Menomonie three-day summer celebration starts Thursday
By Deb Anderson, Variety Editor
Monday, August 13, 2007 10:44 AM CDT
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In a simulated version of Deal or No Deal, Mary Solberg, executive director of Main Street Menomonie, contemplates trading in her case to show host “Howie Duen,” AKA Main Street board member George Acker. To see the game show spoof, stop at Wilson Park on Saturday for the Menomonie Mardi Gras festivities. Deb anderson Photos/Dunn County news
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Menomonie’s WINTERDAZE now has a counterpart. A three-day celebration, SUMMERDAZE, starts Thursday and runs through Saturday.
The family-friendly extravangaza includes sidewalk creations, arts and crafts, a community picnic, live musical entertainment, kids’ games, a movie under the stars, bargain shopping, an antique car show, a silent auction, a raffle and “Deal or No Deal.”
“It’s a great time to come and wander downtown and shop locally,” said Mary Solberg, Main Street Menomonie executive director. “Stroll the streets. We have a lot to offer. Come down and enjoy.”
Thursday, Aug. 16
A special chalk coloring contest for kids will be held from 10 a.m. to noon in the downtown area. Contestants (two age groups: 7 years and younger, and 8 to 12 years) and their parents will need to register at the Visitors Center, where chalk will be provided and a sidewalk space will be assigned. Local professional artists will judge the artwork. Age-appropriate prizes, donated by downtown businesses, will be awarded in each age group. Parents must be responsible for supervision of their children.
Summertime’s Food for the Soul art walk runs from 5 to 8 p.m. in the downtown area. Many businesses will feature local artists and their creations.
The annual Great Community Cook-out, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, will be held outside the Visitors Center from 5 to 10 p.m. Food and beverages served by local vendors will be available for purchase. Live music will be provided by The Contenders, a trio from Northwest Wisconsin, that plays a variety of dance tunes aimed to please any age group.
Friday, Aug. 17
Wilson Park is the place to be for a night of family fun. A variety of kids’ games begin at 7 p.m. “Picture in the Park,” a free movie, starts at approximately 8:30 p.m. and will feature the new release Firehouse Dog. Families are reminded to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the show on the big screen. Popcorn and other refreshments will be available for purchase.
Saturday, Aug. 18
Menomonie Mardi Gras comes to Wilson Park from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The popular flea market by Main Street Menomonie returns for another summer — with a twist or two.
Arts and crafts, kids’ activities, an antique car show, live music by “Play it Again Sam” (Sam Schrantz) and the regular Saturday Farmers Market are also on the schedule.
Auto enthusiasts will enjoy an antique car show that will line most of Wilson Avenue and Fourth Street. Emergency vehicles will also be featured for tours. Car owners and emergency personnel will be on hand to answer questions.
At 11:30 a.m., Menomonie’s answer to “Deal or No Deal” takes the stage with host “Howie Duen.” The spoof on the popular TV game show will be played out for half-an-hour on the bandshell as Main Street board member George Acker, Howie Mandell’s look-alike, emcees. Ten suitcases, sponsored by local businesses and containing various prizes, will be held by mystery caseholders. Even a mystery banker will provide counter offers.
In good humor, Acker said it is possible that visual gags will alter the timing of the show, but the show is still scheduled for 30 minutes tops.
“Some things we know, and some things we don’t. We’ll find out at the event,” said Acker. “We’re just going to have fun with it.”
Hopeful contestants may register prior to the show for a nominal fee, and will be chosen at random.
“We’re taking a few liberties with ‘Deal or No Deal,’” said Solberg. “Bring your imagination.”
A drawing for a raffle will be held at 3 p.m. Winners do not need to be present to win. Tickets are available for $1 each at the Visitors Center and can also be purchased at the park before the drawing.
First prize is a 32-inch flat-panel HD-TV complete with DVD player, donated by Walmart Distribution Center.
Second prize is a framed print by Kado Gallery.
Third prize is Main Street cash to be used in downtown businesses.
Vendors are still being accepted for Saturday for the arts and crafts and flea market booths in Wilson Park. For more information, call the Visitors Center at (715) 235-2666 or e-mail mainstreet342@wwt.net.
For more information about SUMMERDAZE as a whole, contact the Greater Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce at (715) 235-9087 or jsmith@menomoniechamber.org. |
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