Rendezvous looks to make new home in Cadott

Cadott Village Board

A new home for the Chippewa River Rendezvous is in the works, after organizers for the event requested use of the Cadott Nabor Days mud bog area.

The request came during a regular Cadott Village Board meeting Nov. 16, after Rendezvous organizer Hope Jones says the group is trying to expand and bring education to another town. Previously, the group held their annual event in Cornell.

Jones explained the Rendezvous history re-enactment event, where organizers try to bring the past, to the present. She said people set up camps and fires, and dress in timely fashion, to demonstrate the living history. Jones says there is also a flea market, to raise money so they are able to continue holding the re-enactments, since the group is a non-profit.

“We try to get it to put it on for the kids,” said Jones, adding there are some hands-on activities for youth.

Jones says door prizes and raffles are also part of the event.

“We try to help out the town as much as we can,” said Jones.

She says the group also asks for donations from area businesses for the silent auctions and the raffles.

Jones says the group is willing to follow any rules and regulations the village has, regarding use of the mud bog area.

Board president Anson Albarado asked when they would like to hold the event. Jones says they usually hold Rendezvous during the fourth week in August, which would be Aug. 28-29, but are willing to be flexible to match when the mud bog area is available.

Jones says the event would only be on Saturday and Sunday, but the camps do like to set up during the week prior.

“It takes time,” said Jones of preparing for the event.

Albarado also asked if the group would need the restrooms at the park. Jones says that would be nice and they usually also bring in a porta potty.

Jones also says Rendezvous likes to work with other nonprofi t organizations, such as the Lions club, to serve lunches during the weekend.

Tom Spaeth, Rendezvous organizer, says they will likely ask the Cadott Lions Club if they are interested in doing a meal, if use of the mud bog area is approved.

“We have no problem working with the community itself,” said Jones. “We’re open to options.”

Rolly Tichy, public works, says the only thing he can think of that might be planned for that weekend at the park, is youth baseball. Cadott Police Chief Louis Eslinger also noted a car show was held near the mud bog area last year, on the fourth week of August.

Jones also noted they have had a car show hosted at the event before. Raymond Knez, Chippewa River Rendezvous, says coordinating with the car show or another event, might help draw in more people.

“Have you taken a good look down in that mud bog area and is there enough room?” asked Albarado.

Spaeth said, from the road, it looks like it will be plenty of space.

“There’s actually more room down there, than there is where we have been having it in Cornell,” said Jones.

Board member Bart Chapek says it sounds like a good idea.

“It’s always good to have something going on,” said Chapek.

Randy Kuehni, board member, asked if there was a reason the group is not planning to hold Rendezvous in Cornell. Jones says they are just looking to expand to a different area. The board will decide whether to allow the Rendezvous to use the mud bog area, at the next regular meeting.

Members also approved the installation of a fall protection system from Sesco on the north water tower. Tichy says the current fall protection device on the tower has reached the end of its lifespan. He says there is a good possibility, that if someone were to slip while climbing up or down the tower, the system would not hold them.

“It’s seen it’s better days,” said Tichy. “It’s a safety issue.”

Albarado asked when the replacement would take place. Tichy says no date has been set yet.

Les Liptak, board member, asked what the expected life expectancy of the fall protection system is. Tichy says the same type of system was put on the south tower in 1993, and is still working.

Tichy says Sesco is a reputable company, so members approved the purchase and installation of the system for $9,951.

Members also approved the submission of a safe drinking water loan program application. Tichy says the state and federal program is meant to encourage the replacement of lead, and galvanized, pipes.

Len Schreiber, Cedar Corp., says the private lead service line replacement program asks that municipalities determine how many lead or galvanized pipes they have, and how many they think they can replace.

“From the curbstop to the house, is typically what they are trying to do,” said Schreiber.

From there, they are entered to get awarded some of the available funds. Schreiber says there are a few ways to go about the project, if the village is awarded money, but said his suggestion, is a municipal bid contract, then reimbursement.

The annual Cadott Community Association (CCA) sleigh ride was also approved by the board, as long as recommended safety precautions are followed. The event is set to take place Saturday, Dec. 12, at 5 p.m., with wagon rides around Riverview Park.

During correspondence, clerk Sandy Buetow reported the village received notification that Waste Management officially purchased Advanced Disposal.