Fans ring bells for favorite team, raise money for Tree of Lights Campaign

The Salvation Army’s annual Bear- Packer Kettle Challenge is back again for its 17th consecutive year. The annual ringing competition takes place Saturday, December 3 at the new Bass Pro Shop and HyVee in Sheridan Village. The kettles will be set up in order for Bear and Packer fans to work on bragging rights while collecting money for The Salvation Army and our Tree of Lights Campaign. This is a serious but fun Bear/Packer Challenge, so don your favorite teams colors and show your support!

This year, despite possible iffy weather, the annual event is again expected to be hotly contested, as each side battles to raise the most funds for The Salvation Army. The Packer fans won last year’s challenge, and now Packers fans have claimed 9 titles to the Bears fans 7 titles in the annual challenge. Over the past 5 years, the day has brought in an average of $1,068 each year.

The Hyvee location will feature a special “goalpost” display to add to the football feel of the friendly competition, and there may even be some brats available, while at Bass Pro, some Salvation Army brass will be on hand to play from 11:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. The competition gets started at 9:00 a.m., and the day of friendly competition will run through 4:30 p.m. If you would like more information, call Rich Draeger at 253-9909.

WHAT: 17th annual Bear-Packer Kettle Challenge
WHEN: Saturday, December 3 (9am-4:30pm)
WHERE: Bass Pro Shop & HyVee
WHO: Sam Amick- “Founder” of challenge(3-4:30 Bass Pro)
Rich Draeger (9-11am at Bass Pro)
Salvation Army brass- 11-1 at Bass Pro