The Volunteering Gnome

06/25/2025

🎡🎠 The Barron County Fair is Almost Here!
And guess who’s dusting off his boots and polishing his belt buckle?
That’s right… it’s The Volunteering Gnome! 🧙‍♂️🍿🐷

Hold on to your hats (yellow or otherwise), because the sights, sounds, and smells of the fair are rolling into town—and the Gnome is ready for all of it.

Here’s what he’s most excited for:

🎟️ Rides that make your beard curl
(He almost made the height requirement last year…)

🐮 Barnyard buddies
Nothing like chatting with a prize-winning pig or sharing a carrot with a goat who knows no personal boundaries.

🍩 Deep-fried everything
If it’s on a stick and covered in powdered sugar, the Gnome is all in.

🎶 Live music, tractor pulls, and talent shows
Whether it’s banjos or burnout smoke, he’s clapping those tiny gnome hands in appreciation!

👨‍👩‍👧 Family fun and volunteering vibes
From 4-H showcases to community booths, the fair is a celebration of heart, hard work, and hometown pride.

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📍 Find the Volunteering Gnome wandering the fairgrounds—rain or shine, funnel cake in hand, reminding folks that kindness and curiosity go a long way.

🐾 Snap a pic if you see him! Rumor has it he’s collecting selfies for his “Gnome & Friends at the Fair” scrapbook.

See you at the Barron County Fair!
Cotton candy, livestock, and all.

The Volunteering Gnome 🎡🧡

06/23/2025

06/23/2025

06/23/2025

🎯🇺🇸 The Fallen Heroes Trap Shoot is Almost Here…
…and the Volunteering Gnome has been busy (and a little soggy)! 💦🧙‍♂️

Between prepping gear, scouting the grounds, and dodging downpours, our yellow-hatted little friend has been braving the elements to help make this event one to remember. The torrential rains may have left him waterlogged, but he’s still standing tall—boots muddy, heart full.

This year’s event carries a deeply personal meaning.
We gather to honor and remember Officers Emily Breidenbach and Hunter Scheel, of the Chetek and Cameron Police Departments, who gave their lives in the line of duty. Their courage, dedication, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

The Fallen Heroes Trap Shoot is more than an event—
It’s a chance to come together as a community. To share stories, stand in solidarity, and send a few shots downrange in memory of two heroes taken far too soon.

🗓️ Stay tuned for event details, how you can participate, and maybe a few soggy-but-determined behind-the-scenes moments with the Gnome.
🎖️ Mark your calendars and help us honor the lives and legacies of Emily and Hunter.

From mud to mission,
The Volunteering Gnome 🇺🇸

06/23/2025

🧙‍♂️☀️ What’s a Gnome to Do in the Heat and Rain?
A Whimsical Survival Guide from the Volunteering Gnome! 💦🍔🌈

It’s hot. It’s muggy. It’s raining just enough to frizz your beard and soak your socks... So what’s a yellow-hatted gnome to do when the great outdoors feels more like a swampy sauna?

Fear not, friends! The Volunteering Gnome has a few clever ideas to beat the heat and dodge the drizzle:

🍔 1. Chill out at Fireaway Roadhouse!
Your favorite roadside refuge for mouthwatering eats, ice-cold drinks, and air-conditioning strong enough to blow your hat clean off. Whether it’s a burger the size of your face or a cold soda that hits just right—Fireaway is THE gnome-approved hideout this summer!

📚 2. Visit a Local Library or Museum
The Gnome loves a good story—and they have air conditioning too! Bonus: no mud on your boots required.

☕ 3. Support Local with a Cool Drink in Hand
Whether it’s lemonade, iced coffee, or something with a little fizz, now’s the perfect time to swing by a local café or roadside stand. Bonus points if you tip like a gnome (generously and with a grin).

🧩 4. Do Indoor Volunteering!
Sort donations, help prep meals, or call a neighbor just to check in. Even when the weather’s rough, kindness doesn’t take a day off.

🪴 5. Gnome and Garden—Gently
If the rain takes a break, sneak out early in the morning or late in the evening and pull a w**d or two. Just don’t melt. Gnomes are 40% garden magic and 60% stubbornness.

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No matter the weather, remember:
🌞 Stay cool.
💧 Stay hydrated.
💛 Stay kind.

If you see a yellow hat bobbing around town, it’s probably the Gnome on a mission—or on his way to Fireaway Roadhouse for another round of “gnome fries” 🍟😉

From puddles to pulled pork,
The Volunteering Gnome

06/23/2025

⚠️ Public Service Announcement from the Volunteering Gnome ⚠️
High Heat Alert – Please Read and Share

Friends and neighbors,

The extreme heat we’ve been experiencing isn't just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous. The Volunteering Gnome cares deeply about our community, and this message is a reminder to protect yourself and others during this intense weather.

🌡️ Heat-Related Illnesses Are Real and Can Be Life-Threatening.
Please take a moment to review these critical precautions:

🚰 Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water—even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you faster.

🏠 Stay Cool
Limit outdoor activity, especially during the hottest parts of the day (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.). If you don’t have access to air conditioning, find a local cooling center or public space like a library or community center.

👕 Dress Smart
Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat if you’re outside. Use sunscreen regularly.

💤 Rest Often
Take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors. Don’t push through heat exhaustion—it’s not worth the risk.

👵👶 Check on Others
Elderly individuals, young children, people with chronic illnesses, and those without reliable shelter are especially vulnerable. Please check in on them.

🐾 Don’t Forget Pets
Keep animals indoors or in the shade with fresh water. Never leave pets—or people—in a parked vehicle, even for a minute.

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If you or someone you know shows signs of heatstroke—such as confusion, rapid pulse, dizziness, or lack of sweating despite the heat—call 911 immediately.

We all love being active, helping others, and enjoying the outdoors, but now is the time to prioritize health and safety. Let’s look out for one another.

Stay safe,
The Volunteering Gnome

06/20/2025

🎡🐐🍿 The Gnome’s Getting Fair-ly Excited! 🍿🐐🎡

The Volunteering Gnome has dusted off his straw hat, polished his tiny boots, and is officially on Fair Watch 2025! That’s right — the Barron County Fair is just around the corner, and our favorite little adventurer is gearing up for cotton candy, critters, carnival rides, and community spirit! 🎠✨

From 4-H showcases to tractor pulls, mini-donuts to giant stuffed animal prizes, this is the kind of event that brings big smiles to little gnomes (and bigger humans too). And yes, the Gnome is already eyeing the pie contest with suspiciously hungry enthusiasm. 🥧👀

🛞 And here’s something the Gnome thinks is truly magical:
Blue Hills Sportsmen’s Club and AccessAbility Wisconsin will once again be offering all-terrain wheelchairs at the fair! These amazing devices help folks with mobility or physical challenges enjoy the fairgrounds safely and comfortably — so no one misses out on the fun. 💙♿

📅 Mark your calendars!
🗓️ Barron County Fair – July 16–20, 2025
📍 Barron County Fairgrounds – Rice Lake, WI

Whether you’re showing a goat, grabbing a funnel cake, cruising in an all-terrain chair, or just soaking up summer fun, the Volunteering Gnome can’t wait to see you there. He might even sneak into a few selfies and help out behind the scenes... you know, gnome-style. 😉

06/19/2025

🎯 LOCK & LOAD FOR A CAUSE! 🎯
Join us for the Fallen Heroes Trap Shoot on Saturday, June 28th, as we honor the lives and legacies of Officers Emily Breidenbach and Hunter Scheel — two heroes who served with courage, compassion, and an unbreakable commitment to their communities. 💙🖤

This day isn’t just about clay pigeons and good aim — it’s about coming together, remembering, and making some noise in their honor.

🏆 Shooting slots are still available! Whether you're a sharp shooter or just want to support a powerful cause, there’s still time to sign up and join in.

📍 Location: [Insert location name/address]
⏰ Multiple time slots available — but they’re filling fast!
📋 To register: [Insert registration link or contact info]

Bring your friends, bring your A-game, and most of all — bring your heart. Let’s make this a day to remember. 💪💥

06/18/2025

🌟Where's the Volunteering Gnome Been?🌟

You may have noticed our favorite little bearded buddy has been a bit quiet lately… But don’t worry—he hasn’t gone rogue or gotten lost in a patch of clover (again). Nope, the Gnome has been working his tiny boots off behind the scenes!

💪 With his toolbelt strapped tight and his coffee cup never far, he’s been pulling long hours prepping for a very special event and doing everything he can to help keep a special place open—one that means a lot to our community and brings joy, connection, and comfort to many. 💚

Sometimes even magical little gnomes have to take time away from social adventures to make sure the big, important things get done. So while the posts may be fewer for a bit, the love and effort? Bigger than ever.

Stay tuned—he’ll be back with bells on (literally), and maybe even a glittery hard hat. ✨🏗️

06/18/2025

We want to thank the Green Bay Packers for the awesome donation and supporting the Fallen Heroes Memorial Trap Shoot.

06/17/2025

🧙‍♂️☔️ Rain Boots, Road Miles & Remembering Heroes ☔️🧙‍♂️
A Look Back at the Volunteering Gnome’s Weekend at the DAV Convention

Well folks, the skies may have opened up and the raindrops may have danced all the way from home to Green Bay—but that didn’t stop the Volunteering Gnome from making the journey north to honor our veterans in style. 🚗💦

Armed with snacks, a road map (upside down, of course), and a heart full of gratitude, the Gnome braved the puddles, foggy windshield moments, and one very questionable gas station burrito to arrive in time for the Disabled American Veterans Convention.

From soggy roadside selfies, to epic misty highway views, to those cozy moments where windshield wipers and laughter kept the spirit bright—it was a journey worth every drop.

Despite the weather, this weekend was bursting with sunshine in the form of camaraderie, powerful conversations, unforgettable stories, and the unwavering spirit of those who’ve served. 🇺🇸❤️

As the Gnome sipped warm coffee and shook a hundred hands, he knew—this wasn’t just a trip. It was a mission. A muddy-shoed, rain-soaked, heartwarming mission.

🧙‍♂️💬 "It’s not about how wet your socks are... it’s about who you walk beside in the storm." – Probably a Gnome proverb

Thank you to the DAV family, to every veteran who welcomed us, and to the raindrops that made every memory just a little shinier.