Lunch by the River returns June 4 at Veterans Memorial Park with free weekly entertainment and food trucks

The Wisconsin Rapids Chamber of Commerce told Sunup Wisconsin that Lunch by the River, a free weekly community event, returns Thursday, June 4, running 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park. The event will feature a rotating lineup of entertainers, local food trucks and family-friendly activities.

"We had so much support," Lacy said of vendor interest, adding that food trucks, music and activities are intended to both entertain visitors and give local small businesses exposure to new customers. The Chamber highlighted regular favorites and new performers, including a local artist scheduled to perform at the festival kickoff.

Organizers also said they are partnering with United Way for a "United We Can" team-building and sculpture-building fundraiser scheduled for June 11; they warned that a few road closures will be required that day for crowd safety. "That's going to be a very big day," Stacy said, urging teams and nonprofits to contact United Way to participate.

The Chamber encouraged new vendors to apply and said that the event format aims to give both seasoned and first-time performers a visible platform. Hosts reminded listeners that lunch-hour events provide access for those who cannot attend evening programs and noted complementary evening series such as "Gather by the Vans" (second Tuesday of June, July and August, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.).

For schedules, vendor applications and volunteer sign-ups, organizers directed listeners to wisconsinrapidschamber.com.