NEW ULM — Lots of music and memories will be shared during a five-hour tribute to the late Alan (Smiley) Wiltscheck beginning at 4:45 p.m. Friday on Minnesota Street between Center and First Street North.

Scott Sparlin, who performed in bands with Wiltscheck for decades including the “Summer’s Eve” band that evolved into “The Bockfest Boys” said the tribute was created as a way to honor Wiltscheck who died June 24 at 76.

“Smiley’s kids and our band, The Bockfest Boys, decided we should have this because of Smiley. He was a real icon around here. So many people knew and liked Smiley, we thought a musical tribute with musicians that wanted to share their talents and do songs he liked was the thing to do,” said Sparlin.

He said asking tribute attendees to bring non-perishable donations to the New Ulm Area Emergency Food Shelf was something Smiley would appreciate.

“He was a big giver. Smiley had a propensity for feeding other people. He always enjoyed taking food to people. If he knew others needed food or liked it, he would make up batches of sauerkraut and dumplings and braunschweiger (sausage) and onions on rye bread. He raised chickens and often gave eggs to people,” Sparlin said.

He said a cutout photo image of Smiley will be near the stage Friday.

“This is a chance for people that crossed paths with Smiley to come listen to some of his favorite music and musicians, and talk to others that knew him well,” said Sparlin.

He urged people to bring lawn chairs. Outdoor food vendors on site include Lola’s Food Truck, The Candy Shop (cotton candy), Sweet Kettle Madness (mini-donuts) and Doggone Good Eats (hot dogs).

“You can bet there will be rounds of the “Hurray For Smiley” song and his favorite song, “Under the Double Eagle” (an 1893 military march).

The music schedule: 4:45 p.m. Adam Munsterman, Dain Moldan and the Bier Garden Boys. 5:15 p.m. Leon Olsen. 6 p.m. Josh and Tina. 6:15 p.m. The Sleepy Eye Concertina Club. 6:30 p.m. Nick Stadick. 7 p.m. The Bockfest Boys. 8 p.m. Carnie and the Best Band Ever. 8:30 p.m. Nate Frederickson Band, and several other musicians, according to the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce website www.newulm.com/chamber/