For the Rapids City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – McMillan Memorial Library is celebrating one year of solar power with a full day of events Aug. 11. The events include an appearance by Packer legend Chester Marcol, a showing of the movie “Cheeseheads,” and a tour of the area’s largest solar array.

One year ago, McMillan activated its 235 kW, 13,000-square foot rooftop solar array. The $420,000 project was funded in cooperation with Viking Electric and its president, Rapids native Scott Prahl. The library is fundraising to complete the purchase and is within $40,000 of its goal.

“We like parties,” said Library Director Andy Barnett, “so we wanted to invite the community to celebrate with us and also raise some money to help pay for the project.”

The day starts at 10 a.m. with Chester Marcol discussing his book “Alive and Kicking: My Journey Through Football, Addiction and Life”. The Pro Bowl kicker is best known for his touchdown against the Bears after a blocked field goal attempt, but the story of life after football and his recovery from addiction may be a more compelling story.

Library staff will be cooking brats, hot dogs, and other tailgate foods from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. At noon, there will be solar cake to celebrate the one year old solar array. From 12:30-4 p.m., there will be tours of the solar rooftop, as well as a silent auction of items donated by local and regional companies, with the funds raised going toward the purchase of the solar project.

“Cheeseheads,” a documentary by John Mitchell, will be shown at 2 p.m.  Marcol and Mitchell will be available for autographs at 4 p.m.

For more information, call 715-422-5136 or visit mcmillanlibrary.org/celebrate-mcmillan.