Green County Fall Nationals - A Ten Year Tradition of Giving
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Photo courtesy of Heidi Krumenauer
In April, the GCFN board presented a check for $5,000 to F.A.I.T.H. organizers -- an organization dedicated to raising awareness of the effects of drug addiction In Green County. Front Row (L-R): Sharon Frontzak, JoAnn Hawthorn, Heidi Krumenauer, Monica Hawthorn. Middle Row (L-R): Mary Friedrichs, Jackie Kundert, Mark Hawthorn, Larry Hawthorn, Marquel Hawthorn, Danielle Gafner, Heidi Wahl, Jen Wahl. Back Row (L-R): Allison Gafner, Bill Frontzak, Mike Biddick, Collin Nack, Matt Wahl, Pete Gafner, Jeff Krumenauer, Taylor Gafner, Casey Robinson.
On Saturday, September 24, the Green County Fall Nationals will be held at the Green County Fairgrounds in Monroe.
Turning a hobby into community outreach was a just a simple thought for Mark Hawthorn more than 10 years ago, but today his vision has far exceeded even his wildest dreams. Hawthorn, a local tractor puller of nearly 30 years with his dad, Larry, a puller for 55 years, originally established the Green County Fall Nationals Truck and Tractor Pull in coordination with Farm Progress Days in 2006.
The community responded positively, and with an interest from local sponsors, Hawthorn shifted his thoughts of a one-time event to an annual truck and tractor pull with a purpose – supporting local individuals and families in Green County suffering hardships.
Ten years later, GCFN has donated nearly $300,000 to many in Green County. "It's a great feeling when you see the impact you're making on people who have just lost their home in a fire or who are spending a lot of time in the hospital," Hawthorn said. "It makes all the work of putting on an event of this size worth it to be able to do that."
A few hundred local businesses join GCFN's efforts each year by supporting the organization with sponsorship. "The sponsor loyalty is what keeps this thing going. We couldn't do it without them. Their financial support helps us offset the costs of running the show so we can use the remaining proceeds to make contributions to the Green County community."
On Saturday, September 24th, GCFN will host its 10th annual truck and tractor pull at the Green County Fairgrounds in Monroe. More than 110 trucks and tractors from the Badger State Tractor Pullers and from as far away as Nebraska will be on hand for a show that begins at Noon and runs until after 7:00 p.m. Madison County ends the evening with a performance in Exhibition Hall from 8:00 p.m.-Midnight.
During the day, attendees can purchase can koozies that will benefit the Kyle and Lindsey Myhre Family of Albany. Kyle recently passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a wife and new twins. GCFN will match the sale and donations toward the can koozies, up to $2,500.
Photo courtesy of Heidi Krumenauer
Tow Mater pulling semi will make an appearance at Green County Fall Nationals.
There will also be a live auction for a quilt made with 32 tractor and truck pulling shirts by JoAnn Hawthorn, Monroe. The bid on the Green County Fall Nationals Facebook page is currently at $1,000. Bids can be made on the Facebook page and will conclude during the afternoon of the pull. Proceeds from the quilt will go to the Merit Center at the Industrial Park of Monroe, serving multiple southern Wisconsin county Fire Departments.
"We're counting on another year of great weather and a full house," Hawthorn said. "We have in the ballpark of 5,000 attendees each year, but there's always room for more."
For more information on purchasing tickets prior to the event, visit http://www.greencountyfallnationals.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate for $15.00. Kids under 12 are free.
