‘Ski-Hard Cafe’ open for business

“Ski-Hard Cafe” is the theme of the weekly shows for Shawano Ski Sharks’ 38th annual season, which is slated to open Wednesday at Wolf River Beach.

The club’s 38th season will include weekly water ski shows on Wednesdays through Aug. 19, two Sunday performances (July 5 and July 12), two learn-to-ski days (June 19 and June 26) and two adaptive water ski exhibitions (June 26 and Aug. 14).

Ski-Hard Cafe is a fictitious radio station struggling to stay in business. The shows will feature a variety of musical genres, director Brad Keuschel said.

“The radio station is coming on hard times, just like our team with losing members, and we are going to try to keep the radio station going and keep everything afloat,” Keuschel said.

Ski Sharks President Dave Passehl promised the show will provide quality entertainment for the whole family.

While the nonprofit organization has a few more members than last year, more are needed, especially men and older boys to provide strength on the team’s pyramids, Passehl said.

The weekly shows help the Ski Sharks prepare for competition at the Wisconsin Water Ski Federation state championships, which this year will be held from July 16-19 at Red Sand Beach near Wisconsin Rapids.

Keuschel and Passehl were members of the Sharks’ 2010 Division 2 championship team.

The club accepts donations and sponsors raffles at its weekly shows. Additional funds are generated through membership fees, concession stand revenue, fundraisers, grants and community support.

“Please understand that as a nonprofit organization, we have to raise (money for) everything, including the dock, boats, jump ramp and bleachers,” Passehl said. “Everything is owned by the Ski Sharks.”

The club also gives back to the community and is planning special nights this season to help the Shawano County Humane Society, Safe Haven domestic abuse and sexual assault support center and Shawano Area Waterways.