Oconto Falls’ biggest weekend of the year is right around the corner.
The Oconto Falls Memorial Day Celebration kicks off May 22 and runs through May 25. The weekend includes a Memorial Day service, the 11th annual Dash O.F. Color, carnival, car show, fireworks, softball tournament, food stands and live music.
Another highlight of the weekend is the annual Memorial Day parade at 12:30 p.m. on May 25, which this year will have Wade and Tina Jeske serving as grand marshals.
The Jeskes own Lena Swamp Archery near Oconto Falls.
“Tina and I are kind of quiet people, and when Barb Salscheider asked us, the reason we did it is because you cannot say no to Barb,” Wade Jeske said. “Barb is special. She does so much for the town. I told Tina if it hadn’t been Barb, I don’t know if we would have done it.
“The more I thought about it, I grew up in this town. I was only gone for four or five years 30 years ago. I know most of the previous grand marshals, had worked with them and knew them growing up, all special people. It makes you feel really good to be a part of that group.”
“I feel the same way,” Tina Jeske said. “I grew up on a small farm, and I was totally shocked when Barb asked us.”
Tina Jeske has epilepsy and isn’t able to drive, Wade said.
“She’s a stay-at-home mom,” he said. “We have three kids, the youngest two have autism, and they’re part of the Bridge the Gap center in Shawano. We’re a good team; we’ve been married 33 years.”
The parade’s grand marshals are usually a husband and wife, he said.
Besides Memorial Day events, Oconto Falls High School will also hold its graduation ceremony May 24.
“They have a really good group with the Lions and Lioness clubs, and the businesses support it really well,” Wade Jeske said. “They have graduation on Memorial Day weekend, and the class that has their 50th (anniversary) is honored and is part of the graduation process.”
The Jeskes have donated in the past to local police and fire departments as well as individual fundraisers.
“I never say no,” Wade Jeske said. “We always do something. I always tell people I don’t need any recognition. To be honest, I’m doing this more for Tina’s sake. She’s the one that’s at home, and I don’t have to worry about anything at home.”
“Whenever I tell him I need something, he jumps in the car and goes,” Tina Jeske said.
The Memorial Day service is scheduled for 11 a.m. May 25 at the Oconto Falls Area Veterans Monument, located on Farm Road just north of Woodlawn Cemetery. The service will be held rain or shine, and those planning to attend are asked to bring a chair.
The Dash O.F. Color is a non-timed 2-mile run/walk scheduled for 9 a.m. May 23. The Oconto Falls Lioness Club sponsors the event, with proceeds going back to the community. Participants will run, walk, crawl or stroll through color and confetti stations, with prizes to be awarded for costumes, colorfulness, largest team, and more.
Participants can pick up information packets from 1-6 p.m. May 22 at the Oconto Falls Community and Senior Center, 512 Caldwell Ave., or from 8-8:45 a.m. before the start of the event at Memorial Field. Online registration closes at noon May 22, while registration will continue in person May 23 at Memorial Field, 500 N. Chestnut Ave.
Advance wristband tickets for the carnival cost $22 and are available at several locations, including Mercier’s Fastop, Iverson’s Piggly Wiggly, Salscheider’s Antique Bar & Liquor, United True Value, NEW Credit Union, The Penguin Again and through Oconto Falls Elementary School.
Wristbands are good for unlimited rides from 6-10 p.m. May 22 or noon to 4 p.m. May 23 or noon to 4 p.m. May 24 or 6-10 p.m. May 24.
Unlimited wristbands will also be available at the carnival, but will cost $25.
Fireworks are scheduled for approximately 9:15 p.m. May 23, with Diversion, a band from Marquette, Michigan, performing starting at 5:30 p.m. Diversion replaces the previously booked band, Patrick Murphy and the Cream City Cowboys.
Other scheduled live entertainment are Steve Peterson at the beer stand on May 23 and Beachfront Avenue during the car show.
The car show, sponsored by the Oconto Falls Sno Jokers snowmobile club, will be held at Memorial Park and feature several vehicles, including motorcycles and tractors. Money raised at the event, scheduled from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 24, is earmarked for local veterans. Judging will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. and trophies will be presented at 2 p.m. Beachfront Avenue will perform starting at 10 a.m. and food, beer and other beverages will be available.
Several teams are already signed up for the softball tournament, which will be held May 22-25 at Memorial Field.
