Broiler Festival this weekend

by Beth Kraft

The 57th annual Eleva Broiler Festival will take place this Friday through Sunday, May 29 - May 31, featuring traditional favorites and the continuation of two events held in honor of individuals who looked forward to Broiler Fest each year.

The second annual “Brandon’s Pancake Breakfast” will be held on Saturday morning in memory of Brandon Semingson, a 2011 Eleva-Strum grad and an Eleva Fire and First Responder who passed away in a snowmobile accident last year. The Eleva Fire and First Responders will once again sponsor the breakfast to remember Semingson, who had become quite active in Broiler Fest planning and events.

Also on Saturday morning, runners will have a chance to strut their stuff at the fourth annual Zayvier’s Chicken Chase 5K & 10K Walk/Run. 

Named in memory of Zayvier Barnes, an Eleva fourth-grader who called Broiler Fest his favorite “holiday,” proceeds from the race will benefit an effort to install new playground equipment at Memorial Park in the heart of Eleva.

The playground project had previously focused on replacing aging equipment at the Eleva Intermediate School, but project rep Jodi Barnes, mother of Zayvier, says the effort’s focus changed late last year due to uncertainty of the school’s future in the long run.

The Eleva-Strum District has discussed potentially closing the Eleva school in the past to make ends meet, but approved referendum votes have helped keep the doors open.

Plus the Village of Strum has received new playground equipment at a few of its parks in recent years, Barnes pointed out, and Memorial Park in Eleva could use some TLC.

The swings, slide, and toddler play area at Memorial Park, located between First Avenue and West Stebins Street, are at least 30 years old, Barnes estimated.

“I think it was just a matter of finding a nice spot in Eleva for a park,” said Barnes, noting there are lots of children in the residential area that surrounds the park who could benefit from the new equipment.

Area kids might even be able to play on some new equipment later on this summer or fall.

Barnes said the playground project committee has raised about $30,000 in the three years it has received proceeds from the Chicken Chase, and it’s time to show the public what their dollars can do.

Playground plans call for new swings, an activity center with slides, climbing walls and a merry-go-round. The new equipment will be installed in phases as the committee has the necessary funds to complete them, Barnes said.

A donated bench, dubbed Zayvier’s Buddy Bench, will also be placed at the park, Barnes said, in memory of her son.

The playground project effort was originally launched by Eleva students and later supported by Chicken Chase organizers in memory of Zayvier Barnes. The nine-year-old passed away in a tragic car crash in 2012.

Also returning for another Broiler Fest weekend will be carnival rides and games from Stipe Shows, sports tournaments, live music, pull track events and the festival’s signature charcoal-grilled chicken dinners.

• Friday, May 29 •

The Miss Eleva Queen Coronation will officially kick off the festival on Friday at 7 p.m. on the main stage.

This year’s contestants are Rachael Anderson, daughter of Chad and Virginia Anderson, sponsored by J & J Construction; Lauren Jaskowski, daughter of Tom and Lori Jaskowski, sponsored by Oium Asphalt Paving; Kendra Myren, daughter of Dan Myren and Janine Putz, sponsored by Aiona Heating and Air Conditioning.

Friday night will also feature the Hot Rod Burnout Contest at the main pull track at 7 p.m. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. Trophies and entry prizes will be awarded with 100 percent payback. Admission is $10 per person and children ages 12 and under are free.

The Rubber Buster Kickball Tournament will also help kick-start the festival, running from 5 - 11 p.m. on Friday evening at the Eleva Lake Park field. 

Live music by the Big Deeks will take place in the beer garden from 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.

• Saturday, May 30 •

Saturday’s slate of events begins with Brandon’s Pancake Breakfast, Zayvier’s Chicken Chase and two sports tournaments in the morning.

The pancake breakfast will be held at the downtown chicken stand from 7 - 11 a.m.

The Chicken Chase 5K/10K will begin in Eleva Lake Park at 8:30 a.m. that morning. Race day registration begins at 6:30 a.m.

Last year’s race saw participation level out at about 600 runners and walkers after  about 700 participated in the 2013 event.

Barnes said race organizers are anticipating a similar turnout this year.

The race will utilize the same routes as last year’s event. 5K participants will follow an out-and-back route north from Eleva Lake Park, turning east on County Highway U before turning to head back to the park. 10K challengers will continue on through a loop course that includes a section of the Beef River ATV Trail before heading north through the heart of Eleva on the way to the finish line at the park. 

Each participant will receive a race T-shirt; special prizes will be awarded to age group winners.

For more information, please visit www.elevachickenchase.com.

Also that morning, a six-person co-ed volleyball tournament will kick off at 7:30 a.m. at the Eleva Lake Park volleyball courts.

The 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament is set to run all day on the park’s courts starting at 8 a.m. The Kickball Tournament will continue from 5 - 11 p.m.

Heading into the afternoon, the Kiddie Parade will march down Main Street at 12 p.m. with prizes awarded. The Talent Show will follow at 1 p.m. on the main stage featuring a wide range of acts from local performers of all ages.

The Garden Tractor Pull will take place on the main pull track beginning at 4 p.m.  followed by the Truck and Tractor Pull at 6 p.m. Admission is $10 per person and children ages 12 and under are free.

Live music by The Hell Country Truckers will cap off the night in the beer garden from 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.

• Sunday, May 31 •

The festival will peak Sunday afternoon with the Grand Parade at 1:30 p.m. on Main Street.

Duck Races sponsored by Girl Scout Troop 3320 will take place behind the concession stand at 3:30 p.m.

Also beginning at 3:30 p.m., a Demolition Derby sponsored by Full Throttle Motorsports, LLC, will be held at the main pull track. The winner of a raffle event will have the opportunity to drive in the derby.

Live music by The Rattlenecks, featuring local musicians Todd Barneson, Jim Pullman and Gabe Koxlien, will be performed on the main stage from 4 - 8 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday afternoons will also feature the chain saw carving talents of Dave Bartels on the festival grounds from Noon - 6 p.m. both days.

A pie and ice cream social hosted by the Eleva Lutheran Ladies Aid will also take place throughout the weekend at the Village Hall. Festival-goers are also invited to visit the Eleva Historical Society on Friday from 5 - 10 p.m., Saturday from 2 - 10 p.m. and Sunday from Noon - 10 p.m.

Charcoaled chicken and other refreshments will be served throughout the festival. No carry-ins or coolers are allowed.

For more information, please visit elevabroilerfestival.com.