Pelican Lake Women’s Civic Club seeking vendors

ANTIGO — The Pelican Lake Women’s Civic Club is seeking crafters and vendors for their Memorial Weekend Fundraiser on Sunday, May 26 and for a separate fundraising event Saturday, July 6.

Both events run from 10 to 3 p.m. at the Schoepke Town Hall on Highway 45 in the Village of Pelican Lake. Vendors can set up along the Pelican Lake side of the frontage road between 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m., according to Lucy Nelson, the event organizer.

“Our fundraisers are mostly used for scholarships at Elcho High School. We only have two fundraisers. We give three scholarships of $1,000 each,” Nelson said. “But the vendors all make money. They have to pay $20 for the booth — that’s how we make our money. They give us $20 for the setup, and then whatever they sell is their money.”

In addition to funding the Elcho scholarships, proceeds from the fundraisers are donated to more than 10 other organizations, including but not limited to food pantries in Elcho, the Pelican Lake Fire Department, Lily’s House and Frederick Place in Rhinelander, and the Humane Societies in both Antigo and Rhinelander.

Nelson said crafts sold at past events have included everything and anything: handmade towels, gnomes, jewelry, maple syrup, baby bibs, candles, and even items like tools at the flea market.

She said the vendors themselves find the event enjoyable because of its location.

“A lot of them like it because it’s by the lake and it’s calm. People are on each side of this little frontage road. So people just come and go and it’s just nice,” she said.

Members of the Pelican Lake Women’s Civic Club, which began in 1957 and has held similar fundraisers for community causes each year, also sell goods at the event.

“The club members make pies to sell at our fundraisers,” Nelson said. “We also set up a raffle for customers, club members, and vendors.”

The fundraisers have taken place in the community for years.

“We have this May fundraiser and the one in July, and that’s all we do for the year,” she said. “That’s how we give donations to people and scholarships, so it’s important because it serves the welfare and needs of the community.”

Nelson said all are welcome at the event. Those interested in reserving spaces should call her at 715-487-5173 to receive an application and further event information.