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A 4th of July Spectacular in the Hills of Western Wisconsin

Tucked away in Southwest Wisconsin, Richland Center is a community of roughly 5,000 people that’s the perfect spot for a low-key getaway. The town features a collection of popular community events including RC Thunderfest, Motorsports Mayhem, and the Churning Dirt National Truck & Tractor Pull. It’s also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts where visitors will find activities from horseback riding on local trails to trout fishing in nearby streams.

 

RC Thunderfest has been a go-to pre-4th of July experience since its inception, and will take place July 1 at Krouskop Park. The family-friendly event is free to enter, offering a full day of entertainment and activities. The Arts and Crafts Fair and Flea Market with artisans and vendors selling unique handmade items and artwork wil kick off the festivities. A variety of musicians will play live throughout the event including Zac Matthews, Blackwater Gin, Maggie Mae, and more. The event offers a variety of things to do for kids, from a 90-foot obstacle course to magic shows. The day comes to a close with Thunder in the Hills, the event’s signature fireworks show and a final live performance by Blackwater Gin. Proceeds from the event help to support Richland Rejuvenates, a non-profit organization with the goal of encouraging growth and development in the community. We got the opportunity to interview Mary Jo Fortney, a representative of the event, to learn more about this great family friendly experience.

 

RAL: How long has the event been running?

MJF: RC Thunderfest is in its 6th year, and each year the event and its participation grow.

 

RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?

MJF: During the day, the crowd fluctuates depending on the schedule and what is happening. The morning starts with the Arts and Crafts Fair and Flea Market. The earlier part of the day starts a little slower with 1-2,000 attendees, and by evening we estimate having a crowd of 6,000+ for the last band and fireworks.

 

RAL: What is the typical demographic makeup of the event? Children? Families? Couples?

MJF: This event draws people of all ages. Families fill the grounds early in the day and take part in the music, kid’s games, magician, and pony rides.

 

RAL: What makes this event unique?

MJF: It’s free! This is a pre-4th of July event featuring seven free live bands from noon until midnight. There is not a fee to enter the grounds or to park. People can browse the Arts and Crafts Fair, watch a bean bag tournament; enjoy the free magic shows, and remote control car races at no cost.

 

The event also includes a kid’s zone with bounces houses for a small fee along with various games. New this year is a Hot Dog Eating Contest! We will also have a special ceremony at 7:00 pm to honor area veterans with an alumni choir singing patriotic songs.

 

RAL: Take me through the activities of a day at the event.

MJF: The Arts and Crafts Fair and Flea Market will open at 10:00 am, and the first band will go on state ag noon. The Arts and Crafts Fair and Flea Market will run from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, and the bands perform from noon until 11:45 pm. There will be a Bike Rodeo and Safety program at 11:00 am, and a Hot Dog Eating Contest at 1:00 pm. The RC Remote Control Car Rally will have races from 2:00 - 5:00 pm, and also around 2:00 pm will be a special performance by an area line dancing group. The kid’s zone will feature pony rides, dunk tank, bounce houses, bungee trampoline, and bumper balls.

 

There will be a bean bag tournament in the afternoon along with a free magic show. The highlight of the night will be honoring area Veterans on stage at 7 pm. Fireworks begin at dusk, and the evening ends with our cover band Black Water Gin.

 

RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?

MJF: Yes, live bands include Unite, Briana Hardyman, Magi Mae, Boilermakers, Jake O’McCluskey, Zac Matthews, and Black Water Gin.

 

RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?

MJF: We have a concession stand and beverage tent selling pork sandwiches, pork tacos, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, fruit cups, corn on the cob, vegetable kabobs, pie, and more.

 

RAL: What is the environment like?

MJF: It's a local community park with tents for shade and bathroom facilities. The parking lot will host the Arts and Crafts Fair and RC Remote Control Car Rally. The park grounds will be home to the state-of-the-art music stage, kid’s zone, pony rides, bean bag tournament and hot dog eating contest. Handicap parking will be available near the grounds.

 

RAL: Does the event support a particular cause in the community?

MJF: Proceeds from this event support Richland Rejuvenates. Richland Rejuvenates is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing local businesses, community, and city leaders together to help our community grow and develop.

 

RAL: Why should people come to your event?

MJF: This one-day event has plenty of opportunities for individuals and families to enjoy. It continues to grow nationally, and we've had participants from as far away as Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota, and Illinois.

 

For more information about RC Thunderfest, please visit the event website.