By Nicole Schroeder –
Ashley for the Arts
Wow! It seems like everyone is looking for a great time and maybe even some family fun. Do you like Street performers? Want to join in on a group of Tibetan drum players? Do you Like to see magicians and be surprised by live statues?
How about listening to some great live music of many genres including artists like Mat Kearney, Ambassador X, Lady
Antebellum, and Three doors down. In my opinion, anywhere Johnny Holmes Band is playing, it’s bound to be a great time!
Ashley for the arts has it all!
Did I mention the food trucks? Over 25 food trucks ranging from Mexican food to gyros. Add in cheese curds and waffle cones, and literally waffles, not just your typical waffle cone, plus many more. Ashley for the arts is much more than just a great concert venue!
Despite all of the fun festivities and great music, here’s what’s really cool: Ashley for the Arts will donate over $590,000 to more than 60 participating non-profit organizations. Many of the non-profits are local schools. Ashley for the Arts also raises money for the American Cancer Society, Rita Tranberg Memorial Fund, and the Arcadia Ambulance Service.
I was fortunate to participate in the 11th year of Ashley for the Arts, which has grown exponentially with each year. In fact, this year there were over 4,000 volunteers to help make the whole thing possible, of which many are Ashley Furniture employees.
It’s my understanding that The Wanek family, who founded Ashley Furniture, believe that the arts are very important and should be made accessible to everyone. They enjoy giving back to the community, which is how Ashley for the Arts came to be.
I asked a fellow festival go-er named Kelly about her experience. “My favorite band was X Ambassadors. I was surprised by how amazing their live performance was and how they did a really great job pumping up the crowd. They only have like 3 songs on the radio, but after hearing them perform live it made me go check out their other music.” Kelly also had a huge compliment for the workers and volunteers! She said, “I thought the improvements they made to the grounds this year was so much better than last year. It felt like everyone had more space to sit or stand and even with the mud and rain, it was still a great time and it also seemed like a lot more food options this year.”
Seriously what a great time! I would highly suggest making it a point to attend Ashley for the Arts for their 12th year in 2020 (fingers crossed).
Ashley For The Arts
756 Raider Dr, Arcadia, WI 54612
(608) 863-6700
Visit Website HERE