Gave’r Hell in ’21

by Betty Roberge

Wow…The Summer Hummer committee is in awe. ABATE put on a great event and it’s all because of YOU. ABATE is YOU. Our attendance was up from our 2019 Hummer and that’s a trend we wanted to see. Bigger and better as we continue to grow. If anyone has any suggestions on what we can do to improve, please send your comments to news@abatewis.org. Other than a few minor hiccups, it went off without a hitch. The committee plans on having an intense after Hummer meeting in July and going over the good and the needs improvement items.

The Vendors – What a great turnout! We had enough vendors this year to wrap around the side of the shower building and snug up to our food court. It was good to see new and different vendor faces. I hope you all were generous with them and brought home some trinkets you couldn’t live without. That helps get the word out so new vendors are knocking on our door just to get in.

The Bands – I think everyone kicked up their heels this year. It seems like all of us missed being out on the dance floor due to the VID, so this year we sure kicked up some dirt under the big top! Kudos to the Back Alley Kings, Bobby Evans and the Alimony Blues, Double Threat, Eager Beaver Band and Richrath Project 13 for entertaining us with your music all weekend long. Twit mentioned that he’s never seen the dance floor so crowded on Saturday night at the Hummer as it was this year! If you’re a music fan like I am that makes me happy to hear.

The Taste – We couldn’t have had a better turnout for our maiden voyage of the Beer, Wine, Cheese and Sausage tasting that we called the “Taste of Summer at the Hummer.” Some members were a little apprehensive about how this would be received, but well received it was and my guess is that it is around to stay. Thank you to all the tasting vendors that took a chance on our first time at putting this together. Many good comments were heard from those of you that attended – and the attendees weren’t all ABATE members or here for the Hummer. Two guests that I spoke with won their tickets and decided to try it out…they had fun and got a chance to learn a little bit about ABATE…bonus.

The Wedding – What a beautiful ceremony took place in biker fashion. The blushing bride rode in on the back of her father’s bike in a black leather duster and looked gorgeous walking down the “aisle” under the main tent where her intended was waiting for her. Family members along with members from their region (2E) were able to attend. Congratulations go out to Kat and Kris Reese. May you enjoy many more Summer Hummers together.

The Attendance Raffle – Was won by a local woman from Greenwood and it was substantial! Congratulations – What do you want to bet that she lets everyone in the area know that she was the big winner. I would guess that other area residents are on the grounds for next year’s drawing. We couldn’t ask for better advertising.

The Barstool Races & The Bike Games – Two staples that really gets the crowd roaring. The Minibike was given away on Saturday night and that too, was a big draw. Our tickets sold out before the weekend even started! Thank You for the very generous donation by Matt Kolath, his son Kyle, and his son-in-law Kyle. I hear they will be donating minibikes for ABATE to raffle off for the next 3 years. It’s generosity and commitment like this that makes ABATE so strong. It’s always fun to watch the skill level of our members and their “partners” during the bike games. I’m impressed with the accuracy and experience of our riders. Thanks, Scotty too Hotty for making this happen every year.

The Rest of the Attractions—From the Ladies Ride, to the Tattoo Contest, to the Bike Contest, to the Axe Throwing Demo, to the Bikini Bike wash, and the Underwear Parade. You make the Hummer shine and inviting. Thank you for all your hard work and for making this Hummer a success.

The Gate – (I had to throw that in here). The gate is our first line of engagement for attendees. Bill and I can’t thank those members that stepped up and worked the gate enough for being there. We come across a lot of different circumstances and scenarios that need to be worked out and everyone working needs to be on deck at all times. This is my favorite area to volunteer in because I have the opportunity to meet everyone that comes to the property, and it is an honor to work alongside some of the best people in the organization….

It might take a village to raise a child, but it takes our Membership to have a Hummer.

Until next year, keep those memories fresh, your bike sunny side up, and your magnets on your refrigerator.