June 12, 2017 at 3:31 p.m.
Crowds flock to downtown for art, cars and bikes
Crowds flock to downtown for art, cars and bikes
By Kayla Thomason-
Lauren Sackett, event and program coordinator for the art show, said the vendor turnout was phenomenal and there was great foot traffic all day.
There were over 126 booths set up, which is about 20 more than last year.
She said she was pleased to welcome the Bikes and Burgers event to the busy second Saturday in June roster of events.
"I think (Bikes and Burgers) is a great event downtown to have that, it drives people downtown to eat lunch and check out the bikes and then we also have the car show on the backside of the courthouse here which has definitely been great," she said. "They're driving traffic down there, too."
"I think it's a great kick off to the summer tourism season, it definitely drives a little bit of the tourism business downtown and I think that helps not only our economy but also leaves a lasting impression that Rhinelander has great events," she added.
This was the first year Amy Zwicky, Knotty Arrow, had a booth at the art show. She makes knotted fleece dog toys and worked in animal rescue for 15 years.
"What we really love is we get to talk to people about their pets all day so it's just a fun day of hearing all these great stories about people's pets and what they have and everything. So it's kind of a social thing for us," she said.
The only inconvenience was the gusty wind that sent her and many other vendors scrambling to brace their tents or pick up products that may have been blown over.
"It's been a really great day, the only thing we're having a hard time with is the wind today," she said.
Diane Huven, first-time attendee, enjoyed her time at the art show, and sympathized with the vendors.
"I like it, it's a little windy today so I feel sorry for everybody trying to keep it together," she said.
She enjoyed browsing and seeing what everyone made, and said she'd probably come again next year.
There were 160 vehicles lined up on Baird Avenue for the Second Saturday in June Car Show. This number crushes last year's turnout of 125 or so.
"Everybody is enjoying the shade on Baird because it's so warm out today, but thank God we have the extra space because we needed it," said Tarsie Goes, co-organizer of the car show.
"It's just been a great day," she said, smiling. "First of all the weather really plays a role in having a fun day, the fact that our entire community is really supporting all three events is amazing."
She was also delighted that Bikes and Burgers made its debut on Brown Street.
"I think it's a great addition to the car show and I hope that it continues to grow and grow every year, too," Goes said.
When she heard the number of motorcycles that were on Brown Street she was just ecstatic, and she is so grateful for everyone's involvement in the events.
"I want to thank, obviously, the community for their support, all of the businesses, the volunteers that make this happen and we can't have a car show without everybody bringing their cars so that's number one and I appreciate everybody coming today," Goes said.
Lynnette Widner, another first-timer at the events, was delighted with the variety.
"It's absolutely fantastic, the cars are just phenomenal and just wandering through the craft show right now and there's just so much to look at," she said. "It's really exciting.
She really enjoyed the cars, as her boyfriend restores them.
"It's a great day to enjoy the weather and (we're) meeting new people and crafters, talking to the people with the cars," she said.
Linda Schultz participated in the car show for the first time, bringing her 2016 Corvette Stingray to put on display.
"I love it, I think it's an awesome show," she said.
She thought the size of the car, art and motorcycle portions were amazing, and she thinks it is wonderful that Bikes and Burgers has joined the party. She also noted these events are important to the local economy.
"(There are) lots of people, it's awesome for the economy of Rhinelander," she said.
Schultz was also pleased with the warm reception she has received from everyone.
"Everybody is super nice, it's a great town, the craft show is wonderful, it's an awesome show," she said.
She will probably have her vehicle back again next year.
Rod Chafer, first-timer, really enjoyed the car show.
"Pretty awesome, pretty awesome, nice cars, good day," he said.
He thinks he'll come next year and may enter his '98 Harley.
On Brown Street the smell of grilled burgers filled the air as people checked out the rows of motorcycles and popped into businesses.
Michelle Smith-Grage of Lattitudes, and co-organizer with Jim Hext and Will Roffers, was pleased with the first Bikes and Burgers, event which featured over 50 motorcycles.
"I think the turnout's great," she said. "I'm thrilled with the turnout."
She and the other organizers wanted to create an event that would blend nicely with the other two shows and still draw people to the downtown businesses.
"The car show is not coming back downtown and that's why we decided to do something like this that would complement it and I think next year it will be even bigger," she said.
Wendy Smith brought her 2012 Triumph Rocket III to put on display during the event.
"I like it, this is bigger than Tomahawk so I like it," she said, referring to the bike show.
She was excited to see the older models of motorcycles and was happy to see so much foot traffic.
Smith said she plans to bring a bike again next year.
The event was sponsored by Drs. Foster and Smith, CoVantage Credit Union and Park City Credit Union.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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