It’s SHOWTIME!

by Betty Roberge

Summer Hummer is finally here. The year of preparation has already started to show off with all the help that took place during Land Warming. That’s the time that a ton of projects are completed at the land that will show off what ABATE of Wisconsin has to offer at the Summer Hummer. I hope everyone has talked it up and our attendance is better than ever. Like everybody says – size matters (Oops, I mean to say numbers matter.) And numbers will be what makes this fundraiser successful. We are a big organization and incur large expenses to get our work done. The fundraising starts here.

If you haven’t made your plans yet, you still have time. Online Advance Tickets are available until June 5^th. After that you pay $40 at the gate if you are a member, or $75 at the gate if you are not. Hope you didn’t procrastinate and saved yourself a little money. Don’t forget to let everyone know that Day Passes are available for every day at a cost of $30, so even if you can’t devote a whole weekend of crazy fun, camping, and music…you can have one day.

Keep talking it up! Word of mouth is one of the best ways to advertise, so don’t be shy.

The Vendor girls have a great lineup of food and wares vendors. Be sure to visit them often and let these vendors know that we appreciate their commitment to the Summer Hummer. Food vendors include, Courtlyns’ Sweet Shack, Betty’s Tacos, Kelly’s Concessions – burgers, etc., Shooster’ Grill – grilled foods/breakfast, and Tom’s Mini Donuts. You won’t go hungry for sure. Still have vendor questions? Be sure to forward them to Lauri Shakal (715) 306-0048, Betsy Jennings (715) 533-8085, or Kay Johnson (715) 512-0062. They are more than willing to help iron out your wrinkles.

Our bands, if you didn’t already know, start out with Double Threat on Thursday afternoon followed by Gregg Hall and Wrecking Ball. Friday offers American Tailgate/Sammy Ray Marshall followed by Eliminator a ZZ Top Cover band out of Chicago. Saturday during the “Taste” guitarist Gregg Hall will soothe us with his acoustical guitar renditions of our favorite songs. You asked for it, and you’ve got it. In the evening we will be entertained by the Zack Mathews Band with a few country tunes.

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. A big shout out to all of them. This event couldn’t be as effective without your help!

 If you haven’t heard, we have added a new Sponsorship Banner Program for the Hummer this year. Businesses are invited to purchase a banner that will be hung in the bar area of ABATE Acres from mid-May to mid-October. Sizes and costs are 4’ X 4’ = $300; 4’ X 6’ = $400; and 4’ X 8’ = $500. If you know of any businesses that would like to showcase their business through a summer long Summer Hummer banner, have them complete the order form found in this newsletter and return it along with payment to Laurie Thompson. It’s a great way to remind our members what businesses support us – every time we go to the land.

And….what a great way to showcase our new Pavilion, but at the Hummer. This will be the first major event being held at the land where our pavilion will come into play. As long as we’re talking pavilion, we are working hard to get this 100% paid for with donations. We should pat ourselves on the back because this project makes us a little more independent and adds value to our land and organization. Besides saving us money each year on tent rentals (about $4,500/year) the building will hopefully generate some income for us in the future. It certainly, adds value to your membership and to the organization. If you haven’t succumbed to buying a brick already, they are still being sold, but there is an end date very close on the horizon. The build will be taking place soon – so order now. And drop your change at the Hummer to add to the fundraising effort and get that balance whittled down. In addition, there will be a few items specifically earmarked as a donation for the Pavilion Fund.

This year at the bar we are offering 6 beers for the price of 5 but only if you buy a “Raisin’ the Roof” ice bucket to put them in. You can use the bucket all weekend long and the bucket is yours to keep afterwards as a remembrance from the year we built the Pavilion.

Bar Stool Racing, Beer Bobbing, and the Tattoo Contest is BACK! Feeling a little provocative? There will be a photo opportunity for any Pin-Up Girls in the making. Ladies will have the chance to “pose” with bikes and have their pics taken for a small fee.

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 Shannon to sign up your team. Entry fees and rules/regs will be posted at the Hummer. Tournaments are being held on Thursday and Friday.

Of course, the Summer Hummer and all of its antics could not go on without countless volunteers to help out. Start thinking of where your talents lie and consider working a shift or two at the party. If you have a special talent and want to help out, contact 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 – COME TO THE HUMMER – HAVE FUN – AND REMEMBER, “WHAT HAPPENS AT THE HUMMER, STAYS AT THE HUMMER!”

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 A FEW WEEKS!