Mid-State Technical College and the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters welcomed families to the College's Wisconsin Rapids Campus this week for the fifth annual Rafters Meet-and-Greet and Cuts 4 Kids event. The community tradition combined player meet-and-greets with free haircuts to help students get ready for the new school year. Nearly 120 haircuts were provided to local children, as well as Rafters players and staff.
Families enjoyed a variety of interactive activities throughout the event, collecting autographs from 2026 Rafters players and testing their skills in games and challenges such as the vertical jump, cornhole, a pitching booth, tricycle races and cookie decorating. Mid-State's mascot, Grit, and Rosco P. Rafter kept the energy high with hugs, high-fives and photo opportunities. The first 300 attendees also received complimentary hot dogs, chips and a scoop of Mid-State's signature Cranberry Cougar Swirl ice cream.
Several activities also showcased Mid-State's cosmetology, criminal justice, fire/EMS, nail technician, nursing and university transfer programs, giving families an opportunity to learn more about the College's educational offerings while enjoying the festivities.
Participant Coco Joren, 10, of Wisconsin Rapids, was especially competitive at the event. "I like the tricycle racing, the high jump, I like all of it," she said. After returning to the vertical jump activity several times throughout the event in an effort to beat her previous mark, it's no surprise she has a favorite Meet-and-Greet activity. "I like seeing how high I can jump every year."
"Mid-State is one of our incredible partners, and we truly value the partnership," said Rafters co-owner Joe Fonti. "We always look forward to the Meet-and-Greet with Mid-State and welcome the opportunity to give back to the Wisconsin Rapids community that is so supportive of the Rafters."
The annual Rafters Meet-and-Greet is one example of the ongoing collaboration between Mid-State and the Rafters to bring together fun, community and opportunity. For the past eight years, the two organizations have also partnered on Free Tuition Thursdays, a summer promotion that awards several $500 scholarships, along with game tickets and meal vouchers, throughout the season. Each weekly winner is also entered for a chance to receive the $15,000 grand prize, which covers the average cost of two years of tuition at Mid-State.
Learn more about Free Tuition Thursdays, including rules, qualifying games, eligibility and entry information, at mstc.edu/rafters. Follow Mid-State on Facebook (@MidStateTech) and Instagram (@midstate_technical_college) for updates on future events and opportunities.
