We’re still here! Westboro will celebrate 150 years
Westboro is celebrating its 150th anniversary on July 26 and 27, and when only a handful of Wisconsin towns can share that milestone, spending the weekend anywhere else would be a crime.
Westboro is doing it up big for its 150th year, hosting a variety of activities sure to keep the whole family engaged starting bright and early on Saturday morning with the 5k fun run and one mile walk at 9 a.m. with registration the same day from 7-8:45 a.m. at the Rail Trail gazebo.
The Westboro Public Library will have a historical display set up so attendees can appreciate the town’s rich past while engaging in its present and investing in its future. Also at the library author Chad Lewis will give a presentation on lumberjack legends and lore, without which Westboro would not be what it is today.
The littlest of party-goers will be delighted to find Whitehaven Petting Zoo on the scene with their furry and scaly friends. Stop by the face painting booth and let your kiddo leave looking like a tiger or a superhero before playing some fun games together. A balloon animal will complete the look and have your youngsters saying they had the best day ever. You’ll find these activities on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pride Park thanks to the Westboro Pride Community Group and the Woodland Church.
A party isn’t complete without food and this one is no exception. On Saturday, the VFW will sling brats from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. while Mr. Concertina, George Dums, who is always the life of any party, provides the entertainment.
The Cravings food truck will be serving some tasty eats and the Rib Lake Lions will work overtime to keep the crowd full of cheese curds. Don’t forget to cool off with some delicious frozen treats courtesy of KJ’s Ice Cream Truck. These vendors are prepared to keep you full and hydrated all weekend long.
The event lineup honors the area’s old-fashioned traditions with happenings like the Danczyk Woodcraft Chainsaw Carver who will put on four shows on Saturday at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the corner of business Highway 13 and D next to the gazebo, sponsored by the Westboro Fish and Wildlife Club. The tractor show will be held on the corner of Highway 13 and D from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and tractors of all kinds are welcome.
Be sure to bring your dental floss for the corn roast hosted by Bottoms Up Pub and Grub on Saturday and Sunday starting at 11 a.m. until every kernel is gone. And what rural Wisconsin town can host an anniversary celebration without a gun show? Stop by the Westboro Community Center basement on Saturday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Take a peek into the past at the Bobby Framke Antique Chainsaw competition held on Saturday from 12-2 p.m. with registration starting at 11 a.m. behind the Fire Hall.
It won’t get more American than the Dairyland League baseball game between the Westboro Trojans and the Spirit Twins held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday at the ball park. Food and refreshments will be available to spectators.
Popular duo the Strat Cats are booked for the event on Saturday from 4-8 p.m. at the ballpark pavilion. They’re ready to bring the sound with your old country and rock favorites. Reunited will play at the Fire Hall from 8 p.m.midnight following the Strat Cats. They promise to play popular songs from the 70’s.
Not seen in Westboro since its centennial, the fireworks show starts at 10 p.m. at the ball park and promises to be the perfect ending to the day. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for the first fireworks display the town has put on in 50 years.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. Head to the VFW for coffee and donuts from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday thanks to the First Lutheran Church. The parade festivities start at 1 p.m. and participants will have a chance to win prizes. Join in the fun and enter the parade by calling the town office at 715-427-3566. The grand marshal is Westboro native and lifetime resident Elsie (Schmidt) Ertl. Elsie was born in 1936, a proud Westboro High graduate. After the parade, it’s back to the VFW for Westboro’s own DJ Dan Zutavern who will keep the party going.
Stop by the town office during office hours or visit the souvenir booth the weekend of the celebration to treat yourself to a commemorative t-shirt, button and can koozie.
Big or small, young or old, you won’t regret spending your weekend in northern Taylor County where there will be plenty of hot food, cool tunes, great friends, fun events and a little bit of local history.
Here’s to another 150 years, Westboro!
