A GREAT NIGHT ON THE OLD TOWN

Downtown Waukon was alive with the sound of music on the evening of June 19, as a group from the high school jazz band entertained shoppers and evening walkers in front of the courthouse. Meanwhile, an “animal choir” was busy rehearsing for their performance at the Area Development and Visitors Center.
There was a menagerie of participants in the choir - dogs, cats, a rabbit and the quietest member of the group, a salamander - all singing along in their own special way. You see, it was “Pet Night” in Waukon, an opportunity for that special member of your family to be on show, and by all accounts it was a lot of fun.
Organized by the Waukon Chamber of Commerce board member, Tom Johnson, Pet Night was developed as part of their efforts to promote Waukon on Monday evenings. According to Johnson, “it was fun to see activities and people in downtown Waukon on a beautiful summer evening.”
All pets received a free photo and were entered into a pet contest with categories, including the cutest, saddest, happiest, best dressed, most loveable and best behaved pet. Local organizations and businesses donated prizes, such as dog biscuits and toys, and all pets were given a surprise “doggie” bag to take home. Allamakee Dairy Promotion Board also assisted with the event, selling ice creams for twenty-five cents. Dairy Princess, Erin Schulte, handed out over 300 cones during the evening.
Director of the Waukon Chamber of Commerce, Danny Schlitter, says that this was the first of a series of events that are being planned throughout the summer and fall. “Everyone enjoyed the evening, both those that brought their pets and those that came to see them,” said Mr. Schlitter, “and when I was up at the courthouse people were reminiscing about days gone by when bands used to play on the steps regularly.”
Each member of the board has been given the challenge to organize an event for a Monday night. And the fun part is, it can be any event they like. The board is still in the planning phase, gathering ideas and finding performers, but it sounds like Monday night shopping will never be the same again!