2010 Fun Fest kicks into high gear
The 2010 version of Fun Fest in New Richmond is underway
The annual New Richmond Fun Fest is planned for July 8-11.
Most Fun Fest events will take place at Cyclone Park, next to Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College. Parking is ample and free near the grounds.
Thanks to sponsors, there’s no cover charge for the bands, said Russ Korpela, executive director of the New Richmond Chamber. All acts have been told to bring “family friendly” shows.
“Our goal is if a family comes down they can do a lot of things without spending a penny,” Korpela said.
This is the fifth year that Fun Fest has been held at Cyclone Park rather than downtown. Kinks have been worked out since the move.
“The formula is working very well,” Korpela said. “People are really having a good time out there.”
Putting on Fun Fest costs about $70,000, Korpela said.
“We couldn’t do it without the sponsors and people who come down,” he said. About 300 people volunteer at some point over the weekend.
Fun Fest' first day, Thursday, started off with a sidewalk chalk drawing contest in front of Sweet Greeting candy store in New Richmond.
That was followed by the opening of the midway of rides, offered by Christman Amusements, at 5 p.m., along with happy hour.
Skitzo took the stage Thursday night, performing music by Lady Gaga, Pink, Katy Perry, Britney Spears and Madonna.
Other weekend events are:
Friday
The food booths open on Friday at noon. There are seven food stands on the grounds, all run by local nonprofits.
Korpela said he and other organizers watch the food booth lines to see how long the waits are. If lines get consistently long they’ll think about adding more food vendors, but that’s not the case yet this year, Korpela said.
Music on Friday night will start with local band Ten Mile Creek at 6:30 p.m., followed by another local band the Dweebs at 9 p.m.
Crazy Days sales at more than two dozen New Richmond will also be on Friday.
Saturday
Saturday is packed full of events and entertainment.
New this year is the New Richmond High School All Band Reunion. A mixer will be from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., under the big tent. Everyone is welcome to attend.
About 300 past band members have said they’re coming, Korpela said.
Following the reunion and some practices, the New Richmond Alumni Band will march in the Fun Fest parade, which starts at 5 p.m. Other marching bands in the parade are from New Richmond High School, New Richmond Middle School and Osceola.
Korpela said it’s getting harder every year to find marching bands, a trend that will probably continue. The chamber is budgeting for other kinds of entertainment along the parade route, like bands on trailers, clowns and animals, he said.
They are expecting about 80 units in the parade, which is average for Fun Fest, Korpela said. Those interested can still register for the parade by calling the chamber office at 715-246-2900. Preregistration is required.
The parade route will again start at First National Community Bank, on Second Street, and head south to the former Pamida building, at Paperjack Drive.
It’s the fourth year for that route, Korpela said.
“Our biggest concern is safety for the participants and the spectators,” Korpela said of planning the route. Each year, this route seems to be the safest option.
Live music Saturday includes the NRHS band and alumni band concert at 6:45 p.m., Freebird, a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band, from 6:30-9 p.m., and Arch Allies, a Journey tribute band, at 9:30 p.m.
“Many people come down to the festival area after the parade,” Korpela said. “It’s probably the busiest time of Fun Fest.”
Also planned for Saturday are an antique and stock tractor pull at 10 a.m. in the Domain parking lot, 156 High St.; a pie and ice cream social from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at United Methodist Church, 209 E. Second St.; a kiddie parade at 11:30 a.m. at The New Richmond Area Centre, 428 S. Starr Ave.; a children’s water contest at 1 p.m. at the Fire Hall, 106 N. Arch Ave.; fire department water battles at 2 p.m. at the Fire Hall; and a classic car show from 2-6 p.m. at Cyclone Park.
Sunday
Sunday is family day, with a community worship and praise band.
Parking is free, and there’s no cover charge for the events.
Sporting events are also on the Fun Fest schedule.
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