NEW GLARUS - Wisconsin youth take center stage - literally and figuratively - at the 15th Annual New Glarus Community Fest, May 23-26. The four-day celebration is coordinated by the New Glarus Vision Youth Committee, a not-for-profit organization that does fundraising to support and promote New Glarus-area youth. This year, the committee is focused on highlighting kids and teens like never before.
The action kicks off Friday with the third annual "alcohol-free teen night." In keeping with the mission of promoting youth, the entertainment on this first night of the fest will feature five Wisconsin-based, high school-aged rock bands, each taking to the stage for 40-minute sets in a program called "Rock the Park."
"This is a cool way to showcase the talent that area kids have," says Vision Youth Committee chair Sheri Kanter. "It isn't a 'battle-of-the-bands' type of thing; there's no way anyone could say that one band is better than the other. They're all really good!"
Kanter says "teen night," despite being alcohol-free, is open to anyone who would like to attend and show their support for the kids.
On Saturday, the fourth annual "Running with the Swiss (And that's no bull)" fun run/walk gets under way at 8:30 a.m. with the Kids Community Fest Mile. At 9 a.m., a 5K run/walk starts. The registration fees for the mile and 5K runs benefit youth organizations.
Teens once again take to the Community Fest stage Sunday night when Milwaukee-based band 2nd Thought entertains the crowds. The band recently was given "props" by Cartoon Network for being some of "America's most talented kids."
A band of boys ranging from 12 to 15 years of age, most of whom have been playing music since kindergarten, 2nd Thought plays classic rock covers and originals. They've performed at the famed Milwaukee Summerfest and just recently book-ended a Goo Goo Dolls concert.
Then on Monday, the New Glarus Vision Youth Committee is hosting a big Community Graduation party to honor the area's high school seniors. In conjunction with the graduation party is a community talent show featuring Madison-area teen singing star Maycin Taylor.
Throughout Community Fest, there will be other activities with a youthful focus like games, face painting, rides and inflatables, a rock-climbing wall, a western shooting gallery and a petting zoo.
The complete Community Festival music lineup will include a variety of bands playing country, rock and classic rock. Weekend events also will feature a Community Fest market, a volleyball tournament, an open euchre competition, a Memorial Day Veterans program, lots of great food and, of course, the best beer in the world from the New Glarus Brewery. Back by popular demand also is the "Furniture with Flair" silent auction, with proceeds benefiting Special Olympics.
Community Fest is an all-inclusive, traditional Memorial Day celebration with lots of fun and entertainment for people of all ages. Visit www.ngyouthcommittee.com or SwissTown.com to learn more.
The action kicks off Friday with the third annual "alcohol-free teen night." In keeping with the mission of promoting youth, the entertainment on this first night of the fest will feature five Wisconsin-based, high school-aged rock bands, each taking to the stage for 40-minute sets in a program called "Rock the Park."
"This is a cool way to showcase the talent that area kids have," says Vision Youth Committee chair Sheri Kanter. "It isn't a 'battle-of-the-bands' type of thing; there's no way anyone could say that one band is better than the other. They're all really good!"
Kanter says "teen night," despite being alcohol-free, is open to anyone who would like to attend and show their support for the kids.
On Saturday, the fourth annual "Running with the Swiss (And that's no bull)" fun run/walk gets under way at 8:30 a.m. with the Kids Community Fest Mile. At 9 a.m., a 5K run/walk starts. The registration fees for the mile and 5K runs benefit youth organizations.
Teens once again take to the Community Fest stage Sunday night when Milwaukee-based band 2nd Thought entertains the crowds. The band recently was given "props" by Cartoon Network for being some of "America's most talented kids."
A band of boys ranging from 12 to 15 years of age, most of whom have been playing music since kindergarten, 2nd Thought plays classic rock covers and originals. They've performed at the famed Milwaukee Summerfest and just recently book-ended a Goo Goo Dolls concert.
Then on Monday, the New Glarus Vision Youth Committee is hosting a big Community Graduation party to honor the area's high school seniors. In conjunction with the graduation party is a community talent show featuring Madison-area teen singing star Maycin Taylor.
Throughout Community Fest, there will be other activities with a youthful focus like games, face painting, rides and inflatables, a rock-climbing wall, a western shooting gallery and a petting zoo.
The complete Community Festival music lineup will include a variety of bands playing country, rock and classic rock. Weekend events also will feature a Community Fest market, a volleyball tournament, an open euchre competition, a Memorial Day Veterans program, lots of great food and, of course, the best beer in the world from the New Glarus Brewery. Back by popular demand also is the "Furniture with Flair" silent auction, with proceeds benefiting Special Olympics.
Community Fest is an all-inclusive, traditional Memorial Day celebration with lots of fun and entertainment for people of all ages. Visit www.ngyouthcommittee.com or SwissTown.com to learn more.