An annual fundraiser for Downtown Rhinelander Inc., is shifting its focus from auction to party making this the last year for residents and area businesses to place bids for a “mini” Hodag.
The mythical creatures are half the size of the original Hodag, and are auctioned off at Downtown Rhinelander Inc’s, “Haunted Hodag Howl” party each year. Event Chair Maggie Steffen says this is the last year for the “mini” Hodag because the event needs to be appealing to everyone…
“…the whole reason why we turned this into a Halloween party was when I came on board, I said, “you know, I’m not going to buy a Hodag, so I’m not going to go to those. I’m never going to come to the party because I don’t want to buy a Hodag. As you can tell, there are maybe 15 people there to bid on the Hodag, but the rest of the people come for the party.”
Steffen says the party is an adult Halloween costume party featuring music, games, raffles and food…
“…all the funds raised from this particular event are going towards the streetscape. So it’s going to help with the beautification aspect of it, so it’s going to go towards lighting for the holidays, it’s going to go towards benches, flowers, banners… that kind of a thing.”
The “Haunted Hodag Howl” will be held at the Hodag Banquet Center, Saturday, October 22 at 6:30. Tickets are 15 dollars, and are available at Trigs, the Rhinelander Café and Pub or at the door.
