by Betty Roberge

Our Summer Hummer committee meetings are some of the most well attended. That is exactly what we need because the feedback we are given only makes our event bigger and better.

There was discussion about some of our areas that need a little more improvement. Ice was one of them. We spend a huge amount of money on ice each year at very little, if any, profit. One of the reasons for this is the rental of ice chests or a truck to keep the ice frozen. There are very preliminary plans in the works to alleviate some of those costs….but more about that another time.

We also discussed advertising and where we can better spend our money. We have already placed an ad for next year’s Hummer in the Wisconsin Motorcycle Roads booklet that is available throughout the state. Hoping that will let people know way in advance of our Rally so they can better plan for it.

The bands have been chosen. They are Jack Damage, Sammy Ray Marshall, Double Threat, 10 Feet Tall, Los Guys, and Rising Phoenix.

We have decided to add a “Bring Your Own Everything Swap Meet.” What does that mean? Exactly what it says. Anyone wanting to set up a table and sell at the swap meet needs to bring their own pop-up tent, tables, chairs, and whatever else they need to set up their booth. The entry price is the cost of a $30 Day Pass. Please be aware that the items you can sell at the swap meet should relate to motorcycle parts and pieces. In other words, no jewelry, no leathers, etc. If you want to sell those items at the rally you need to become a vendor. The swap meet will be held on Saturday only.

The committee is putting out bids to bring in a sound and lights production company. This is in an effort to keep our costs down. If you have suggestions, please let us know.

We plan on restructuring our volunteer rebates for working (2) 4-hour shifts at the Hummer. The last few years we have been refunding $35 toward your yearly gate entrance. There is some discussion about giving volunteers “ABATE Bucks” again that could be used for merchandise in products, for bar chips in the bar, or possibly turned in as partial payment of your yearly dues. Nothing has been decided yet, but is still in the discussion phase. So, more on that later.

Keep thinking of vendors you would like to see here and forward those names so they can be invited for the 2024 event.

That’s it for now. Keep those innovative ideas coming so we can tantalize our attendees next June! That sounds exciting, doesn’t it?

Let’s rock and roll into 2024!