WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Paperfest is set for July 14-17, 2022 at Sunset Park (800 W Kimberly Ave. Kimberly, WI 54136), while admission is FREE donations are accepted and the proceeds are donated back into the community through local nonprofit organizations.
Free parking and shuttle bus is available from Antique Up. Please support the community – carry-ins are not allowed and wristbands must be worn to purchase or consume alcohol.
Gates open at 4:30 pm on Thursday, 4:30 pm on Friday, 10 am on Saturday, and 11 am on Sunday.
KIMBERLY – One of the Fox Valley’s favorite free-admission festivals, Paperfest, makes its return to Sunset Park in Kimberly on July 14-17, 2022.
This homecoming comes after a few unique years. 2019 was the most recent event to be held at Sunset Park and is remembered by attendees for the storm that leveled Paperfest. Festival grounds and the surrounding community were hit hard by straight-line winds, causing thousands of dollars in damage. While 2020 was initially looking up, live events were forced to push pause amidst the pandemic and Paperfest transitioned to a safe, drive-in style concert series held at Fox Cities Stadium. Last year, 2021, was a return to normal with Paperfest helping celebrate the Combined Locks Centennial at Memorial Park – an event delayed from 2020. This was one of the best events in the festivals storied history with a tremendous turnout and donating over $83,500 to 40 local charitable organizations.
“We are excited to continue the momentum from last year as we return home to Sunset Park with a solid lineup and a little something for everyone” said Matthew Boots, Paperfest Director. “This is not the same old Paperfest, our team has been working hard to elevate the Paperfest experience for attendees from the live music to event layout, all with the goal to provide the community with a quality, free-admission event where the proceeds benefit local nonprofits.”
The 34th annual Paperfest presented by Community First Credit Union features three stages of great live music including national country artists Phil Vassar, David Nail and Chris Kroeze, as well as local favorites Vic Ferrari, The Glam Band, and Boogie & the Yo-Yo’z, along with a hot air balloon glow, carnival rides, food trucks, craft beer, car show, family fun, and so much more! The music is great and the beer is cold – the best part is the proceeds from Paperfest are donated back into the community through various Fox Cities nonprofit organizations that volunteer at Paperfest. It’s all about community!
Named after the booming paper mills that brought life to the Fox River Valley, Paperfest is a reminder of the history our community shares. Paperfest is an event by Kim-Com Promotions, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization made up of volunteers from throughout the Fox Cities, driven to provide the community with a free-admission event with something for the whole family to enjoy through a variety of live music options and activities. Thanks to the dedicated committee members, countless volunteers, and generous sponsors Paperfest is able to remain free for the community while providing some of the best live music available in Northeast Wisconsin. Interested volunteers, nonprofits, and sponsors are invited to contact paperfestwi@gmail.com.
The four-day, free admission Paperfest will feature a strong live music lineup of over 30 bands on three stages. The Amphitheater will be home to local favorites – Grand Union (Thursday), Glam Band (Friday), Boogie & the Yo-Yo’z (Saturday), and Spicy Tie Band (Sunday). The Venture Wisconsin Stage is centrally located and will highlight 16 original music talents during the Craft Music Showcase. On the other side of the festival grounds, located near the
soccer fields, is the Event Production Systems Stage that will be headlined by national country artists Phil Vassar and David Nail, as well as the Vic Ferrari farewell tour. Full concert lineup is available at www.paperfest.com.
THURSDAY – Local favorites Vic Ferrari – Symphony on the Rocks on Thursday July 14, 2022. After 35 years of playing in front of thousands of people, the popular Fox Cities classic rock and roll cover group, Vic Ferrari, announced that 2022 will be their farewell tour.
FRIDAY – Country music superstar Phil Vassar on Friday July 15, 2022. The piano-pounding powerhouse brings his energizing Piano Bar Tour fill with hits like “Just Another Day in Paradise”, “Carlene”, and the summer anthem “Six Pack Summer” to the Fox Cities. Phil Vassar is a multi-award winning country singer/songwriter with 10 No. 1 singles and 27 Top 40 hits. Special guest Chris Kroeze, runner-up on NBC’s THE VOICE, will be joining Phil Vassar.
SATURDAY – National country recording artist David Nail on Saturday July 16, 2022. David Nail is a Grammy nominated multi-platinum singer/songwriter that is known for top hits including “Whatever She’s Got”, “Let It Rain”, “Red Light”, and “Nights on Fire.”
Live music is only part of what you will find at Paperfest. Other popular events including the hot air balloon glow (Saturday), craft beer and food truck rally, carnival rides, car show (Saturday), craft fair (Sunday), kids games and activities, ThedaStar helicopter appearance (Sunday), yoga in the park, as well as Sunday Fun-Day with $1.00 carnival rides and beverage specials. A few activities making a return in 2022 are riverboat cruises by Fox River Tours and helicopter rides. New in 2022 is the addition of ticket machines and ATMs throughout the festival grounds. In partnership with D&W Cash, numerous ticket machines will help expedite the process of purchasing food and beverage tickets and will also be more conveniently placed for attendees.
There will be no parking permitted on Paperfest grounds and attendees are advised to utilize the free parking and free shuttle bus from Antique Up, 850 E Maes Ave. Kimberly, WI 54136. The Lamers Bus Lines shuttle buses will run on loop during Paperfest hours as well as 30 minutes after concerts end. Parking is also available near the Sunset Park boat landing, at Fox Valley Christian Fellowship, and on many area streets. Fox Valley Cab has partnered with Paperfest again to provide transportation to and from Paperfest grounds. Fox Valley Cab pick-up location will be just outside the main entrance on Kimberly Avenue. Contact Fox Valley Cab directly to coordinate rides to and from Paperfest.
Meet & greet opportunities, promotions, and event modifications will be announced on the Paperfest Facebook page. Since admission is free, food and drinks are how Paperfest generates funds to donate back into the community, so carry-ins are not allowed. Paperfest is a rain-or-shine event and lawn chairs are welcome. Wristbands are required to purchase or consume alcohol. Donations to Paperfest can be made online at www.paperfest.com/donate.
Paperfest strengthens our community by utilizing the expertise and dedication of volunteers and generosity of wonderful sponsors to bring the community together to enjoy great entertainment, food, and activities. Proceeds from Paperfest are donated directly back into the community through local nonprofits the volunteers represent, such as fire departments, Boy Scout troops, and school groups. These donated funds are used to buy supplies, send kids to camps, and continue to improve our community through many different aspects. Come out, support local nonprofits, and most importantly have some fun!
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