American Legion Post 46 in Merrill revives Veterans Picnic

MERRILL – The Edward A. Burns American Legion Post 46 hosted a Veterans Summer Picnic and Family Fair on Sunday, June 28, taking over organization of an annual event that has struggled with declining attendance in recent years.

The picnic is normally coordinated by the Lincoln County Veterans Council, an informal group made up of veteran service organizations in the county that helps with planning and communication among its members, said Jeremy Gunther, Commander of Post 46.

“There has been a sharp decline in attendance in recent years, and the need for the picnic has been called into question,” Gunther said. “In an attempt to revitalize the event and the Veterans Council, the Edward A. Burns American Legion Post 46 in Merrill took the lead in organizing and hosting the event this year.”

This year’s event featured burgers, brats, Grandstand Ice Cream, balloon animals, face painting, a bounce house, a DJ and a visit from Operation Horses Heal.

The picnic also coincided with a stop from the American Legion Riders, who were partway through a three-day, statewide motorcycle fundraiser called Cruise for a Cause.

“We had approximately 60 motorcycles with well over 100 riders show up for a portion of the event,” Gunther said.

Organizers said the goal this year was to shift the picnic’s focus toward families, in hopes of drawing in younger veterans.

“Our goal with this year’s event was to really focus on the family aspect,” Gunther said. “As with all fraternal and veterans organizations, we are suffering from declining numbers and an inability to attract younger members. By having the family as our focus, we are hoping to attract our working age veterans who may have children and need to have a place for their whole family to go.”

Also on hand was a patriotic parade float themed around George Washington Crossing the Wisconsin River, part of a new effort tied to the country’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

“We made this a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the U.S.,” Gunther said. “Additionally, we decided at the Legion this year that we would create a patriotic parade float for the 4th of July, Labor Day and Christmas Eve parades. Our theme is George Washington Crossing the Wisconsin. The float was there at the event, and we even had people sign it in paint marker. We will continue to do that at every event we attend this year.”

The float also inspired an impromptu fundraising challenge during the bikers’ donation drive at the picnic. Gunther pledged to get a George Washington-style haircut if the crowd raised $250, and to dye his hair and eyebrows white to match if donations reached $500.

“We ended up raising over $600,” Gunther said. He followed through on his promise and is now sporting a new look – well, more of an historic look reminiscent of the styles from 250 years ago.

In a post on Facebook, Post 46 thanked the community for its turnout, calling the event a step toward restoring outreach efforts that had lapsed for years at the post.

“As a Post, this was our first time hosting an outreach event for the community in a very long time, probably decades,” the post read. “We appreciate your support, compliments, feedback and positive energy.”

The post also noted that attendance exceeded expectations and that changes are planned for future events as a result.

“Due to the overwhelming response and public attendance, we’ll implement adjustments for future events and activities,” the post said.