Annual Harvest Hoedown Returns to Pioneer Park
September 15, 2026
RHINELANDER, WI — September 9, 2026 — The Rhinelander Area Food Pantry’s annual Harvest Hoedown returns to Pioneer Park on Saturday, September 26, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a special day celebrating fall, the neighborhood, and the community that makes Rhinelander such a great place to live.
New this year, the Harvest Hoedown will feature a free petting zoo sponsored by Ripco Credit Union, giving kids an up-close opportunity to meet some special animal guests. Kids can also enjoy the free Harvest Carnival, sponsored by Nicolet Bank and The Northwoods Children's Museum, with carnival games and activities throughout the afternoon.
Families will have the chance to enjoy one of the day’s favorite fall traditions - the well-loved horse-drawn wagon ride to the pumpkin patch is being sponsored by AirPro Fan & Blower Company and Peoples State Bank.
The Harvest Stage, sponsored by CoVantage Credit Union, will feature live music throughout the afternoon:
• 11 a.m. — Dennis McGinnity
• 12 p.m. — Shannon Hauser
• 1 p.m. — Hodag Ukers
• 2 p.m. — Mike Velis
There will be plenty to eat, too. Harvest Eats & Treats, sponsored by Trig's, will offer fall favorites, while the Harvest Bake Sale, sponsored by the GFWC Rhinelander Woman's Club, brings homemade treats to the celebration. And the famous smoked pork sandwich plate is back. This year's sandwich is sponsored by Bucketheads Sports Bar & Grill, smoked and prepared by CT's Deli, and completed by Tula's
Delicatessen at Trig's.
A special treat will be the fresh-squeezed lemonade stand, hosted and sponsored by Northland CPAs. Fresh lemonade will be made right at the Hoedown, adding another classic fair and fall favorite to the day's offerings.
New this year, the United Methodist Church will host the Harvest Eats Burgers & Brats Booth, with all proceeds benefiting the Personal Essentials Pantry.
Raffle fans can also try their luck with Green Bay Packers tickets, a 50/50 raffle and the Wheelbarrow Raffle, with drawings at 3 p.m. Winners do not need to be present.
“We love the Harvest Hoedown because it is simply a special day at the park,” said Courtney Smith, Executive Director of the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry. “It brings neighbors together, gives families a chance to enjoy a beautiful fall day, and gives our community a chance to celebrate the people, businesses and organizations that make Rhinelander special.”
Admission to the Harvest Hoedown is free, and a free shuttle will run from the Ocala Street parking lot to Pioneer Park. Guests are also invited to explore the Pioneer Park Historical Complex and the Hodag Farmer’s Market while they are at the park.
The Harvest Hoedown is made possible by the many local businesses, organizations and community members who sponsor activities, donate food and prizes, volunteer their time and help bring the day to life. “It really takes a community to create a day like this,” Smith said. “We are grateful to everyone who contributes their time, resources and enthusiasm. We hope people will come out, enjoy the day, listen to some music, eat something delicious and celebrate fall with us.”
Harvest Hoedown
Saturday, September 26, 2026
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pioneer Park, Rhinelander
FREE ENTRY • FREE PARKING SHUTTLE
For more information, visit rhinelanderareafoodpantry.org.
New this year, the Harvest Hoedown will feature a free petting zoo sponsored by Ripco Credit Union, giving kids an up-close opportunity to meet some special animal guests. Kids can also enjoy the free Harvest Carnival, sponsored by Nicolet Bank and The Northwoods Children's Museum, with carnival games and activities throughout the afternoon.
Families will have the chance to enjoy one of the day’s favorite fall traditions - the well-loved horse-drawn wagon ride to the pumpkin patch is being sponsored by AirPro Fan & Blower Company and Peoples State Bank.
The Harvest Stage, sponsored by CoVantage Credit Union, will feature live music throughout the afternoon:
• 11 a.m. — Dennis McGinnity
• 12 p.m. — Shannon Hauser
• 1 p.m. — Hodag Ukers
• 2 p.m. — Mike Velis
There will be plenty to eat, too. Harvest Eats & Treats, sponsored by Trig's, will offer fall favorites, while the Harvest Bake Sale, sponsored by the GFWC Rhinelander Woman's Club, brings homemade treats to the celebration. And the famous smoked pork sandwich plate is back. This year's sandwich is sponsored by Bucketheads Sports Bar & Grill, smoked and prepared by CT's Deli, and completed by Tula's
Delicatessen at Trig's.
A special treat will be the fresh-squeezed lemonade stand, hosted and sponsored by Northland CPAs. Fresh lemonade will be made right at the Hoedown, adding another classic fair and fall favorite to the day's offerings.
New this year, the United Methodist Church will host the Harvest Eats Burgers & Brats Booth, with all proceeds benefiting the Personal Essentials Pantry.
Raffle fans can also try their luck with Green Bay Packers tickets, a 50/50 raffle and the Wheelbarrow Raffle, with drawings at 3 p.m. Winners do not need to be present.
“We love the Harvest Hoedown because it is simply a special day at the park,” said Courtney Smith, Executive Director of the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry. “It brings neighbors together, gives families a chance to enjoy a beautiful fall day, and gives our community a chance to celebrate the people, businesses and organizations that make Rhinelander special.”
Admission to the Harvest Hoedown is free, and a free shuttle will run from the Ocala Street parking lot to Pioneer Park. Guests are also invited to explore the Pioneer Park Historical Complex and the Hodag Farmer’s Market while they are at the park.
The Harvest Hoedown is made possible by the many local businesses, organizations and community members who sponsor activities, donate food and prizes, volunteer their time and help bring the day to life. “It really takes a community to create a day like this,” Smith said. “We are grateful to everyone who contributes their time, resources and enthusiasm. We hope people will come out, enjoy the day, listen to some music, eat something delicious and celebrate fall with us.”
Harvest Hoedown
Saturday, September 26, 2026
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pioneer Park, Rhinelander
FREE ENTRY • FREE PARKING SHUTTLE
For more information, visit rhinelanderareafoodpantry.org.
