Weekend in the Wilds Success

Weekend in the Wilds Success

Weekend in the Wilds drew thousands to events and businesses over the weekend. The 3-days of festivities began Friday and concluded Sunday afternoon. The event organized by the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce coordinates activities for each day and works with businesses and non-profits to provide a weekend filled with events.

Mother nature kept rain from downtown and even cleared out the smoke from the Canadian Wildfires for Friday nights performance by Phaser and the showing of Super Mario Brothers. The no alcohol event included more than 200 bags of popcorn and 10 gallons of slushie mix according to Tina Solak, director of Cameron County Chamber of Commerce. “This will become a yearly part of Weekend in the Wilds.” Rich Valley Wines, Cameron County Fair, VFW Auxiliary and the chamber coordinated the free event which drew young families and teenagers.

While some locations in Cameron County were drenched with pop-up rain showers, downtown remained dry for Saturday events. Food trucks and 50 vendors set up in front of businesses on East Fourth Street. Old Skool and DJ Dustin performed on the stage while people hunted for Big Foot, cheered on more than 1000 ducks during the Firequacker Derby and supported the basket raffle hosted by the Cameron County SPCA.

Because of impending rain the Cameron County Fireworks Committee set off the fireworks 15 minutes early. It turned out to be a wise choice because by 10:15 rain was falling at a steady rate. That rain continued Sunday during the inaugural Smash and Dash car race at Smokers Insane Terrain Off Road Park. Competitors and those that braved the weather saw a unique event including a tug of war between vehicles. 

 The organizers are already working on next years event which is set for July 5-7. Suggestions should be made to the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce office.-30-