“We are the 99%” will be the theme for the 2012 FightingBobFest North as it returns to the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds in Chippewa Falls on Saturday, May 19, 2012 for a full day of speakers, music and entertainment, along with artisan-style food and beverage. The public is welcome to attend this important organizing event! The event gates will open at 8:30 am.
“FightingBobFest North” follows a longstanding festival tradition held in Baraboo and Madison, WI that brings today’s best progressive speakers to the Midwest to inspire local people to speak and act on critical problems that endanger important democratic principles. Dave Zweifel, Editor Emeritus of the Cap Times says that Bobfest is “a perfect place to remember Fighting Bob [LaFollette], who specialized in speaking at fairgrounds and parks around the state, urging the people to take their democracy back from the special interests.” Ed Garvey, the founder of the original Fighting Bob Fest, adds, “During this momentous time in Wisconsin politics, the need for conversations and clarity about how money influences elections, campaigns, and government in our state is greater than ever.”
In 2011, this festival tradition took a trip up north, attracting over 700 people to the gathering. This year’s event promises to be even larger, drawing on the enthusiasm for fighting back that Wisconsinites demonstrated to all Americans. The theme for FightingBobFest North 2012 is “We are the 99%” which will spotlight the growing awareness and understanding of how wealth and power increasingly divides the American people.
FightingBobFest North hosts speakers and breakout sessions on topics of democracy in Wisconsin and the Midwest, environmental policy, corporate free speech, sexual politics, and more. Ed Garvey, labor activist, and John Nichols, MSNBC commentator, journalist, and author of Uprising: How Wisconsin Renewed the Politics of Protest, From Madison to Wall Street, will both speak on the relevance of Wisconsin politics to 21st century social movements. Journalist and speaker Ruth Connif, Mike McCabe of the Wisconsin Democracy Foundation, and activist Tony Schultz will also speak about how the 99% movement affects Wisconsin. Kristen Dexter, Kathleen Vinehout, Bob Kincaid, Nino Amato have also joined the speaker lineup. In addition, Breakout Sessions will be given by Molly Swank of Planned Parenthood and Gerry Lausted of Save The Hills. Updates on speakers and breakouts sessions will be posted at www.fightingbobfestnorth.org and on the Facebook group page.
FightingBobFest North also brings informational booths from the region’s best progressive organizations and businesses. A large number of booths will fill the Fine Arts Building at the Fairgrounds, allowing attendees to network, learn, and purchase products from a variety of motivated, forward-leaning groups.
Local beer from Valkyrie Brewery, freshly prepared Jamaican, Indian, and American food, and gourmet coffees will be available for purchase. The Beer Garden at the Fairgrounds will provide convenient, accessible seating and feature musical entertainment by Hey Joe.
FightingBobFest North is open and accessible to anyone who wishes to attend. A tax-deductible donation of $20 is suggested but all donations are welcome.
Those traveling to Chippewa Falls for a weekend of fun will find Irvine Park, Leinenkugel Brewery, the Old Abe Bike Trail, and historic downtown in close proximity. Camping is available on the fairgrounds proper. Campsite reservations, maps, travel, and accommodation information can be found at the Fairgrounds website.
Attendees can find videos from FightingBobFest North 2011 as well as updates on speakers, performers, vendor and booth opportunities and driving directions can online at fightingbobfestnorth.org and on the Facebook group Fighting Bobfest North.
FightingBobfest North
Saturday, May 19, 2012
8:30 am- 5:00 pm
Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
Contact: Jim Dunning, (715) 839-0039