VernonReporter

Viroqua Chamber SOUP Fundraiser awarded to Ridges & Rivers Book Festival

VIROQUA, Wis. – The Viroqua Chamber is thrilled to share the resounding success of the latest Viroqua SOUP event.  Held on March 6 at the Viroqua Food Co-op, Viroqua SOUP saw over 100 community members support local projects, raising $774. This unique community crowd funding initiative showcased the incredible community spirit and generosity of Viroqua residents, as well as their commitment to fostering positive change and development within the community. 

Viroqua SOUP is hosted four times a year by the Viroqua Chamber.  The March 6 event featured presentations and pitches from various local projects, including an informative presentation about the Viroqua Bathhouse Welcome Center, and compelling pitches from Thoreau College’s Viroqua Shakespeare Festival and Family Square Dance. The evening’s winning pitch came from the Ridges and Rivers Book Festival. A huge thank you goes out to all the pitchers and presenters of the night, whose passion and dedication were on display. Their efforts to increase opportunities, bring exciting events to Viroqua, and build community are a key part of what makes Viroqua such a special place.  

From left – Ridges & Rivers Book Festival Co-Chairs Dian Krause and Lisa Henner, Board Members Richard Running and Trina Erickson, Viroqua Chamber Director Chris Clemens and Viroqua Food Co-op Marketing & Outreach Manager Jennifer McCoy

The winner of the evening, Ridges & Rivers Book Festival is a nonprofit dedicated to bringing an incredible celebration of books, the arts, and literacy to Viroqua, Wisconsin. After a successful debut event in 2023, the Ridges & Rivers Book Festival will return to Viroqua April 26-27, 2024. 

The 2024 festival boasts an extensive activity calendar, with new events being added weekly. Most events are free, except for a select few ticketed events at the Temple Theatre and various writing workshops. Please visit the festival website for the complete schedule of events at www.ridgesandriversbookfestival.org

Special thanks are due to Viroqua Plastic Free and Youth Initiative High School, whose volunteers provided reusable dinnerware for the event, as well as bussing and dish washing to make sure that SOUP is a low waste event.  This event is supported by generous local businesses, including Westby Coop Creamery, Noble Rind Cheese Company, and Rhythm Bakery, who donated delicious soups, bread, and butter for the evening. The Viroqua Food Co+op provided not only space for the event, but excellent soups for everyone to enjoy. 

“It was so special to see a packed house for Viroqua SOUP,” said Larkin Breckel, Viroqua Chamber Assistant Director. “Seeing Viroqua show up to make great things happen and support each other is what makes being a part of this community so meaningful.” 

Mark your calendars for the next Viroqua SOUP event scheduled for May 14th at Second Nature at Reads Creek. This upcoming gathering promises to be another memorable evening of community, creativity, and support for local initiatives. 

For more information about Viroqua SOUP and how you can participate or contribute to future events, visit www.viroquachamber.com

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