Menasha Moose Fest planned May 7-8 in Menasha

[Go Big Red!]

Menasha Moose Fest planned May 7-8 in Menasha

By Michael King • For Wisconsinoutdoorfun.com • April 3, 2011

MENASHA — Moose Fest, a new two-day family-oriented, alcohol-free festival featuring a carnival, helicopter rides and free fishing lessons by professional anglers, is coming to downtown Menasha on May 7-8.

The event is the first to be held under the city's new events policy, which allows for-profit festivals.

The Board of Public Works has recommended approval of a street use permit application for the event sought by organizer Steve Krueger, a Menasha native who is a nationally syndicated cartoonist and publisher of a new magazine, Outer Boundary.

The event, which will run from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 7 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 8, will use Curtis Reed Square, the space in front of the marina and two downtown city parking lots. The permit goes to the Common Council on Monday for final approval.

Krueger named the event after his cartoon "Moose Lake," which is published in some newspapers. "It's a family-oriented outdoors cartoon," he said. "It's trying to mix the outdoor life with small-town fun."

Krueger said he has 43 vendors lined up, including helicopter rides, direct sales, crafts, jewelry and food. He is expecting more and hopes to have about 55 overall.

A carnival would be located in the Broad Street parking lot and helicopter rides would be available from the Water Street parking lot.

"We have a couple hot air balloons that will be taking off, weather permitting," he said.

"My wife (Deanna) and I will make a donation to Children's Hospital of Wisconsin based on the revenue generated," Krueger said. An auction of fishing lures from pro fishermen and other items will help generate proceeds to increase the donation.

Greg Karch, a professional fisherman, will provide kids fishing clinics from shore by the marina at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. both days. Four pro anglers will have their powerboats on site to take kids out for 90-minute fishing excursions with all equipment and bait supplied. To sign up children for the fishing, parents should email Krueger at themoose hunt@yahoo.com.

Krueger told city officials he has met with downtown business owners and plans to leave parking spaces in proximity to their businesses for their customers.

The inaugural Moose Fest, held last May in Montello, drew 7,000 visitors over two days. He said he re-located the festival because Menasha's previous event policy only allowed nonprofit organizations to hold events.

"I wonder where we're going to park all these 7,000 people?" asked Doris Szymanski, owner of Club Liquor, 234 Main St. "On the east end of the Broad Street parking lot?"