SpringFest springs up to support charitable causes

Regev Nystrom, The Leader-Telegram, Eau Claire, Wis.
·3 min read

CHIPPEWA FALLS — SpringFest makes its return next weekend for two nights of music, as proceeds from the event will go towards helping community causes.

“SpringFest started 15 years ago as a fundraising project for the Chippewa Falls Rotary Foundation,” said Hugh Crane, the event’s coordinator. “Bill Febry, who helped establish Oktoberfest, came to us and said, ‘If you’re looking for a fundraiser, do something that’s all about spring.’”

And years later it has done just that, evolving into a musical venue that is now a fixture of the annual entertainment calendar in Chippewa Falls.

“The proceeds go to the Chippewa Falls Rotary Foundation and they go to our youth directive — projects and nonprofits in Chippewa Falls that deal with kids in need,” explained Crane. “A few examples with that would be Mentor Chippewa, the after-school program at the YMCA providing meals for those children, and Cardinal Landing.”

“The other project that the foundation has done, is that we have nearly completed a complete renovation of Harmony Court in downtown Chippewa Falls, which we put over $60,000 into,” he added. “We have, in fact, since since 2011, we have given back to the community, uh over $370,000.”

The event will feature several headliners, including John Stone and the Trailer Park Allstars from Nashville, who have been able to fill venues with thousands of people. The band, much like the year prior, will dedicate a majority of their time taking audience requests.

“Last year, he did everything from ACDC to Eric Church, and from Eric Church to Elvis Presley,” said Crane. “So people can expect a Broadway Nashville experience in the Chippewa Falls on Friday.”

He also promises great food on the concert grounds, covering a range from hot beef to brisket, to Asian fare.

“All the food vendors, everything is inside the concert bowl. So if you want to get food, you don’t have to leave the concert bowl; you can still watch and hear the music when you’re getting your food.”

The concert this year will take place at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, 225 Edward St. in Chippewa Falls, on Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18.

Scheduled acts are:

Friday, May 17

• Evan Pingel — 6-7:30 p.m., Leinie Lodge Beer Garden

• Nashville’s Own Elliemay & The Nashville North Band — 7:30-8:30 p.m., Leinenkugel’s Main Stage

• John Stone & The Trailer Park Allstars — 8:30-11:30 p.m., Leinenkugel’s Main Stage

Saturday, May 18

• Contradiction — 2:30-4:30 p.m., Leinie Lodge Beer Garden

• Boogie & The Yoyoz — 5-8:30 p.m., Leinenkugel’s Main Stage

• Hairball — 9-11 p.m., Leinenkugel’s Main Stage

Tickets can be purchased in advance by going to tinyurl.com/3syyn3vv, and VIP tickets are available that include free beverages and dinner courtesy of the Sandbar and Grill, exclusive access to the Sandbar and Grill VIP tent, and assigned seating in the first five rows. Please keep in mind that ticket purchases made the day of the show will be subject to an extra $5 per ticket.

Tickets have been selling at a quick pace, so Crane advises getting tickets as soon as possible.

For more information on the event, please go to their webform at tinyurl.com/bdfxbssy.