Nitty Gritty

by Betty Roberge

It’s two months away and we’re starting to get down to the nitty gritty. Now is the time that we start verifying contracts, timelines, advertising, vendors, and gathering our volunteers that make it all happen.

Posters are done and were distributed at Officer’s. It’s extremely important that these posters get hung where they will be noticed by the general public as well as biker friendly places. These include the Taste of Summer posters as well. The general public can buy a $30 day pass to enter on Saturday and then buy a $20 “Taste” pass and enjoy wines, beers, cheeses, and meats for three hours while listening to guitarist Gregg Hall. Saturday day pass attendees are also eligible to stay to enjoy our evening entertainment, the Zac Matthews Band. What a great way to spend the day!

Be sure to thank this year’s sponsors. These sponsors provide much needed funding to our Hummer budget and by doing so allow us to offer attendees many extras. Our 2023 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-Necedah, 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.

We will be unveiling, so to speak, our new pavilion at the Hummer this year. By that I mean the Hummer will be the first major event being held where our pavilion will come into play. We are working hard to get this 100% paid for with donations and our members should appreciate the fact that this project has moved us up a notch on becoming more independent meaning we no longer have to rent a tent. Over a five-year period, this alone will save ABATE close to $25,000 that if we continued to rent, we would never get back. Yes, the pavilion cost more than that to build, but it’s ours and it adds value to your membership and the organization.

 Another way the committee has thought of in attracting some new people is to give away two free tickets to members who’ve never been to the Hummer before. How are we going to do this? We have given 2 complimentary tickets to the Regional Reps of each active region. They have the authority to distribute them to members that have never been at the Hummer before. If you are reading this and haven’t been to this event, go to your regional meeting and find out how you can qualify. There are several regions that have already distributed their tickets so we should see some new faces at the gate.

Again, ABATE is 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.

Advance Tickets are available for purchase now on Wild Apricot. Be sure to take advantage and save yourself a little cash. There is also an order form on page 10 of the newsletter if you are not inclined to purchase tickets online and check with your regional rep to see if they have some for sale directly in your region.

Entertainment is all but wrapped up and is as follows: Thursday night-Gregg Hall and the Wrecking Ball. Gregg says if the house is rockin’ they will keep playing…..so let’s make some noise! Friday early evening has Sammy Ray Marshall followed by Eliminator, 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.

Do you know a vendor who would be a good fit for us? The vendor coordinators are always looking for new vendors. Be sure to forward that info to Lauri Shakal (715) 306-0048, Betsy Jennings (715) 533-8085, or Kay Johnson (715) 512-0062 in order for them to 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.
Not only is bar stool racing back, but so is Beer Bobbing and a Tattoo Contest. And new this year is a Pin-Up Girl opportunity. Ladies will have the chance to “pose” with bikes in the bike show and have their pics taken for a small fee. Details are still being worked out but be sure to order your fishnet stockings girls.

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 in 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 – Hang up those posters and spread the word. We’re down to the nitty gritty. In our case, it’s more than just a dirt band.

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!