June 7, 2017 at 4:17 p.m.
A weekend of fun: Downtown Rhinelander to host art fair, car show and bike event
A weekend of fun: Downtown Rhinelander to host art fair, car show and bike event
By Kayla Thomason-
This year's twinbill, the 31st for the art fair and 20th for the car show, is set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 10. Adding to the fun, a third event, Bikes and Burgers, has been added to the roster.
"The Art Fair is an event that has really evolved with the times," said Lauren Sackett of the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce. "Trends have changed and so have the goods that people offer. Also, it's the perfect time of the year for an event like this. Kids are out of school and summer tourists are starting to come to the area. Plus it's a beautiful atmosphere, we are in the center of the Rhinelander community and it allows our attendees to do more than one thing throughout the day."
The event typically draws over 100 craft vendors who line the sidewalks and lawn of the courthouse as well as Davenport Street, displaying their products from textiles to toys, shiny jewelry, woodwork, photographs, paintings and more.
"We have such a wonderful variety of vendors," said Sackett.
The Rhinelander Lions Club, The Almond Tree and the Gyro Stand will return to feed the hungry crowd.
New this year will be a Kids Karnival booth, which will be helmed by several non-profits and clubs, giving children more to do.
The Rhinelander Community Band will provide musical entertainment from 10 a.m. to noon.
When the weather is cooperative, the art fair and car show typically draws 2,000 to 4,000 people.
Bikes and Burgers
Downtown Rhinelander Inc. will host "Bikes & Burgers" in downtown Rhinelander Saturday to coincide with the annual Art on the Courthouse Lawn and the Second Saturday in June Car Show.
"The event will be a fun day of displayed bikes of all kinds, music and great food from restaurants located in the downtown," organizers said in a press release. "From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. all makes and models of motorcycles are welcome, vintage, modern, cruisers, cafe racers, choppers, dirt bikes, even scooters. Mel's Trading Post will also have a large display of pedal bikes. DRI is seeking proud motorcycle owners to shine up their bikes and bring them down for display! Trophies will be given for first, second and third place for best bikes. All bikes must remain on display during show and registration is free. To top off the day, right in the center of it all, live music by the Chillbillys will be rockin' the stage located at the intersection of Brown and Davenport streets. The music starts at 2:30 p.m. and ends at 5 p.m."
For more information on how to register a bike, visit Denim & Leather Exchange located at the intersection of Brown and Davenport streets or visit www.Downtown Rhinelander.com.
Car Show
The 20th annual Second Saturday in June Car Show will be held on Baird Avenue once again this year, as the second phase of the downtown Rhinelander streetscape construction is not yet complete.
"With all the great comments we got last year and seeing the possible growth of this year's car show it (Baird Avenue) definitely fits our needs as far as space," said Tarsie Goes, co-organizer, adding that it also works well to have the car show right next to the art fair.
However, downtown merchants and those hoping to shop downtown don't have to fret about the distance.
"We have managed to have a really wonderful sponsor who is donating the use of a shuttle van, which will be able to give people rides from the craft/car show area to the downtown area, so that's really helpful for anyone who wants to do additional shopping, food, parking, so that's going to be really useful this year," Goes explained, adding that she hopes it helps bring in the elderly or those with young children.
Goes has also heard from those with vehicles in the show that they enjoy the location.
"I think they enjoy the space," she said. "Parking was much better for the show vehicles as far as keeping their vehicles safe. Walking traffic was really, really nice."
Another bonus about being on that street is that by mid-afternoon the trees offer some nice shade.
Goes thinks the show will grow to 150 vehicles this year, and will include a variety of makes and models.
Vehicle registration is $15.
Other than registering the car, there is no charge to the show, and those bringing cars can do so at 7 a.m.
People will be voting on their favorite vehicles, and awards will be handed out for people's choice, driver's choice, mayor's choice, different stock and modified categories, best paint, truck and van, and more.
Voting slips are available at the booth and slips must be turned in by 11 a.m. to one of the boxes located randomly throughout show or at the registration table.
"We're just excited to have the show," Goes said.
She is hoping for wonderful weather like last year.
For more information on the car show visit www.facebook.com/RhinelanderCarShow or www.rhinelandercarshow.com.
Kayla Breese may be reached at kayla@rivernews online.com.
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