On my way into the park for the board meeting I noticed the beautiful autumn colors are really starting to pop. When I reached the stop sign at Sauk Trail Road I found I had an extra-long wait as three deer decided standing in the middle of the road was a good idea. It was nice to have a few minutes to relax and enjoy their beauty. If only I had a camera with me! Now to keeping you in the loop…
Halloween Candlelight Hike: This hike will be held October 20 from 6 p.m.to 9 p.m. We are looking forward to the costume contest, pumpkin carving contest, haunted trail and plenty of food. Speaking of pumpkins, we need to get looking for pumpkins and candy for this year’s event! If you would like to help, please call the park office at 262-285-3015 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Some volunteer opportunities include:
· Bake bars or cookies to be served at the event
· Serve food
· Judge costumes and pumpkins
· Fill goodie bags for the children who attend
· Help at the bonfire
· Supervise the pumpkin carving
Belgium Christmas Parade: We will be decorating the shuttle for the parade on Saturday, November 24. The time is yet to be set. If you would like to help with the float, please contact the park office at 262-285-3015 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Bob Burant will be overseeing this project and would love to have you on his team. There is also the opportunity to ride on the shuttle during the parade which will be held Sunday, November 25. Watch the website for time and meeting place.
Packer Party/Fundraiser: December 2, 2012 we will be holding a Packer Party at the Belgium Community Center. The funds raised at this event will be used for construction of the accessible cabin. The committee is finalizing the details and this information will be posted on the website within the next month. An important part of this event will be the silent auction. We have some great prizes and are looking for more donations.
Save the Date: January 12, 2013 will be the annual staff and volunteer appreciation dinner. It will be held at the Adolph and Marie Ansay Welcome Center.
Financial Update: We have been actively working to raise funds for construction of the accessible cabin. As of August 23, 2012 we have $7,038 cash in the account along with the approval of a $20,000 Knowles-Nelson Grant. We are in the process of applying for a second $20,000 Knowles-Nelson Grant. In addition to the funds in the cabin account, we have $11,961 in Checking and an additional $9,234 in savings.
Website: Have you had a chance to check out our website at www.friendsofharrington.org? The calendar gives you all the important dates. Updates on future events are kept current on the website!
Welcome Center: Are you looking for a place to spend time with family and friends with a beautiful fireplace, bathrooms & kitchenette? What about a place where you don’t have everyone running through your house? For just $150 you can rent the Adolph & Marie Ansay Welcome Center for the whole day. If you are a member of the Friends of Harrington Beach State Park, rental is only $135. Call the park office at 262-285-3015 to reserve it for your next party!
Our next scheduled board meeting is January 24, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. in the Adolph and Marie Ansay Welcome Center. Our meetings are open so we hope to see you there!
Article written by Friends President Ronnie Morgan