The 50th annual Stanley Lions Watermelon Fest went off without a hitch Sunday, event attendees treated to food, fun, and camaraderie.
With changes and additions over the years, early Sunday saw the 12th annual Watermelon Fest 5k, with nearly 70 runners and walkers completing the 3.1 mile event. Lucas Anderson of Bloomer won the male division title, while April Reinart of Greenwood was crowned the ladies champion. Overall winners received running bobble head awards and division winners received a chilled watermelon. The 5k run/walk was followed by a well-attended kids’ race. Full detailed 5K results can be found at www.webscorer.com/stanleylionsclub.
But the morning 5K and Kids’ races weren’t the only events at Watermelon Fest. There were also vendor booths, a bucket raffle, ticket drawing, and even a car show.
For the bucket raffle, Sandy Cox of Stanley won the bench. Three separate ticket drawers drawing the succeeding prizes, Zach Lund of Stanley was three times lucky, winning the bean bag board, rocking horse, and two small chairs alike.
As for the ticket drawing, winners were as follows:
First place $500 - Petra Sigmund, Stanley
Second place $250 - Jody Davis
Third place $100 - Amanda Landa, Eau Claire
Fourth place $100 - Elaina Gunelson, Stanley
Fifth place $50 Sandy Brinker, Altoona
Sixth place $50 - Ketty Clow, Stanley
Seventh place $50 - Mike Lilla, Stanley
Eighth place $25 - Jody Davis
Ninth place $25 - Vicki Mulnix, Thorp
Tenth place $25 - Richard Fredrickson, Stanley
Eleventh place $25 - Lucas Troyer
For Car Show Winners, the following were chosen, organized by vehicle class:

1900 to 1949
First place: Terry Henneman, Chippewa Falls - 1931 Ford Model A
Second place: Wesley Marten, Stanley - 1940 Chevy Special Deluxe

1950 to 1959
First place: Jerry Conner, Hixton - 1956 Chevy
Second place: Lauren and Jon Cody, Stanley - 1956 Continental Mark II

1960 to 1969
First place: Tim Lingen, Stanley - 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback
Second place: Kelly and David Booth, Owen - 1968 Pontiac Firebird

1970 to 1979
First place: Mitch Peloquin, Stanley - 1970 Plymouth Roadrunner
Second place: Julie Mattieson, Boyd - 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme

1980 to 1989
First place: Jeff Schmidt, Boyd - 1986 Dodge Ram Charger
Second place: Frank Reid, Cameron - 1986 Chevy Monte Carlo

1990 to Present
First place: Doug Sharpe, Chippewa Falls - 2021 Jeep Sport
Second place: Dave Kappas, Eau Claire - 2006 Hyuandi Coupe

Modified/Street/Rat Rods
First place: John and Kim Lowe, New Richmond - 1933 Ford Roadster
Second place: Mitch Peloquin, Stanley - 1969 Plymouth Baracuda

Convertible
First place: Bonnie and Jerry Steiner, Eau Claire - 1961 Ford Galaxie Sunliner
Second place: Jewel Fredrickson, Stanley - 1990 Mazda Miata

Trucks
First place: Travis Meyer, Stanley - 1939 Ford Truck
Second place: Randy Garbers, Black River Falls - 1962 Chevy C-10

Best of Show
Mark Bernklau, Stanley - 1939 Buick 40

Started back in 1946, the Stanley Lions have long been a part of making a difference in the lives of those in need in Stanley, surrounding communities and around the world.
Founded on the motto “We Serve”, the Stanley Lions have been part of this activity, contributing to community service projects, scholarships, and youth activities. Find out more at www.lionsclubs.org, or ask a Lion you know about joining.
The Stanley Lion’s Club wish to thank all the participants and volunteers who made this event a success.