Campbellsport, WI- The tradition of the Campbellsport Volunteer Fire Department’s (CFD) picnic and parade, celebrated annually on Independence day, is embedded in most of the areas residents’ memories as much as the rolling hills that surround this quaint village. Fireworks, food, music, and the large parade are just a few of the traditions past down from generation to generation. People from all over the state flock to this area to celebrate the Fourth of July and to support the local CFD, celebrating their 99^th year in service.

This year the CFD have approached the Campbellsport community to help keep the celebration a success. And the community, including the Campbellsport Area Chamber of Commerce (CACC), has come through in a variety of ways. First, the Campbellsport Lions Club donated $600 for radio advertising to promote the celebration. Joining in the support, were the Campbellsport Jaycees and Randy Gremminger of Trendsetters in Beechwood. They donated two large 4’x 8’ colorful signs you can not miss as you enter the village limits valued at close to $300.

Other organizations have contributed in other ways besides monetary support. The Campbellsport FFA plans to have a booth at the park promoting the area’s fine agricultural opportunities. Multi, a Fond du Lac sports marketing company, will be doing a free BMX bike demonstration at the Fireman’s Park at 4:30pm on July 4^th. Area athletes will be performing eye-popping stunts that will make their parents cringe and the crowd of onlookers go wild. The Campbellsport Library and the Campbellsport Village will also be running a "dunk tank" on July 4^th where you will be able to take your shot at local celebrities.

The CACC has also contributed their talents. This organization, made up of local businesses in our area, has worked closely this year with the CFD to make the parade and picnic a success. CACC members will help staff the picnic during its busiest times. Before the start of the July 4^th parade, that marches down Main Street starting at 12:00, the CACC will also be selling raffle tickets along the parade route.

Realizing that this is an event for all ages, the CACC along with the CFD met with Mr. Turchany’s high school business class in a round table setting to brainstorm ideas for this year and for the future. Conceived at this meeting, the CACC will be hosting the first ever "Boom Pull." 5 man teams from the area will attempt to pull a large crane loaded with shingles-- over 31 tons in all-- at the park from 3:30-7pm on July 4^th. Koffman Auto Body and Campbellsport Building Supply have donated a total of $750 for the 1^st place team. Eric Zurn, of EZ Karaoke, has donated his time and equipment to DJ the boom pull. Hopefully Eric’s tunes and these strong men will draw large crowds to cheer them on.

The Campbellsport High School Dance Team will also be a part of the festivities. They will be sharing their talents with with area children from the ages of 3-14 this summer at a dance camp prior to the picnic. Their efforts will be going towards a dance performance at 2:30pm at the park.

This is a great opportunity for the children to enjoy performing in front of a crowd. The children will learn a dance routine created especially for their age. They will have one-on-one group coaching. Mary Bilgo is still accepting camp participants. Call her for more information at 533-5041.

Other events include games offered by the Campbellsport Boy’s Scouts, sweet corn, and much more await those that attend. For more information on many of the events go to http://www.campbellsport.org. These events offer real value for the village’s residents. Many families make a long commute to work leaving little time to get to know their fellow neighbors. The parade and picnic offer an opportunity for these residents to get to know the person that lives across the street or shares the backyard. A laugh is shared, perhaps a beer is offered, and suddenly the residents of this quiet town feel a little safer and a little closer.

There are many other organizations, businesses, and individuals, that help with this event including all those that have an entry in the parade or make a cash donation to the CFD. Let this article serve as a "thank you" for their often anonymous efforts. But, of course the real story is the months of preparation it requires to plan such an event. The volunteer CFD spends hundreds of hours to make this event one that the community can be proud of. Not only does the CFD volunteer to serve our community by fighting fires and saving lives, they plan this community event to raise money sure, but more importantly to bring the community together. It is a year round process to coordinate the bands (featuring Oil Can Harry on July 3^rd this year), the parade, the food (featuring the famous 100% all beef picnic burgers), and to put on a huge fireworks display on the night of July 4^th to celebrate America’s Independence.

The CFD and all the people that help them out hope you spread the word about the annual Campbellsport Fire Department’s Picnic and Parade and this small town’s cooperation to make it a success.

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