Summer Hummer Report

by Roger “Bug” Woodke

“Pleased to meet you, hope you guessed my name. But what’s troubling you is the nature of my game” – The Rolling Stones.

Shoveling, snow blowing, salting, plowing, spinning, sliding, the effing polar vortex…Bwaaagh! Had it with winter yet? Fear not brothers and sisters, for in less than four short months from the date of writing this article it will be time for the ABATE of WI, Inc. official State Rally – The Summer Hummer – located on our grounds named ABATE Acres between Greenwood and Thorp in Central Wisconsin. Dates for this year’s rally are June 13-16, 2019.

The gate opens at noon on Thursday, June 13^th. There you can get your wristband (Member: Advanced Ticket purchase $25/at the Gate $30. Non-members: Advanced Ticked purchase $50/at the Gate $55. Day Pass $20). You can also renew your membership or sign up if you are not a member yet. In addition, fire rings, firewood and picnic tables can be purchased/rented. Fire rings and picnic tables are on a first come, first served basis. There is also a map showing the location of various Region’s/Group campsites to help you decide where to set up.

ABATE Acres provides all the amenities you need. The Bar Building sells ice, water, soft drinks and a variety of fermented malt beverages. This is also where you get you bar chips and can purchase tickets for the cash raffle and other weekend raffles as well. There is an ATM located inside the bar area and also a cell phone booster to help with your phone reception. We are after all, somewhat in the boonies. Need ABATE swag? Dawn and Steph and their helpers have products set up in the BOD meeting room. The grounds have a modern bathroom/shower building and there will be a variety of food vendors and merchandise vendors available to fill all your wants and needs.

So, what goes on at the Hummer? Well, there is a weekend long contest for the best themed campsite. Take a stroll and see what the imaginations of some of your fellow members have come up with.

Thursday evening features the “Dating Game” presented by products co-chair Stephanie. Thursday night also features the big bonfire and music in the bar building by MPS or CD. You are welcomed to bring your own favorite selections to share.

Friday afternoon features a Kornhole Tournament and Beer Bobbing. Also scheduled is the ever-popular Bar Stool races.

Music under the tent Friday night features Your Mom-The Band as opening act followed by Back Alley Kings.

Saturday, once you’ve shaken off the cobwebs, will be your last chance to purchase the State-Wide Cash Raffle tickets as well as tickets for other weekend raffles being held. The voting for “Best Themed Campsite” continues as well and the Kornhole Tournament will finish up. There will be a Loud Pipes Contest, Bike Show, Tattoo Contest and Bike Games. A second round of Beer Bobbing and Bar Stool Racing will also be held. Live music on Saturday evening starts off with Bobby Blues Tortured Souls followed by Hyde.

The Summer Hummer is a chance to kick back and celebrate our lifestyle with like minded brothers and sisters, meet new friends from around the state and elsewhere, and generally party hardy.

Ok, guessed my name yet? Here’s a hint: Just because a pig valve has been installed in my heart, that doesn’t mean that eating bacon is cannibalism.

Finally, the Committee works the entire year to set up and put on this rally. One of the best ways to meet your fellow members is to work one or more shifts in any of the various departments. Contact one of those listed and sign up.

After all, “There’s Nothing Like A Hummer in the Summer!”