WINNEBAGO COUNTY (NBC 26) — This Fourth of July weekend, Community Fest returned to the Neenah/Menasha area.
“This decision came after careful consideration between key personnel from both cities and input from local health experts,” said Neenah Mayor Dean Kaufert. “It is exciting to announce that Community Fest is on! It is a summer tradition full of fun for both our communities. And after all the pandemic hardship of 2020, it is even more important to find ways to feel a sense of community and have some summertime fun.”
“We couldn’t be happier to have the Community Fest celebration back in the summer schedule! It is a highlight in our cities summer calendars. We look forward to the fun and entertainment those attending will enjoy,” said Menasha Mayor Don Merkes.
The celebration takes place across beautiful parks in Neenah and Menasha.
There are a variety of events in multiple locations over the course of the weekend.
Here's a look at events from Saturday:
Almost all of the events and activities are free. There will be vendors with novelty items, food, and beverages for sale.
Click here for the full schedule.
If you plan to attend, see below as law enforcement does have some friendly reminders:
At Community Fest in Neenah, festivities were filled with families sporting their best red, white and blue.
“Oh, I just threw everything together. Mainly its to embarrass my kids since they get to embarrass us all year long. This is what I get to do every 4th of July,” said a Neenah man.
For that family they said it is important their children understand the true meaning behind the holiday
“Every 4th of July I make my kids dress up in red, white, and blue so they understand that we are celebrating America and our freedom. And they are slowly learning why and not just a dress up day,” said the Neenah man.
For others who came out they share why this holiday means so much for them.
“It means a lot for me than most other people because I did serve in the military,” said Ralph Young.
“4th of July has been a big celebration in our house every year since I was born. Its a way for us to show that we love this country. Its a way for us to show that we love this country because to me this is the best country in the world,” said Vicki Young.
One local organization on site was grilling the brats and burgers.
“We have a special sauce for our brats, it's world famous. We have an international chef. He came all the way from Australia to help us," said Dale Counihan, Fox Crossing.
For the Lions Club of Neenah, Community Fest is one of their top fundraisers of the year.
“Well, last year it shut down our fundraising totally,” Counihan said.
They said they were hoping for a good turnout, so they could raise money and continue to give back to the community.
Those who came out to the festivities could be seen filled with patriotic pride in full display.
