Although the temperatures were soaring early, folks still made it out to Wilton Fest on Saturday and enjoyed quite a variety of events. For the early birds, there was a 5k run called the Turkey Trot, which started at 7 a. m.. Then there were duck races that started at 11 a.m., a bean bag tossing tournament at 1 p.m. and a night capper of live music, dancing, beer and fun.
There were volleyball and softball tournaments for the sports enthusiasts. Spectators could choose which events to watch, or just jog back and forth between them.
Maverick Schumacker, a five year-old daredevil in training, was up early with his family and hitting the eclectic array of super inflatable-outdoor-bouncers. When Maverick reached the top of the highest bouncer, he took the long slide back to the bottom. Another time, he went halfway up and jumped to the awaiting fluffy air-floor. In between jumps and slides he would slug back some cool lemonade and mentally prepare for his next feat. Mother Autumn, father Nick and baby sister Chevelle cheered him on, often giving Maverick a motivating, pressure building countdown. “This is amazing free fun,” Autumn stated. “There are no lines here and our boy is thrilled to impress us.”
If you wanted one of the cool, delicious tasting lemonades that kept Maverick’s motor running, you would just walk down the slight incline towards the softball field and purchase one from Brennen Mack, Sierra Pasch, Stella Mack, or Nora Mack. All were highly trained professionals and masters at their craft. They handed out lemonades for the Falcon PTA, at five dollars a pop, and would gladly refill the colorful containers for a fraction of the original cost. All four of the youthful entrepreneurs had big smiles and stellar attitudes. Nora Mack, known in the lemonade circles as Cool Girl, walked around with a sign indicating that the beverages were for sale, and that donations were accepted and appreciated.
The bean bag competition was intense, and many folks participated in the event. One competition involved Jonah Sedlacek (Eau Claire), Javon Mallory (Virginia; there visiting his aunt), Alania Thom (Chippewa Falls), and Mike Kropiwka (Mauston). Mike used to play soft ball back when it was Wilton Wood Turtle Days. Sedlacek would tally up the points as bean bags fell through the holes. Sweat poured from the contestants as the heat ramped up, surpassed only by the humidity.
In the midway there were many items for sale. Stealz-n-Dealz was present and accounted for. Tiffany Berg, owner of the company, had tables full of intriguing merchandise to peruse and choose from. She usually sells at 1011 Berry Avenue in Tomah, just behind the post office. Berg is a modern day owner and operator, selling items that she gets from Amazon. Berg has always donated items for benefits when requested. She is trying to earn enough money to open her own store. Tiffany also teaches others how to get into the business and do well. Berg is full of useful information, including the fact that the music would be inside in the evening due to possible incoming storms. Stealz-n- Dealz is on Facebook, just in case you have any questions.
All of these people and many more were fully enjoying the festivities at Wilton Fest. Whether it was the crack of a bat hitting a softball, the sight of red and blue bean bags sailing through the air, the sound of laughter as kids launched themselves off the super inflatables, or Cool Girl Nora Mack barking out “Lemonade for sale!,” everyone was caught up in the energy of Wilton Fest.
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