Ashley for the Arts Provides Affordable Access to World-Class Entertainment While Raising Funds for
The August 11-13 charity event in Arcadia, Wis. raises more than $300,000 annually for over 20 non-profit organizations
ARCADIA, Wis. – A family-friendly music and arts festival is quickly growing in popularity due in no small part to its low cost of admission and unique charitable approach to the festival business model. Ashley for the Arts, which takes place Aug. 11-13 in Arcadia, Wis., is one of Wisconsin’s largest charity events, donating more than $300,000 each year to over 20 non-profit organizations, including schools, children’s charities, medical research and financial support organizations for cancer patients who are having trouble paying for their treatments. Attendance has grown from 300 people in 2009 to more than 30,000 people in 2015. For ten dollars, including free parking and shuttles, attendees can enjoy three days of world-class entertainment and activities. This year’s headliners include 2016 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Chicago, as well as American Authors, X Ambassadors, Craig Morgan, Kellie Pickler and LOCASH.
The venue is perhaps the most awe-inspiring aspect of Ashley for the Arts. The 54-acre Memorial Park serves as the backdrop for the event. It has open green spaces, mature trees and a beautiful outdoor amphitheater; and also features Soldiers Walk, one of the premier war memorials in the U.S. outside of Washington D.C. This park is certainly not one that you would expect to see in an isolated rural community. Among his many philanthropic contributions, Ron Wanek, founder and chairman of Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc., was the lead benefactor and architect of this majestic park.
And it is more than capable of handling large crowds. Two miles of walkways subtly direct pedestrian traffic by art and craft vendors, four music stages, a car show, a hot air balloon launch, an air park, an interactive art station and a kids jungle gym and playground area. Each year, Ashley for the Arts also features a run/walk event, a bike race, a kid’s obstacle course, a sky lantern launch during Friday’sand Saturday’s headline performances and an unforgettable fireworks show on Saturday night. There are additional music entertainers and many family-friendly off-stage performances throughout the Friday and Saturday portion of the event, including a wheel of death, fire poi, juggling, balloon sculptures, bubbles, Wild West-themed performances, a living statue and a scavenger hunt. A Mexican Dance group dressed in traditional attire will perform on Saturday, as well. As if the family friendly aspect of this event weren’t already self-evident, here’s another golden nugget: With their $10 admission wristband, children can gain unlimited access to the performances, the air park (bouncy houses), the jungle gym playground area, the interactive art activities area and scavenger hunt activities, and they are provided with many FREE giveaways and prizes. So, outside of the food and drink, parents can rest assured that they won’t need to break the bank if they bring the kids along. With food and beverage booths (and bathrooms) aplenty, free parking and free bus shuttles to nearby parking areas and the county campground just North of Arcadia, one can begin to understand why attendance for this festival has grown by an average of more than 50% per year since its inception in 2009. For more information on Ashley for the Arts, visit www.ashleyforthearts.com. “Like” Ashley for the Arts on Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @AshleyfortheArt.
