At least nine downtown Wheaton restaurants and shops will compete for bragging rights on Saturday, September 5, when the Downtown Wheaton Association hosts its inaugural Corn Roast, a ticketed food event built around creative corn-based dishes.

The event runs from 1 to 5 p.m. across the downtown district. For $25, ticket holders get unlimited tastings at participating businesses, live music from Mickey Hatfield, and shopping specials throughout the afternoon, according to Patch.

The lineup includes several Hale and Front Street staples: Altiro Latin Fusion, Bien Trucha, Gia Mia, Hale Street Cantina, and Ivy Restaurant. They're joined by 302 Wheaton, Baby Doll Bakery, barcacaochocolat, and Kimmer's. Additional participants may be added; the DWA's ticket page lists the full roster.

Two awards are at stake. Attendees vote for the "Grain Prize Winner," while a separate panel of judges crowns "The Cream of the Crop." The DWA has not publicly released judging criteria or named the judges.

The competition format is new territory for the association, which typically programs music and shopping events like the Hale Street Tents and the Summer Wine Walk. Allison Orr, the DWA's executive director, said in a July 14 news release that the summer lineup aims to bring the community together while supporting local businesses.

Several Corn Roast participants already operate under the Hale Street Tents, the DWA's outdoor dining program now in its sixth year on Hale Street. Altiro Latin Fusion at 132 N. Hale St. and Bien Trucha at 133 W. Front St. will be competing with corn-based dishes alongside their regular menus.

The Corn Roast adds a head-to-head element the DWA hasn't tried before, giving participating businesses a public stage beyond their storefronts.

Tickets are available at tickets.visitdowntownwheaton.org. All sales are final; if the event is canceled, the DWA will email purchasers with options.