By Craig Marx, Editor

Whether you were there for the food, the performances, or were waiting upon the much-anticipated raffle for a chance to win a pop-up camper from CoVantage Credit Union and Brickner’s, the Antigo/Langlade County Chamber of Commerce Customer Appreciation Day allowed area businesses to thank their patrons with various promotions.

The event, held at the Langlade County Multi-Purpose Building, featured an hour-long performance from the Langlade County Youth Vocalists and Entertainers (LYVE) as long as a later set from the Deerbrook variety band Jagged Highway. With the groups playing to a hungry and thirsty crowd, area customers had multiple choices to partake in to eat and drink.

Sue’s Sweet Corn provided corn on the cob, while Peroutka’s and Edelman’s featured their famous brats and hot dogs, respectively. Cold beer and ice cream were also available on an evening that was stagnantly humid and hot.

The more-than-warm weather did not deter the younger patrons from playing in the bounce house that was set up inside the hockey rink, adjacent to the CoVantage camper that still had some tickets available for sale up to and including the drawing.

Dale Hookenson of Gaastra, Mich. came away with the grand prize, a 2016 Flagstaff 176LTD Camping Trailer. The fundraising raffle, culminating in Wednesday evening’s drawing, helped benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Langlade County as the Credit Union has been helping the B&GC with annual raffles since 2000.

Sue and Roy Kleisch of Sue’s Sweet Corn taking a minute to enjoy themselves at Customer Appreciation Day.

Front row for the band Jagged Highway.

Customers enjoying ice cream and the band.

The CoVantage Credit Union’s much sought after camper prize, eventually won by Dale Hookenson of Gaastra, Mich.

The display sign showing all the area businesses that wished to give back to their loyal customers.

Volunteers serving Sue’s Sweet Corn to appreciative customers.