Talk It Up

by Betty Roberge

2023 Sponsorship. Thank you to our Hummer sponsors. Without these businesses and people our event would not be as successful as it is. We exceeded what was raised last year and that is definitely a good thing!

This year’s sponsors include: Hupy and Abraham, Modern Disposal Systems, Harley Davidson of Madison, Magneto’s MC, Craft Masonry, Inc., Husch Blackwell Strategies, Suburban Motors, State Bank of Chilton, Elkhorn Saloon, Roadhouse-Neceedah, Road Track and Trail, Roger “Bug” Woodke, Sunset Tavern, Beedle’s Bar & Restaurant, Club La Mark, Cousins Subs, Gaier Construction, Julie & “Worm” Grasse,  The Highground,

Jo & Mike Halvorson, Jensen’s Towing, Moraine Motel, Ray Ray’s Bottom’s Up Bar, Region 4C, Rooster’s Roadhouse, Smiling Moose Saloon & Grill, and Danny & Dawn Stoddard. If you frequent any of these businesses or meet any of these people, please thank them.

Speaking of advertising…Again, it goes without saying that the best form of advertising we have is word of mouth.

The committee has decided to present each active region with 2 complimentary Summer Hummer Weekend passes to be presented any way the region sees fit to two people that have never attended a Summer Hummer before. We hope to generate more attendees and have those folks talk it up to their friends and neighbors. As we have always said, if we can get even 25% of our own members to attend the Hummer, we would be very successful. If you don’t come for any other reason, consider this a member appreciation event, not only a fundraiser. This is a great year to show up so you can see what our new Pavilion looks like. Talk it up…bring your mothers, bring your fathers, your sisters and your brothers…(sounds something like a country song, doesn’t it?) Anyway, as Steve says we need to “Show Up.”

Day Passes. There was a lot of talk last year about offering day passes to anyone who wants to do just that…. come in for the day. This year we are offering day passes EACH DAY to anyone who wants to come up for one day only. The cost of a day pass is $30. Day pass attendees will have an exclusive parking area by the gate house and must leave by the end of each day. If you come for one day and decide to stay for two, you will have to buy another day pass for the second day at an additional $30.

Entertainment is always in works. Since last month we have contracted with Gregg Hall and the Wrecking Ball who will entertain us on Saturday night with two sets. Gregg says if the house is rockin’ they will keep playing – so be prepared to show them what we’re made of. This band is from western Wisconsin and offers tunes you’ll be sure to enjoy. As you already know, the slot for Friday night was given to The Eliminators, a ZZ Top cover band. Saturday afternoon during the “Taste of Summer at the Hummer” will again feature guitarist Gregg Hall. Gregg was extremely popular last year during the taste and is a perfect fit for our group. Then on Saturday night we will feature the Zac Matthews band who’s tunes will be more of a country/rock genre. One more musical slot to fill, then we will have a full line-up.

Just a reminder that our vendor coordinators are always looking for new vendors. If you know of someone that would work for our rally, be sure to forward that info to Lauri Shakal (715) 306-0048, Betsy Jennings (715) 533-8085, or Kay Johnson (715) 512-0062 so they can contact the vendor and get them set up.

If you haven’t heard yet, Bar Stool Racing is BACK! This has always been a favorite part of the Summer Hummer. We had an inquiry from a member last month asking what the rules for racing are. Well, they are very laid back. Anyone can join in with their own stool. Check in with Worm and he will point you in the right direction.

In addition to Bar Stool racing, we are adding a Bean Bag Tournament, both individual and team. Start practicing your arc, so you can get it in the hole! Shannon Kayhart is in charge of that activity. Contact him to sign up yourself or your team when we get closer to June. Entry fees will be posted in future Hummer newsletter articles.

Start thinking of where your talents lie and consider working a shift or two next June. It’s a great way to meet people and cultivate life-long friendships. Take it from someone who knows. Volunteer by contacting the people below.

Bar Area Leads: Brad Shakal (725) 306-0105 or Jay Goecks (715) 315-0070

Bike Show Lead: Gary Krueger (920) 994-4638

First Aid Lead: Chrissy Cartwright (608) 354-9265

Gate Lead: Bill Roberge (608) 769-5337

Grounds Lead: Robert “Worm” Grasse (920) 912-1789

Security Lead: Danny Stoddard (920) 217-3639

Taste of Summer Lead: Dawn Stoddard (920) 639-5037

Treasury Lead: Laurie Thompson (424) 940-5883

Vendor Leads: Lauri Shakal (715) 306-0048 Betsy Jennings (715) 533-8085 or

Kay Johnson (715) 512-0062

So, to recap – our main focus right now is – Talk it UP and let’s Rock The Land!

As always, forward any and all Hummer ideas, comments – good or bad – and suggestions to:

“Worm” at Robert.grasse59@gmail.com or to Betty at news30letter@outlook.com

SEE YOU IN JUNE 2023!