WHEATLAND – Lewis Park will be transformed into a Hawaiian paradise welcoming the Special Olympians back after a long COVID-19 hibernation.

Organizer Kayla-Dial Robinett and her assistant Cassidy Kirlin have aptly named the aloha as “The Special Olympics Luau Welcome Back Concert and Extravaganza,” and the event is scheduled for Aug. 22 at the band shelter and surrounding areas from 1-5 p.m.

At this point, there will be a concert by The Streetfire band who will play from 2 – 4 p.m., at least 10 vendors who have thus far committed and talk of moving the farmers market to the afternoon on that date, although things are still in the planning stages.

Platte Valley Bank is on board, and a grill will be set up with food.

According to Dial-Robinett, there will also be other family friendly activities.

“We are going to have a few game stations,” she said. “There will be corn hole, a ring-toss game for the kids, hopefully face painting if I can find someone to do it and at this point if someone is interested, please call me.”

Dial-Robinett not only has been instrumental in organizing the Platte County Special Olympians, but is also one of the activities and softball coaches and will be taking the team to the state competition in Casper, Wyoming,

“This is actually fun,” Dial-Robinett said. “I don’t think it was too much of a challenge because I have such a good support group. Everyone that’s been helping has made this run so much smoother.”

From an idea from the state Special Olympic committee to a local desire to have donate a concert, the plan was hatched back in April.

“The state wanted to do a welcome back barbecue or party for each county to welcome back our athletes from this long absence over COVID,” Dial-Robinett said. “I always say, ‘go big or go home,’ so when the offer came up to do a benefit concert, we saw that as a great opportunity to mesh that in with the welcome back event. And then squeeze in the vendor events to help with raising funds and make it one big shebang.”

The band, Streetfire will be playing the benefit concert and all proceeds from the day will go directly to the Platte County Special Olympics.

Streetfire

Kayla Driskell bio

I have been a Wheatland resident for 33 years. My passion is to teach kids how to love music and how to play music so that they can enjoy it for the rest of their lives! I want every student who walks through our doors to know that they are loved, accepted, and celebrated just as they are! I have been teaching private music lessons for 14 years in Wheatland, and now in Cheyenne as well. I am so blessed to work with some of the best families around and I definitely adore our #musicfam!

Jack Keckler bio

Well, I grew up in Jackson Hole, I write/record music basically all day, and when things were normal, I'd train Jiu-Jitsu when I could. If you want me to send you something more like what you would see on a program, I can do that too. It's probably about 100 words

Danny Robinett bio

Danny Robinett Jr, also known as Buzzard, was born at the Fort Carson Army installation. He grew up in a military family and had moved around before his family settled in Cheyenne.

Buzzard grew up with a love and passion for hunting, fishing, sports and music. Buzzard played baseball his entire childhood and was a world champion bowler.

He lives in Wheatland now with his beloved family. He has three sons and one daughter. He spends the majority of his time with his family but when hunting season comes around, you can find him in the mountains.

Grady Winders bio

I was born in McMinnville, Tennessee. I grew up in Battle Creek, Michigan. Graduated from Harper Creek High School in 1978. Joint the Air Force and went to basic training in 1979. Had two career paths first as a Security Specialist and then as a Medic. I retired from the Air Force in 1999. Was hired by the Sheriff if Platte County in 2000 as A school resource officer and Am currently the undersheriff for Platte County. Received associate degree in allied health science and in security administration from the community college of the Air Force. Interest in playing musical instruments and shooting sports.
Married to Leisa for 40 years, we have 3 daughters, and 6 grandchildren.

Mark DeLap bio

I was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and graduated from Menomonee Falls East High School. I received a music scholarship to the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire and graduated from UWEC in 2001 with a B.A. and majored in journalism education and minored in coaching. I earned a B.S. degree in business administration and have my MBA from Trinity. I had a successful teaching career, was a successful basketball coach, coaching everything from women's professional basketball to men's college basketball and high school varsity basketball. I am a published author having published a fictional novel, (In The Always) a children's story, (The Little Acorn) a book of motivation for my athletes, (A Warrior's Heart) and a yearly devotional, (Rereward). I have won awards for my feature writing, columns, editorials, news stories and page design from the Minnesota Newspaper Association, The Iowa Newspaper Association and the National Newspaper Association. I have written for both newspapers and magazines and was a managing editor of three newspapers in the Midwest before becoming a photographer for National Geographic previous to accepting the position as primary writer and photographer for both the Platte County Record-Times and the Guernsey Gazette. Growing up I was influenced by my cousin Peter Stampfel who won a Grammy in 1992 for folk anthology notes and has been in a band since the late 50s and is still going strong today at 83. He sang and wrote the song on the Easy Rider album, “So you wanna be a bird.” I have had the Streetfire band since the 80s, but with each move I have to acquire new musicians. This group is among the finest I’ve ever worked with.

The band is going to perform a wide variety of songs from a few originals to lots of covers and a 50s set that will knock your socks off and cause classic cars to cruise. You will hear music from the 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and more. There is also a rumor going around that a flash mob is going to break out somewhere during the concert and that it may go viral. It’s best not to miss it.  

The organizers are encouraging people to bring their lawn chairs or blankets and make an afternoon of it for a very good cause.

Also important to note is that the Platte County Special Olympians are looking for more kids to participate that may live in Guernsey, Chugwater and Glendo. If you have a special needs child that wants to participate and be a part of the luau celebration, please do not hesitate to contact either Kayla Dial-Robinett or Cassidy Kirlin.

“We are always looking for more athletes,” Dial-Robinette said.

You are invited to contact Kayla (307) 220-0932 or Cassidy (307) 331 – 4659 if you would like to be a vendor, a volunteer,  a sponsor or just need more information about the event.

*** Streetfire will also be playing at the Guernsey Farmers Market at Davis Park Thursday, Aug. 27 from 4-6 p.m. ***