City gives $10K to Wild Cat Country Fest

Three days after announcing The Marshall Tucker Band would be headlining the Wild Cat Country Fest in Newton, organizers of the inaugural music festival were authorized to receive city funding. In a letter to council, WCCF Chairman Dan Nieland asked for a $15,000 donation. The city, instead, gave $10,000.

“We could use the help, obviously. I’ve had a number of conversations with a number of people that money that comes in right off the bat — if you ever had the, let’s say honor, to plan one of these — that money that comes in first is extremely important,” Nieland told council members on Feb. 21.

The donation will help “defray a portion of the production and promotional costs” associated with the festival, which currently has nine bands performing on June 18 at the 15-acre Fore Seasons festival grounds, 6232 County Highway S74 S., in Newton. The lineup was announced Feb. 18 on KCOB 95.9 FM.

In addition to the donation, Nieland’s letter asked for access to city parking lots all day June 18 and the evening of June 17, the day in which live music shows will be held in a number of venues in the community as a “pre-game to festival.” The organizers also want to use any city bike rack fencing.

By donating money to festival, WCCF will mention the City of Newton in all print and social media marketing, recognize the city in signage the day of the events and include a merchandise table for the city to feature upcoming events. The letter said a WCCF representative will be made available to the city for updates.

“The Wild Cat Country Fest Foundation is hopeful you will see the merits in this proposal as we all work together to promote the area, grow the sense of community and increase economic vitality,” Nieland’s letter said. “Should you require anything further … please do not hesitate to contact us.”

Pryor to council voting on the $10,000 donation, Nieland told the city’s elected officials he knows how difficult these kind of votes can be. In the past, Nieland served on a city council in a different city of a different state. A lot of times staff probably want to use money for more public projects like infrastructure.

“I’ve always been a firm believer that sometimes you invest in the soul of the community, and I think that’s kind of what we’re looking for,” Nieland said.

Council member Vicki Wade, who serves as director of the WCCF Foundation, recused herself from voting on the matter, which passed 5-0. Newton Mayor Mike Hansen said he’s personally excited about headliner Marshall Tucker Band performing in the city.

“I had a grin from ear to ear when I heard it was Marshall Tucker,” Hansen said. “I’ve been a huge fan of them for years and years and years. I’ll certainly enjoy listening to them again.”

In addition to the headliner, WCCF also features Whitey Morgan and the 78′s, The George Thunderbolts, Sara Darling & Nicole Witt of the Six One Five Collective, Diamond Dixie, Michael Moncada & Whiskey High, Tyler Richton & The High Bank Boys, Katie & The Honky-Tonks and Outlaw Country Express.

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com