Shawano gets its own Summerfest

The summer festival season in Shawano is getting a makeover in 2016, with an expanded event offering extended hours under the new name Shawano Summerfest & Car Show.

Formerly known as Jumpin’ June Jamboree, the event scheduled for June 11 will include new attractions topped off by live music continuing until 9 p.m. on Main Street in the heart of downtown.

Jumpin’ June Jamboree previously ended at 4 p.m.

Andy Lorge, lead singer of the band Nitehawk, said Shawano is ready for a bigger festival, and he and his bandmates look forward to performing under the stars for music fans at the inaugural Shawano Summerfest.

Nitehawk, which also features guitarist Ricky Oh, has been signed to perform its mix of rock and country music from 6-9 p.m.

“I think it’ll draw a lot of people,” Lorge said. “Shawano’s a nice, big town.”

The all-day festival taking place on a closed-down Main Street will include other musical performances, a karaoke contest, a car show, craft vendors, children’s games, beer and food vendors, and a bicycle give-away for children.

The event will take place along several city blocks centered on Main and Division streets.

Marisa Rycroft, coordinator for the Business Improvement District, which is organizing the festival, said extending the hours to 9 p.m. is intended to create a bigger event that will showcase downtown Shawano to a bigger audience in a new atmosphere.

Some businesses will be staying open late, Rycroft said, adding that she hopes the live music will appeal to festivalgoers of all ages.

“It’s really a kickoff to our downtown summer,” she said.

Jumpin’ June Jamboree began 12 years ago as a health care-oriented festival, but its original theme had faded in recent years.

Shawano city officials have added their support to the Shawano Summerfest concept, cheering the introduction of the community’s first nighttime music festival in recent memory.

Police Chief Mark Kohl said he has seen similar festivals succeed in other communities, and he hopes the event becomes a yearly attraction for Shawano residents, vacationers and other visitors.

“I think it’s something that’s going to be worthwhile,” Kohl said. “I’m 100 percent supportive.”

Rycroft said planners began discussing possible changes in the festival earlier this year. Some discussions had touched on relocating the event to Franklin Park, but organizers decided to keep it on Main Street.

Another new feature is the karaoke contest scheduled for 4:30 p.m., with prizes for top competitors.

Other elements of Jumpin’ June Jamboree will be returning to ensure that family members of all ages have plenty to enjoy at the festival.

If weather allows, dozens of classic show cars will line the streets throughout the day. Meanwhile, 40 children will be going home with new bicycles, thanks to a free raffle sponsored by local businesses.

The nonprofit group Bridge the Gap for Autism will be presenting children’s activities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., including face painting, a bounce house and an assortment of carnival-style games.

Bridge the Gap also is organizing a 5K walk-run that kicks off with registration at 7 a.m. at nearby Franklin Park.

Lesley LaLuzerne, president of Bridge the Gap, said she was thrilled to learn that her group would play a role in Shawano Summerfest. It is not only an opportunity to raise funds for the group but also to increase awareness of its services for families of children with autism.

“We’re definitely really excited,” she said. “I think it’s going to be a great community event.”