Pat Fastnacht burns a board with his brand, as his dad Jerry looks on.
Phil Wipf helps Jane Barber burn a board with her brand.
The first-ever Branding Party and Brisket Feed held Saturday served 250 people and raised $20,000 for the Kyle Evans Western Heritage Center project.
In addition to the beautiful early summer weather, event organizer Phil Wipf said that he kept hearing from attendees that the brisket meal was a big draw. In fact, so many people came to town for the brisket that even with 120 pounds, they ran out.
Kirk Luymes smiles as he gets his plate dished up by Brady Duxbury, one of the brisket cooks. Additional volunteer brisket cooks included Gene Gaikowski, Tyler Fagerhaug, Mike and Barbie Brunsen, Blake Willman and Chris Schimke.
“The Good Ole Boys” delighted the crowd with Songs from Kyle Evans’ collection and a set list of crowd favorites. Shown left to right are: Will Jackson, Nathan Gaikowski, Carter Gaikowski, Ryland Fagerhaug and Holden Jackson.
Dr. Tom Dean burns a board with his brand.
Barbie Brunsen was named champion among the volunteer brisket cooks.
One of the event organizers, Mark Reindl, speaks to the crowd.
The first annual event served 250 people, attracted 70 people to burn their brands and ended up raising a whopping $20,000 for their Western Heritage Center project.
Despite rain in the forecast and uncertainty about attendance for a brand new event, the Kyle Evans Wagon Train Committee drove forward with their Branding Party and Brisket Feed event Saturday. And it paid big dividends. The first annual event served 250 people, attracted 70 people to burn their brands and ended up raising a whopping $20,000 for their Western Heritage Center project.“...
