#cornyval

Cornyval aesthetic 

Since 1966, the Helotes Cornyval has been a stable for Old Helotes’ townspeople. From children, to teens, to adults, and even senior citizens, the Helotes Cornyval has countless attractions to offer its patrons. As the Helotes Cornyval enters its 47th year, the Helotes Festival Association prepares for what they call “the best iteration of the Helotes Cornyval yet.”

     According to the Helotes Cornyval website, the Cornyval first started to “celebrate the building of the new local post office and was primarily financed by the late John T. Floore, founder of Floore's Country Store which still operates in downtown Helotes.” Since that time, the Helotes Cornyval has become a huge financial and cultural success for the town of Helotes. What started as a simple celebration turned into a financial windfall for Helotes as well as the many non-profit organizations that participate in the Cornyval each year.

     The Helotes Cornyval has grown from a small endeavor into a large-scale festival. As is stated by the Festival’s website, “In 1989 the Helotes Festival Association entered into a purchase contract on a 15-acre permanent site for Cornyval…In 1996 the Helotes Festival Association purchased an additional 9 acres.” The increase in land was necessary for the Helotes Festival Association as the Festival’s popularity has grown, leading to attendance records of 35,000 plus in recent years.

     The popularity of the Helotes Cornyval has been a blessing for the many non-profits that participate including: “the Helotes Lions and Lioness chapters, all area churches, the Helotes 4-H Club, the Masons, Order of the Eastern Star, Casa Helotes Senior Citizens Center, the Helotes Police Department, the Helotes and Grey Forest Volunteer Fire Departments, the Helotes Optimist Club, O'Connor High School Drama, O'Connor High School FFA as well as the Helotes Historical Society and booster clubs from area schools.” Additionally, there are many sponsors of the Helotes Cornyval that also benefit from its popularity including: Coors, Ancira Dodge, Wrangler, Vulcan Materials, Welder's Supply, Pendleton Whisky, Saddle Stiff Enterprises, Cavender's, Boot City, Tom Watkins, DDS, Young Bros Fire Protection H-E-B, Pure Party Ice, Hooves & Paws Vet Clinic, Anderwald Feed & Pet Supply, Chuck's Transport, Dr. Brian Harle, Burkholder Air & Heat, U.S. Army, Great Northwest Recycling, Yamaha Fun Center, Mertz Sausage, UBuildit, H.E.B., Walmart, Alamo Attractions, Comfort Inn and Suites, Candlewood Suites, C-6 Disposal Service, Donna Gottwald Family Dentistry, Helotes Ag Boosters, Helotes Collision Center, Helotes Echo, Hip Dingo, IPAC, Master Marine, Salsalito Restaurant, and Texas Diamond & Jewelry.

     Though the Festival Grounds holds the main festival attractions, from rides and food booths to theatre shows and petting zoos, there’s plenty more to the Cornyval. From May 2nd to May 5th every year, people visiting Helotes are treated to a bevy of shows. First there’s the Miss Helotes Scholarship pageant, where local Sandra Day O’Connor young ladies compete for a grand prize of up to $5,400 in gifts and compensations. Then there’s the rodeo show that entertains a hundreds with bull and horse riding and comedic clown acts. But the main event is the Cornyval Parade. Acting as the final attraction, thousands come to see the many non-profits being showcased at the Festival. From parade floats to dancing, it’s truly a sight to behold.

Friday-Sunday:  April 29-May 1

 Helotes festival grounds.  The grounds are located on Leslie Rd. just off of Bandera Rd in Helotes, Texas across from the entry to O'Connor High School.

Come on by for food, crafts, rodeo, pageants, live music, & RODEO! :)