🌽 Origins & Background - The festival traces its roots back to Le Sueur’s deep connection with the Green Giant Company, founded in 1903 as the Minnesota Valley Canning Company by local merchants in Le Sueur. It eventually adopted the Green Giant identity after introducing its "Great Big Tender Peas" in 1925 and formally renamed to Green Giant Company in 1950. - Le Sueur became known as the “Valley of the Jolly Green Giant”, and the community embraced that identity for decades.
🎉 Evolution of the Festival - Originally called "Corn on the Curb Days", the festival was rebranded over time into what’s now known as Giant Days or Giant Celebration, typically celebrated on the first weekend in August. - It has been a multi-day event featuring local traditions: parades, concerts, athletic events including 5K runs, car shows, a corn feed, youth activities, a teen dance, and a fireworks show.
📅 Festival Format & Events - Thursday: Teen dance, games & snacks initiated by local volunteers and the Lions Club. - Friday: Vendor openings, bounce houses, Minn‑E‑Rods tractor pulls, and evening concerts. - Saturday: Early-morning 5K walk/run; Classic car roll‑in; Arts & crafts fair; Kids’ entertainment: pony rides, sinking for treasure at the pool, hula-hoop contests; Polka music, bingo, grazing vendors, and big live music events culminating in fireworks Saturday night - Sunday: Annual parade at 1 pm; Followed by the Giant Corn Feed (free with a button), music in the park, water fights, and a corn-eating contest; Evening raffle drawing and entertainment. Attendees purchase a Giant Days button (∼ $5), which doubles as all‑access pass and grants free sweet corn on Sunday.
👑 Community & Culture - The festival is closely tied to Le Sueur–Henderson Royalty, who host youth-centered activities like the Princess Tea Party and help run kids’ events throughout the weekend. - Each year features a designated Grand Marshal—local community figures honoured during the kickoff. For instance, Art and Barb Straub served in 2024. 🏭 Industry Changes & Legacy - Even after the Green Giant plant in Le Sueur closed in 1995 (with headquarters moving earlier in 1979), the town retains the festival as a celebration of its heritage. - While the old Green Giant museum and signs in Le Sueur were removed after 2018, the festival and local memory persist. One Reddit commenter noted: “I grew up in Le Sueur and for some reason they gave up their Green Giant Museum and pretty much gave Blue Earth all the Green Giant clout. Sad.”
📈 Timeline Highlights - Early 1900s Minnesota Valley Canning Co. founded in Le Sueur - 1925 Introduced giant peas, launched under “Green Giant” name - 1950- Company renamed Green Giant Company - Mid‑1900s - Emergence of Corn on the Curb celebrations - Late 20th century Festival evolves into Giant Celebration/Giant Days - 1995- Local canning plant closed in Le Sueur - 2018 Museum exhibits removed; artifacts sold off - Present Giant Days continues annually, first weekend in August
🧭 Why It Matters - Giant Days isn’t just a festival—it’s a living tribute to Le Sueur’s past as the birthplace of an iconic American brand. --= - - Though the Green Giant brand has moved on corporately, the local community continues to honor its heritage through celebration, food, music, and tradition. - It remains one of southern Minnesota’s beloved small-town festivals, featuring parades, sweet corn, fireworks, and family fun for generations of visitors and residents alike.