by local artists and crafters from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. These tents will be directly across form Prindi’s Antiques on Railroad Street. Floral arrangements, jewelry, candles, metal, wood, clothing and seasonal décor and more items will be available. The event is being sponsored and coordinated by Fox Valley Community Services. Call Betty Erickson for information at 815-786-9404.

4. Clean the Kish from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

The event is free and open to everyone, although registration is highly recommended. Participants should meet at Northern Illinois University’s east lagoon on College Avenue.

Participants will be divided into teams to tackle multiple sections of the river, and participants will have a choice of varying difficulty of work. There is a picnic and opportunities to paddle the lagoon after the event. If you have a group that would like to participate or have any questions, contact the organizers at myrec.niu.edu.

5. Malta’s Fall Garland Fest from 2 to 11 p.m. Saturday

The small-town fall festival starts with a parade at 2 p.m. along Third Street. A bags tournament (registration starts at 2:30 p.m.) begins at 3 p.m. From 4 to 6 p.m., kids activities will abound with Mr. Steve Master Facilitator of Fun presented by the Malta Township Public Library. Food and drinks will be offered by local vendors. There also will be art vendors, a photo booth, mini golf, giant Jenga, a car show and campfire with s’mores.

Music will performed by Elvis & Cash from 5 to 7 p.m. and The Beaux from 8 to 11 p.m.

For information, go to maltagarlandfest.com.

Would you like your event featured in this weekly feature? The first step is submitting your events to the Daily Chronicle’s community calendar at shawlocal.com/daily-chronicle/local-events/ where they are then considered for inclusion in this feature. Submissions to the community calendar are also printed in the Thursday edition of the Daily Chronicle.