By Chris Spangler
Olympic gymnast Simone Biles might be the Greatest Of All Time in Paris, but many other GOATS, otherwise known as ruminants, were celebrated in Jefferson on Saturday.
Mother Nature smiled down on the city’s annual Goat Fest, held to support the goats that munch on the weeds growing on the downtown island at the confluence of the Rock and Crawfish rivers.
Held by the Friends of Goat Island at Rotary Riverfront Park, the festival featured music, facepainting, a raffle, goat races, food trucks, a maker fair and meet-and-greets with the goats themselves.
It began in 2019 as a way to raise money to support the goats “rented” to control weeds on the island during the summer months.
All proceeds from Goat Fest go toward helping house, feed and support the goats, as well as maintain the island.
Fest sponsors included Playa Vallarta Mexican Grill, Allie Beirl Shine Realty, Dousman Transport, Fort HealthCare, Jason Marin Fairway IMC, John’s Disposal, Muse Studio, PremierBank, Rotary Club of Jefferson, Sign Vault Art Bar and Stable Rock Winery.
Photos from the event follow.
Brightly painted goat artwork decorates Rotary Riverfront Park, where Goat Fest has taken place in Jefferson since 2019.
Two photos above: at top, the Ron Denson Band, of the Baraboo/Wisconsin Dells area, kicks off the day’s live music. The group sang cover songs from the 1970s through today; above, the band brings enjoyment to festival attendees.
Julia, 4, from left, her 2-year-old sister, Emma, and their father, Jesse Wunderlin, all of Fort Atkinson, enjoy a frozen treat.
Goat Fest attendees line up to purchase food to feed the goats, as well as place their bets on which goats will win the event’s goat races.
Laura Backlund, Fort Atkinson, visits with “Mimi,” a 5-month-old goat that was born at her family’s property.
Sherie Sheeks of Watertown enjoys meeting the goats. At one time, she said, she had a herd of 40 goats.
Tucker Hoerig of Jefferson pets a goat. The 18-month-old attended Goat Fest with his parents, Tracy and Nick Hoerig.
Aubrey Stacy, at left, and Paisley Redmond, both of Lake Mills, make use of a photo-op cutout.
Dionne Shearer, Fort Atkinson, owner of Finches Landing, shares an example of her specialty: “Bobo Branch” beard wall art and jewelry. Twenty-eight vendors sold their wares during a maker fair at Goat Fest Saturday.
Cousins, Poppy Ohlsson, at left, and Indy Root, both of Fort Atkinson, gather near a goat placard decorated with scenes of Jefferson’s Rotary Riverfront Park.
Four photos above: at top, goats assemble for one of three races, with the events commencing at noon; pictured second from top, attendees gather to cheer on the goats; third from top, goats are lured toward the finish with the promise of food; above, winner of the race are announced, including those who bet on the respective winning ruminants.
Two photos above: Families meet and feed goats during Saturday’s Goat Fest.
A facepainting booth attracts youngsters.
Chris Spangler photos.
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