Bigger Stage, Bigger Impact: Veterans Backyard Bash Moves to Fairgrounds

Taylor Berndt
Aug 26
3 min read

WEYAUWEGA – This weekend, the Veterans Backyard Bash returns - bigger and more meaningful than ever. The annual Labor Day tradition, which started in 2020 by Fremont's own local businessman Brad Lind, has officially moved to the Waupaca County Fairgrounds in Weyauwega to make room for more music, food, family fun, and most importantly, support for local veterans. The move from its original backyard setting allows the event to keep growing while staying true to its mission: supporting local veterans and their families. Admission is free, and every dollar raised through raffles, food, and activities will go directly to a veteran or veteran family in need of support.

Poster for Veterans Backyard Bash, Aug 29-30 at Waupaca Co. Fairgrounds, WI. Includes activities, QR codes, and image of a man. Colors: green, red. — Support the Veterens Back Yard Bash, August 29-30 for a 5K/10K, cornhole, music, food, and a veterans' ceremony!

Two Days of Music & Community

The Backyard Bash is best known for its live music, and this year’s lineup doesn’t disappoint:

Friday, Aug. 29

6–10 PM – The Spicy Tie Band (Main Stage)

Saturday, Aug. 30

8:00 AM – Sizzlin’ Sonny’s Rockin’ Roadshow (Run/Walk kick-off)
1:00–4:00 PM – Dave Steffen Band (Indoor Stage)
4:00–8:00 PM – Carbon Road (Indoor Stage)
8:00–11:00 PM – Mt. Olive Band (Big Stage)

The night ends with professional fireworks at dusk on Saturday.

Events and Activities

5K/10K Run-Walk – Saturday, registration 7:00 AM, race 8:30 AM. $35 entry. Same-day signups welcome.

Cornhole Tournament – $25 per two-person team. Registration 9:30 AM, tournament starts 10:30 AM. Cash prizes for top three.
Kids’ Rides – Ferris wheel and The Berry ride on-site.
Basket Raffles & Silent Auction – A chance to win prizes while supporting the cause.

The Veterans Ceremony will be held at 4:00 PM on Saturday to honor those who have served.

Food & Drink

A wide variety of food will be available, including chicken sandwiches, burgers, brats, nachos, French fries, and soft serve ice cream.

Food trucks Smoke Hound BBQ, and Carnival Time Popcorn will also be at the fairgrounds.

Beverages include beer and hard seltzers, available with drink tickets.

Important Information

Please note that the event will be cash only. ATMs will be available on-site for your convenience.

Getting There

Parking: Free parking in the field on South Street by Gate #4.
Shuttle Service: Double J’s Shuttle (920-470-9495) will provide rides from Hahn-A- Lula Resort, Fremont River Deck, JR’s Sportsman Bar (by request), and Festival Foods in New London.

A Mission That Matters

What makes the Backyard Bash special isn’t just the music or fireworks - it’s the cause. All proceeds benefit local veterans through a partnership with Community Benefit Tree, Inc., helping those in need with financial and medical challenges.

LED sign reads "THANK YOU VETERANS!!" in red, white, and blue text against a dark backdrop, expressing gratitude and patriotism.

Over the past five years, countless veterans and families have shared stories of how this event changed their lives. From covering critical medical treatments to easing financial burdens, the Backyard Bash has become a beacon of hope. As local recipient Dorothy Thurston put it:

“Without the Veterans Backyard Bash I’d still be bedridden… They quite literally saved my life.”

How It All Began

Founder Brad Lind launched the event in 2020 with the goal of helping veterans ease their burdens and live fuller lives. Today, with the support of sponsors, volunteers, and hundreds of attendees, the Bash has grown into one of the area’s biggest annual events.