History

Paperfest began as an idea in the mind of James Boots, D.C. early in 1989 and a few weeks later, while driving to a Milwaukee Bucks game with his cousin Dennis Smits, he shared his dream. The two men quickly began working toward the development of a free family-oriented festival that would involve and appeal to all generations. Boots and Smits gathered a committee of interested community members and formed Kim-Com Promotions, LTD, a not for profit Wisconsin corporation, for the purpose of developing and operating Paperfest. They established Paperfest’s original purpose: To promote the Fox River Valley, to highlight paper’s impact on the Valley, and to serve as a fund-raising event for several local non-profit civic groups. In just a few short months this volunteer committee put together the very first Paperfest which took place July 21-23, 1989 at Sunset Park in Kimberly, WI. Two flatbed semi trailers parked side by side formed the music stage upon which fourteen bands entertained the fest-goers. Food and beverages were sold under a 40’x100’ tent. It was a mild success as the small crowds in attendance really had a good time and Paperfest made a profit in its very first year.

Year after year Paperfest continued to get a little bigger, a little better, and much more fun. Over the years, many new events and activities have been added and, of course, a few have been discontinued. Paperfest 2008 will feature five stages of entertainment, 2 large tents (the biggest being 60' x 180'), numerous smaller tents, and many activities and sporting events to participate in or just to watch.

There have been many changes and numerous growing pains over the years but one thing has not changed, Paperfest continues to be a free-admission family festival run entirely by volunteers that raises money for local non-profit organizations and civic groups. During the first 19 years, Paperfest exceeded $500,000 in revenues generated for those non-profit organizations and civic groups. During our 20th year (2008), our goal is to raise another $50,000 for the community!

The unselfish dedication and tireless year-round efforts of the volunteer Paperfest committee has made this event the premier family festival in Northeast Wisconsin. Without their dedication, the work of countless volunteers at Paperfest, and the thousands of people in attendance, Paperfest would not be the great summertime event that it is today.

If you have been to Paperfest before, we hope to see you again this year. If you have never been to Paperfest, come on down to Sunset Park in Kimberly, WI this July and experience what you have been missing. You and your friends will have a great time! See you in July.