It's a festival built around a piece of beef and a way to say thank you. It's been going on for 54 years with the latest celebration set for Friday night and Saturday in Minocqua.
Beef-a-Rama began in 1964 as a way to bring travelers back to the region in a time when visitors had left for the summer and to thank them for their business, says Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Krystal Westfahl...
"...The community, certainly, really gets involved in this event, due to the tradition and history of it. I think the meaning behind Beef-a-Rama, the thanks, the give back to the community, I think that is an integral part in why this event is so successful and why it's growing year after year...."
It started out as Fish-a-Rama, but soon switched over to the more available beef.
There's a wide range of activities including the Saturday Rump Roast Run-Walk where a thousand participants are expected, music, and vendors, food and refreshments with the annual Parade of Beef down Oneida Street to Torpy Park at 3:00 p.m. Trophies are awarded for the best tasting beef roasts prepared by business owners and others.
Krystal Westfahl says traffic is always something to consider....
"...We've had to increase our shuttle stops along with how many buses are moving people back and forth. We're up to 14 buses moving people about because, as you know, this event takes place on an island. Trying to get the parking situation organized is always a challenge. But we love to do it because we love to have people come and visit...."
Westfahl says they anticipate 12,000-15,000 visitors this weekend.
There's a rundown of the activities on the chamber's website at Minocqua.org
