WFHR’s 85th Anniversary Celebration – We’re just getting started!

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (WFHR / WIRI) – WFHR’s 85th anniversary celebration started with a Parking Lot Party on Wednesday, Aug. 20.

Both stations housed at 1690 2nd Avenue South in Wisconsin Rapids held live remotes. WFHR 97.5 FM and 1320 AM featured host James J. Malouf for the beginning of the party from 12-2 p.m. WIRI 105.5 FM featured host Seth Habhegger for the end of the party from 5-6 p.m.

Staff Sweet-Off

One fun part of the day included a staff dessert sweet-off! We had special celebrity guest judge Milton Steele. He worked at WFHR for many years and we were so happy to have him back to judge our contest and jump on-air with James during the live remote. He picked sales team member Ashley Buckingham’s dessert as the winner. She made a Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake. Throughout the party, listeners were also invited to taste the entries. The listener favorite was created by Traffic, Billing, and Office Services Manager Pamela Hilke with Mint Dirt Cake Cups.

All of this dessert talk and effort is to bring attention to the 85th Anniversary Cookbook! Listeners are invited to submit their favorite recipes to include in the cookbook that will be produced for the culmination of our 85th anniversary celebration in November. You can bring your recipe cards to the station and Pam will make a copy. You can also fill out a paper form or submit your recipes right here.

Local Non-Profits

Locally grown radio station WFHR is a vital part of Wisconsin Rapids and surrounding communities. Over the years, the station has occupied different locations around the city. But no matter where WFHR is located, the station has consistently provided links within the community to share information with listeners.

Many non-profits and groups were invited to join WFHR to kick off the 85th anniversary celebration. Those able to attend the day included: the Wisconsin Rapids Family Center, Aging and Disability Resource Center, Opportunity Development Center, GRACE, Buckley Baldwin VFW Post 2534, South Wood County Humane Society, and Wood County Foster Services.

Invited Businesses

Several businesses were also invited to participate in the day and provide food and entertainment for our listeners! El Sembrador Food Truck brought delicious authentic Mexican food. Sarah’s Sweet Treats delighted taste buds with deep fried everything you can imagine and even chocolate covered bacon. Peeps Food Truck rounded out the end of the party with excellent Chicago-style hot dogs, pulled pork smothered mac n’ cheese and everything in between!

The free entertainment provided by Edge VR and Evolution Throwing Company brought thrills and excitement to attendees. Edge VR Arcade brought a virtual reality headset that anyone could try for free. It gave a taste of what their full arcade offers and a good introduction to playing a virtual reality game. Evolution Throwing showcased a variety of the games available at their party location. Axe throwing, bean bag toss, darts, and a display of their various sharp items. Both businesses are great options for family friendly parties.

Special Guests

We also had several special Civic Media guests attend our event. Pat Kreitlow broadcast his morning show live from our studios the morning of the party. During the event, Todd Allbaugh also broadcast his show live right from the parking lot. Both talk show hosts interviewed several of our staff members from WFHR and WIRI. Katie Kruz also came and entertained on WIRI for her Middays with Katie from 12-4 p.m.

Community Engagement Manager Jennie Brand captured moments during the party and talked with staff and attendees. Meteorologist Brittney Merlot brought the sunshine towards the end of the party and enjoyed a delicious meal from Peeps. We appreciate the support from our network colleagues helping to promote our celebration!

Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Matt Zacher was at the studio twice on Wednesday. First to record an episode of the Rapids Report and again in the afternoon for the party! Miss Wisconsin Rapids Olivia Heuer stopped in for fun in the photo booth and even jumped on the air with Seth during the live remote on WIRI.

WFHR’s 85th Anniversary Celebration

We have more celebrating to do before we get to our big day in November. Listen to our stations as we head towards the anniversary. You can listen to us anywhere by downloading the Civic Media App. We hope to have more giveaways and special events between now and then. Be sure to submit your recipes to get them in our 85th Anniversary Cookbook!