Outdoor Bash to feature Montgomery Gentry

The Waseca Hockey Association’s Outdoor Bash for 2026 fundraiser will take place at the Boxcar Bar on Saturday, Aug. 1. With Montgomery Gentry featured at 10 p.m., the local Angel Val Trio will be on stage from 5 to 7 p.m. and Chad Johnson from 7:30 to 10 p.m.

 

Waseca gambling manager Joshua Lynch observed, “The Outdoor Bash is the Waseca Hockey Association’s biggest fundraiser of the year, but it’s really just a great night out for the whole community.”

 

Lynch went on to say the event has become a summer tradition for the region. “People come from all over southern Minnesota, and it's grown into one of those events people mark on their calendars every summer. At the same time, it's become a huge fundraiser that helps keep our hockey program going.”

 

He points out that the money goes directly to help participants: “Every dollar raised goes right back into our youth hockey program. It helps keep registration costs affordable, pays for ice time, equipment, facility improvements, and gives kids the opportunity to play hockey who otherwise might not have that chance. We're a nonprofit that's run almost entirely by volunteers, so events like this really make a huge difference. Every ticket someone buys helps support local kids.”

 

Lynch continued, “Any event this size takes a lot of planning. There are a lot of moving parts—booking bands, setting up the stage, food vendors, security, sponsors, volunteers, you name it. But we've got an amazing group of volunteers and community partners who put in a ton of time every year. It really takes a team effort, and we're fortunate to have so many people willing to help.”

 

In addition to the rewards it brings the hockey program, Lynch says, “It's pretty special to see all the people enjoying great music while supporting something that's important to our community. And obviously having Montgomery Gentry here is going to be incredible. You don't get opportunities like that very often in a town our size, so we're really excited.”

 

Lynch assures that being a hockey fan is not a requirement for enjoying the Aug. 1 event: “You don't have to be involved in hockey to come out and have a great time. If you enjoy country music, good food, and spending a summer evening with friends, this event is for you. And the bonus is that every ticket helps support local youth hockey.”

 

Lynch says he is grateful to be part of an organization which is so sincerely focused on its central purpose which, despite the name, is not teaching kids to play hockey. “There are so many people who give their time coaching, organizing events, fundraising, and doing all the behind-the-scenes work that most people never see. Our goal is about a lot more than hockey. We want kids to learn teamwork, leadership, sportsmanship, and build friendships that last a lifetime. We're incredibly thankful for the support we've received from our sponsors, local businesses, volunteers, and the entire Waseca community. We couldn't do it without them, and we hope to see everyone out at the Outdoor Bash on August 1.”

 

Angel Val Trio 5-7 p.m. Chad Johnson 7:30 p.m.  Montgomery Gentry 10:00 p.m. Get details regarding ticket availability via Eventbrite and the Boxcar Bar. General admission $40, VIP $150.