Ashley for the Arts marked its 15th anniversary with a spectacular three-day festival in Arcadia, Wisconsin, raising over $750,000 for more than 70 local non-profit organizations. The event featured a diverse lineup of musical performances, art displays, and family-friendly activities, making it one of Wisconsin’s largest charity events.
Key Takeaways
- Event Duration: August 8-10, 2024
- Funds Raised: Over $750,000
- Beneficiaries: More than 70 local non-profit organizations
- Main Attractions: Musical performances, art and craft vendors, family activities
- Next Event: Scheduled for August 7-9, 2025
Festival Highlights
The festival kicked off on August 8 with performances by The Jimmys, Josieellen, The VanDwellers, and Them Coulee Boys, concluding with a fireworks display. The event also featured the annual Pursuit of a Cure Glow Run, which saw 375 participants and raised funds for medical research and emergency medical costs.
Art and Craft Vendors
Over 75 art and craft vendors lined Memorial Park Drive, showcasing and selling their unique creations. The Ashley Zone highlighted Ashley Furniture’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, including Heartworks, City of Hope, and Wreaths Across America. Children enjoyed interactive activities in the "How It’s Made" section, where they could design their own Ashley products.
Family-Friendly Entertainment
The festival offered a wide range of family-friendly entertainment, including street performers, fire dancers, an extreme pogo stunt show, and line dancing lessons. Other activities included Painting in the Park with The Paint Shack, 11 local school performances, and three side stages featuring music and family entertainment. The Timberwork’s Lumberjack Show also made a return, delighting audiences with its Northwoods logging history performance.
Main Stage Performances
The multi-genre Main Stage lineup included performances by Old Dominion, Journey, Bret Michaels, The Script, Vertical Horizon, LOCASH, Tigirlily Gold, and Neal McCoy. A hot air balloon launch preceded Bret Michaels’ performance, and the festival concluded with Old Dominion’s hit song "I Was On A Boat That Day" under a star-filled sky.
Community Support and Volunteers
The success of Ashley for the Arts is attributed to the unwavering support from fans, volunteers, sponsors, and the local community. Over 3,500 volunteer shifts were filled, ensuring the smooth operation of the event. Ashley Furniture Industries, LLC, the host sponsor, along with numerous community and corporate sponsors, made the event possible by providing affordable access to music and arts for the entire weekend.
Looking Ahead
Mark your calendars for the next Ashley for the Arts festival, scheduled for August 7-9, 2025, in Arcadia, Wisconsin. For more information, visit the official Ashley for the Arts website.
Sources
- 15th Ashley for the Arts nets more than $750,000 for area non-profits – Furniture Today, Furniture Today.
- Ashley For The Arts says $750K donated to area non-profits | Video | wxow.com, WXOW.
- Ashley for the Arts Celebrates 15 Years of Supporting the Community with a Record Donation of Over $750,000 to 70+ Area Non-Profits, WEAU.
Ashley for the Arts Donates Over $750,000 to Area Non-Profits in 15th Anniversary Celebration – Furniture World Magazine
, Furniture World Magazine.- Appleton non-profit hosts charity cornhole tournament in support of individuals with disabilities | WFRV, WFRV Local 5.
