furniture world news On May 24, 2024
The Ashley Arts Festival is an annual three-day music and arts festival taking place on August 8, 9, and 10 at Acadia Memorial Park in Wisconsin. To celebrate its 15th anniversary, the festival is expanding its music, food, arts and entertainment experiences to enhance fun for the whole family. Attendees will experience some of the biggest names in music, including Journey, Old Dominion, The Script, Bret Michaels and more. In addition to the main stage performances, three side stages will host talented musical performers throughout the day, including local artists, family-friendly acts and area school groups.
New additions to the festival include line dancing classes, youth outdoor skills challenges, Xpogo Extreme Pogo stunt show, Dragoonies fire show and more. The Ashley for the Arts welcomes an arts and crafts fair, an inflatable aerial park and the fan-favorite Timberworks Lumberjack Show. Other off-site entertainment includes a hot air balloon show, fireworks, a petting zoo, bingo, axe-throwing, street performances and an interactive art space. The 15th anniversary event will kick off with the annual Pursuit of a Cure Glow Run and Foam Party, raising funds to advance medical research and help offset the medical costs of cancer patients.
Ashley for the Arts was founded in 2009 when community members asked Ron Wanek, founder and chairman of Ashley Furniture Industries, and Todd Wanek, president and CEO of Ashley Furniture Industries, to create a “social gathering” to raise awareness for the arts. World-renowned folk singer John-McCutcheon performs a day of concerts at Acadia Memorial Park in Wisconsin. Estimated attendance is 300 people. In 15 years, Ashley for the Arts has grown into an annual music and arts festival that attracts tens of thousands of fans over the three-day weekend and has donated more than $3.5 million to more than 70 participating nonprofits, including Including local schools, children’s charities and medical research.
Instead of hosting a music festival during the pandemic, the Ashley Arts Foundation has established Community Care Grants to support area nonprofits seeking assistance with arts, music and/or cultural event projects. Since 2020, Community Care Grants have benefited four community projects, including an urban mural through the Independent School District; musical playground equipment for the Rainbow Community Club; the River Prairie Festival through Eau Claire Regional Economic Development; and most recently, through the Fountain A band shelter was established at the City Business and Community Club.
“As we celebrate Ashley for the Arts’ 15th anniversary, I am incredibly proud of our tremendous growth over the years,” said Cole Bawek, Events Director for Ashley for the Arts. Bringing joy, inspiration, and cultural enrichment to millions of people, none of this would be possible without the unwavering support and dedication of our incredible fans and community. Make a positive impact on the communities we serve.
General admission tickets to this year’s 3-day Ashley Arts Festival are on sale online starting at just $45 (plus fees), with prices increasing starting June 1st. New this year is a child ticket, priced at $25 (ages 2 to 10). For more event details, download the Ashley for the Arts app or visit the website.
About Ashley Arts
Ashley for the Arts is a non-profit program that provides world-class entertainment, arts, exercise and family fun for the entire family at a fraction of the cost. The organization is one of the largest philanthropic events in Wisconsin, having donated more than $3.5 million since its inception to more than 70 nonprofit organizations, including participating schools, children’s charities and medical research institutions. This music and arts festival was conceived and founded by Ashley Furniture Industries in 2009 and is held at Acadia Memorial Park in Wisconsin.
For more information about Ashley for the Arts, please visit www.AshleyfortheArts.com.
