Courtesy of Downtown Rhinelander, INC.

The “Haunted” Hodag Howl held Saturday, Oct. 24 turned out to be one of the most successful in the event’s history. Hosted by Downtown Rhinelander Inc., and more specifically the Howl Committee of Kathy Brich, Pat LaPorte, Sally Latimer and Maggie Steffen, the event raised over $14,000.

Mike Michalak acted as MC for the 100 attendees who celebrated in a surprising variety of costumes. Attendees fit right into this year’s decorating theme, inside a haunted mansion, which help set the mood. Guests enjoyed a night of raffles, music, food, refreshments and even a few games.

The table decorating contestants—Festive Frog, Forth Floral, Shabby Cottage, The Inside Story and Trig’s Floral—took their designs to new heights. In a tight competition, it was Festive Frog who went home with the traveling Hodag trophy.

The highlight of the evening was the Hodag Auction. One large, R.E. Cycle, and six mini Hodags were in high demand. Ben Meyer, the auctioneer, kept things orderly as the bidding at times hit a feverish pace.

DRI wishes to thank the attendees, committee, table decorating businesses, Mike Michalak, Ben Meyer, the volunteers and this year’s Hodag on Parade program sponsors: Bucketheads, CoVantage Credit Union, Peoples State Bank, Rhinelander GM, Rhinelander Honda, Ripco Credit Union, Superior Diesel, Trig’s, and Wipfli LLC for making this year’s Hodag On Parade program so incredible.

For more information, contact Downtown Rhinelander, Inc., 715-362.7374.