Brownells’ 75th Party Includes Surprises and Triples Size of Hometown
OutdoorHub 07.02.14
Brownells’ 75th Anniversary party, officially titled “Monte Fest,” more than tripled the size of Montezuma, Iowa, population 1,800 – the home of Brownells. On Saturday, July 21, 2014, approximately 6,500 to 7,000 people flooded the town square for an old-fashioned street party that included food and drink vendors, a carnival area for the kids, and free concerts performed by local bands and some of Nashville’s best.
Singer-songwriter and country music sensation Phil Vassar sang his hits “American Child,” “Carlene,” “Just Another Day in Paradise,” and even covered favorites from the likes of AC/DC and Billy Joel. Following the show, Vassar voiced his approval of enthusiastic audience with a tweet stating, “Wow! What a crowd at Monte Fest…fun time tonight.”
Fox’s X-Factor season two winner Tate Stevens, a fan of the shooting sports and Brownells, took the stage wearing a Brownells t-shirt and wowed the crowd with songs like “Holler If You’re With Me,” and more.
“It’s a rare thing for any business to celebrate 75 years,” said Frank Brownell, Brownells Chairman of the Board. “And the whole night turned out just wonderfully. The weather was perfect, and the music was beyond great. I just want to thank everyone who helped make this happen – all the volunteers, the Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office, Vannoy Chevrolet, Montezuma State Bank, Grinnell Regional Medical Center and everyone who came out. What a fantastic party!”
Prior to Vassar’s set, Frank Brownell was honored for his 50th year with the company and his own 75th birthday. In addition being serenaded with “Happy Birthday to You” by the nearly 7,000-strong in attendance, Frank Brownell was surprised by the Brownells Gun Tech team who presented him with a custom, wood-stocked AR-15 tricked out with parts and accessories from many of the company’s longstanding vendors.
The surprises didn’t end there. Frank surprised his son, Brownells’ CEO Pete Brownell, with an original 1886 Winchester rifle customized by specialty gunmaker Brad Johnson and engraved by FEGA Master Engraver Marty Rabino.
The night ended with an impressive, 10-minute fireworks display over the stage.
