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On Saturday, Aug. 12th, Augustfest 2023 was held downtown Wautoma at the Library and WWII Memorial parking lots and buildings. The day was a success thanks to the individuals, businesses, and civic organizations that contribute to the event each and every year. If you were a part of it, you can see it is growing and with the donations from Bowden Severns and the City of Wautoma, we are able to provide free events for the kids each and every year. The monetary donations pay for the pony rides, the face painter, balloon twister, insurance, and porta-potties.
The City of Wautoma graciously provides the WWII Memorial, picnic tables, trash cans, and helps with setup. The City of Wautoma Police Dept. provides crosswalk guards and parking lot attendants as well as assistance when needed. This year the driver of the Evergreen Chippy Express called in sick early in the morning on Saturday and there was an officer that would circle into the Wautoma High School Parking Lot to let people know the shuttle was canceled. For the entire event this was our only problem and had I known sooner I could have reached out for transportation. That taught me that next year I need to have a backup plan. I am thankful for all that attended and found parking downtown Wautoma.
One of the questions asked was where does the money go. The only funds Wautoma Main Street, the sponsor of Augustfest, keeps are the vendor fees and the silent auction funds. Those monies are put towards next year’s event. Any club or organization that does an event at Augustfest keeps the funds they raise. Knights of Columbus sponsor the duck race and keep their profits to use as they see fit.
Wautoma Kiwanis is the host of the bike giveaway and this year Kiwanis purchased four bikes, Wautoma Rotary five bikes, Bowdens Severns donated 11 bikes and Jon and Connie Hansen donated a bike. Twenty-one bikes were given away and helmets were provided by the Waushara County Health Dept. This year Kiwanis registered 216 kids for the 21 bikes. Winners included: Phalen Wemmer, Darianna Flores, Ginny Boe, Micky, Leo Angeles, Karson Recore, Brooklyn Holzman, John Pennau, Jessie Luce, Kalleigh Pecor, Ellie Hedrick, Mason Janssen, Julianna Zuniga, Braelynn Woller, Dawson Bagely, Tristen Bagely, Jaylene Flores, Hadleigh Gunderson, Penny Boe, Jocelyn Feldner, and Maverick Jansen.
The Knights of Columbus are in charge of the Duck Race and the winners will be notified by them and posted as soon as they become available.
The Wautoma Library holds their annual book and bake sale, Pine Tree Quilters, their quilt show, and the American Legion Auxiliary hold a bake sale and serve a BBQ lunch, the American Legion held a 50/50 raffle and sold flags. Sunrise Farms provided homemade Amish Donuts and Bakery and had some fresh watermelon, cantaloupe, and peaches.
The day was a success and it would not have been possible without the help of Ron Felten taking care of the vendors and making sure each had a spot in the lot and all were in and set up before 9 a.m. Randy and Deb Behringer assisted with setup and take down. Bonnie Monacelli helped with the Silent Auction and so appreciative to the many that businesses donated auction items.
The Waushara County Parks Dept. sponsored a kids rummage sale that was a great way for kids to repurpose the clothing and items that they no longer needed and make some extra money.
It is all the clubs and organizations that assisted, the individuals that help with setup and takedown, the City and the City Police Department, City Public Works, and everyone that contributed to make this event a success. I am so thankful to my friend, Bowden Severns, for his continued support that makes the events for the children free and this year we also purchased 11 bicycles with the funds he donated.
Just know that everyone one of you that participated in August 2023 I am forever grateful and look forward to working with you for next year’s Augustfest on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024.
Mary Kunasch, Chairman
Augustfest/
Wautoma Main St.
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