As announced during the 2022 National Sweetheart Pageant, the Hoopeston Jaycees, National Sweetcorn Festival Foundation, and National Sweetheart Pageant Executive Board have committed to continuing the legacy of our late Executive Director Cliff Crabtree, through the renovation of the stage at the McFerren Park Civic Center. 

Cliff was one of the resident "fixer-uppers" of the Hoopeston Jaycees, and throughout his life had planned and completed many park renovations in order to continue the tradition and progress of the National Sweetcorn Festival and National Sweetheart Pageant.  We are thankful for his dedication to our organization, which has allowed us to touch countless lives across the country, and world, through our events each Labor Day Weekend. 

We can think of no better way to honor Cliff's life than by making sure this stage renovation sees completion. We are seeking monetary donations in order to jump start this project. We hope you will join our efforts, and that you will come visit us soon in Hoopeston to see all the good that happens here. Thank you for your support!

Below are images of some of the damaged portions of our stage. If our campaign is successful, the entire stage will be rebuilt.