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In the Northwoods, the first weekend of October traditionally coincides with the height of fall color. As this newsletter reaches you we hope you take time to get outdoors, go for a stroll around town, take a drive through the country or hike one of the many beautiful trails in our area.
And of course, we invite you to read the latest DRI news right here. As usual, we appreciate your feedback. If you have comments or suggestions, please send them to Maggie at msdri@frontiernet.net.
The Editors
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Mainstreet with Maggie
by Maggie Steffen, DRI Executive DirectorOctober means a lot of things to people, but the one thing that comes to everyone's mind is Halloween. This year we have a great offer for Halloween: the "Haunted" Hodag Howl.
Last year Downtown Rhinelander Inc. took our Hodag Auction and turned it into a community party. This year we've taken it a step further and created a Halloween Costume party/auction.
The fundraiser will be held on Sat., Oct. 26, at the Quality Inn. The event starts at 6:30 p.m., with the auction at 8 p.m. The ticket price is the same great value as last year: $15.
The event includes hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, raffles, games, music, dancing and or course, the auction. Dressing up in costume will earn you five free raffle tickets!
Introducing the Mini Hodag
Our Hodag program was slated to be a little different this year. Be careful what you wish for! First, we asked our sponsors to sponsor the program rather than a Hodag. Thank you for your support!
Another change: we made the Hodags into "minis." This smaller size allowed some artists to participate who could not do so before. It also will allow more flexibility for those who bid on the Hodags. The mini is perfect for a garden or next to a pond, and also fits well indoors -- a bonus for businesses and homes alike. And finally, the minis will be more affordable.
Because of circumstances beyond our control, the mini Hodags did not arrive until about a month ago and are still being painted by the artists. This means that those attending our event will be in on the debut of the very first Mini Hodags. There are ten, but we will only be auctioning off five. The remaining five will be displayed throughout downtown during winter and spring, with the anticipation that more Hodags will join them next summer. This is DRI's signature event, and it's one you won't want to miss!
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Haunted Hodag Howl - Saturday, October 26
Quality Inn 6:30 p.m.
Attend the unveiling of the new Hodag Minis!
A Haunted Hodag Howl Costume Party will be held this year to celebrate our Hodag history and to auction five of our 10 Hodag Minis. The five remaining Hodags will be on display in downtown establishments during the coming months.
This is an evening to celebrate or purchase a Hodag. There will be refreshments, raffles, games and dancing. Come in costume, and you'll receive five raffle tickets! Tickets are $15 per person and are available at the Rhinelander Cafe and Pub, Trig's or at the door.
This project is a DRI fundraiser. The proceeds support downtown projects and events.
Thanks to our Hodag on Parade Sponsors for 2013:
Ripco Credit Union Trigs
CoVantage Credit Union Northwoods National Bank
Superior Diesel Walmart
Rhinelander Honda Heck Capital Advisors
Bucketheads Northwoods River News
Friendship House Star Journal/Buyers Guide
O'Melia Inc. Rhinelander Gm-Toyota
O'Melia Schiek & McEldowney S.C.
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Be a part of Downtown Rhinelander's
Pumpkin Glow.
Many, many carved pumpkins will be "aglow" in one downtown location on Saturday, October 26th, from 5:30-9 p.m.
- The number of pumpkins aglow will depend on how many people carve a pumpkin and bring it downtown Saturday.
- You may bring as many carved pumpkins as you want. For each carved pumpkin brought, you will get your name entered into a drawing for several prizes.
- A prize will also be given out for best carved pumpkin.
- You may pick up your pumpkins that same night between 9 and 10 pm only.
For the exact location, check Downtown Rhinelander, Inc. Facebook and website along with local media.
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DRI Committee News
Design
by Pat LaPorte, Chair
Decorate your business for the holidays!
Once we get past Halloween, we'll be primed for the spirit of the holidays that follow. It would be great for our businesses to all get on board and create a festive atmosphere for our downtown.
Decorating for the Holidays boosts employee morale and creates a warm and inviting environment for the customers. When you deck out your business for the holidays, consider your location, your clientele and your budget.
Let's all make downtown Rhinelander a special place for Christmas in 2013.
Economic Restructuring
by Dan Kuzlik, Chair We're happy to report that we have:- completed our goals, budget and timeline outline for the coming year;
- discussed the development of a recruitment package for potential downtown businesses;
- contacted WEDC to discuss a partnership with our Facade Grant program;
- received a list of business contacts from JD Milburn at WEDC.
Organization
by Joan Belongia, Chair Our committee at present is:
- working on a new data base for volunteers;
- continuing to update our new website;
- completing development of a Project Planning Sheet for DRI.
Upcoming meetings: Oct. 7, 1 p.m. Nov. 4, 1 p.m. All are welcome to attend!
by Ray Burgan, Chair Our committee:
- debriefed the PotatoFest and prepares to begin planning for next year;
- discussed a new option for Trick or Treat, called "The Glow"
- needs a new Promotions Chair, starting in November. Please call Maggie if you are interested or have would like to propose a candidate.
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Widfli staff assist DRI through volunteer service.
 
Local Widfli staff Debby Running, Payroll and Derrick Danner, Staff Accountant working on the Plaza and painting our storefront Thursday September 26 as part of a Widfli National Day of Service. They we part of a larger team who spent the afternoon in service to DRI. What a wonderful gift of community support!
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SAVE THE DATE
Downtown Events
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Oct 25
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Main Street Awards in Wausau
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Downtown Trick-or-Treat
Pumpkin Glow
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Oct 26
| Haunted Hodag Howl
| Oct 30
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Annual Meeting
| Nov 22-24
| Holiday Open House
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Nov 29
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Tree Lighting
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Feb 7
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Taste of Chocolate
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Downtown Trick-or-Treat Event
Saturday, October 26
2 - 4 pm
Bring your children to our 8th Annual Trick or Treat event. Visit our downtown merchants and receive treats for children. Enjoy the decorative crowd and stop by the DRI event table for more information on coupons and coming events.
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Strategic Plan Update
2013 Goals/ Outcomes
Enhance the aesthetic atmosphere of downtownFunded a facade grant program for 2014.
Retain, recruit and assist in creation of business in downtownHeld the first Available Properties Open House in May and filled two storefronts.
Draw people downtown to benefit membershipCreated a signature event: PotatoFest and attracted 4,000 people.
Involve more people in DRIAdded three new members to the DRI board in October.
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Stay Connected
 
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Message by
DRI President Mark Gutterer, owner of
Rhinelander Cafe & Pub
What's Up Mark?
Fall is here. We made it through a busy summer calendar, and now we're gearing up for two more special events.
Both the same day, both costume friendly: the downtown Trick-or-Treat and the Hodag Howl take place on Sat., Oct. 26.
Patty and I will continue our tradition of dressing up to hand out candy for the kids, and later the same day, we will be heading (still in costume) to the unveiling of this year's bumper crop of Baby Hodags -- a.k.a. Mini Hodags.
This promises to be an evening of fun. Join us at the Quality Inn to bid on, or just observe the baby hodag auction. Wear a costume or come as you are.
On the business side of DRI, our annual meeting will be Weds., Oct. 30. We will be voting on a new slate of officers. We are accepting nominations for our Board of Directors, as well as the Promotions chair, and the Organization chair. Anyone with some interest in learning more about DRI, or helping to shape DRI's future, please contact Maggie, or any of the board members.
Finally, I wish to thank all of the volunteers who donate their time, energy, and skills to helping DRI and the downtown Rhinelander community. We couldn't do it without you!
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 Volume 2 Issue 1
Downtown Rhinelander, Inc.
Maggie Steffen
Executive Director
26 N Brown St
P.O. Box 1638
Rhinelander WI 54501
Phone 715-362-7374
Fax 715-362-7340
msdri@frontiernet.net
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Everything we do could not be accomplished in one way, shape or form without the support or our community. On behalf of Downtown Rhinelander Inc., thank you Rhinelander.
Maggie Steffen
Executive Director
Downtown Rhinelander Inc.
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