2017 Verona Hometown Days

Verona Hometown Days 2017

June 1-4

Inside New parade route

Page 3

Kids events

Pages 4-5

Music all weekend

Pages 6-7

Food options

Page 8

Fireworks Friday

Page 10

Wenzel carnival returns

Page 11

Sunday fun runs

Page 13

A special supplement to the Verona Press

2

June 1, 2017

Verona Hometown Days

www.connectverona.com

Making Hometown Days ‘bigger and better’ In second year at chamber, Jordan looks to future of festival SCOTT GIRARD Unified Newspaper Group

Just making Hometown Days happen was enough for Le Jordan in her first year as Verona Area Chamber of Commerce executive director in 2016.

This year, she started making some changes – and she hopes more are coming in the next few years.

“We plan on every year trying to see if we can make it bigger and better,” Jordan said. “It sort of feels strange to already be planning for 2018 when 2017 hasn’t Jordan even happened yet, but that’s how you can make your events bigger and better.”

This year, the changes are mostly subtle, including some cross-promotion with other events in the area, four new bands and a pair of new kids entertainment opportunities. But bigger changes could be on the horizon, Jordan said, including adjustments to the beer tent and some new acts in the parade.

Jordan said the potential beer tent change would take “quite a bit of planning,” but the chamber hopes to be able to offer an area for

File photo by Scott Girard

The weather was beautiful for most of the Hometown Days weekend last year despite forecasts of rain. underage people to listen to the music acts and be part of the atmosphere while remaining separated from the beer area.

“You always have huge, big ideas (when planning a festival),” she said.

Jordan also wants to add a marching band into the

parade, which is a challenge as Verona Area High School doesn’t have one.

Other schools in the area often have graduations or other commitments over the weekend, Jordan said, which led her to the Army B a n d – bu t t h ey w e r e unavailable on the parade

date this year.

“We’re already submitting paperwork for next year’s parade,” Jordan said. “The earlier you get it in, the more they can change their (schedules to make it work).”

This year, the chamber didn’t have enough time for those major changes. But

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there are events that Jordan and office manager Molly Solie made some adjustments to.

Saturday afternoon, for example, will now include another music performance in the beer tent, along with lawn games like bag toss.

Acoustic folk music duo Casey and Greg will play from 1:30-3:30 p.m., Jordan said, “in case anybody wants to take their burgers or their brats or their pizza in there.”

Children 12 and under are allowed in the beer tent with a parent until about 30 minutes prior to the evening concerts, Jordan said, while those ages 13-20 are not allowed in at any time during the weekend.

The community is also host to events that aren’t normally under the “Hometown Days” umbrella, but happen to fall on the same weekend in the area. That includes the Ice Age Trail hike-a-thon on Saturday morning and the Home Talent baseball team’s games on Thursday and Friday nights.

“Just make the whole weekend a huge community weekend (atmosphere),” Jordan said of their goal.

“Hey, come to Verona, look at all the things we’ve got going on this weekend.”

Contact Scott Girard at ungreporter@wcinet.com and follow him on Twitter @sgirard9.

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Parade returns Sunday at noon Despite a different route, the Hometown Days parade at noon Sunday will still offer plenty of acts parading through the City of Verona.

With construction on South Main Street, organizers have moved the route to Franklin Street, but the beginning and end will remain in the same places, at South Nine Mound Road and on West Verona Avenue, respectively.

Acts this year include the American Legion Riders, the Stilt Walkers, Verona Area Community Theater, Madison Trampoline, Apple Annie Bubbles on Wheels and the Taiko Drummers.

“We have a lot of fun acts that are going to be in the parade like always,” Verona Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Le Jordan said.

Jordan added that she hopes to add more marching bands in the future – potentially the Army Band – but the timing did not work out this year.

“It’s very tough every year to get musical acts because there are no marching bands (in Verona),” Jordan said.

– Scott Girard

File photos by Scott Girard

Above, Veronans packed the streets last year to watch fire trucks, stilt walkers, dancers and more parade through downtown for the annual Hometown Days parade.

At left, the Okinawan Taiko Drummers of Wisconsin will be back at this year’s parade.

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File photos by Kate Newton

At left, David Landau has performed many times in Verona and was named the 2016 “Children’s Performer of the Year” by the Madison Area Music Association. This year, he’ll perform every day of Hometown Days. At right, Olivia Kutz, of Verona, practices with the Rhapsody Drumming Fun group. This year programs will be held at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday.

Musician, obstacle course new to Hometown Days some of the animals.

Critters at the show will be different than those at the mini zoo, but attendees can expect to meet Zelda the skunk, Amelia the wallaby and Mimi the armadillo, among other exotic birds and pythons.

Animals, magic return AMBER LEVENHAGEN Unified Newspaper Group

With music, games and crafts, there will be plenty of kid-friendly activities for families to enjoy at Hometown Days this weekend.

Some of the events – such as the penny find, magic show and mini zoo – are returning, but a new musical performance and martial arts obstacle course will be featured this year.

Magic and more

Music for kids For his first year at Hometown Days, David Landau will offer several different musical acts geared towards children every day of the festival.

Landau, who was named the 2016 Madison Area Music Association’s Children’s Performer of the Year, previously taught first grade for 11 years in Verona. He said his musical programs result from his teaching experiences.

“My programs are an extension of my favorite part of teaching, which is helping children understand themselves and the world around them,” according to his online biography.

With songs like “Mr. Sun,” “Butter Noodles” and “Five Little Ducks,” his humorous programs are geared toward young children and often have

Reese Rogers, of Verona, checks out the spur thigh tortoise at Zoozort’s mini zoo, which will be open Saturday and Sunday. anti-bullying messages.

Other themes include learning how to read and to never give up, according to his website.

Landau will perform at the kids’ tent at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday, concluding with a 3 p.m. show Sunday.

The Rhapsody Drumming Fun will also return this year, with programs

on Saturday. Divided into two different age groups, the drumming circle for 4-7 year olds will start at 1 p.m. and 8-12 year olds will start at 3 p.m.

Critters and creatures The popular Zoozort animal program will return again this year.

Noelle Tarrant, a licensed animal educator for more

than 20 years, said her goal with the program is to teach “education and respect” for all animals.

“The animal handlers and I want to get rid of fears that people might have about animals, and let people feel comfortable by being up close and interacting with the animals,” she said.

The mini zoo will be set up throughout the afternoon on

Saturday and Sunday, with programs at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m.

Sunday.

During the programs, children and other attendees will be able to sit around the stage and learn more information about each of the animals.

The mini zoo that is set up throughout the day will allow people to come and go and briefly pet or interact with

In addition to Zoozort returning this year, the penny find, balloon sculpting and magic show will also be featured throughout the weekend, along with the new obstacle course.

The obstacle course, coordinated by Infusion Mixed Martial Arts, will be open from noon to 5 p.m.

Saturday near the kids’ tent.

Representatives from the martial arts gym will also be there at an informational booth for more information about the gym and the course.

The Amazing Mr. Magic – also known as Galen Metz – will perform “strolling magic” throughout Friday, Saturday and Sunday with up close and personal magic tricks around the festival grounds. He will also perform shows at the kids’ tent at 6:45 p.m. Friday, 4 p.m.

Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday.

Kids can also make their own artistic contribution to the festival at the kids’ “Wall of Art” painting activity Saturday from 1-4 p.m.

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Verona Hometown Days

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Painting the wall Lorelei Riday, from the Town of Verona, paints an elephant on the animals section of the kids’ mural last year. This year’s “Wall of Art” will be available for painting from 1-4 p.m. Saturday.

Looking for pennies

File photos by Kate Newton

Blake Wilson, of Verona, can’t help but smile as he collects his winnings during the penny find last year.

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Four new acts, one mainstay returns Thirsty Jones opens Thursday night, Cherry Pie returns for Saturday SCOTT GIRARD Unified Newspaper Group

There will be new sounds around Hometown Days this year, with four new acts performing in the beer tent – one on Saturday afternoon.

One of the familiar favorites will return, as Cherry Pie will headline Saturday night’s event.

The other three nights will each bring a band to Hometown Days for the first time, and a new time slot for music was added this year to add something else to do during the day Saturday, Verona Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Le Jordan said.

The additions of Thirsty Jones, Casey and Greg, 5th Gear and Wheelhouse included some undercover research by Jordan.

“I went and heard a lot of different bands this year,” she told the Press.

She took some informal polls of the audience to find out why they were there and heard good responses from the “huge crowds” at shows of the three.

“ I wo u l d a s k p e o p l e there (if they) specifically came to see the band,” she said.

Jordan said it’s important to have large crowds at the music events, as it is among those that “most benefits us and the community organizations” selling food.

That same decision went into keeping a musical act on Thursday night, which Jordan said seemed to bring in a large crowd last year. That’s been a struggle over the years at the festival, as Thursday nights have drawn inconsistent groups.

“I was told that was the largest crowd they have had on a Thursday night for a long time,” she said.

All bands will play in the beer tent, with a $5 cover charge Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. The Saturday and Sunday afternoon bands are free.

Children ages 12 and under will be allowed in the beer tent with a parent until 30 minutes before the evening concerts each night, while those ages 13-20 are not allowed in the tent at any time.

“We did a good job picking music this year,” Jordan said.

Thirsty Jones When: 7:30-10 p.m. Thursday Where: Beer tent Cost: $5 Web: thirstyjones.com About: Comprised of four Wisconsin natives, the “hot rockin’ country blues band” was recently named the bronze winner of 2017 Best of Madison Local Band by Madison Magazine. That award followed a pair of recognitions from the magazine in 2016, as well. The group’s music is “heavily rooted” in country, blues and rock, but also incorporates pop, bluegrass and funk, according to its website. It features lead vocalist Kirstie Kraus, lead guitarist Jacob Vance, Brian Connolly on bass and Curt Schreiner on drums.

Photo courtesy thirstyjones.com

5th Gear When: 8 p.m. to midnight Friday Where: Beer tent Cost: $5 Web: 5thgearwebsite.com About: Recently named the gold winner of Madison Magazine’s 2017 Best of Madison Local Band, 5th Gear includes six members performing “rockin’ country” music. Lead vocalist Tim Daniels is accompanied by Michael Vett on lead guitar, Dave Allen on second electric guitar and acoustic guitar, Bruce Towle for backup vocals and bass guitar, Terry Grinde on keyboards and backup vocals and Darren Cobb playing the drums.

Contact Scott Girard at ungreporter@wcinet.com and follow him on Twitter @sgirard9.

Photo courtesy 5thgearwebsite.com

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Casey and Greg

Cherry Pie

When: 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday Where: Beer tent Cost: Free Web: dayxday.org/music About: Casey Day and Greg Matysik will offer acoustic music for all ages, along with popular classics, Irish tunes and original folk songs. The pair first began performing together in the Madison area more than 20 years ago, and Matysik also plays in the classic rock ‘n roll band Moondance. They also play the mandolin, harmonica and ukulele, and have performed in Verona before, at the Hop Haus, Gray’s Tied House and Tuvalu.

When: 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday Where: Beer tent Cost: $5 Web: cherrypie.org About: Cherry Pie is a familiar name to Hometown Days, as the cover band has played here each year since 2007.

The five-man group began in April 1999 and has since shared its 80s and 90s “hair band hits” music at hundreds of events around Wisconsin. Lead singer John Swenson, guitarist Dave Zettle and guitar and keyboardist Josh Becker have all been with the group since it began.

Drummer Frankie Trash joined in 2006 and its newest member, Kase Villand, joined in July 2014.

Photo courtesy cherrypie.org

Photo courtesy dayxday.org/music

Wheelhouse When: 1-4 p.m. Sunday Where: Beer tent Cost: Free Web: mightywheelhouse.com About: A Madison-based Americana and bluegrass band, Wheelhouse tours nationally with over 220 shows each year. The four-man group is a finalist in the ensemble vocals category of the Madison Area Music Association’s annual awards, and Kenny Leiser is one of four finalists for the strings category. The other members of the band, which has recorded three albums, are Frank Busch, Nic Adamany and Mark Noxon.

Photo courtesy mightywheelhouse.com

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Eats and treats at Hometown Days SCOTT DE LARUELLE

Food tent times

Unified Newspaper Group

It’s not a Wisconsin celebration unless there’s lots of good food to eat, and this year’s Hometown Days is no exception.

A wide variety of treats will be available, no matter if you’re looking for traditional fair fare like sweet corn, kettle corn, cotton candy and funnel cakes or more substantial meals like hamburgers, chicken, hot dogs, brats, pizza. You can also cool off with some frozen custard and yogurt, snow cones and lemonade, and enjoy a nice strawberry shortcake dessert.

Food is always a popular tradition at the festival, and Verona Chamber of Commerce executive director Le Jordan said this year’s lineup will feature a traditional group of vendors including the Optimists, Verona Senior Center selling Culver’s, Kona Ice, Orange Leaf, Verona Boy Scouts with food from AJ’s Pizzeria and Wisconsin Brewing Company.

She said last year – her first running Hometown Days – people told her they were pleased with the variety of menu options.

“They were thrilled when we added the sweet corn,” Jordan said. “People said there was something for everybody in the family, because there are so many different choices.”

Thursday: 5-10:30 p.m.

Friday: 5 p.m. to midnight Saturday: Noon to midnight Sunday: Noon to 6 p.m.

Beer tent times Thursday: 5-11 p.m.

Friday: 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Saturday: Noon to 1 a.m.

Sunday: Noon to 6 p.m.

Food tent options File photo by Scott Girard

Alexander Rudman, 4, of Verona, puts ketchup on his hot dog bun before the parade last year at the Knights of Columbus food tent.

The food tent will be open from 5-10:30 p.m. Thursday, 5 p.m. to midnight Friday, noon to midnight Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Hop Haus and Wisconsin

Brewing will supply the suds and refreshment at the beer tent, which is open from 5-11 p.m. Thursday, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, noon to 1 a.m. Saturday and noon to

6 p.m. Sunday. Jordan said Anheuser-Busch products, as well as Hop Haus and Wisconsin Brewing, will be available.

“We worked on a deal

where we could have two different distributors this year, to support both Wisconsin Brewing and Hop Haus, because they’re both local breweries,” she said.

• Hamburger stand • Sweet corn • Pizza • Brats/hot dogs • Chicken • Frozen custard/yogurt • Hamburger stand

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Taking a break

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Pancakes, childcare, craft marketplace may return at next year’s festival SAMANTHA CHRISTIAN Unified Newspaper Group

A few events are taking a break from Hometown Days this year, but Verona Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Le Jordan said people can look for their return in the future.

Marketplace Local crafters gearing up for the artisan marketplace on Saturday and Sunday will have to wait for another event to display their goods.

The chamber announced May 22 on the Hometown Days website that, “due to unforeseen circumstances we’ve had to cancel the marketplace this year in order to provide adequate attention to other events at Hometown Days.”

The announcement also said there may be a new event this fall “that will focus more on a pop-up marketplace.”

Those who are interested in participating should contact the chamber at P.O Box File photo by Jim Ferolie 930003, Verona, WI 53593 The chamber hopes to bring the marketplace back in future years, but did not have time to organize it for this year’s event. with their name, number and brief description of eating outside in the rain, year’s event because they bring the breakfast back on West Verona Avenue, what they make. c o l d a n d w i n d i s n o t couldn’t find an appropri- next year when the cham- which had been under conPancake breakfast appealing for many peo- ate indoor location to hold ber’s building renovation struction since February.

“We’ll have a lovely W i t h W i s c o n s i n ’ s p l e . O rg a n i z e r s o f t h e the event in case of inclem- is complete. The chamber is still in the process of space where they can move always-changing weather, pre-parade pancake break- ent weather. fast decided to cancel this Jordan said they hope to moving back into its office indoors if the weather is

bad,” she said.

If it’s a nice day next year, she said, people can enjoy the meal outside in the parking lot near the corner of Verona and Main streets. Otherwise, organizers can serve inside the kitchenette area and set up tables in the big conference room for people to eat.

The event has served as a fundraiser for various groups over the years, including the Verona Area High School Wildcat football program last year.

Parents night out Verona Area Community Theater is also in the midst of a building project, which is the main reason the group decided not to hold the “Parents Night Out” event for the second year in a row, Jordan said.

The childcare service, which included games, movies and snacks for kids at VACT, was designed for parents who wanted to enjoy the music and beer tent on Friday and Saturday evenings.

But parents seeking a kid-free night at the festival may have that chance at Hometown Days in 2018, as Jordan said VACT “certainly will work on doing it again next year.”

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Fireworks display Friday night Rain date June 3

If You Go

Unified Newspaper Group

Even if cloudy weather is in the forecast for Hometown Days, Verona Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Le Jordan is still confident the fireworks display will go on – especially if she has her good luck charms nearby.

“I’m going to wear my r a i n c o a t a n d h av e m y umbrella up the whole time, because every time it started to sprinkle (last year) and I’d put it on (the rain) would go away,” she joked.

The fireworks are scheduled to shoot off from the same spot behind the carnival rides at Hometown U S A C o m m u n i t y Pa r k when it gets dark around 9:30 p.m. Friday, June 2.

In the event of inclement weather, they will be rescheduled for Saturday night at the same time.

Krueger Pyrotechnics and Firework Displays, LLC out of Cuba City will put on the show, which is funded by Epic Systems Corporation. The display typically lasts around 20 minutes and should conclude before 10 p.m.

What: Fireworks display When: 9:30 p.m. Friday, June 2 Where: Hometown USA Community Park Info: veronahometown days.com “They do such a great job for us. We really leave it in their hands,” Jordan said. “It will be the same big, beautiful display it was last year.”

She said the band scheduled for that night, 5th Gear, will stop playing a few minutes before and take a break during the fireworks so people have a chance to find a spot and watch them on the festival grounds.

The fireworks display used to be held on Thursday, but a couple years ago it moved to Friday so it was no longer on a school night. Jordan said the chamber has heard “friendly suggestions” about moving it back to Thursday to draw more people in the opening night, but “for the most part people like it on Friday.”

“Last year Friday night worked really well,” she said.

Fireworks and carnival rides light up the festival grounds.

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Verona Hometown Days

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File photos by Samantha Christian

Above, people ride the Hurricane at the carnival last year. At left, Brennan Ott, of Verona, enjoys a motorcycle carnival ride.

5th year for Wenzel Amazements carnival Wenzel Amazements will return for its fifth year of providing carnival rides throughout Hometown Days.

The carnival company, which operates at similar events elsewhere in Dane County, first took over at Hometown Days four years ago after Calkins Midways had a conflict with Mount Horeb’s community festival. Calkins had previously handled Hometown Days since it began in 1979.

T h e c a r n iva l w i l l b e o p e n f r o m 5-10 p.m. Thursday and Friday and opens

at noon on Saturday and Sunday, with wristbands accepted until 5 p.m. on both days.

Wenzel, a second-generation family business owned by Ann and Harvey Wenzel, has been around since 1982 and runs more than a dozen carnivals around the state each year.

For information on the company and the rides it offers, visit wenzelamazements. com.

– Scott Girard

Get your tickets • Carnival ride tickets purchased on the festival grounds are $1 each or 22 for $20.

• Wristbands offer unlimited rides and can be purchased for $20 for a day.

• Tickets can be pre-purchased at Miller and Sons Supermarket at $5 for seven tickets.

ENJOY HOMETOWN DAYS 2017!

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Verona Hometown Days

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Hike-a-thon winds through Verona Saturday SAMANTHA CHRISTIAN Unified Newspaper Group

Photo submitted

Verona was recently named an “Ice Age Trail Community,” and the Ice Age Trail Alliance’s Hike-a-thon will end at Badger Prairie County Park here Saturday.

The sixth annual event r a i s e s f u n d s t o bu i l d , maintain and protect the trail, according to a news release. The Alliance’s goal is to raise more than $8,000 for the trail at this

event, so participants are asked to donate at least $30. Rewards are available to those who raise $50 or more.

There will not be registration the day of the event,

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so all attendees must register before Friday, June 2, at iceagetrail.org/event/danecounty-chapter-hike-a-thon.

For information, contact Lonsdorf at dblonsdo@ wisc.edu.

If You Go What: Ice Age Trail Alliance Hike-a-thon When: Saturday, June 3 Where: Ice Age National Scenic Trail Info: dblonsdo@wisc.edu

Event details Both hikes will meet at Badger Prairie County Park, Shelter #1, near the entrance at 4654 Maple Grove Dr., Verona.

The 20-mile event meets there at 8 a.m., and buses will leave at 8:30 a.m. to take hikers to the start at the Brooklyn State Wildlife Area. There will be water stops with snacks every 3-5 miles, and port-a-potties will be available along the route.

The 6-mile event meets there at 12:30 p.m., and buses will leave at 1 p.m. to take hikers to the start at Prairie Moraine County Park.

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Festivalgoers may see some extra foot traffic near Hometown USA Community Park on Saturday.

The Dane County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance will mark National Trails Day by offering people the option take a 6- or 20-mile hike along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.

Verona recently received its designation as an Ice Age Trail Community, so this year’s hike-a-thon is also an “official” part of the Hometown Days celebration, event organizer David Lonsdorf said in an email to the Press.

“These hikes are fundraisers for the Ice Age Trail,” he said. “We expect as many as 100 hikers from southern Wisconsin and further will participate.”

Buses will leave from Badger Prairie County Park to take participants to the start of the hikes.

The longer hike will go from Brooklyn State Wildlife Area to Badger Prairie County Park, while the shorter “Prairie-to-Prairie” hike stays in Verona from Prairie Moraine County Park to Badger Prairie County Park. Hikers are reminded to bring snacks (and lunch for the longer route) and at least 16 ounces of water to stay hydrated.

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June 1, 2017

13

Verona Hometown Days

Safe Ride Home returns Friday, Saturday nights The Safe Ride Home bus program will return to Hometown Days for another year to make sure those drinking alcohol Friday and Saturday nights have a way home.

The bus is usually sponsored through a grant with the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, but that did not work out this year, leaving the program in doubt for

a time. Matt Gerlach of Edward Jones offered to fund the bus instead.

The bus offers rides home between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. both Friday and Saturday nights to those living within five miles of the festival grounds.

Music ends in the beer tent at midnight each night.

– Scott Girard

File photo by Scott Girard

Kids run down the hill on West Verona Avenue last year during the fun run that precedes the parade, which will begin at 11:40 a.m. this year.

Run for fun

Photo submitted

Gym 608, which opened in Verona in 2016, will offer a Saturday morning fitness class as part of Hometown Days this year.

5K/10K, kids run before Sunday parade In a tradition that dates back to 1984, the Verona Area High School Cross Country Booster Club will once again hold fun runs for all ages during Hometown Days.

People can run (or walk) a 5K or 10K route at 8 a.m.

Sunday, June 4, which starts and ends at Harriet Park. Kids will also have a chance to run along parts of the parade route for free at 11:40 a.m.

James Egle, one of the organizers of the event, said the club wants to see families getting outside to exercise and have some fun while supporting the cross country teams. Many of the VAHS runners will be dressed in their black and orange cheering people on.

“We like to encourage healthy lifestyles for the entire community,” Egle said.

Last year’s fundraising event drew over 100 runners and netted about $3,500,

If You Go What: Kids Fun Run When: 11:40 a.m. Sunday, June 4 Where: Tent outside Sugar River United Methodist Church, 415 W. Verona Ave. Cost: Free

which helped offset the teams’ uniforms and travel expenses. Egle said that number has reached 150200 people in years past, especially if the weather is right.

“It can vary a lot,” he said. “It’s kind of a wild card for us because of Wisconsin weather in June; you never know if we’re going to get an overflow crowd if it’s a really nice day.”

R eg i s t r a t i o n i s o p e n online at bit.ly/2rUR8Ou, and people can also register

near Sugar River United Methodist Church, 415 W. Verona Ave. Even though the 5K/10K What: Fun Run 5K/10K races are just for fun, Egle When: 8 a.m. Sunday, said cross country coachJune 4 es Randy Marks and Dave Where: Harriet Park, 414 Nelson will coordinate with Mary Lou St. volunteers to manually time runners as they cross the Cost: $25 finish line. Medals for the Info: bit.ly/2rUR8Ou top three times in each age group will be handed out immediately following the the morning of the event race. beginning at 7 a.m. The For information, call Egle cost is $25. Registration for at 287-6368. the free kids fun run starts at 11:15 a.m. at the tent – Samantha Christian

If You Go

Boot camp set for Saturday morning New event will benefit BPNN Those looking for a way to work off their Hometown Days treats have a new opportunity this year with the “Boot Camp for a Cause” Saturday morning.

And they can do it for a good cause.

The event, hosted by Gym 608, will be from

8:30-9:15 a.m. at Hometown USA Park. Those participating in the “fun and high-energy workout” are asked to bring a nonperishable food item or monetary donation for Badger Prairie Needs Network food pantry.

According to the event website, the workout will be “adaptable for all fitness levels.”

– Scott Girard

Celebrate Hometown with our Beautiful

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Verona earned its nickname a few years before its annual festival began, but the name didn’t stick right away.

“Hometown U.S.A.” was the title bestowed on Verona in 1966 by members of the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division serving in Vietnam after the Verona Press printed a letter to the editor from one of its servicemen, Donald Schmidt.

Because of the free subscription sent to him (partially paid by the American Legion Auxiliary), the printing of his letter and other nostalgic things his fellow servicemen noticed in Schmidt’s description, the unit declared Verona “the perfect example of Hometown U.S.A.” They asked to adopt it as their honorary hometown.

The title was informal until the Verona Area Chamber of Commerce adopted it in 1985 and created a logo. That year the city designated June 9 as Hometown U.S.A. Day. The annual festival started in 1972 as a quasquicentennial, and a parade was held annually. Eventually, the two were tied together and Hometown U.S.A. Days became shortened by most people as Hometown Days.

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Why is it ‘Hometown Days?’

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June 1, 2017

Verona Hometown Days

www.connectverona.com

File photos by Samantha Christian

Hometown Days attendees celebrate at last year’s Spin the Wheel game, run through a partnership between the Verona Area Chamber of Commerce and the Verona Lions Club.

Spin the Wheel returns from chamber, Lions

Friday Fish Fry • Sat/Sun Breakfast Homemade Soup • Homemade Pizza Best Burger In Town • Cold Tap Beer 10 TVs • Outdoor Patio

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Same day registration accepted June 4th at 7:00-7:30am at Harriet Park.

10K/5K/Walk starts at 8:00am

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of the many prizes available, participants can have fun and help the chamber and Lions carry on their work in the community.

The tent is located just past the food stand near the Hometown U.S.A. Community Park entrance.

We’d Like to Thank Our Sponsors for their support of the Hometown Days Run/Walk.

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The Verona Area Chamber of Commerce uses the funds raised at Hometown Days to fund its operations and activities throughout the year, including a $500 scholarship for a Verona Area High School senior and Verona’s Concerts in the Park.

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1K & 2K Kids Run, register at 11:15am, race at 11:40am, In front of Sugar River United Methodist Church, 415 W. Verona Ave. (12 & under Free)

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Stop In During Hometown Days!

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the drawing bucket for that item.

Say you want to win a new gas grill, but your husband would rather win a new crock pot – the pair of you can divide your tickets between the two items.

Players can spread their tickets between five prizes, 10 prizes or every prize offered. The choice is up to you.

to high-end electronic devices, all available to be won by each player. The difference between a standard raffle and the chamber’s Spin the Wheel game is the player chooses which prizes he or she would like to vie for.

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A partnership continues for Hometown Days 2017 between the Verona Area Chamber of Commerce and the Verona Lions Club that will have the Spin the Wheel game as big as ever.

This year a variety of chamber businesses have donated over 80 prizes, ranging from gift certificates to toys to patio furniture

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June 1, 2017

Verona Hometown Days

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Hometown Home Talent The Verona Cavaliers Home Talent League team will play a pair of home games over Hometown Days weekend. The first game is Thursday against Sun Prairie beginning at 7:30 p.m., and the second game will be Friday at 7 p.m. against Argyle. Both games are at Stampfl Field.

File photo by Anthony Iozzo

File photo

This year’s car show will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the corner of Legion Street and Commerce Parkway.

Car show returns Saturday The Hometown Rumble Car Show The event will be held from 9 a.m. returns this year at the corner of to 4 p.m. Saturday, rain or shine, and Legion Street and Commerce Park- will feature cars from only 1980s and way to offer classic car owners a earlier. chance to show off their wheels.

The car show, which is about a

five-minute drive from the Hometown Days festival grounds, is among the area events the Verona Area Chamber of Commerce is promoting this year as part of the festival.

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Hometown Days Weekend!

16 Verona Hometown Days - June 1, 2017

Verona Hometown Days 2017 Schedule of Events

Saturday, June 3, 2017

8:00 am 8:30 am

Thursday, June 1, 2017

5:30 pm 7:00 pm 7:30 pm

Food Court Opens Kids Penny Find, 5-6:30 pm Beer Tent, 5-11pm Wenzel Amazements Carnival, Wristbands, 5-10pm Spin-the-Wheel, 5-10 pm David Landau Children’s Entertainment - Kid’s Tent Live Music by Thirsty Jones, 7:30 pm-10:45pm, $5 cover Baseball Game vs Sun Prairie

Friday, June 2, 2017 5:00 pm

5:30 pm 6:45 pm 8:00 pm 9:30 pm

Food Court Opens Beer Tent, 5 pm-1 am Wenzel Amazements Carnival, Wristbands, 5-10 pm Kids’ Penny Find, 5-6:30 pm Balloon Sculpting 5 pm Spin-the-Wheel 5-10 pm David Landau - Kids’ Tent Magic Show - Kids’ Tent Live Music by 5th Gear, 8 pm -12:30 am, $5 cover charge

***FIREWORKS***

Sunday, June 4 , 2017

7:00 am 11:15 am 11:40 am 12:00 pm

1:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm

Annual Fun Run - 5k/10k Run/Walk - Register Now! Kids’ Fun Run Registration - Sugar River Methodist Church Kids’ Fun Run - Parade Route Verona Hometown Days Parade (see parade route on page 9) Wenzel Amazements Carnival Wristbands 12-5 pm Food Court & Beer Tent 12-6 pm Spin-the-Wheel 12-4 pm Craft/Vendor Fair 12-4 pm ZOOZORT Exotic Animals Live Stage Show, 2:30 pm Kids’ Entertainment Kids’ Penny Find, 1-3 pm Balloon Sculpting, 1-4 pm Live Music by Wheelhouse 1 - 4 pm, No Cover!

David Landau - Kids’ Tent Spin The Wheel Drawing

For more information visit VeronaHometownDays.com Sponsored by Culver’s of Verona

We’re proud to be part of your Hometown!

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5:00 pm

Ice Age Trail Hike Boot Camp for a Cause In the Beer Tent Yard 9:00 am Hometown Rumble Car Show Corner of Legion St. and Commerce Pkwy 12:00 pm Food Court Opens Wenzel Amazements Carnival, Wristbands 12-5 pm Beer Tent, 12 pm-1 am Spin-the-Wheel 2-10 pm Craft/Vendor Fair, 12-5 pm Kids’ Entertainment ZOOZORT Exotic Animals 12 - 4 pm Kids Penny Find 12-7 pm Balloon Sculpting - 12 - 5 pm MMA Obstacle Course 12 - 5 pm Rhapsody Arts Drumming Fun, 4-7 yr olds 1:00 pm Rhapsody Arts Drumming Fun 8-12 yr olds Kids’ “Wall of Art” Painting Activity 1-4 pm 1:30 pm ZOOZORT Live Stage Show 2:00 pm Rhapsody Arts Drumming Fun 4-7 yr olds 3:00 pm Rhapsody Arts Drumming Fun 8-12 yr olds ZOOZORT Live Stage Show 4:00 pm Magic Show - Kids’ Tent 5:30 pm David Landau - Kids’ Tent 8:00 pm Live Music by Cherry Pie 8:30 pm-12:30 am $5 cover charge

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