April 28, 2021 at 4:27 p.m.
Hodag Heritage Days to debut May 17-22
Hodag Heritage Days to debut May 17-22
By Stephanie Kuski-
Thirteen different activities will be spotlighted throughout the week-long event, including various art contests, scavenger hunts, Hodag decoration contests, Hodag heritage videos, special Hodag food and beverages, a Parked Parade and even a Hodag Heritage Ceremony.
"We really want to give people a reason to celebrate, to appreciate each other and our heritage," noted RACC events and program coordinator Rachel Boehlen. "We are providing a mix of in-person activities and virtual activities along with focusing on our local business partners. We encourage everyone to join in - this event is for you!"
"We're really proud of our community and the way everyone bounced back and the way everybody supported each other through the pandemic," Boehlen added. "This just gives everybody a chance to celebrate our heritage and our history and be proud of where we came from."
The week-long event will provide a much-needed kick-off to summer following a year of few citywide celebrations, so residents and tourists alike will have plenty to look forward to.
Two scavenger hunts will take place the week of May 17. During the Hodag Mini Statue Scavenger Hunt, one statue will be hidden per day and a clue will be released at 10 a.m. daily on RACC's Facebook page. Those who find the statue will receive local business coupons. If no one claims the prize, more clues will be released intermittently throughout the day.
Hodags Throughout The City Scavenger Hunt will also take place beginning May 17 in which interested individuals will scour through the city in search of Hodag murals and statues. The Chamber will release an information sheet and check-off form that can be printed from RACC's website or picked up at the Chamber the week of the event. Those who return their check-off form by noon on May 21 will receive a Hodag prize bundle.
Throughout the week of the event, local businesses from across the city will also feature special Hodag-themed food, beverages and other retail items. A complete list of participating businesses will be released the week of the event. Local businesses who wish to participate by offering special items can email assistant@
rhinelanderchamber.
com by May 3.
Back by popular demand, Kerry Bloedorn of the Pioneer Park Historical Complex and Ben Brunell of The Hodag Store are also teaming up once again to spotlight Hodag history by showcasing one new video on RACC's Facebook page every day the week of May 17.
Local artists of all skill levels interested in showcasing their talent during the week-long event can also join in on the fun by creating original 3D and 2D art.
Artists interested in participating in the Hodag Heritage 3D Art Contest are asked to visit the RACC website to complete a participation form to receive a blank Hodag statue now through May 14. Participating artists are to decorate the six-inch Hodag statue to fit this year's theme "history of the Hodag." Completed statues must be returned to Tom's Drawing Board by noon on May 14. The statues will be displayed at Tom's Drawing Board from May 17 through May 21. A panel of judges will award first and second place prizes for the children's category (ages 1 through 11) and the adult's category (ages 12+). Winners will be announced during the Hodag Heritage Ceremony on May 21 at Pioneer Park.
2D artists can also participate in the Flat Medium Art Contest using watercolor, oil, pencil, colored pencils or acrylic to create a design that also fits the "history of the Hodag" theme. Those interested in participating are asked to visit the RACC website to complete a participation form by May 3. Completed art must be returned to Diane's Frame Shoppe by noon on May 14. The art will be displayed at Diane's Frame Shoppe from May 17 through May 21. A panel of judges will once again award prizes for the children's category (ages 1 through 11) and the adult's category (ages 12+). Winners will also be announced during the Hodag Heritage Ceremony on May 21 at Pioneer Park.
Three different Hodag Spirit Contests will also be offered as part of the week-long celebration. RACC invites individuals to decorate their homes and businesses with Hodag decor, as well as individuals to dress up in the spirit of the Hodag for a chance to win a Golden Hodag Trophy. Participants must submit one photo of their Hodag-themed business, home or a selfie by emailing assistant@
rhinelanderchamber.
com by noon on May 14. Three separate winners - one for the business, home and individual category - will be announced on May 21 during the Hodag Heritage Ceremony.
Several events are to take place on Friday, May 21. RACC is hosting a Parked Parade from 3 to 5 p.m at Pioneer Park in which parked, Hodag-themed floats will line up along Martin Lynch Drive so parade spectators can walk or drive by. Those interested in participating in the Parked Parade are also welcome to join. Visit RACC's website for an entry form.
The hoopla of the week-long event will culminate during the Hodag Heritage Ceremony, which will begin at 4 p.m. on May 21 at Pioneer Park. Spectators are encouraged to wear green and white to celebrate the day in true Hodag fashion. The Rhinelander High School band will kick off the event with live music and the Hodag himself will make an entrance as the ceremony begins. Winners from the various contests will be announced, event co-sponsors will speak and Mayor Chris Frederickson will close the ceremony with an official Hodag Day Designation. Event organizers noted social distancing during the in-person ceremony is appreciated.
On the last day of the event, bikers are welcome to join Val Foley for the inaugural Tour de Hodag Bike Ride, where Foley will lead bikers on a six-mile ride through the Northwoods countryside. The group will depart from the County Road K Bearskin Trailhead at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 22. All levels of bikers are welcome and helmets are required.
For more information about the Hodag Heritage Days, visit RACC's website at rhinelanderchamber.
com and follow the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook. For more information, email
assistant@rhinelander
chamber.com or call RACC at 715-365-7464.
Stephanie Kuski may be reached at stephanie@rivernews online.com.
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