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Ashley for the Arts Presents Awards Supporting Humanity

August 4, 2024  by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry   

“As we reflect on our 15 years of Ashley for the Arts, we have been humbled by the overwhelming support throughout the years,” stated Cole Bawek, Event Director, Ashley for the Arts. “It truly takes the whole community to put this event on, and we are deeply thankful for those who have helped us grow to where we are today. We are proud to recognize this year's recipients with the Humanitarian and Patron of the Arts Awards to show our gratitude for the mark they have left on our event.”

The Humanitarian Award was created to celebrate those who have gone above and beyond in serving the communities that surround Arcadia, the home of the Ashley for the Arts annual event. Following a selection process through the Ashley for the Arts committee, the City of Arcadia and the Arcadia Lions Club were chosen as the 2024 Humanitarian Award recipients.

The City of Arcadia has been extremely accommodating and willing to work with Ashley for the Arts since the inception of the festival, allowing the organization to use city facilities and materials, and volunteering their time to help with this great event. The festival would also not be possible without the help and cooperation of the Arcadia Mayor and City Council, Arcadia Police and Fire Departments, the Electric Utility, Water Utility and the Street Department.

Ashley for the Arts will also recognize the Arcadia Lions Club for their eagerness to help the organization get its start 15 years ago, including the use of materials and expertise in hosting an event of this kind, they have generously allowed the festival to use the Pavilion building for many years and have continuously volunteered during the course of the event. The Arcadia Lions Club have been great and generous peers to work with throughout the years.

The City of Arcadia and the Arcadia Lions Club will be recognized on the main stage prior to The Script’s performance on Friday, Aug 9, at 6:45 PM.

In addition, the Patron of the Arts Award recipient was created to honor individual(s) or an organization that has demonstrated extraordinary support for the arts. Ashley for the Arts will recognize Butch Halama of WHTL with this prestigious award on Saturday, August 10, on the main stage, before Bret Michael’s performance, at 6:45 PM.

Butch Halama is a lifelong resident of Trempealeau County and is probably best known as the owner of local radio station, WHTL 102.3 FM in Whitehall. With no shortage of hard work and determination, he set out to make the station an important part of the local communities by focusing on local news, sports, and activities. Butch has been a supporter of Ashley for the Arts since the beginning, promoting and advertising the event on WHTL with his enthusiasm for local fundraising efforts. Since 2010, he has returned every year to emcee the festival’s three side stages.

Butch has been an active member of numerous community organizations over the years, always going the extra mile in giving his time and talents to their causes. Ashley for the Arts has been no exception, and that commitment has been passed along to the team at WHTL as well as his own family. Butch and the team at WHTL have been an instrumental part in helping the event grow.

Join Ashley for the Arts in recognizing these award recipients and their contributions to the community and the arts. Limited 3-day admission tickets are available for $55 in advance, and $65 at the gate. New this year, children’s tickets (ages 3-10) are available for $25 in advance, and $30 at the gate. For additional event details, download the Ashley for the Arts app or visit the website.