Mansfield, Missouri, Wilder Days Festival 2008 Introduces JACK!

Wilder Days 2008 in Mansfield, Missouri is being driven by a vital and vibrant committee.  Everyone shares a concept with the late George Carlin; not being willing to only “think outside the box”.  Each member has shown more drive to ‘think around the box’ – to look for back or side doors and for ways to unlock them; to look for cracks in the siding or open windows in the box, to look for ladders in the box which allow peeking over the top.

 

As a result of this thinking model, Wilder Days 2008 is bringing a vigorous program to the Ozarks.  A program which the current committee wants to see continued and improved.

 

Jack, the bulldog is a big part of the 2008 Wilder Days campaign.  Jack has historical validity because in the Little House books penned by Laura Ingalls Wilder, we find the family dog, Jack.  Laura often referred to Jack as an old bulldog.  During the era of Laura’s childhood, the American Bulldog or some relative of him was a commonly owned dog as a working/security/friend animal.  Jack traveled many miles with the Ingalls’ and showed admirable loyalty to the family.

 

In 2008, Jack has gained a sense of humor and an appreciation for Bluegrass and Old Time music.  He has ‘agreed’ to be mascot for Kickin’ Up Grass – the showdown of bands which play Bluegrass/OldTime/Country music which will be held during the Wilder Days Festival, September 13.

 

Jack, as seen in mascot form, was commissioned by the Wilder Days Committee and the Mansfield Area Chamber of Commerce and drawn by Sherry Vanderstine, graphic artist with Intelligent Design at 229 S. Jefferson St., in Ava, Missouri (ps: her phone is 417-683-0222 if you need some good graphics work!).  

 

Watch and listen for Jack on WilderDays-MansfieldMo.info, in print, on TV and on Big Country 99 radio.

 

Jack kicks off Kickin' Up Grass

Mansfield, Missouri is a ‘Happenin’ Place’

Sure, mostly the content on this blog is about Wilder Days Festival.  But Mansfield doesn’t go dormant during the times between Festivals.  There is a lot going on that offers community and neighborhood culture and good times.

This weekend, July 19, for example, there are two events.  One is a fundraiser for a good cause and one is just a good time for all.

First, the Mansfield School Athletic Booster Club will be hosting a Texas Hold ‘em Tournament at the Lions’ Club building, starting at 6 pm.  The Booster Club is dedicated to working for all of the Mansfield kids.  Early Buy-in Reservations are available until July 17 for $30.00.  Tickets at the door will be $35.00.

For those hungry players, there will be A Meal Deal for $5.00 — Pulled Pork Sandwich with beans, chips and a drink.   Learn more at Mansfield Schools Athletic Booster Club.   There is air conditioning at the Lions Club facility.

Fresh air opportunities for the evening will be at the Mansfield City Park.  The Mansfield Community Betterment will host Music in the Park beginning at 7:00 pm and continuing until 9:00 pm.  “Pennyless”, a rock band from Mountain Grove, MO, will be performing Saturday evening at the Pavilion/Amphitheater in the Mansfield City Park.  Concessions will be available for those who want to snack and sip during the performance. Contact the Mansfield Community Center for more information.  417-924-7070.

So, YES, we are all about Wilder Days, but we are ‘all-er’ about Mansfield and community and neighborhood.

Wilder Days Promotions are a Win-Win in Mansfield, Missouri

The Wilder Days Committee has announced an assertive sponsorship program for the 2008 Festival.  Businesses wishing to promote themselves and get on the Wilder Days Bandwagon can find a sponsorhip niche that fits their needs.   The Wilder Days website is one place where all sponsors will recieve a logo placement, plus a website link.  Addtionally, there is an opportunity to be featured on Hwy 60 signage, Event banners (and specifically sponsor events), or be named on the sponsorship ads for Big Country 99 Radio, free booth space and more.

There are Platinum Sponsors ($1,000) – Gold Sponsors ($500) – Silver Sponsors (250) – Bronze Sponsors $50).  The perks of sponsorship are greater for the Platinum Sponsors, but there are perks for every sponsor because every one who can participate is valued highly by the committee planning Wilder Days Events.

Platinum Sponsors – $1000

1. Sponsors Logo Featured on the Highway 60 Promotional Signage
2. Dominant Logo Recognitions on Square Event Banner
3. Named Sponsor for a Festival Event with Radio & Print Program Recognition
4. Sponsor Logo/Link on Event Website
5. Public Address System Recognition 5 Time During Event
6. Free Booth Space

Gold Sponsor – $500

1. Dominant Logo Recognition on Square Event Banner
2. Sponsor Logo/Link on Event Web Site
3. Public Addres System Recognition 3 Times During Event
4. Free Booth Space

Silver Sponsor – $250

1. Listing on Square Event Banner
2. Public Address System Recognition 2 Times During Event
3. Free Booth Space

Bronze Sponsor – $50

1. Listing on Square Event Banner

2. Free Booth Space

With the Kickin’UpGrass competition for Bluegrass bands and Old Time Country Music, plus the events that feature children such as the Little Laura costume competition or the Farmer Boy costume competition AND 19th Century children’s games with prizes, Wilder Days is offering something for the entire family.  PLUS offering promotional happiness for the sponsors’ businesses.

Platinum Sponsors — Welcome Aboard

Businesses and individuals are getting their marketing efforts together to become part of the foundation of a strong celebration for Wilder Days, 2008.   Sponsors who choose to donate $1,000 are named Platinum Sponsors and will receive marketing recognition for their businesses through the promotional material produced for the celebration of Wilder Days, 2008 on September 12 and 13.    Their logos and links will be displayed on the Wilder Days website, plus signage and printed material AND acknowledgment on broadcast media.

Little Laura and Little Farmer Boy

At the annual Wilder Days celebration, children come dressed in costume representing the children of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s childhood and that of her husband, Almanzo Wilder.  Almanzo’s childhood was the story for Farmer Boy, one of Laura’s most popular books. 

A vital part of the celebration is the contest for the costume which looks most like Little Laura and Little Farmer Boy.  Children wishing to compete may complete application forms at the celebration or they may print them out ahead at this online page:  Little Laura and Little Farmer Boy Contestant Form

You can also find links at the Wilder Days website:  Http://www.wilderdays-mansfieldmo.info

Look-Alike Contests are Features of Wilder Days

Traditional and popular events at the annual Wilder Days celebrations include look-a-like contests for children. 

Girls all dress up to look like Little Laura, while boys dress to represent Farmer Boy.  Each contestant completes (with help if necessary) a competitor form which features questions about their school days, their favorite Little House books, and other items.  Unbiased Judges decide on costume originality, poise and personality for each age group from infancy through elementary school.

There are prizes and the winners for each category are invited and encouraged to ride on a special float in the parade.

Wilder Days 2008 has a promising schedule

Every year there are innovations added to the celebration commemorating Laura Ingalls Wilder and her life at Rocky Ridge Farm, a couple miles from downtown Mansfield.

This year the Wilder Days Committee is refining the experiences for children.  There will be a collection of participation games on Saturday morning…using games of the era when Laura was a child.

Children attending the festival are encouraged to dress in the mid to late 19th Century style and participate Saturday morning in a contest for a Little Laura Look-A-Like and a Little Farmer Boy Look-A-Like.  The winners will be able to ride on a float in the parade.

Musical events and vendors will fill the day.  There is an afternoon matinee planned by the Ozark Mountain Players.  Special events are held at Rocky Ridge Farm during the entire weekend.