Cornell sets the scene to be the Sturgis of ATVs

By Ginna Young

“It’s a community event, you don’t have to have a fourwheeler to participate. You can just come down and enjoy the festivities.”

That’s what Cornell Area ATV Riders Club member Sandy Schecklman wants the public to know about the ATV/ UTV Show & Rally that is coming to Cornell, Saturday, Aug. 28. Through the club, Schecklman and Bill Kvapil are trying to promote the event, and make it big enough that it becomes an annual happening.

“It means a lot to us if we can get this established,” said Kvapil.

To begin the day, an ATV/UTV parade heads down Main Street at 12:15 p.m., with line-up near Holy Cross Catholic Church.

“Anybody with a four-wheeler is welcome to join us,” said Schecklman. “Just meet us up there at noon, at the high school.”

The vehicles should be clean for the parade and the following show, and decorated machines are welcome to take part. Any local businesses are welcome to join in to advertise their business.

Businesses are also welcome to set up at the show and swap meet at Mill Yard Park, from 1-6 p.m. During that time, the swap meet vendors will come in with ATV parts and tires, and trailers, along with craft vendors.

“The more the merrier,” said Schecklman.

A chicken dinner is available for purchase, with corn on the cob, which can be eaten there or as a carry-out, with a beer garden and water, and soda for the little ones.

Included in the event, are remote control races, which begin at 2 p.m., followed by the Rockin Billy Band from 4-8 p.m., and from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m., the Reflections of Sound DJ.

Kvapil says the park is the best place to have the free event, with all the history behind it, and that it’s a perfect showcase of what the area has to offer.

“This is to bring more people into this community…to try to get more people in here to let them know what Cornell really is about,” he said.

The show also offers trophies in the categories of Modern, Vintage and Most Dressed Up (Fancy). Kvapil said the club does still need judges from the general public who know something of the machines, especially the vintage ones, to hand out awards.

Kvapil also said while the club has received raffle prizes for the event, they could always use more if someone would like to donate anything.

The club has a list of nearby campgrounds available for any other clubs who attend that want to stay overnight, or they can camp overnight at the Mill Yard.

“If they’re going to camp down at the park, we need to know ahead of time, so we have a spot for them,” said Schecklman.

To reserve a Mill Yard camping spot, call 715-226-0542 or 715-226-0543.

Any money raised from the event goes back into routes and trails for riders to utilize, as well as maintaining signs around town.

In addition, the club wants to give money toward something for youth in the area.

Schecklman says with 40 Cornell club members alone, there should be a good turnout of ATVs/UTVs and that she hopes the community joins in on the fun.

“We want to be the Sturgis rally of ATVs,” said Schecklman.