Recipient will be recognized at car, truck and tractor show
By Heather Ruenz
Staff Writer
Lane’s Way will host its 2nd annual event later this summer and is expanding the car and truck show to include semi trucks and antique tractors.
It will be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11, at Elkhorn Area High School, 482 E. Geneva St., with the check-in for vehicles beginning at 9 a.m. that day.
The fundraising event is held in memory of Lane Schweitzer, of Elkhorn, who was killed at the age of 15 in a motorbike crash. His mom, Judy Schweitzer, said the show recognizes Lane’s patriotism by honoring a hometown hero. The deadline to nominate people for the honor is Aug. 20.
“People from throughout the area are encouraged to submit the name and information about someone who goes out of their way to help others and do good things within their community. It doesn’t have to be a veteran but the names of veterans or anyone else doing good are welcome,” Schweitzer said.
She said the gifts are tailored to whoever is chosen as the hometown hero and last year’s recipient received $500 worth of items.
Lane also loved his truck and so the show allows the family to string Lane’s passions together for a community event, which raised more than $5,550 the first year.
The tentative schedule for this year’s event includes the hometown hero and memorial ceremony taking place at 12:30 p.m. and the best in show award being presented at 2 p.m.
Honoring heroes
The American Legion posts from Elkhorn and East Troy will present the colors at the show.
In line with Lane’s appreciation and respect of those who help others, Schweitzer said they plan to honor several groups that day, including the victims and heroes of 9/11 since the event will take place on the anniversary of that day. There will even be a special giveaway, she said.
Firefighters, police officers and first responders are encouraged to attend the event because there will be a special drawing just for them for a full day golf package, according to Schweitzer.
There is no entry fee for the vehicle show but donations are welcome. Schweitzer said those planning to attend can register in advance at lanesway.org – which helps with the planning – but can also register the day of the show.
Get on board
Schweitzer said they are still accepting vendors for the event – those selling food, crafts or other items, as well as local business vendors who may be interested in attending.
“Any and all items are welcome to those who want to support this community event. There is no fee for them to be at the event and they can charge what they want for their items. But they do need to register so we know how many spaces to set aside,” she said.
There will be silent action items and a live auction.
A special request from Lane’s family is that attendees show off their patriotism with red, white and blue – however they choose to display it.
“We’re going to have people vote on the best theme that day with the winner being presented a trophy,” Schweitzer said.
She said the event is all about the things that were important to Lane.
“Lane would want this show to be about honoring people who help others and a hometown hero. And, of course, people sharing their love of cars, trucks, semis and tractors,” she said.
“We’re all coming together because of one kind and caring young man. Please come out and enjoy the day with us, show off your vehicles and see those on display, have some food and drinks and help us celebrate America, which Lane was very passionate about,” Schweitzer said.
When tragedy struck
On March 27, 2019, Lane was enjoying a warm spring day doing what many teenage boys do – riding his dirt bike. Accompanied by his sister and his friend, Lane was called home to God during a tragic accident.
“We still don’t understand why God decided to take one of the ‘good ones.’ Lane was truly the most kind-hearted, amazing young man with a life filled with dreams and goals. He filled the world with love and laughter and losing him has left a void that has been unbearable… but we have decided to use our loss to help our community and country in Lane’s honor,” the website states.
Proceeds from the Lane’s Way event will help support veterans and a scholarship to a graduating senior at EAHS who exemplifies the caring and respect Lane stood for, Schweitzer said.
For more information, visit lanesway.org. Vendors interested in signing up are asked to contact Schweitzer at 262-745-1421 or lanesfullsend@gmail.com.
