Farmers' Festival success exceeds expectations

LACROSSE - LaCrosse Farmers' Festival took place Friday, June 23, through June 25, and was confirmed an overall success by both LaCrosse Business Group members Chelsey Startin and Paige Collins.

"It was fabulous," Collins exclaimed, stating that the car cruise on Friday night and the firefighters' barbecue fundraiser were fun and very popular.

"They had so many people coming for dinner that they ran out of food," she said.

Startin added that while the barbecue was separate from the festival, it did well.

"It was a great weekend," Startin said, adding that the crowd exceeded their expectations on all the activities.

Friday was also their second annual car cruise and park, Startin explained.

"We had 26 cars in the cruise," she said, adding that there were way more spectators than families.

Collins also noted that more cars showed up this year and shared that Kurt McNeilly won best in the show last year, but this year his dad Dave McNeilly won.

"The sidewalk chalk art was a huge success," Startin shared, adding that there were a lot of participants even though they'd moved the day from Saturday night to Friday.

"The parade and the helicopter ride, fun in the park was a blast," Collins stated, adding that the weather was perfect for the event.

She shared that the Speeders did a fundraiser for LaCrosse Community Pride, which did well.

A speeder is a small railcar that tracks inspectors and work crews used to use to move to and from work sites. Collectors of the vintage speeders host rides to raise money for charities.

"The railroad runs right past by driveway, so we waved at my husband," she said.

Startin's sister-in-law, Jill Startin, won this year's rolling pin toss.

"She beat us all by a mile, so she'll take home the traveling roller pin for the year," Collins said.

Startin added that the winner gets to sign the traveling roller pin, which comes back for the following year.

Collins shared that the auction was huge, and they made a good amount of money to support their work. Numbers were not available at the time of press.

Both stated that there were more vendors this year. As well as a local artist that Startin said many from the crowd commented they enjoyed.

Startin added that they had a successful street dance for both 21 and up, with a side for families, for which Collins and her husband donated lights for the fence in the dark.

Both women stated that the annual event went beautifully.