Ashley for the Arts begins this Thursday
The largest and most charitable event in Trempealeau County officially gets underway this Thursday with large crowds sure to follow on Friday and Saturday.
Ashley for the Arts, held at Memorial Park in Arcadia, has drawn more than 50,000 spectators to Trempealeau County in recent years. More impactful, however, is the charitable aspect as the non-profit organization raised nearly $650,000 for more than 70 participating non-profit organizations, including 33 area schools, last year.
The 54-acre park will offer entertainment and activities for families again this year. The eight main stage shows include some of the music industries heavy hitters including: OneRepublic, REO Speedwagon, Jake Owen, Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line, Trace Adkins, WALK THE MOON, Raelynn, and Sawyer Brown.
The main stage will be just one spot where music will be played as entertainment is offered on three other stages located at various locations in the park.
Thursday’s activities will include the Pursuit of a Cure glow run. The funds raised during Pursuit of a Cure benefit the American Cancer Society and the Arcadia Ambulance Service. The run begins at 7:30 p.m., but the event opens at 4 with a basket raffle. The raffle will be open all weekend.
The inflatable air park also opens at 4 p.m. and entertainment begins at 4:30 with The Whitesidewalls Rock ‘N’ Roll Revue. Music will continue throughout the night until fireworks are lit off at 9:45 p.m.
Thursday’s celebration will also include the official unveiling of the War Dog memorial along Soldier’s Walk in the park.
The air park opens at 10 a.m. on Friday with a petting zoo, interactive art and a military K9 demonstration all beginning at 10:30.
Some more highlights include the Wheel of Death and Timberworks Lumberjack Show. Both will have three separate showings with the Wheel at noon, 2:30 and 5 p.m. The lumberjacks will perform at 1, 3:30 and 6 p.m. Hot air balloons will launch at 6:15 p.m.
Main stage performances begin at 3 with Sawyer Brown followed by Trace Adkins, Jake Owen and REO Speedwagon.
Saturday’s schedule will be nearly identical with exception to the musical performances. RaeLynn begins on the main stage at 3 p.m. followed by WALK THE MOON, Tyler Hubbard and OneRepublic.
In addition to a weekend full of art and entertainment, Ashley for the Arts offers several food vendors, including Arcadia’s signature charcoal chicken, grilled in what is considered North America’s largest indoor chicken pit. Other dining options include festival favorites such as gyros, mini donuts, wood-fired pizza, tacos, barbeque and beer-battered cheese curds.
More information, including a full schedule of events, a map and parking directions is available at www.ashleyforthearts.com
