Gary Knowles - Getaway Sampler

A selection of events loaded with Real Wisconsin Fun!

http://www.wpr.org/shows/tell-joy-where-go-july-edition

SEPTEMBER 2015
by Gary Knowles
Gary Knowles is a freelance travel writer who is the author of the Garys Getaways feature for the Journal & Topics Newspapers
serving 16 Chicago suburbs, a consultant to travel businesses, and the author of The Great Wisconsin Touring Book- 30
Spectacular Auto Tours. FOLLOW GARYS TIPS ON TWITTER: @TravelWisconsin

BEFORE YOU GO: Avoid disappointment. Always check for schedule changes before heading to events. For more eventsfour good sources: www.WisTravel.com, www.Wisconline .com, www.TravelWisconsin.com or
http://hwy23events.wordpress.com

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WISCONSIN: Wait, WaitSummer Final Flings!

A few last minute fun things to do Cheap Thrills - that you can talk about all winter!

Ride Like The King - Zippin Pippin-Green Bay Green Bays best ticket value is just $1.00:
ride Zippin Pippin at Bay Beach Park. This wild, wooden roller coaster was originally located in
Memphis, and was a favorite of Elvis Presley. Its 2500 feet long and has hills ranging from 35 to
70 feet. He would rent the entire Libertyville Park and ride for hours. In fact, Elviss last public
appearance was there August 8, 1977 when he partied at the park with friends, riding repeatedly
through the wee hours. He died eight days later. In 2010 Zippin Pippin was moved to Green Bay
and reassembled at Bay Beach (which has a variety of other rides, including vintage bumper
cars.) What did you do this summer? Oh, I rode Elviss roller coaster! Neat! Bay Beach
Amusement Park, Open daily through August, 10 AM- 6 PM then weekends through September.
1313 Bay Beach Road, Green Bay www.baybeach.org
Just Like The Alps! Fenlon Place Elevator Dubuque it was a banker, trying to save his lunch
break, who gave us the exciting ride up a Dubuque Bluff on the Fenlon Place Elevator. Mr. J.K.
Graves who also served in the Iowa State Senate and as Mayor of Dubuque, hated the fact that it
took him a half-an-hour to drive his horse and buggy on a winding roads to his home at the top of
the bluff. It took another half-hour to get back down. He had seen the furniculare (cable cars)
used in the steep Swiss Alps and in 1882 arranged to have one built up his bluff in Dubuque. His
friends and neighbors on the bluff liked it and eventually he started charging five cents a ride.
Today the historic 189 foot transport is on the National Register of Historic Its $1.50 up and
another $1.50 back down, and worth every penny. 512 Fenelon Place, Open 8AM-10PM, April 1 to
Nov. 30. http://www.dbq.com/fenplco/prices.html
Ride the Free Merrimac Ferry Heres a ride thats fun offers spectacular views of the great
Wisconsin River And it is free one of a very few free ferries left in the USA. The Merrimac Ferry
traces its history to 1848 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. You can drive aboard
from Wisconsin Hwy. 113 at Oakee or at Merrimac. The crossing takes only about seven minutes,
but you may have to wait in line to board. The ColSac III can carry about 15 vehicles per trip. The
name comes from the counties Columbia and Sauk that the ferry connects. It was replaced in
1963 with the ColSac II and in 2003 with ColSac III. In 2014 the ferry carried more than 300,000
vehicles. PH: (608) 246-3872 http://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/travel/water/merrimac/default.aspx
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WISCONSIN September is Spectacular!!

Sept 1 -19 20th Annual Apostle Islands Lighthouse Celebration Bayfield
Sept. 1-19, 2015
For 20 years, Bayfield has offered lighthouse cruises along Lake Superior and the
Apostle
Islands during the Lighthouse Celebration. Visitors can experience the beauty of
lighthouses on
each island or get a glimpse of mysterious sea caves during the Sea Cave Cruise.
715-779-5619; www.lighthousecelebration.com
3-6 Harley-Davidson Custom Bike Show Weekend
Thousands of motorcycles are converging on Milwaukee Labor Day weekend full of
custom culture. The Custom Bike Show will showcase the best in professional and
amateur bike builders as part of the annual Milwaukee Rally. The Show features 160
bikes in 12 categories. This show that has grown to be one of the biggest in the U.S.
PH: 877-436-8738 http://www.harley-davidson.com/content/hd/en_US/home/museum/explore/events/custom-bike-show-weekend.html
5-Manitowoc SS Badger Annual Autumn Shoreline Cruise
Cruise along Manitowoc's shoreline includes entertainment, dancing, family-friendly
activities, food and beverages. Fee charged. 800-841-4243 or 920-684-0888
www.ssbadger.com
11-13 Villa Louis Carriage Classic Prairie du Chien
This is one of the largest carriage-driving competitions in the nation. Watch as finely
trained horses trot around the arena in new and restored carriages. Divisions include
novice
driver, single horse and small equine. Guests and drivers are encouraged to dress in
traditional 1800s attire, and tickets include a tour of the newly restored Villa Louis
estate.
608-326-4436; www.carriageclassic.com
25 27 Fall Jefferson Car Show and Swap Meet Jefferson
Rev your engines for the Fall Jefferson Car Show and Swap Meet, this year featuring
Ford. With
more than 3,100 vendors and hundreds of cars for sale, this is sure to be a car lovers
dream.
Appreciate the beauty of these vintage cars that are spread across the Jefferson
County
Fairgrounds. 608-244-8416; www.madisonclassics.com
26-27 Geneva Lakes Boat Show Fontana Presented by the Blackhawk Chapter
of the Antique and Classic Boat Society, the GenevaLakes Boat Show. Numerous
vessels will sail away with awards in categories like Skippers Choice, Most Historic and
the Peoples Choice Award, just to name a few. The event features class and vintage
boats from all over the country including during Saturdays big boat parade. 630-8022698; www.genevalakesboatshow.com
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WISCONSIN Harvest! Celebrate! Eat! Feast!

4-6 Potato Fest Rhinelander
A spud-filled weekend - Saturday parade, the YMCA Couch Potato Race, Golden Potato
Dig, potato pancake breakfast, potato salad cook-off, Duck Race. Food/merchandise
vendors and live music (The Dweebs) throughout the weekend. WXPR Potato
PolkaFest. 715-362-7374
http://www.downtownrhinelander.com/projectsandevents.html?
q=20130627091911
5-6 Cheeseapalooza Kenosha

Kenoshas 2nd annual grilled cheese/mac and cheese invitational featuring great food,
demonstrations, live entertainment. HarborPark along Kenoshas harbor, near 54th Street &
6th Avenue. 262-564-8800
http://www.happeningsmag.com/kcms/modules/tinycontent/index.php?id=123

5-6 Taste of Madison

Held each Labor Day weekend, Taste showcases some 80 local restaurants, 20
beverage stands and 3 entertainment stages. 225,000 attendees over the two-day
eat! Every food item reasonably priced $1 to $4. Admission free. 608-276-9797
www.tasteofmadison.com/
10- OCT 31 Autumn on the Farms at Old World Wisconsin Eagle
Celebrate the 19th and early 20th century harvest season at Old World Wisconsin.
Enjoy a
number of hands-on activities like soap making, wool spinning and a how-to on
making a classic
sausage. Sample homegrown vegetables, or check out how farm families tended their
crops
with a field plowing demonstration. Each weekend offers a new theme for visitors to
step back in
time for a fun adventure. PH:262-594-6301; www.oldworldwisconsin.org
11-13 Abby Fall Fest With Llamas! Abbotsford and Colby
Formerly the Lama and Craft A-Faire, this fall festival may have changed its name, but
it has
added three times as much fun. The signature llama trot and llama cart races are now
accompanied by a three-on-three basketball tournament, an adult soccer game and a
craft fair.
Be sure to check out the live music all three nights, carnival games and a parade on
Sunday.
715-223-8509; www.abbycolbyareachamber.org
11-13 Dairy Days Platteville
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Platteville Dairy Days is full of food, family fun and, of course, all things dairy. Guests
travel from
far and wide for the utterly delicious cheese tastings, cattle show, tractor pull and the
wild and
crazy Dilly Bar eating contest. Dairy Days is also home to southwestern Wisconsins
largest
parade, drawing more than 8,000 people every year. Make a moo-ve to Platteville
this
weekend for some serious cheese-tastic fun! 608-348-8888;
www.plattevilledairydays.com
12 Festifall Lakewood (Near Cable)
Celebrate Lakewoods local artists, crafters and musicians at Festifall. Walk through
the
downtown streets and shops filled with artists sculpting, painting and crafting right
before your
eyes. Live vendor demos such as chainsaw carving and jewelry-making allow visitors
to
customize their purchase while watching the creative process. The fest also offers
mouthwatering homemade pies, fresh roasted coffee beans and food favorites like
shrimp on a stick and the walking taco. 715-276-3473; www.ocontocounty.org
18-20 Oktoberfest Chippewa Falls
Don your finest lederhosen or dirndl for this fantastic Oktoberfest celebration! With
four stages,
featuring more than 30 entertainers and live polka music, theres no shortage of
authentic
German fun. If youre feeling competitive, try your hand at the sauerkraut eating
contest. Or skip
the kraut and sample other traditional cuisine. Kids can enjoy lots of authentic
German games
and dancing. On Friday, dont miss the crowning of the 2015 Festmeister and
Festmeisterin
during the Golden Keg Procession. 715-723-0331; www.visitchippewafallswi.com

19 - Taste, Sip and Ride: Cheese & Wine Train! - Mid-Continent Rail Museum N. Freedom
Take the finest Wisconsin artisan cheeses, pair them with award-winning wines from one of
Americas most historic wineries and see some of the best-preserved working trains at MidContinent Railway Museum, Sept. 19 in North Freedom, Wisconsin. Its the Wine and Cheese
Train, rolling through spectacular bluff country hills of the Driftless Region. The event features
Wollersheim Wines from near-by Prairie du Sac. Its Wisconsins oldest winery, established in the
1840s and winner of multiple awards, including Winery of the Year at San Diego International
Competition in 2010. Featured cheeses are made by Master Cheesemaker Sid Cook of Carr
Valley Cheese, one of Wisconsins premier artisan cheese producers. Sept.19-20, museum staff
offer special guided tours of restored railcars including a look at the ultimate restoration project:
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Badger #2 Fish Car. Reservations required. PH: 608-522-4261 or visit www.midcontinent.org.

The museum is located at E8948 Diamond Hill Road, North Freedom, Wisconsin.
19-20 Maple Fall Fest Marshfield
Get ready for the ultimate feasting experience. Cheesecakes, cheese curds, pizza and
BBQ are
offered at Marshfields Maple Fall Fest. Along with the traditional festival foods, visitors
can
enjoy potato pancakes and Wenzel Farm maple sausage topped with pure maple
syrup. Festgoers can even learn how to make their own maple syrup. Be sure to check
out the maple syrup contest as well as the maple dessert contest. May the best maple
win!
715-384-4314; www.visitmarshfield.com
25-26 Octoberfest in September Appleton
Known as Appletons largest block party, Octoberfest fills the streets of downtown
Appleton
with more than 20 bands and 180 arts and crafts vendors. Be sure to taste Spaten
Oktoberfest, a new beer this year that was served at the 1872 Munich Oktoberfest.
Other fest
offerings range from tasty traditional food to funnel cake and, as always, a wide
variety of beers.
Willkommen to lots of German fun. 920-734-7101; www.octoberfestonline.org
25 26 Beef-A-Rama Minocqua
Whether you like ribs, a nice, thick sirloin or some delicious brisket, youll find it all at
Beef-ARama. Join in on the fun during the Rump Roast Run on Saturday or try one of
the many streetside roasters, cooking beef to perfection. This fest is also veggiefriendly with a Veg-E-Rama at Fridays farmers market. Bring the whole family and
save room for a finger-lickin good time. 800-44-NORTH; www.minocqua.org
25 27 Warrens Cranberry Festival Warrens
Looking for a berry fun event to attend this fall? Look no further than Warrens
Cranberry
Festival, your one-stop-shop for everything cranberry. The worlds largest cranberry
festival is
known for the 850 arts and crafts booths, 350 flea market and antique booths, 100
farm market
booths and 100 food vendors that span a three-mile shopping extravaganza. Try
festival
favorites like deep-friend cranberries on a stick and cranberry cream puffs.
608-378-4200; www.cranfest.com
26-27 Apple Festival Gays Mills In the heart of the Driftless Region, Gays Mills is
home to the largest orchards in the tri-statearea. For an apple-pickin good time head
to this festival and enjoy all kinds of apple products, aflea market, 2K and 5K run and
the hometown parade on Sunday afternoon. Relax, listen to thesound of local music
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and observe the beauty of autumn with the smell of fresh apples in the air.608-7354341; www.gaysmills.org
29 Oct 3 World Dairy Expo Madison Check out the World Dairy Expo, a
meeting place for the global dairy industry. Internationaldairy producers and industry
members come to see the world-class cattle show and award-winning trade show.
Aspiring dairy exhibitors can compete in the Youth Showmanship Contest,a great way
to get a hoof in the door for a bright future in cattle showmanship.608-224-6455;
www.worlddairyexpo.com

WISCONSIN What the Heck? What is this zany stuff?!

4-5 Prairie du Sac Wisconsin Cow Chip Throw
Approximately 40,000 people attend the Wisconsin State Cow Chip throw each year. The current
Cow Chip throw state record is 248 feet. Featuring two stages of entertainment, Parade (Sat.
noon) arts and crafts fair, food booths, 5k & 10k run and much more! At Marion Park, Prairie du
Sac PH:608-643-4317 www.wiscowchip.com
6 Cedarburg Maxwell Street Days - A Cedarburg Volunteer Fire Department tradition for
more than 40 years, there are four Maxwell Street Days per year. You'll find more than 700 spaces
filled with antiques, collectibles, crafts, produce, sports and rummage, plus food, beverages and
music. 262-377-8412 http://www.cedarburg.org/
12 - Mama, Mama, its the Llamas! Hammond
OK, so theyre not indigenous to Wisconsin. They live there now, they like it and they
want to race! Started in 1997, the Running of the Llamas has grown from one wacky
race to a full day of llama-themed activities for all ages. The zany main event, Sept.
12, 2015, a llama race down the main street, lures thousands of gawkers and llama
lovers to this town in northwest Wisconsin. Come for the craft fair, Smooch Project,
unicyclists, kids in costumes, music by the Holy Sheboygan Band and, yes, the llama
races! Qualifying heats starting about 2:30 pm and finals at about 3:00 pm. The wooly
winner gets a big ol bucket of salad greens! PH: 715-796-2330;
www.therunningofthellamas.com
12 Sputnikfest Manitowoc Sept. 12, 2015
Named one of the Top Five Funkiest Festivals in the country by Readers Digest, On
Sept. 6, 1992, Manitowoc received an out of this world surprise when a 20-pound
piece of Sputnik IV crashed in the middle of the street. To celebrate, Manitowoc goes
all out. The fest includes a costume contest (prepare your space-chic beforehand or
on-site with tin foil). Or
dress your pet up for the Alien Pet Contest. Theres also the Miss Space Debris
pageant
where females or males exhibit their talent, grace and fashion sense above and
beyond their earthly counterparts. 920-686-3090; www.rahrwestartmuseum.org
12 - Pardeeville Watermelon Seed Spitting Festival Pardeeville Sept. 12,
2015
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Put those watermelon-seed-spitting skills to the test at the U.S.Watermelon SpeedEating and Seed-Spitting Championship. Competitors of all ages are encouraged to try
their luck at breaking a world record for speedeating and seed-spitting. Also volleyball
tournament, watermelon carving, a comedy show and more. 608-535-9139;
www.pardeevillewatermelonfestival.com
18 20 Wo-Zha-Wa Days Fall Festival Wisconsin Dells
This three-day festival includes an arts and crafts fair, antique flea market, Maxwell
Street Days,
live entertainment and a 100-unit parade. Visitors are also invited to participate in a
street
carnival to support Saturdays Wo-Zha-Wa Run. 1-800-22-DELLS; www.wisdells.com
24 Oct 8 Milwaukee Film Festival Milwaukee
The smell of popcorn, the excited chatter while waiting in line and the unique
screening venues
can only mean one thing youre at the Milwaukee Film Festival! Film critics, movie
lovers, citydwellers and more gather for this highly acclaimed cinematic fest. The
2015 Milwaukee Film
Festival features more than 250 films over a 15 day period at theatres around
Milwaukee,
including the Oriental Theatre, Downer Theatre, the Fox-Bay Cinema Grill, the Avalon
Theatre
and the Times Cinema. Channel your inner film critic and head over to one of your
local theaters
for a chance to see the latest and greatest films.
414-755-1965; www.mkefilm.org

WISCONSIN GOT ART? Count on it!

12 13 Artrageous Weekend Wausau
Two days, three events and 120+ juried artists - now thats art-rageous! This event
brings
together three separate art festivals in historic downtown Wausau. Guests can travel
free by bus
to Art in the Park, Festival of Arts and Birds in Art, each offering a different artistic
experience
for the viewer. 715-842-1676; www.wausaufoa.org
12 Nov 29 Winging to Wausau Birds in Art turns 40!
You dont have to be a bird lover or art history student to be awestruck at the excellent works of art
assembled by Wausaus Woodson Museum (Franklin and 12th St.) for the 40th Annual Birds in
Art exhibition. It will be on view September 12 through November 29. Admission is free. Among
123 works by 102 artists is an oil painting of a goldfinch by Kimberly Beck of Lake Forest, Illinois,
her fourth year in the prestigious show. Seventy of the artists will be at the museum opening on
Sept. 12 to meet visitors, discuss their work and sign posters and catalogues. When the show
closes in November, sixty works will comprise a travelling exhibition going to California, Texas,
Oklahoma, New York and Kansas through February 2017. Details at www.lywam.org or PH: 715845-7010
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19 Set Your Inner Picasso Free! - Paint with an Artist Mineral Point
Do you doodle? Long to snatch crayons away from kids? Get the urge to paint pictures? You may
have some hidden artistic talent! Find out Sept. 19 at Paint Party in Mineral Point, Wisconsin.
Youll play with paint and leave with a completed picture, probably worthy of display! This lighthearted evening will be led by nationally known artist and UW-Platteville professor Bruce Howdle,
of Howdle Studios. Held at Gray Dog Deli, 215 High St. from 7:00 - 9:00 PM, its a fundraiser for
Cannery Arts Incubator. The fee is $45. Register at www.artsmp.org or PH:608-987-2454. Bruce
will guide you with step-by-step instructions in drawing, mixing & painting the provided canvas. All
levels of experience are welcome. All painting supplies will be furnished and refreshments will also
be available for purchase.
19-20 Driftless Area Art Festival Soldiers Grove
Stop by Soldiers Grove as regional artists show off their talented works of art. The
festival offers
unique painting, photography, ceramics, glass, metal works, sculpture, woodworking
and
jewelry. Back by popular demand, the Artisan Edibles tent features fine cooking,
baking,
canning and pickling tips as well as samples, recipes and products for purchase. Fun
for all
ages, there is even a KidsArt gallery, showcasing student work from the KidsArt
program as well
as independent submissions. 608-624-3600; www.driftlessareaartfestival.com

WISCONSIN Naturally!
11-13 Whooping Crane Festival Green Lake County
Discover the beauty of the majestic whooping crane at this festival held throughout
various
locations in Green Lake County. The fest focuses on the once-endangered birds
migration
patterns and lifestyle. On Friday, take a guided tour of the Necedah National Wildlife
Refuge or
more remote areas in search of these magnificent birds. Saturday offers wildlife
experts
speaking on a variety of topics throughout the day as well as the popular silent
auction.
920-294-1050; www.operationmigration.org

WISCONSIN Competition Capital!

4-6 Highland Games Waukesha
Celtic fun! Scottish & Irish athletics, rugby tournament, Highland dancing, pipe &
drum competition, kids' area, cultural area, pub tent, live music, demonstrations,
workshops, animals, parades, food! Pub tent open late - live music Saturday &
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Sunday. Waukesha Expo Center, 1000 Northview Rd., Waukesha, WI PH: 262-548-7200
www.wisconsinscottish.org/
12 Chilimania Edgerton Sept. 12, 2014
Dont miss this all-day live music festival and chili cook-off aptly titled the Midwests
Largest Chili
Cook-Off. Spice things up with the Chili Chase 5K, a salsa contest and the main
event, the Wisconsin State Championship CASI-Sanctioned Chili Cook-Off. Each
contestant is required to make two or more gallons of chili to share with the hungry
guests. Chill out, eat as much as you can and enjoy some fantastic music. 608-5617566; www.chilimania.com
13 Wisconsin Ironman Triathlon Madison
An epic all-day event, the Wisconsin Ironman Triathlon involves athletes from all over
the
Midwest. More than 75,000 spectators cheer on 2,000 athletes as they make their
way through
each event. Racers start with a 2.4-mile swim in Lake Monona followed by a 112-mile
bike ride
through rural farmlands. The triathlon ends with a grueling 26-mile run ending at the
Wisconsin
State Capitol at midnight. PH:608-226-4780; www.ironman.com
18-20 Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival Cable and Hayward
Prepare yourself for all things biking at the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival. The
Chequamegon
40 is a 40-mile fat tire race made up of 2,100 adventurous participants who enter a
lottery for a
chance to compete. There is also the Short & Fat, a 16-mile race perfect for younger
riders or
those new to off-road cycling. Not competing but still looking for fun? Then try your
hand at the
Klunker Bike Toss or Lumber Jack & Jill Log Pull. 715-798-3594; www.cheqfattire.com
18 20 Good Old Cars, Racing Fast! Elkhart Lake Vintage Festival
They save it for autumn: one of the nations finest annual gatherings of vintage racing
automobiles. The Vintage Racing Festival is Sept. 18-20, in Elkhart Lake. Road
America welcomes some 250 classic, vintage and collectible racecars to this historic
and world famous natural cathedral of auto racing. This year the Jaguar Clubs of
North America (JCNA) Challenge Championship features a special Jaguar concourse
and rally. Weekend racing is part of the North American Amateur Road Racing
Championships featuring plenty of turbo-charged excitement. PH: 800-365-7223;
www.roadamerica.com
19 Dragonboat Race & Festival Oshkosh
Not many races in Wisconsin honor the 2,400-year-old Chinese tradition of dragonboat
racing. Teams of 20 paddlers race down the gorgeous Fox River, testing their
endurance, speed and synchronicity. In between races, enjoy music, food, arts and
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crafts. Stick around for the awards ceremony to see who wins the fests Grand
Champion award. 920-424-0344; www.uwosh.edu/dragonboat
19 20 Wind Power Windsurfing Championships Fond du Lac
Hold on tight as this fast-paced windsurfing competition slides into Fond du Lac. This
highly
competitive event brings together top national athletes as they compete in long
distance racing,
course racing, and slalom and freestyle competitions. All races take place on 28-mile
long Lake
Winnebago, considered one of the best windsurfing destinations in the country.
920-922-2550; www.fdl.com

HISTORY LIVES IN GOOD OLD WISCONSIN & IOWA!

4-6 Wilhelm Tell Festival - New Glarus
The Wilhelm Tell Festival includes the final pageant performance in German. Highlights include
Swiss music, yodeling contest, parade (Saturday morning) Art in the Park (Sunday), and children's
lantern parade (Friday evening). Wilhelm Tell Grounds, W5199 County Road W,New Glarus, WI
53574 PH: 608-527-2095 http://www.wilhelmtell.org/
4 7 The Old Threshers Museum and Annual Reunion Mount Pleasant, Iowa Huge,
thundering, bellowing, ground-shaking monster steam engines get together, get the things
running, and old tractor lovers, antique truck and car lovers gather, they bring in great country
music acts ( like Barbara Fairchild, Jon Pardi, Sammy Kershaw) and perform for four days - You
can get in to the whole five day affair for one $30 ticket good for everything - camping is available
in the area, and darn good country cooking Its The Old Threshers Reunion, in Mount Pleasant,
Iowa! If you cant get there for the festivities, you can visit the Richard Oetken Heritage Museums
open every day, Memorial Day to Labor Day and then Monday to Friday from Labor Day to
December, and January to Memorial Day to see the worlds largest collection and displays of
antique steam engines, antique tractors, early farmstead homes, a doll collection, a wheat mill and
even a working antique letterpress shop. Tickets: www.oldthreshers.com PH:319-385-8937
12 13 Tractor Show and Thresheree Manitowoc Learn about early life in rural
Wisconsin at the annual Tractor Show and Thresheree.This twoday educational event
invites guests of all ages to learn about traditional farming practices during the
communitys early years through field demonstrations with steam engines, farm
tractors and hands-on activities spread throughout 25 historic buildings. 920-6844445; www.manitowoccountyhistory.org
26-27 Wade House Civil War Weekend Greenbush
Watch history brought to life at the Wade Houses Civil War Weekend. Held the last
weekend in
September, the Wade House provides the perfect backdrop for two action-filled days
of battle
reenactments, military drills, medical care situations, period music and food. Re-live
scenes that
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were crucial to the outcome of the war with these seasoned veterans.
920-526-3271; www.wadehouse.org

WISCONSIN THATS THE SPIRIT!

12 Thirsty Troll Brewfest Mount Horeb
An intimate beer sampling experience featuring 25 craft brewers serving more than
100 beers,
this event is sure to be a hoppy one. New this year is the home brewers competition
paired
with live music and great food. Get there early to take your picture with Jorgen, the
Thirsty Troll.
608-437-5914; www.trollway.com
19-20 Wine & Harvest Festival Cedarburg
Wine & Harvest Festival draws tens of thousands to downtown Cedarburg for a chance
to view
as well as purchase amazing works of art, photography and crafts. Listen to music and
sample
delicious seasonal foods and wines. Stick around for the Giant Pumpkin Charity
Regatta and
giant pumpkin and giant vegetable weigh-off, a must-see for anyone new to the
festival.
262-377-3891; www.cedarburgfestivals.org

SNEAK PEEK Plan Early for October!

1-4 Oktoberfest USA La Crosse Oct. 1-4, 2015
Oktoberfest USA brings more than 150,000 visitors together each year to celebrate German
heritage. The celebration begins with the torchlight parade followed by the choosing of the
Festmaster during the Festmaster Ball. The Festmaster belongs to the royal family, which also
includes Mrs. Oktoberfest, chosen in August. Along with the gold sash and distinctive ostrich
feather, the Festmaster is presented with the Statue of King Gambrinus (the patron saint of
beer) as a symbol of leadership. Prost! 608-784-FEST; www.oktoberfestusa.com
2-3 Chain O Lakes Blues Festival Waupaca Oct. 2-3, 2015
With blue skies and blues music, this fest features bands such as Altered Five Blues Band, Big
N Tasty Blues and The Jimmys. Listen to the toe-tapping music while chowing down on
scrumptious sandwiches and pizza from area restaurants.
715-258-7343; www.waupacaareachamber.com
2-4 Bayfield Apple Festival Bayfield Oct. 2-4, 2015
Celebrate the autumn harvest and Bayfields agricultural heritage while touring area orchards
and wineries. Peruse fine arts and crafts all while sampling local foods at more than 60 food
booths. Dont miss the crowning of the Apple Queen or the Peel Out 5K trail run at Mount
Ashwabay. The festival culminates with a grand parade down historic Rittenhouse Avenue.
715-779-3335; www.bayfield.org
2-11 Fermentation Fest Reedsburg Oct. 2-11, 2015
From sourdough bread to home-crafted beer, pickles to soy sauce, chocolate to cheese
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Fermentation Fest is the place to be. Authors, chefs, bakers, chocolatiers and cheese makers
will provide plenty of (fermented) food for thought during the 40 classes, hands-on demos
and
tastings available to visitors. A new 50-mile self-guided drive through scenic Sauk County is
filled with temporary art installations, roadside food and craft stands and farmers markets.
608-524-8672; www.fermentationfest.com
3 - Apple Affair Galesville Oct. 3, 2015
Kicking off the event is a big apple breakfast in downtown Galesville with a 1,250-egg omelet
Then a
10-foot apple pie made in a 12-foot oven. Art, music and apples, 608-582-2868;
www.galesvillewi.com
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FREE TRAVEL GUIDES:

WISCONSIN DEPT. OF TOURISM- Free: 800-432-8747 (TRIP) http://www.travelwisconsin.com
FREE GUIDES: Activity Guide Campground Directory, Lodging Directory, Highway Map, Golf, Birding, Attractions

OTHERS IN WISCONSIN: (all free)

Calumet County Guide 920-849-1442 www.travelcalumet.com
Chippewa County Travel Guide 866-723-0331 www.ChippewaCounty.com
Door County Visitors Guide 800-527-3529 http://www.doorcounty.com/web/contact.asp
Fox Cities Area Guide 800-223-6667 www.foxcities.org
Grant County Travel Guide 608-348-8888 www.Platteville.com
Green Bay Visitors Guide 888-867-3342 www.GreenBay.com
Green County Travel Guide 888-222-9111 www.GreenCounty.com
Kenosha Area Visitors Guide 800-654-7309 www.KenoshaCVB.com
Kewaunee County Guide 800-290-4299 www.VisitKewauneeCounty.com
Madison Area Visitor Guide 800-373-6376 http://www.visitmadison.com
Mineral Point Travel Guide 888-764-6894 www.MineralPoint.com
Minocqua Area Destination Guide 800-44-NORTH www.minocqua.org
Racine Real Racine Guide - 800-272-2463 www.realracine.com
Sauk Prairie Visitors Packet 800- 683-2453 http://www.saukprairie.com/visitorspacket.html
St. Croix Valley & Polk County Guides (ask Sue for both) 800-222-7655 www.VisitrSCF.com
Superior & Douglas Country Travel Guide - 800-942-5313 www.VisitSuperior.com

OTHERS NEIGHBORING STATES, REGIONAL, ETC

Chicago Office of Tourism: Free Guide & App - http://www.choosechicago.com
Illinois Travel http://www.enjoyillinois.com/brochures/
Iowa Tourism http://www.traveliowa.com/ 888.472.6035 or 515.725.3084
Lake Michigan Circle Tour and Lighthouse Map 1-800-442-2084 or at www.WMTA.org
Lanesboro, Minnesota Visitor Guide 800-657-4972
Michigan http://www.michigan.org/
Minnesota Tourism Travel Counselors at explore@state.mn.us, or 1-888-TOURISM (1-888-868-7476).
Minnesota Mississippi Valley Bluff Country (on-line) http://www.ExploreMississippiBluffs.com
Mississippi Valley Partners (WI-MN) www.mississippi-river.org 1-888-999-2619
Red Wing, Minnesota www.redwing.org 1-651-385-5934 800-498-3444
Wabasha-Kellogg, Minnesota www.wabashamn.org 1-800-565-4158
West Michigan Travel Guide - 616-245-2217 www.wmta.org/publications-24/
Winona, Minnesota Visitor Guide (800) 657-4972 www.VisitWinona.com

BEFORE YOU GO: Avoid disappointment. Always check for schedule changes before heading to events. For
more events- four good sources: www.WisTravel.com, www.Wisconline .com, www.TravelWisconsin.com or
http://hwy23events.wordpress.com

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