Wakefest was held on Saturday, August 17, to a large crowd on hand to the food and entertainment on offer. “WakeFest 2024 was one for the books!” said one of the event organizers, and reigning wings cook-off champion Megan Weaver. “There were a few logistical changes this year, but everything came together on Saturday! The weather was about as good as you could ask for in August in Nebraska, which definitely helped with attendance.”
Events started with the Michael Foods Incorporated annual color run along the walking path along Logan Creek, during and after which the Wakefield Volunteer Fire Department was holding its annual breakfast at the Wakefield Fire Hall.
Followed was the parade that went from graves park past Wakefield Health Care Center on its way to Main Street, filled with floats from local events, businesses, and both the Trojan volleyball and football teams. The street festival then followed with activities to for kids as well as vendors selling both items and food. There was a cornhole tournament held outside Sidelines as well as a car show taking place on Second Street.
There was a pedal pull held near Bankfirst with the following winners for each age bracket:
4 year old: Maeve Schramm, winner, and Demi Bartels, second.
5 year old: Charlotte Watkins, winner, and Charlie Petersen, second.
6 year old: Louie Ekberg, winner, and Moxon Roeber, second.
7 year old: Cole Bartels, winner, and Brecken Petersen, second.
8 year old: Matt Schramm, winner, and Gunther Tellinghusen, second.
9 year old: Reagan Kaufman, winner, and Paisley Marsh, second.
10 year old: Callaway McAfee, winner, and Nora Sebade, second.
At 4:00 p.m. the event really got going with the wings cook-off which was ultimately won, yet again, by the team of Megan and Brady Weaver and Colin and Lisa Riley, who have won the competition 5 times in the last 6 years. Their dominance only being stopped in 2021 by the team of Scott Hansen and Sheriff Tom Decker.
Live music took the stage starting with Ted and Alice Miller, followed by Hillbilly Deluxe before the shows headliner out of Omaha Xperience got the crowd dancing, with the event being closed by the classic rock of Reinvented Wheels.
This year’s proceeds will go to benefit Wakefields Fire Department, and thanks to the large crowd it will be able to help the department greatly: “It was a wonderful event! We are still doing the math but we raised a good amount of funds for the Wakefield Volunteer Fire Department.” Said T. Adam Goos, one of the committee members responsible for the event. “We had over 300 people in attendance in the evening, so 500 overall would be my estimate.”
Wakefield’s Fire Department wasn’t just benefiting from the event they were also on hand to help cook some of the wings: “Have to give a big thanks to the Wakefield Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department for taking on the BBQ portion of the event!” said Weaver.
Goos also pointed out that several members of the committee on the Community Club were looking to take a break opening the door for fresh faces and new ideas to keep growing Wakefest.
“We have an excellent committee that spends months planning the event and to see the attendance continue to grow year after year is exciting. From the events in the daytime to the BBQ and bands in the evening, people were thoroughly enjoying themselves!” said Megan Weaver.
Anyone interested in joining the committee should contact the Wakefield Community Club. “We absolutely had a ton of volunteers from the community that we couldn’t have done it without!” said Goos.
Many more pictures of this years Wakefest can be found on the back page of this edition of the Republican.