Chain to Main Local News - Thursday, September 3, 2026

The Community Blood Center will hold a blood drive at the Waupaca Rec Center tomorrow. Donors can give blood from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the facility located at 407 School Street. Organizers say blood donations help save lives and support patients in need throughout the region. The drive is part of the Community Blood Center’s ongoing effort to maintain a stable local blood supply.  Appointments are preferred by calling 800-280-4102. Parking restrictions will be in place in downtown Waupaca beginning Thursday, September 3rd at 4 p.m. as crews prepare for the Waupaca Rotary Rocktoberfest event. Contractors will erect a large tent on the 100 block of East Fulton Street, with barricades set up at Main Street and Jefferson Street. Officials say the area will remain closed to traffic through Saturday, and businesses have been asked to keep employee and customer vehicles out of the affected block during that time. The Veterans Backyard Bash will return to the Waupaca County Fairgrounds in Weyauwega tomorrow and Saturday, raising support for local veterans. The two-day event features live music, food vendors, raffles, a silent auction, family activities, an ATV side-by-side parade, and a cornhole tournament. A special veterans ceremony is scheduled for Saturday afternoon, with the weekend culminating in a professional fireworks show Saturday night. Organizers say proceeds will benefit veterans and their families.  Music kicks off at 6pm Friday and events begin at 9am Saturday. Lastly, the City of Waupaca Parks and Recreation board meets this afternoon at 5:15pm in the City Council Chambers lower level of Waupaca City Hall.  On the agenda is a review of department reports, recreation program update and a 2027 Personnel Request.  The meeting is open to the public and the agenda may be viewed online at CityOfWaupaca.org.