“Spring is when you feel like whistling, even with a shoe full of slush.” — Doug Larson
What a long winter this has been. Now that the weather is getting warmer, you might be looking for something enjoyable to do. There are several exciting events being planned for Shawano and the surrounding area, and I have space to tell you about a few of them.
Tonight should prove to be a wonderful evening of entertainment as some of Shawano Community High School’s best musicians perform. The award-winning SCHS jazz band and alumni will be featured. There will be cameo appearances from legends Eric Marienthal and Gordon Goodwin. Alumni Stephanie Vidalakis, Jeremy Seelig, Joe Tierney and Chris Felts will be joining in.
The doors at The Gathering open at 6 p.m. and dinner is at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are $50. There are also dessert-only tickets for $10 with admission after 7:30 p.m.
A Taste of Shawano Food and Culture Fest is being held Monday, March 31, at Shawano Community High School from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Advance tickets are available at CoVantage Credit Union and Premier Community Bank. One free raffle entry will be given with each advanced ticket purchase. Tickets will be available at the door for $15 for adults, $7.50 for kids, free for under 5. If you have never been to this event, you are in for quite a taste treat. Dance and music students from our area provide great entertainment during the event.
I might have told you before, it is my task to find speakers for our weekly Rotary meetings. It is an easy job because there are so many interesting people and groups in our area. Each presenter is unique in his/her own way; their topics are varied and interesting.
This week, Wes Martin was our speaker. He came to tell us about the “Gathering of Warriors Pow Wow,” which will be held May 16-18 at the Woodland Bowl in Keshena. The theme of the event is honoring World War II veterans and Menominee code talkers.
The opening ceremony will take place on Friday, May 16, at 6 p.m. First is a blessing of the grounds followed by the raising of family flags. Martin explained that later in the evening, 8 p.m., the Menominee Tribal Casino/Hotel will be hosting a concert by the band Rose Water.
People who attend the concert are invited to donate to the Homeless Veterans Project and the Hands Foundation. Martin explained, “There are many homeless veterans, not just Native Americans. We want to help all veterans who need it. Items such as winter jackets, back packs, boots, long johns, hooded sweat shirts, socks, new men’s underwear or flannel shirts would be appreciated.”
Martin continued, “Donations of money are also needed and used for rent deposits for homeless vets. It would break your heart if you saw how many veterans of all nationalities are living on the streets in this country. It’s a shame.”
The cost of the concert is $10. Tickets are on sale now by calling 800-343-7778, or you can buy online at www.menomineecasinoresort.com.
The admission to the pow-wow is $8 for the weekend or $5 per day. Veterans and honor guard units in uniform, tribal elders over 55 and children are free.
Martin said, “We hope to see veterans from Shawano and surrounding areas in attendance. We also want to invite the public.”
Martin is one of the head veteran dancers. On Saturday evening, May 17, there will be a Veterans Snake Dance. On Sunday, May 18, there will be an Honoring Ceremony. Martin said “it is very touching, very special.”
Wes Martin speaks from the heart. He said “we should honor people when they are here, not just when they are gone.”
Another place you might like to visit is Bubbas’s BBQ Co., located in the former Stan & Bud’s. Food is served Texas style. No frills, just great food in a family atmosphere. Folks are saying the briskets, pulled pork, potato salad and home-made baked beans are super good. A brisket plate with two sides is $10. A ¼ chicken with two sides is $7. I’ve noticed how busy they have been; it’s a great addition to downtown Shawano.
A gentleman stopped by my office on Monday. He told me how glad he was that it was warming up some. He said it was so cold in his house this winter that he had to chop up the piano for firewood — but he only got two cords.
Have a great week!
The answer to last week’s question — Who was the manager at Red Owl in 1976? — is Ray Utke.
This week’s question is: What is the name of the men’s clothing store Doug and Bev Burris owned in 2001 and who managed it?
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