Mid-State and Rafters co-host ‘Rafters Meet-and-Greet’ and ‘Cuts 4 Kids’ event
For the fourth consecutive year, the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters and Mid-State Technical College co-hosted their “Rafters Meet and Greet” and “Cuts for Kids” event this week at the College’s Wisconsin Rapids Campus. The event gave young fans a chance to meet a Rafters player in person and get a free haircut.
Attendees gathered autographs from 2025 Rafters players and competed in games and challenges, including the vertical jump (can you jump as high as a Rafters player?), Cornhole, a pitching booth and tricycle racing. Mid-State’ robot dog was also on hand for demonstrations while Mid-State’s Cougar mascot, Grit, and Rosco P. Rafter gave out hugs and high-fives. The first 300 fans to arrive enjoyed complimentary hot dogs, chips and a cup of Mid-State’s Cranberry Cougar Swirl ice cream.
Several of the activities highlighted Mid-State’s agriculture, cosmetology, criminal justice, fire/EMS, nail technician and nursing programs. Cookie decorating was led by Mid-State’s continuing education group.
"This event is so important to the community and the players themselves,” said Rafters Assistant General Manager Jake Adams. “The Rafters receive so much love and support from the community, and we can't thank Mid-State enough for giving us an opportunity to give some of that love back."
The annual Rafters Meet-and-Greet is one example of the ongoing collaboration between Mid-State and the Rafters to combine fun, community and opportunity. For the past seven years, the two organizations have also partnered to offer the Free Tuition Wednesdays summer promotion, randomly awarding several $500 scholarships plus tickets with complimentary meal voucher to a Rafters home game. Being selected also gives contestants a chance to win a $15,000 grand prize to pay for the average cost of two years of tuition at Mid-State.
Visit mstc.edu/rafters to learn more about Free Tuition Wednesdays, including rules, qualifying games, eligibility and entry. Follow Mid-State on Facebook (@MidStateTech) and Instagram (@midstate_technical_college) for updates on future events and opportunities.
