With regret and sadness, White County Historical Society Board of Directors has made the decision to
cancel the traditional Corn Tasting Event and Open House of their Museums on Corn Day for this year.
With the continued increase in COVID-19, cases the Board determined it to be too dangerous and
irresponsible to invite people to mingle in the small rooms of the Ratcliff Inn and Robinson Stewart
House and the tight exhibit arrangements of The L Haas Store Museum. Although the Museums are air conditioned, the filtration is not considered COVID-19 protection sufficient and natural ventilation is also insufficient for COVID-19 safety.
We have invited White County 4-H to use both front windows of The Haas Store Museum. One will
introduce the Corn Day King and Queen candidates and cover the history of that long standing Kiwanis
Club-White County 4-H tradition of recognizing accomplished 4-H members. The other will celebrate
100 Years of White County 4-H. Those displays should be in place the entire week before Corn Day and
continue for a few weeks. Please find an opportunity to stop and view those windows.
Opening the historic museums to share the exhibits with the public and offering the opportunity to
share a bite of tasty homecooked corn products with the public has been a part of Corn Day Saturday
morning in Carmi for many years, and the Society members and Board plan to reinstate this tradition
when conditions permit. We regret having to make this decision, and we made it with the well-being of
our volunteers and the public in mind. We wish the best for sponsors of all the events and those who
choose to attend Corn Day activities. May you enjoy the festivities and stay safe.
