JANUARY 2024
THE GREAT BUTTON HUNT
January through December, 2024
Collecting Menasha Sesquicentennial buttons is a fun, interactive experience where button hunters can earn collectable buttons from Menasha businesses, non-profits and other organizations.
To start, purchase your custom-printed Menasha Sesquicentennial lanyard from Menasha City Hall (2nd floor Park & Rec Dept) for $1.50 each.
For details, please click HERE
MENASHA HISTORY TRIVIA CHALLENGE
Friday, January 19, 2024 - 7:30PM
Elisha D. Smith Menasha Library
Company E Room (Downstairs)
Explore notable City of Menasha events, people and businesses - and test your own local knowledge.
Join us for great fun for Menasha's first Sesquicentennial event during our 150th year celebration.
Pizza slices will be provided by Parker John's BBQ and Pizza, our event sponsor. Plus, winners may win Parker John's gift cards, or a few curious objects provided by the Menasha Historical Society.
FEBRUARY 2024
SPEED PUZZLE COMPETITION
February 3rd, 2024
Gather your friends and compete against other teams to see who can complete a 1000-piece Menasha-themed jigsaw puzzle the fastest.
The jigsaw puzzle competition consists of teams of up to 4 people. Each competitor will receive a 1.25" Speed Puzzle button. Each team keeps the puzzle. Prizes will be awarded.
MENASHA SAVES LIVES
Monday, February 19, 2024
Menasha Public Library 2-5pm
Help us collect 150 pints of blood to celebrate 150 years of Menasha History. There will be multiple collection dates throughout the year to help us achieve our goal.
Appointments are recommended. Call the Community Blood Center 800.280.4102 or contact the library at 920.967.369. The mobile unit will be parked on the north side of the parking lot.
CLICK HERE to see our progress and all available locations to donate.
BANJO-JO's PAINTING PARTY
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Saturday, February 24, 2024
Catch Fire Creations 4-7pm
"Banjo Joe" Gazecki was born in 1888. He was a self-taught banjoist, the owner of the Bungalow Bicycle Shop (Racine Street) and built/raced bikes and cars.
Catch Fire Creations has recreated the 1913 Banjo-Jo derby car for you! The wheels roll, the cover comes off the engine and the tires are made of rubber. The size of the car is 5.375" long and 1.875" tall. Come see it in person.
You can purchase the derby car unpainted to take home or you can join us at one of the two Painting Parties. Max of 20 persons per event.
All ages welcome!
Cost: $14/car. No cost to join the painting party. Register by calling us at (920) 486-1005 or email us at contact@catchfirecreationsllc.com
Pre-Orders welcome.
MARCH 2024
SESQUICENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY
Menasha City Hall, 1st Floor
Tuesday, March 5, 2024 - 12pm
Everyone is invited to a Menasha Sesquicentennial Birthday Party in the first floor conference room of Menasha City Hall. The one-hour program starts at noon.
The event includes proclamations read by Mayor Merkes, music played by the Menasha High School band, a visit from our first mayor (O. J. Hall) and ends with Manderfields's cake and free buttons.
CLICK HERE for details of the Birthday Party.
WALTER BROS BEER RELEASE
Bare Bones Brewery & MORE!
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
In collaboration with OshkoshBeerBlog.com, Bare Bones Brewing proudly announces the release of the Walter Bros beer. CLICK HERE FOR HISTORY
Menasha bars/restaurants have the opportunity to pre-order draft or cans by February 29th to have their order by Menasha's Birthday (March 5).
Residents can purchase cases at Bare Bones Brewery. CLICK HERE FOR ORDER FORM
Gold Label Beer is available at the following locations (alphabetically):
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Bare Bones Brewery - Cans / Tap - 226 Main St
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Club Liquor - Cans - 234 Main Street
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Jitters - On Tap - 23 Main Street
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Parker John's BBQ - Cans - 124 Main Street
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Plank Road Pub - Cans - 800 Plank Road
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Prime Time Bar - Cans - 1150 Valley Road
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Rella's Bar - Cans - 1151 Valley Road
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Rusted Roost Restaurant - Tap - 192 Main Street
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Wilzke's Pub - Cans - 528 Milwaukee Street
SESQUICENTENNIAL EXHIBIT
Sunday, March 10, 2024
1pm - 4pm
Hiram Smith Octagon House
347 Smith Street, Neenah
The Menasha and Neenah Historical Societies have partnered to create an exhibit to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of our cities.
This exhibit features a historical overview of the people, places and things that make Neenah and Menasha special.
Light refreshments will be served and buttons will be handed out to each attendee. If you have questions, email the Menasha Historical Society at menashahistorical@yahoo.com or call 920-840-4373
APRIL 2024
$1.50 BUTTERMILK PANCAKES
Third Street Diner
300 Depere Street, Menasha
***For the Month of April***
To celebrate Menasha's 150th anniversary, our homemade buttermilk pancakes are $1.50 each for the month of April. Takeout orders are included.
NOTE: Potato pancakes are not included.
Our Hours:
Monday 6am - 2pm
Tuesday 6am - 2pm
Wednesday 6am - 2pm
Thursday 6am - 2pm
Friday 6am - 7pm (late hours!)
Saturday 6am - 2pm
Sunday 6am - 2pm
MENASHA INDEPENDENT CLEANUP
Starts April 1, 2024
This event starts April 1st and goes until the buttons are GONE (350 buttons available). Earn your 1.25" "Don't Be a Litter Monster!" button by volunteering to pick up trash in Menasha. You, by yourself, or with friends and/or family choose an area to pick up trash.
When done, take a picture of your team with your trash and email it, with your address, team names, and where you cleaned to Menasha150@gmail.com. We will deliver the buttons to you. Let us know if you need a Community Service Hours form.
Submitted Photos will be posted. CLICK HERE.
Now for the RULES!
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Public property only (or places that give you permission first!). Yes, you can clean city trails, streets and parks.
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Do not clean along highways or high-traffic areas. We don't want you getting injured!
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No picking up dead animals.
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If there are sharp objects such as glass or metal shards, do not use your hands. Use a tool such as a shovel or grabber to pick it up.
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For large objects such as tires, furniture, etc. Take a picture of it and email it, with the specific location to DotyIsland@gmail.com. We will work with the City of Menasha to see if they can help us get rid of it.
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If you come across a hypodermic needle, call the Menasha Police Non-Emergency phone number at 920-967-3500
If you have questions, please text Jacy Park, Doty Island President, at 920-479-0894 between the hours of 1pm and 6pm. See less
MENASHA SAVES LIVES
Monday, April 15, 2024
Menasha Public Library 2-5pm
Help us collect 150 pints of blood to celebrate 150 years of Menasha History. There will be multiple collection dates throughout the year to help us achieve our goal.
Appointments are recommended. Call the Community Blood Center 800.280.4102 or contact the library at 920.967.369. The mobile unit will be parked on the north side of the parking lot.
CLICK HERE to see our progress and all available locations to donate.
150 TREES FOR ARBOR DAY
SMITH PARK, MENASHA
Friday, April 26th, 2024 - 9am
The public is invited to celebrate Menasha's Arbor Day celebration. Mayor Merkes will be handing out Menasha Arbor Day buttons to attendees (150 available).
The annual celebration and tree planting signifies an opportunity to educate and inspire residents about the importance, value and love of trees.
The event will kick off with the planting of two ceremonial trees at Smith Park:
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The city of Menasha will plant a Burr Oak to commemorate their 150th anniversary.
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Menasha Corporation will plant White Oak (the trees they used to make their first barrels) to commemorate their 175th anniversary.
After the planting of the ceremonial trees, youth from Menasha, along with community volunteers will work along-side the Parks, Recreation & Forestry employees to plant trees at an in the neighborhood near Smith Park.
If you would like to volunteer to plant trees after the ceremony, please email parknrec@menashawi.gov
Here's the city's website: CLICK HERE
MAY 2024
Architectural History Month
HISTORIC HOUSE HUNT
Self-Guided Sidewalk Tour
May 20 through June 3, 2024
Follow the Map:
Maps will be released on May 20th at the unmanned central desk at City Hall at the Menasha Historical Society 10am - 1pm on Monday. Find houses on the tour and learn as you go. Each house on the map is marked with a yard sign that includes the house name and some interesting historical facts about the home. Please be respectful of the owner’s property and privacy while hunting.
Earn a Pin:
Along with details about the home’s history, three of the yard signs will include a picture of our souvenir Menasha 150th Anniversary House Hunt pin. More to come about how you can to earn a pin.
Enter to Win a $50 Gift Card from Manderfield’s Bakery:
Find all three house signs with pictures of pins on them and get your name in a drawing for a $50 Manderfield’s gift card. Details coming soon!
This is a self-guided tour/house hunt. You may begin at any point, visit as many sites as you wish, and cover ground over whatever days you choose, from May 20-June 3. All pin requests and gift card drawing entries must be received by the June 16 deadline.
QUESTIONS? Contact Shirley Heinz at the Menasha Historical Society. sjheinz56@twc.com
DOWNTOWN HISTORY WALK
Saturday, May 11th, 2024
Menasha One Tower - 1:00PM
The Menasha Historical Society is teaming up with the Menasha Landmarks Commission to present the Canal District.
Meet at Menasha One Tower - 201 Main Street.
The Landmarks Commission will be handing out a History Walk Button to the first 150 attendees. All present will have a chance to be included in a drawing to win a downtown shopping spree valued at $100 and an ice cream cone from The Sweet Lair.
Pictured: A photo of the First National Bank of Menasha in 1961. The columns were removed in 2014 and are now located on the Mill Street waterfront.
JUNE 2024
MENASHA SAVES LIVES
Menasha Senior Center
June 14th, 2024 - 8am to 11am
June 17th, 2024 - 2pm - 5pm
Help us collect 150 pints of blood to celebrate 150 years of Menasha History.
Enter the Menasha Senior Center at the Main Street door. A collectible “Menasha Saves Lives!” button will be given to the first 150 participants.
Additional dates for donation locations will be posted as they are scheduled. CLICK HERE for the registration link. CLICK HERE to see our progress and all available locations to donate.
OPENING RECEPTION of
Visual Perspectives of Menasha:
Your Place on the Water
UWO- Fox Cities Aylward Gallery
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
5pm-7pm
The Aylward Gallery and the City of Menasha will host twenty-six artists, who will pay homage to the past, present and future of our great city! Each artist is creating a unique piece for this exhibition, using their individual medium and viewpoint of our place on the water.
Join us for the opening reception of the art exhibition Visual Perspectives of Menasha: Your Place on the Water.
Indie jazz duo, Natural Satellite, will bring their rare sound for this evening and conceptual artist Leif Larson has been commissioned to do a live painting of the event – which will be donated to the city. There will also be refreshments & appetizers.
CELEBRATE MENASHA 150
FESTIVAL WEEKEND
POSTPONED
UNFORTUNATELY, DUE TO THE POOR WEATHER FORECAST, THIS WEEKEND EVENT HAS BEEN POST-PONED.
PLEASE CHECK BACK TO THIS WEBSITE FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION AND THE NEW DATE!
PADDLE THE CANAL
Jefferson Park, Menasha
POSTPONED
UNFORTUNATELY, DUE TO THE POOR WEATHER FORECAST, THIS WEEKEND EVENT HAS BEEN POST-PONED.
PLEASE CHECK BACK TO THIS WEBSITE FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION AND THE NEW DATE!
BUTTON HUNTERS - PHOTO
Sat, June 22 - 12PM SHARP!
Bank Pillars on Mill Street
DESCRIPTION:
We want to see your collection! We've heard of the various ways you are wearing & displaying your buttons - on hats, on sashes, on coats & jackets - and of course, on lanyards.
We want to get a group picture to add to the booklet being assembled documenting all of the events we hosted this year. The booklet will be printed and given to the City of Menasha and the Menasha Historical Society for future generations to review.
Meet us at at the Bank Pillars (near the water) on the corner of Mill Street / Marina Place starting at 11:30am. At noon we will count down and take an official picture of any Button Hunters that would like to join us!
AUTHORS' INTERVIEW FORUM & MEET-N-GREET
Saturday, June 22
Community First Lobby
DESCRIPTION: FREE TO THE PUBLIC
You have the opportunity to interview five authors at the same time!
Arrive between 12:30 - 1:00pm. Grab a plate of FREE snacks. Write questions for our authors to answer. The moderator will read the question to the authors for each of them to answer in turn.
After 30 minutes of questions, the authors will go to their designated tables to meet the public, sign books, sell items and giveaways. Each author will be giving away Menasha150 buttons. Check out the designs:
https://www.menasha150.com/available-buttons
MODERATOR: K L Mielke
GUEST AUTHORS:
David Galassie - Neenah & Menasha History
John Gremmer - Dam Birds: Big Birds in Downtown
Menasha
Gavin Schmitt - Fox Cities Murder & Mayhem
Steve Krueger - Lighthouses of Lake Winnebago
Rebecca Zornow - Anthology of Menasha
SPONSORS: Festival Foods (Website Link)
UWO - Fox Cities Campus
Menasha150 Open House
June 25, 2024 - 3pm to 7:30pm
Join us for an Open House! Multiple professors and directors are hosting a short talk or tour.
SEE THE FULL AGENDA HERE: CLICK HERE
For instance, the Weis Earth Science Museum is hosting exclusive director's tours to explore the rich geologic and mining history of the state of Wisconsin.
See world class minerals and take a guided stroll through our animals through time exhibit featuring the Bruce Danz Collection.
For this event only, see rare specimens from Wisconsin and beyond from our collections not typically on public display.
JULY 2024
Visual Perspectives of Menasha: Your Place on the Water
UWO- Fox Cities Aylward Gallery
June 18 - August 15, 2024
Twenty-six artists with very different viewpoints of what the City of Menasha means to them, all in one exhibition. The Visual Perspectives of Menasha: Your Place on the Water is the culmination of a year’s planning for the city’s sesquicentennial.
We have curated a wide variety of artists, who specialize in many different mediums - each brings a fresh outlook and varying degrees of experience.
The exhibition will be open to the public beginning June 18 and will run through August 15, 2024. UWO – Fox Cities summer building hours:
Monday – Friday, 7am – 5pm
Saturday – Closed
Sunday - Closed
AUGUST 2024
Visual Perspectives of Menasha: Your Place on the Water
UWO- Fox Cities Aylward Gallery
June 18 - August 15, 2024
Twenty-six artists with very different viewpoints of what the City of Menasha means to them, all in one exhibition. The Visual Perspectives of Menasha: Your Place on the Water is the culmination of a year’s planning for the city’s sesquicentennial.
We have curated a wide variety of artists, who specialize in many different mediums - each brings a fresh outlook and varying degrees of experience.
The exhibition will be open to the public beginning June 18 and will run through August 15, 2024. UWO – Fox Cities summer building hours:
Monday – Friday, 7am – 5pm
Saturday – Closed
Sunday - Closed
MENASHA SAVES LIVES
Monday, August 19, 2024
Menasha Public Library 2-5pm
Help us collect 150 pints of blood to celebrate 150 years of Menasha History. There will be multiple collection dates throughout the year to help us achieve our goal.
Appointments are recommended. Call the Community Blood Center 800.280.4102 or contact the library at 920.967.369. The mobile unit will be parked on the north side of the parking lot.
CLICK HERE to see our progress and all available locations to donate.
SEPTEMBER 2024
Otto Grunski Events
Grunski Runski 5k and the
Grunski Bikeski - 3 Tiers
September 28th and 29th
GRUNSKI RUNSKI - Saturday, Sept 28
The 44th annual Otto Grunski Runski 5K event will once again circle Doty Island. The event starts and ends at Curtis Reed Square in downtown Menasha. Kickoff starts at 8:30am. Participants are encouraged to participate in the costume contest and enjoy the post-race after party. Participants will receive post-race food from Parker John’s BBQ and PIzza, a treat from The Sweet Lair and brass monkeys from Club Liquor. They will also receive a brimmed hat and a finisher medal. NOTE: Participants must register BEFORE August 25 to be guaranteed a hat. SIGN UP: https://runsignup.com/Race/WI/Menasha/OttoGrunskiRunski
GRUNSKI BIKESKI - Sunday, Sept 29
In celebrating the City of Menasha’s 150th anniversary, Smith Park will be hosting the come-back event: The Otto Grunski Biking Classic. The original Biking Classic took place from 1973 until 2002 in honor of Otto Grunski, the Menasha inventor of the “Boneshaker”, a precursor to the modern bicycle.
There are 3 race-types for participants to complete: the Community Criterium (participants race to see how many laps they can do in 20 minutes and participants are chipped), the Novelty Bike 1 mile (not timed and bikes are judged on crowd favorites), and Kids ¼ mile (parade-style).
For more information: https://runsignup.com/Race/WI/Menasha/GrunskiAnniversaryBikeski
VOLUNTEERS & CHEER TENTS
Please let Menasha Park & Rec know if you are interested in volunteering to monitor an intersection for this event. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. The volunteer would assure race participants are safe while stopping traffic if needed. Safety vests and flags are provided by Menasha Parks & Rec.
https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/WI/Menasha/OttoGrunskiRunski
OCTOBER 2024
CELEBRATE MENASHA!
Friday, October 11th, 5pm-10pm
Saturday, October 12th, 3pm-10pm
Join us for our weekend celebration! Carnival rides, games, music and more. Check out the events on our website:
FRIDAY LINEUP: https://www.menasha150.com/celebratemenashafriday
SATURDAY LINEUP:
https://www.menasha150.com/celebratemenashasaturday
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MENASHA SAVES LIVES
Monday, October 21, 2024
Menasha Public Library 2-5pm
Help us collect 150 pints of blood to celebrate 150 years of Menasha History. There will be multiple collection dates throughout the year to help us achieve our goal.
Appointments are recommended. Call the Community Blood Center 800.280.4102 or contact the library at 920.967.369. The mobile unit will be parked on the north side of the parking lot.
CLICK HERE to see our progress and all available locations to donate.