Kenosha's Laborfest to return at new venue after year hiatus; Cucunato, Fonk to be honored (2024)

Kenosha’s Laborfest is making a comeback at a new venue Monday following a yearlong hiatus with plans to honor two labor leaders at the event.

The Labor Day celebration this year will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pennoyer Park Bandshell, 3601 Seventh Ave. Last year, organizers canceled Laborfest due to difficulties securing a venue. The event had been held at the St. Therese of Lisieux Festival Grounds for many years.

Kenosha AFL-CIO Council President Rick Gallo said the event, which began in 1981, will be held this year “rain or shine.”

The festival will feature children’s activities, music, food and fellowship and is presented by the Kenosha AFL-CIO Council, with major sponsorship from the City of Kenosha, and UAW Local 72 with financial support from other local unions.

Music this year will be provided by Betsy Ade and the Well-Known Strangers. Children’s activities will include two bounce houses, a story time, projects (organized by the Carpenters Union), and a Kenosha Fire Department “fire drone” demonstration.

Non-perishable food items will be collected for the Shalom Center, with hourly raffle prizes, Gallo said.

At noon, a brief program will be held on the main stage with presentations of “Labor Person of the Year” awards, according to Gallo. This year’s recipients are Kenosha residents Geri Cucunato, and Kelly Fonk, longtime labor leaders and community volunteers. Gallo said council delegates at their last meeting unanimously chose both award recipients.

“I am very proud to announce (their) selection,” Gallo said. “Both exemplify the characteristics we appreciate and look up to as deserving recipients.”

Geri Cucunato

Cucunato has been a delegate to the Kenosha AFL-CIO Council since 2000 and has served as trustee for at least the past eight years. Officials said she was instrumental in spearheading the council’s actions in 2023 to purchase drones for the Kenosha Fire Department.

“This provided a positive step in protecting our community, as well as providing cutting-edge equipment to our firefighters. She also initiated a pizza bake-off to help raise money for the Kenosha Firefighters CARE charity. She worked personally to arrange, set-up, and carry out the bake-off, which has become an annual fundraising event,” the organization said in a prepared statement. “Geri sets an example by attending almost all meetings of the Kenosha AFL-CIO Council, and has served on various committees.”

Cucunato served as a steward and chief steward for UAW Local 72 and is a lifelong member of the local, following in her father’s footsteps as a union representative at the former plant. During the drone drive, she attended various community events to promote the labor council’s efforts and to solicit donations.

She has been a volunteer at Laborfest for many years, coordinating the AFL-CIO’s food collection for the Shalom Center along with raffles, 50/50 drawings and others. She has been active in the Kenosha Literacy Council and was previously on the United Way of Kenosha County.

Cucunato also makes routine visits to local firehouses and police departments, usually with treats in tow. When she’s not busy volunteering, she spends time with son James and grandchildren James and Nellie.

Kelly Fonk

Fonk has been a steadfast supporter of the community through active participation and membership in the Kenosha Professional Firefighters Local 414 and its charitable arm, Kenosha Firefighters CARE, according to the release. Both organizations are deeply involved in year-round community events, including charity events, festivals, and advocacy for public safety in our community.

He is a local board member for the Kenosha Professional Firefighters Local 414 in dual roles as a sitting board member and as healthcare liaison for the local, and as a board member of the Kenosha AFL-CIO. He is also a founding charter member having organized the Sturtevant firefighters into an International Association of Fire Fighters Local.

Fonk not only represents City of Kenosha firefighters, he ensures health care is accessible and affordable for other city employees who lost their rights to collectively bargain under Acts 10 and 32 in Wisconsin, according to the release. He advocated for the City of Kenosha’s wellness clinic and helping to establish it for all employees by highlighting the benefits of wellness and access to affordable healthcare options.

“Kelly fights daily for the benefits of 150 union members of Local 414 because he understands that is how you provide for a family, afford to live in the community that you serve, and retire with dignity,” according to the release. His family includes wife Krista and daughter Kassidy.