Forward Bank

Forward Bank has donated $5,000 to help the Athens Fair Board make improvements to the facilities and grounds where the fair and other community events are hosted.

The Athens Fair has grown to become a showpiece for not only the community but also Marathon County. It is an event that allows local churches, veterans groups, youth, and civic groups to fundraise for each of their causes. During its growth, the Athens Fair has maximized the systems used to host this and other events. This donation will help to get those systems updated or replaced.

“We are excited to use the funds donated by Forward Bank and Insurance to begin the process of updating our outdated electrical system,” commented Steven Brewster, Athens Advancement and Agricultural Association, Director. “The Fair will be replacing all fluorescent and sodium lighting fixtures with LED fixtures in the show ring, dairy, horse, and small animal barns as the start of a larger ongoing upgrade process.”

“We are thrilled to jumpstart this project with our donation,” stated Jessica Frahm, VP / Commercial Lender for Forward Bank. “We join Xcel Energy, Elite Electrical Contractors, and other local businesses in moving these improvements forward. I encourage anyone who enjoys the Athens Fair to see how you can help.”

Pictured (left to right): Athens Office Manager Tracy Engel; Fair Board Members: Steven Brewster, Terri Kree, Fair Board President Joe Kepner, Julie Guden, Karen Gauerke, Gary Beastrom, Gloria Lavicka, Jerry Sjostrom. Jessica Frahm.