MONROE — The capstone to a summer’s worth of family events across the region, the Green County Fall Nationals roars into the Green County Fairgrounds this weekend for the 16th year.
And while the tractor and truck pulls make for a high-horse power spectacle that includes a rock concert, organizers say the best reason to attend and support the event is because of all of the good work that funds raised do in people’s lives.
Indeed, the non-profit behind the pull has provided more than a half a million in donations to the people in this area who need it most. The group’s web site notes many examples — everything from providing medical care to critical ill residents, and gas money for others to get to vital doctors’ appointments. The pull even managed to raise $5,000 for Faith Addiction of Green County (FAITH). And there have been seven $1,000 donations to area food pantries over the years, according to the group’s web site.
This year they also are partnering with the local Kiwanis to help distribute funds in the community.
“Each year we name a recipient of our annual can coozie fundraiser,” said an event organizer, Heidi J. Krumenaur “One hundred percent of the proceeds go to that recipient as well as a one-to-one match from the Green County Fall Nationals.”
Among other things the local Kiwanis will use the funds to support an ongoing effort to supply children on the autism spectrum with IPad computers. Can coozies from this year’s event also can be purchased at Hawthorn Tire and Sales in Monticello, with a $3 required minimum donation.
“People will say ‘well I don’t like the truck pull or the music,” said Jo Hawthorne, another one of the event’s key organizers. “But supporting the nationals is just like supporting your own community. Even if they don’t like the event, that’s fine, the price of admission is just like a donation and goes right back into the community.”
In 2020, when the event was canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic, all of the event’s marquis sponsors still donated to the cause, said Hawthorn. And she said a long list of local favorite businesses are sponsoring the event again this year.
The event, which draws participants and spectators from throughout the Midwest, kicks off at noon on Saturday at the fairgrounds; and concludes Saturday night with a concert by Cherry Pie. Tickets are $20 in advance and advance tickets include both the truck pull and the evening concert. Tickets for the concert are $5. Kids under 12 get in free. Only an advanced ticket purchase will qualify the purchaser to win giveaways for valuable prizes.
The event is entirely grandstand seating with no reserved seats so the earliest fans will get the best seats. Food vendors also will be on hand throughout the day.
Events include the Light Limited Super Stock, 4.1 Limited Pro Stocks, 2-wheel Drive Mod Trucks, Super Farm, 3.6 Diesel Trucks and more.
Camping is available for the event and can be reserved by calling 608-325-9159. The concert is slated to run from 8 p.m. to midnight.
