PREFERRED POWERSPORTS has donated $500 to Norway's weekly Music in the Park program. Owners Chris Menacher and his wife, Kenzie Williamsen, update the crowd on future business plans before 141 North takes the stage Thursday. From left, Menacher, Williamsen, and Music in the Park co-coordinators Carol Sundstrom and Greg Hunt. (Photo by Teri Castelas/Daily News)
NORWAY — Norway's Preferred Powersports will be the main sponsor of Music in the Park next week in Norway.
Local band 141 North will be performing at the Main Street Band Shell in Norway on Thursday from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Owners Chris Menacher and his wife, Kenzie Williamsen, are second-time supporters of the weekly concert series, donating $500 each year.
“The first year we moved to Norway, we would listen to music while cooking in the backyard.” Williamsen said. “We had to find out where it was coming from and tracked it down to the bandshell.”
The couple moved to Norway from Appleton, Wisconsin in 2019 but had no family ties or history with the area.
“We're so pleased that the local community has embraced us.” Williamsen said. “This is where we want to be.”
“We've enjoyed Music in the Park ever since we discovered the event, so it's great to be able to get involved as a sponsor.” Menacher said.
Before Thursday's concert, the couple will give an update on future plans for Preferred Powersports.
Menacher is expected to announce the paperwork for the new building in Norway's north, which is due to be completed by autumn.
“We plan to start renovation work around that time.” Williamsen said. “If all goes according to plan, we expect to open in the spring of 2025.”
A graduate of Arizona Motorcycle Mechanic School and certified on Yamaha and Polaris, Menacher has 12 years of experience as a mechanic service professional in the powersports field.
After losing his job at BOSS during the pandemic, he used those skills to start his own business.
Preferred Powersports primarily provides maintenance and repairs for outdoor recreational vehicles, including ATVs, side-by-sides, dirt bikes, motorcycles, snowmobiles and personal watercraft.
Menacher plans to continue working out of his garage on Railroad Avenue in Norway until he moves. The new building will be 40 feet by 60 feet, double the current space.
“He has to reduce his orders because he doesn't have anywhere to store the extra machines while he waits for the parts to be ordered.” Williamsen said. “His business was expanding and he was running out of space, so we started looking into opening a new garage.”
The couple said they often hear how crowded downtown Norway is. “We are excited to renovate this new building, bring it back to good condition and find a new home for our business in Norway.” Williamsen said. “We love developing Norway.”
Menacher can be contacted at 715-587-5566.
