BUCYRUS OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)– Saturday afternoon of the Bratwurst Festival promises a lively atmosphere, especially at the VFW Post 1078, located at 235 E. Galen St. Conveniently facing E. Mansfield Street, it’s an ideal spot for festival-goers seeking entertainment, relaxation on the patio, and an all-around good time.
New to Post 1078 this year, the renowned “In A Soldier’s Shoes” Foundation is sponsoring a beer pong contest where teams of two will have the opportunity to compete for a trendy WWE-style Championship belt. Participants can choose to play with beer or engage in a non-alcoholic version of the game. Registration is $50 per team. All proceeds from the contest will support the foundation’s mission.
Spearheaded by Zack Weilnau, Brien Conrad, and Kayon McDonald, the foundation aims to assist veterans in need. Weilnau and Conrad are both alumni of Ashland University, while McDonald continues his studies there. The initiative began as a service project for the Kappa Sigma fraternity at the university, evolving into a committed effort to support the veteran community.
Each April, the foundation, in cooperation with Ashland University, organizes an event where participants carry a 40-pound backpack, simulating the challenges faced by soldiers daily. Weilnau, who founded the shoe company “Pride Slides” in 2018, recognized the barriers veterans encounter in accessing essential services. Weilnau, McDonald, and Conrad wanted to expand the project. Coming from families who served in the military, the men felt this was a good way to honor their families, say thank you to those who served, and to give back to veterans.
“The bureaucratic red tape often inhibits veterans from receiving the help they need, especially those in smaller rural communities like Ashland and Crawford County,” Weilnau explained. The group identified shoes and socks as critical items lacking for homeless veterans. Weilnau, together with Conrad and McDonald, began providing footwear to veterans and their families. Initially focusing on slides, Pride Slides has now expanded their offerings to include tennis shoes, and they are proudly about to feature the Amvets logo to create unique designs, distinct from standard government-issued footwear.
The beer pong contest kicks off on Saturday, August 16th, at 2 PM, with exciting activities planned throughout the event. In addition to the competition, attendees will have the chance to win prizes, including six guns up for raffle, along with gift baskets and various door prizes.
“We are humbled by the opportunity to give back what we can to those who have given their blood, sweat, and more to provide the freedom and security we enjoy every day as American citizens,” the group said.
Join the fun and show your support for a worthy cause while enjoying the festive atmosphere at this year’s Bratwurst Festival!
