Summer Hummer Report - January 2026

Betty Roberge

Kudos to all of our members for coming together and finding sponsors for the Summer Hummer. We are well on our way of meeting our goal of securing funding to cover all of our band expenses, but haven’t quite gotten there yet. Remember that although December 31^st was the deadline for a sponsor to be included on our Hummer poster, it doesn’t mean we are done soliciting. Any sponsors that come in after the end of the year, will still be included on other forms of printed media, the newsletter, the event schedule handed out at the gate, and featured on our website.

Worm wanted to be sure to let you know that the Summer Hummer T-Shirt contest is in full swing. The committee will be choosing the final design at the February Officer Training / Board of Director’s meeting. The best design will receive a FREE ticket for entry into the 2026 Summer Hummer. So, get those creative juices flowing and good luck with your entry.

You all know that it takes a village…..which means we need to get our volunteer lists narrowed down and locked in. Please decide where you individually, or your region as a group, can donate some time or talent and let those department heads know. We especially need coverage every year in our first aid station, which needs to be manned continuously. If you can’t reach one of the department heads, let Worm or Marie know so they can put you on a list.

Volunteer by contacting the following:

Bar Area Leads: Brad Shakal (715) 306-0105

Bike Show Lead: Gary Krueger (920) 994-4638

First Aid Lead: Open

Gate Lead: Bill Roberge (608) 769-5337

Grounds Lead: Robert “Worm” Grasse (920) 912-1789

Security Lead: Danny Stoddard (920) 217-3639

Swap Meet Lead: Gary Krueger (920) 994-4638

Treasury Lead: Laurie Thompson (414) 940-5883

Vendor Leads: Lauri Shakal (715) 306-0048 Betsy Jennings (715) 533-8085

A few things to look forward to on the grounds. A new permanent food court pavilion was built where our white temporary tents used to be in the food vendor area. You will also be able to appreciate the new floors in the shower and restroom building. The money to make these improvements came directly out of the Dan Frantz Fund to cover improvements at ABATE Acres. All of the money contributed to this fund is done on a voluntary basis and none of the money comes out of our general funds. If you are interested in boosting the balance in the Dan Frantz Fund and supporting future improvements at the land, I’m sure your donations will be put to good use.

The committee discussed at length Hummer advertising that has been done in the past. It was decided that we are not getting much of a bang for our buck from the way we’ve advertised before whether it be by radio or newspapers. Bill Roberge, who is a lead at the gate, has always said that the Hummer would be very successful, if we could get our own members to attend. As a point of reference less than 10% of our members come to the Hummer. Think about our success if we at least doubled that number. So, we are going to do a direct postcard mailing to our members themselves asking them to come to the Hummer. Not only that, if they give that postcard to a non-member friend that attends, their friend will be able to enter the grounds at the member’s rate instead of the non-member rate. The postcard will then go into a drawing. The winner of that drawing will receive the cash equivalent of their individual entry fee as a thank you for bringing a new attendee to the Hummer.

Just a reminder that the gate prices have been increased by $5 each. That means that a member gets in for $45 and a non-member gets in for $80 at the gate. Of course, advance ticket prices will still carry a discount, so order early and save yourself some money.

Isn’t it June yet? Can’t wait.

Hope to See You There and Tell Your Friends!

Worm at Robert.grasse59@gmail.com or to Betty at news30letter@outlook.com

Save The Date – Hummer 2026 is June 25, 26, 27^th!