The Post-Crescent: Document Display

First Appeared in the The Post-Crescent East July 13, 2007

Paperfest 2007 Begins Thursday
Jim Collar, Post-Crescent, East

KIMBERLY – Four days of free, family-friendly fun are just around the corner.

From games to sports to music, organizers expect everyone will find something to enjoy at Paperfest 2007.

The annual event gets under way next Thursday at Sunset Park. The opening-day schedule will feature live music headlined by national rock group The Gin Blossoms. The fun will continue throughout the weekend with more live music, amusement rides and games, a car show, and food and drinks.

"I think it's one of the best-kept secrets in the Fox Valley," said Cindy Reffke, a member of the organizing committee. "It's very family-oriented. From little children to grandma and grandpa, there's something for everybody."

This year's music lineup includes many of the Fox Cities' favorite local performers, along with several national groups. While The Gin Blossoms will draw the rock n' roll crowd, Christian music fans have two big reasons to attend July 22, with performances by Nevertheless and Eowyn & Curt Anderson. A 10:30 a.m. ecumenical worship service also is scheduled.

National country duo Bomshel will wrap up the musical entertainment with a 6:30 p.m. show at the amphitheater.

Athletic festival-goers can participate in Friday evening's 5-kilometer walk and run. On Saturday, Paperfest will bring the Tour de Fest Bike Tour, along with a three-on-three basketball tourney. The festival also will feature ladder golf, volleyball and flag football tournaments.

Youth will take to the water Friday for a fishing tournament, while adults will participate in weekend events.

Festival-goers who plan to participate in sports tournaments must register in advance through the Paperfest Web site.

Jane Fuhrmann, a member of the Paperfest board, said providing safe, affordable fun is a key goal of the event. It's a community festival in every sense, but it isn't just for residents in Kimberly and other Heart of the Valley communities, she said.

"The goal is to bring the community together, and bring people from outside to enjoy the community, come together and get a wide variety of fun," she said.

Other events and activities include a celebrity dunk tank, go-karts, miniature golf and the power bungee trampoline.

A car show will be held Saturday, with awards in 12 classes from antiques to modern and modified rides. A motorcycle show is planned for July 22, with trophies going to the best bikes in four categories.

Organizers said the event is more about community than raising cash.

Reffke said attendees can have a great time without spending a dime, though people who sample the variety of festival fare will do more than fill their stomachs. Proceeds go to a number of community groups.

Volunteers run the entire festival. At the end of Paperfest, they'll turn in their hours and profits will be distributed among the groups the volunteers represent.

"When someone buys something at Paperfest, they can know that they've contributed to a civic or not-for-profit organization," Reffke said.

Jim Collar: 920-993-1000, ext. 216, or jcollar@postcrescent.com