Summer Hummer Report

by Betty Roberge

2023 Sponsorship. We have hit the deadline for sponsors to be included on the posters. If you know of any sponsor wanting to be included let me know NOW! Posters will be printed by 1/15/23. Reminder that sponsorship can still be accepted and any printing/advertising going forward will have all sponsors included on it. Sponsorship is the responsibility of the entire organization, not just the committee. If we want to have a successful event and fundraiser, we need to be successful at raising money to do so. One way is to solicit sponsors to help us out in lieu of advertising for their businesses. Be sure, when you visit our sponsors, to thank them for supporting the Summer Hummer.

Speaking of advertising…Again, it goes without saying that the best form of advertising we have is word of mouth. Please include the Summer Hummer as a topic at every meeting you hold and bring a group of members with you when you come in June. The Hummer committee has always said that if we could get at least 25% of our own members there we would be very successful. Honestly, I think we could do better than 25%. If we reach that goal and throw in a few members from the general population (outside of our organization) well, that would be the WOW factor for us.

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. Well, the committee listened and 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.

Entertainment is still in the works. Since last month we have contracted with the Zach Matthews band. They are from right here in Wisconsin and offer country/rock tunes. 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 once again feature guitarist Gregg Hall. Gregg was extremely popular last year during the taste and is a perfect fit for our group. More band will be announced in future articles as contracts are signed and more slots are scheduled.

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. 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 – continue to solicit sponsors – and vendors. If you have ideas, let us know.

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!