There is something new - well, old – featured as part of Jammin' on Janesville this evening, and it will have this month’s party-goers in a Tail Spin!
It was long a fixture in the area as part of the fabled Muskego Beach/Dandilion Park, but it has been away for nearly 40 years. It was recently purchased from a vintage store's warehouse in downtown Milwaukee.
Thursday afternoon Chamber of Commerce president Don Reidy, colleagues and helpers Randy Czerwinske and Dave Bowman pulled it slowly on its cradle from the parking lot of Bauer Printing, across Racine Avenue and up Janesville Road. Its current location is on the grass near the Chamber office, in front of the Post Office, where it will be likely an attraction during 'Jammin' much as it was when it hung on the iconic roller coaster until the 1970s.
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The sheet-metal, neon-lighted sign that announced the twisty-turning Dandelion Park ride will greet visitors to the last Jammin’ on Janesville before the great concrete-chewing machines and the orange barrels take over Janesville Road.
The venerable sign needs a bit of restoration, something Carl Farner and Jim Bauer of Bauer Sign in the Muskego Industrial Park will undertake. But squint your eyes a bit and you can see the bright letters on their blue background, picture the running lights, and even hear the carnival music!
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People wishing to donate to help restore the sign should contact members of the Historical Society: Jerry Hulbert 262-679-1173; Gerry Jacques 679-0859; Laura Mishefske 414-529-2694; or Bill Larsen at 262-662-3484. No doubt they will also be taking donations Friday night at Jammin' on Janesville.
Jammin’ on Janesville has been sponsored by the Chamber as a way to support businesses along the road during the construction beginning in Fall, Reidy explained. Eventually this important artery will be a four-lane boulevard. It will be “walkable,” with paved paths along the sides and improved crossings, and the pattern, he said, will be “traffic calming.”
Reidy also stressed the businesses will be open during the construction period.
The three summer Jams have been successful, he said, bringing increased business and new customers to the area. The Chamber is considering “construction parties” to keep us all cheerful during the work. He also said we certainly can expect a great bash when all is completed in 2013.