I’m always worried when I want to thank people and I might leave a name out….so I’ll just give many, many thank-yous to our wonderful sponsors and many volunteers for their time, talent, and treasure to ensure that the Wilton Founders Day Event thrives and prospers!
The fact is, this yearly event would never happen without sponsor, volunteer, and community support. Special thanks to Hy-Line North America, who single-handedly sponsored the very popular Fun Zone.
Costs for this event range from $30,000 to $35,000 and as costs go up, we must make sure we can pay our bills and still put on a great community party. We had a few hiccups, and that is to be expected, but overall, Founders Day 2023 was a huge success!
Now on to Muscatine County Freedom Rock Smorgasbord which takes place at the Freedom Rock in downtown Wilton on Labor Day, Monday, September 4, starting at 3:30 pm. The Wilton vs. Durant vs. Blue Grass Fire Departments will start off this event with a water hose fight tournament and may the best team win! Last year’s winners were the Durant Fire Department.
The Smorgasbord will begin serving our 25-cent meal at 4:30 pm. The meal consists of a brat/bun or hot dog/bun with chips. Wilton Candy Kitchen will provide the delicious ice cream and we will be popping popcorn too! The Wilton American Legion Auxiliary will be selling water and soda products for $1.00.
As in years past there is only one plate of food per customer and no carry-outs.
Luke Thompson will begin the program with singing the National Anthem.
We are selling $5.00 raffle tickets. The proceeds go for the upkeep and improvements of the Muscatine County Freedom Rock Veteran’s Memorial Site.
The $5.00 raffle includes the following prizes:
• GRAND PRIZE---Outdoor Patio Furniture set with gas fire pit
• 4-Burner Expert Gas Grill and cover donated by Wal-Mart
• Tabletop Indoor Grill donated by Eastern Iowa Light & Power Coop.
• Elliptical Machine donated by Treadmill Heroes
• Pair of ISU Football Tickets
• Pair of UNI Football Tickets
• Pair of Iowa Hawkeye Girls Basketball Tickets
• Riverside Casino package
• Round of golf and a cart from Wahkonsa Country Club
• “All Around Town” package consisting of, among others, gift certificates from Axe & Oak Whiskey Bar, The Mill Sports Bar & Grill, Wilton Café, Arty’s Ice Cream & Grill, Car Wash tokens from Brammeier’s Tire & Auto, $50 Casey’s gift card from JM Eagle, Travel mug and Gift Certificate from Niche Etc., $25 gift certificate from Wester Drug, $20 gift certificate from Wahkonsa Country Club, one-year subscription to the Advocate News.
These are all great prizes so buy your $5 ticket today! Tickets are available at the Wilton Chamber and Development offices in City Hall, the Candy Kitchen, and Brammeier’s Auto. Labor Day is right around the corner!
Becky Allgood
Director, Wilton Chamber & Development Alliance
563-732-5002