What do bounce houses, a historic fire bell, a 1935 Ford station wagon, a dunk tank, fireworks and an eight-foot cake have in common?  They are all part of the many festivities organized by the Brillion Fire Department, Athletic Association and Historical Society to celebrate 125 years as a community.  The day-long event will be held at Peter’s Park, July 31, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to midnight.  When organizers met last Fall to start planning the event, the goal was to provide a family-oriented day of entertainment as a gift to the community.  With the support of Ariens Foundation Ltd., Brillion Foundation Inc., The Robert & Patricia Endries Family Foundation Ltd, The Peters Foundation, the Brillion business community and many individuals all events are free of charge.

Brillion began as a settlement in 1850.  The first legal census was taken in 1885 with a total population of 577 people and Brillion became a village.  After a referendum overwhelmingly voted for the change, Brillion become a city on April 1, 1944.   The Brillion Historical Society is taking this opportunity to share the wealth of information they have accumulated over the years.  Located in the center of Peters Park will be a tent with displays of Brillion’s historic fire bell, first city council table, a collection of novelty gifts handed out over the years by area businesses, a fishing display,  wash day woes artifacts and much more.   Also located in the tent is Brillion’s American Legion Bloedorn-Becker-Jensen Post 126 display where their memorabilia and artifacts can be seen.  The tent will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

A horse and wagon tour with a narrative of Brillion’s historical landmarks will point out 24 locations around the City.  Some of the buildings remain standing while others are gone leaving only the memory of their importance to the growth of Brillion.  The fact that Brillion once had a hospital and which building it was, will come as a surprise to many.   The wagon tour stops at the Museum grounds.  History House has received much attention this year with a new look to the exterior and completion of second floor renovation.  The Grand Reopening will take place at 10:00 a.m.

From there, a short walk down Calumet Street, once known as Factory Street, takes you to the open house at the Fire Station where the vehicles and equipment protecting Brillion can be seen.   The Ariens Company Museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Also located in the Ariens Museum building is a Quilt Show organized by Brillion’s Scrap Angel Quilt Club.   Along with viewing the quilts and wall hangings attendees can cast their vote for a “Viewers Choice Award”.  A quilt, handmade by members of the club, will be raffled off with proceeds going to the Camo-Quilt project.  A Camo-quilt and the story behind the project will be on display as well.  Club members are also making smaller items to raffle.  Spend a moment enjoying the newly landscaped area in front of Ariens and then board a horse and wagon ride for a return trip to Peters Park to enjoy the rest of the day’s events.

Peters Park will have something for everyone.  With DJ music in the background, there will be a Classic Car Show.  Organizers are expecting at least 100 cars.    There also will be a tractor display, soccer games, face painting, milk bottles and more.  For the kids there are bounce houses and other games.  Many familiar faces will take the seat in the Dunk Tank and wait for that special shot that drops them in the water.

How often do you get to see a four by eight foot cake?    Come and enjoy a free piece of cake donated by Tadych’s Econo Foods and beautifully decorated by their bakery designers.  Serving will begin at 1:00 p.m. and continue until the last piece is gone.  Refreshments and food will be available all day.

A free music concert with “RPM”, “Rocker” and Brillion’s own “Opening Day” will begin at 3:00 p.m. under the big tent and play until midnight.  It will, however, be interrupted at dusk with FIREWORKS!!!!

In the book “Brillion, Wisconsin, The First 100 Years” published by Zander Press reference was made to the centennial celebration which reads, “There was something for everyone, but more importantly there was a special feeling about the town during those few days-a feeling of “I’m from Brillion, and I’m darn glad of it.”  That feeling seemed to be shared by both young and old; current Brillion residents as well as those who grew up here and returned to catch a glimpse of their past.  It was a festive day of remembrance all of which helped shape Brillion as we know it today.”

Visit again for additional events sponsored and organized by the Brillion Historical Society!

A note from the Historical Society President on the special occasion.