See inside front cover for a complete list and more information!
We’re unabashedly fans of county fairs. Perhaps it’s because of childhood memories of riding the Ferris wheel that was the tallest of them all, or mouthing pink cotton candy the size of a football, or watching the exciting demolition derby from the grandstand. Actually, it was all of that and more. Mom and Dad would head over to the exhibit hall where 4-H and Open entries were on display waiting for their blue ribbons. We kids would beeline it over to the carnival rides in the fairway and the midway’s “skill” games, dollar bills stuffed in our jeans. Somehow we would find each other afterwards – maybe it was the prearranged “meet us at the ice cream shack” that did the trick. Whether it was hot dogs, brats or any other delicious fair food from the civic groups, we took a breather and filled the tummy. Then like a pod of stuffed land animals, we would “moo-ove” over to the livestock barn. Curious calves and goats poked their noses through the fence. Holsteins the size of brontosaurs lounged lazily in their pens. Pre-bacon swine grunted and squealed adding to the hum inside. The fancy footwork at the afternoon horseshow was always a draw. Dad and the older boys would be at the machinery display. The younger siblings laughed and clapped in delight as the juggler and magician performed tricks. Come evening and it was time for the grandstand entertainment. Depending on the year (or the fair), we might see the tag-them-smash-them demo derby, or a truck & tractor pull, the mighty machines belching smoke. Later on, lovers of all ages would sit a bit closer and listen to famous, and the almost-famous, singers and their bands. Invariably, we kids would be asleep two minutes into the ride home. The lucky ones clutched stuffed toys won on the midway. All had smiles on their faces. Mom basked in the knowledge that their children had a lot of fun and learned much about the ag community. Dad, well, the wallet was a bit lighter but not so much that he wasn’t thinking that maybe tomorrow, they would make a return trip.
The magic of a county fair touches all ages By Dean S. Acheson
Fairs of the Northwoods!
Barron County: July 17-21 Langlade County: July 24-28 Polk County: July 25-28 WI Valley: July 30-Aug 4 Iron County Fair – Aug. 1-4 Oneida County: Aug 1-4 Bayfield County: Aug 8-11 Vilas County: Aug 8-11 Oconto County: Aug 10-11 & 15-18 Lincoln County: Aug 14-1 Ashland County Fair: Aug. 15 – 18 Price County: Aug 21-25 Price County Fair: Aug. 21 -25 Sawyer County: Aug 22-25 Burnett county Fair: Aug. 22-25 Marinette County Fair: Aug. 22 – 25 Sawyer County Fair : Aug. 22 -25 Shawano County Fair: Aug. 28-Sept. 2 Portage County Fair: Aug. 31-Sept. 2 Forest County Fair: Sept. 6-8 Central Burnett County Fair: Sept. 20-22
Editor's
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The Northwoods – Nature at its best
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ipping a cup of hot coffee while the rest of the household was still fast asleep, I watched a pair of bucks meander through the backyard. One sported an already impressive rack in velvet. While it was mid-June at the time, the thought struck me that all too soon summer will be over and hunters will be chasing deer this fall. But we’re going to hold on to summer as long as we can. The young grandson is itching to catch his first muskie. To say he is hooked on fishing is an understatement. He got a 27-inch walleye while ice fishing crappies this past winter on the Minocqua Chain of Lakes. He had the biggest ear-to-ear grin when he held that beauty for a photo before releasing it. You’ll be grinning too with a fishing adventure to our Northwoods. Thousands of lakes, rivers and streams offer countless opportunities for catching muskies, walleyes, bass, trout, north-
Inside this issue County Fairs............................................................... Inside Front Cover Editor’s Column................................................................................... Pg. 4
Dean S. Acheson
ern pike and panfish. The water bodies are clear and uncrowded, with easy access for launching your kayak, canoe, fishing boat or powerboat. On land, there’s an impressive number of bike trails on asphalt paths or single-track that weave through the forests. More are being built each year with some linked to other trail systems. I remember the first time we biked the then-new trail from St. Germain to Sayner and thinking how cool that was. Now, the trail system extends even further to Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters and other nifty places. We’ve biked the trails in Marinette, St. Croix Falls, Iron River (MI) and Superior and had lots of fun – and exercise – and have seen wildlife on many of the outings. And so will you and your family in the land they call Up North!
Pontoons on the Move............................................Inside Back Cover Iron County Lodging.............................................................Back Cover
Published By: 5 Star Marketing & Distribution 409 Southpark Drive • P.O. Box 10 • Tomahawk, WI 54487 715-453-4511 • E-mail: info@5starupnorth.com Accounting Jackie Blodgett
Owner/Publisher Al Hanley alh@5starupnorth.com Editor Dean Acheson DeanAcheson@yahoo.com
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Marketing Associates Al Hanley Teresa Mead Jody Peterson
5StarUpNorth.com
Production Office Elizabeth Kelly Lori Morris
Graphic Designers Brittany Hazelquist Danelle Pretasky
Distribution Gary Harlander Jeff Safranek Brian Wiedeman
Social Media/PynPoints Maggie Koenig
Map
& index
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CENTRAL REGION ‘Gateway to the North’ Portage County.....................................page 6 NORTHEAST REGION Florence County................................. page 11 Forest County...................................... page 14 Marinette County.............................. page 18 Oconto County................................... page 22 Shawano Country.............................. Page 24 NORTHWOODS REGION Iron County.......................................... page 25 Langlade County............................... page 27 Lincoln County................................... page 29 Marathon County.............................. page 34 Oneida County................................... page 35 Price County........................................ page 50 Vilas County......................................... page 52
NORTHWEST REGION Barron County.................................... page 59 Bayfield County.................................. page 61 Burnett County................................... page 62 Polk County......................................... page 64 Sawyer County................................... page 66 Washburn County............................. page 73 WESTERN U.P. REGION U.P. Michigan............................... pages 76-77 EASTERN U.P. REGION Iron County, Michigan..................... page 78
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Wisconsin Korean War Veterans Memorial
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LOVER – A striking memorial to the men and women who served during the Korean War can be seen in Plover.
The Wisconsin Korean War Veterans Memorial is adjacent to the Worzella Pines Park at the junction of I-39 and County Road B. The Memorial is open daily until 11 p.m. Nestled on an island in Lake Pacawa, the memorial pays tribute to Wisconsinites who fought and died and those who are still listed as missing in action as a result of the Korean War. The village provided a site on the island in Lake Pacawa. Funding for this memorial comes solely from donations, sales of memorial tiles and other memorabilia sold during memorial events. Each year on the first Sunday of June, a special memorial program is held. Several area veterans groups participate. State and federal representatives, military personnel, DVA personnel and Korean representatives are also invited. The public is invited. About the memorial The memorial’s website (koreanmemorial.org) says this about the statutes at the Memorial and what they represent:
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“The Memorial statuary are composed of five larger then life figures. A nurse leads the group, because without the dedication, compassion, and bravery of the medics, many would not have returned. “Following the nurse are Army and Marine Infantrymen, because the infantry bears the brunt of the battle. “Then comes the Air Force pilot and a sailor, without whose support the battle would have soon been lost. “The statues face east, because Korea is in the Far East, and in memory of all who lost their lives and are still missing in action. All five figures are touching – touching in brotherhood that comes from battle. “There are no weapons on the Memorial – this is to confirm the veteran’s wish for peace. The five figures will stand in memory of all veterans who serve our state.” Directions: Take Exit 153 off I-39/US51 at Plover. Turn west onto County Hwy. B. At the first set of traffic lights, turn left onto Village Park Drive. A left turn at the end of this road will bring you onto Maple Drive, which runs parallel to the northern border of the park in which the Memorial is located.
These pages are sponsored by the Town of Plover
Heritage Park reflects early times in the Plover area
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LOVER – Step back in time with a visit to the historic village, Heritage Park, located in Plover. The buildings and contents illustrate what life in Portage County was like between 1870 and 1910. The Portage County Historical Society (PCHS) owns and operates the property, the largest of its four properties.
Situated on the property, at the corner of Willow Drive and Washington Avenue, are several structures: Hie Corner School, a post office, the Old Plover Methodist Church, a general store, a blacksmith shop, Franklin/Calkins House, Engford House and Yellowstone Cabin. The Society was able to have the Methodist Church entered on the National Register of Historic Places by the Secretary of the Interior on March 27, 1980. The Franklin/Calkins House was built in 1857 at roughly the same time as the Old Plover Methodist Church, and a number of the construction techniques are the same. Also on display is a reminder of the heyday of the railroad era: a GB&W Caboose 617 along with a collection of farm equipment donated by Milo Harpstead. The park follows a two-theme presentation of its structures. The west side of the park is set up to portray community life, and the east end shows both rural and unique structures from the county. The Society has endeavored to create a living monument to life in Portage County during its early settlement years. The park is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, each Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Contact the Society for other viewing times: 715-600-4930.
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1983 and during that summer moved to its current site from its original site on Highway B, just west of I-39. The Franklin/Calkins House and the Old Plover Methodist church share several of the same construction techniques, as the house and the church were constructed around the same time – circa 1857. The house is a combination of Greek Revival and Federalist styles. The exterior has changed very little from its original look, the Society has returned the interior to the original style as well. The man who built the house was George Washington Franklin, perhaps a relative of Benjamin Franklin. George Franklin became a potato grower and was the first serious potato broker in the county when he exported the produce to the Union forces during the Civil War. The Franklin family lived a quiet life, indulging in only friendly horse races with local friends down what is now Highway B. They were also deeply involved in the temperance movement of the time. The house descended through the female line of the family. Franklin’s daughter married a local farmer named Smart. Their daughter married into the Calkins family. Mrs. Calkins died in 1981, and the Society was able to obtain the house two years later. The house has been taken back to what it would have looked like in 1870, owned by a prosperous farm family. Although all of the household items had been sold at auction, the Society does have a list of all of Franklin’s possessions from his probate ruling after his death. The interior has been reconstructed to reflect as nearly as possible this list and what would have been current in 1870.
About the Franklin/Calkins House The Franklin/Calkins House was first obtained by the Society in
These pages are sponsored by the Town of Plover
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Racing for the checkers at Golden Sands Speedway
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LOVER – Located between Plover and Wisconsin Rapids, the Golden Sands Speedway has been entertaining races fans for more than 50 years. You can catch all the action on the high-banked one-third-mile asphalt stock car track every Friday night. Golden Sands Speedway was started by Sam Bartus in 1967. It was the first highbanked, bowl-shaped track that enticed a young group of drivers to glide, spin and fly around the fastest one-third mile in the Midwest.
This unique track has seen many veteran drivers, some of whom still race the highly banked track, some who have moved on to NASCAR and the NASCAR Super Trucks, and some who no longer race but have children who carry on the addicting tradition. Names like Dick Trickle, Mark Martin, Dave Marcis, Bryan Refiner, Tom Reffner, Jimmy Back, Marv Marzofka, Bobby Turzinski, Lyle Nabbelfeldt, Vic Getzloff, Kirby Kurth and others too numerous to mention. Fan gates open at 5 p.m., with time trials at 6:30 p.m. and racing at 7:45 p.m. They try to complete the events by 10 p.m., but sometimes there are delays because of accidents and weather. The track runs the following: Asphalt Super Late Model, Hobby Stocks, Street Stocks, Asphalt 4-Cylinders, Asphalt 4 cyl. Modified and Asphalt Pure Stock. A typical race night will see over 100 stock car drivers with more than a thousand fans in the stands cheering on their favorites. For the first time in the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series, the 2019 season champion will be crowned at Golden Sands Speedway. This Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 2) title race will take place in the afternoon. In another series, the Wisconsin Challenge Series will return to Central Wisconsin racetracks for a third straight year. The four-race series will consist of 75-lap races at State Park Speedway, Golden Sands Speedway and Marshfield Motor Speedway. The Plover racetrack will host the third race of the series on Friday, Aug. 9, and will also host the championship night on Friday, Sept. 13. “We are excited to bring back the Wisconsin Challenge Series for another year,” said Golden Sands Speedway owner Cody Smiley, himself a former racer. “The races have brought good car counts and great racing and we expect to see the same again this year.” In addition to the races (May–September), the facility hosts family entertainment group and VIP outings. Golden Sands Speedway is located at 11000 State Highway 54 East. For more information, call 715-423-4665.
These pages are sponsored by the Town of Plover
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The Town of Plover is a unique township where residents enjoy a beautiful river and appreciate being part of a growing cosmopolitan area at the crossroads of major highways with hotels, shops, restaurants and parks, adjacent to an educational community, supported by highly accredited medical facilities. Visit our businesses and notice the wide variety of local enterprises we are proud of! Town of Plover
5081 Hoover Avenue - South, Plover, WI 54467 Town Office: 715-344-7684 • www.townofplover.com townofplover@townofplover.com
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Florence
county Calendar Of Events
July 13 Florence – Badwater Bass Tourney July 13 Florence – Kids Hooked on Fishing July 21 Spread Eagle – Art Show in the Woods Aug. 3 Florence – Keyes Peak Summerfest & Pig Roast Aug. 4 Aurora – Aurora Mud Runs Aug. 6 Aurora – National Night Out
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PREAD EAGLE – There’s lots of fishing to be had in Florence County. There are some organized fishing events to pursue, including one offering a big payout to the top anglers.
also on Saturday, July 13. Hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lake Emily Park near Florence. This is a catch-and-release event. Children ages 5–16 are invited to attend. Everything is provided: life vests, fishing poles and bait. Lunch will be provided at noon. For more information, call 715-528-4441. To reach Emily Park from Florence, take Hwy. N three miles south, and then head west on Hwy. D for two miles (watch for signs).
The Badwater Bass Tourney on Twin Falls Flowage will be held on Saturday, July 13. Headquarters will be the Vagabond Park on U.S. Highway 2. Either a Wisconsin or Michigan fishing license can be used for this tournament. Tournament registration begins at 5 a.m., with a 6 a.m. start time. Weigh-in is scheduled for 2 p.m. The cost is $75/boat with a 50-boat maximum, so register early. There is a $2,500 minimum pot. The winner of this tournament will be the team who has the heaviest combined weight of largemouth and smallmouth bass. For more information, call 715-528-5377. If you can’t make the bass tournament and have kids, consider taking them to the free KAMO (Kids Hooked on Fishing) event,
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NORTHEAST Region
Just a cast away: Badwater Bass Tourney– Kids Hooked on Fishing
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Florence County
Morgan Lake Campground comfortably equipped
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ENCE – The Morgan Lake Recreation Area is a great place for extended family or a large gathering of people to camp and enjoy other outdoor pursuits in the Florence District of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Its campground is located off Highway 139, midway between Fence and Long Lake.
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The campground is comfortably equipped and provides access to a number of recreational opportunities – including fishing, boating, swimming and hiking. ATV/UTV access is now allowed. A
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picnic area is available, as well as an adjacent parking area and access to the lake via a ramp. The Morgan Lake Recreation Area consists of 18 individual family campsites in addition to a group campsite that can handle up to 25 people. This group site is separated from the other sites to ensure privacy. The group campsite is equipped with multiple tables, a campfire circle and grills. Accessible pit toilets and drinking water are provided. Largemouth bass are abundant in the lake. Non-motorized boating is permitted as well as electric motors only. The closest town, Long Lake, is located just over 12 miles northwest of the campground. For campground inquiries, call 715479-2827.
Florence County Discover Doll’s Lakeside Bed and Breakfast
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LORENCE – Step back in time and let your worries fade away as you vacation at Doll’s Lakeside Bed & Breakfast on charming Fisher Lake in Florence. Your hosts Dan and Diane offer warm hospitality for a memorable stay. Each room at this French Colonial–styled bed and breakfast is air-conditioned and equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. All rooms have private full baths. All second-floor rooms have fireplaces and access to the large wraparound deck. There is also an elevator/lift for your convenience.
The lower-level rooms have access to a patio – steps away from the lake. One room is accessible to people with disabilities. A self-serve laundry is also available. Enjoy a free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free private parking on-site. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer. Planning an intimate wedding? Doll’s B&B would be an excellent venue to begin your shared life, including for the honeymoon. Dan and Diane offer knowledgeable wedding services. Guests can enjoy various activities in the area – including fishing, canoeing, mountain biking and golfing. Downtown Florence is a short walk away. Doll’s B&B is just four miles from Keyes Peak Ski Hill and about 10 miles from the Nicolet National Forest. Pine Mountain and Timberstone Golf Course are also within 16 miles. Sawyer International Airport is 50 miles away. For more information or to reserve a room for your next getaway, call 715-528-3259 or email dollslakesidebb@yahoo.com.
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Forest
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Calendar Of Events July 5–7 Crandon – Forest Co. Festival July 5–7 Wabeno – Steam Up Days July 6 Laona – Kids Fishing Tournament July 6 Crandon – 5K Run/Walk July 6 Crandon – Legionnaire Mud Challenge July 12–14 Wabeno – Steam Up Days July 20 Crandon – Summerfest July 25–27 Crandon – DAV Biker Rally and Ride July 26–27 Armstrong Creek – Polish Heritage Days July 27 Crandon – Kentuck Day Festival
The Lumberjack Steam Train begins its 50th season
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AONA – This is a special year for the Lumberjack Steam Train. This is the 50th year that the 1916 Vulcan has been providing rides to the Camp 5 Museum Complex, and it is the 103rd year that Old 4-Spot has been a working locomotive. You ride in period passenger cars or a caboose for a visit that will provide a variety of entertaining and educational activities. The Logging Museum will give you a view of past days when horses and oxen moved logs to the rail line and rugged men pulled crosscut saws and used axes to provide the lumber to build our country. A working blacksmith shop will show you how tools and horseshoes were made in logging camps to keep the logging operation going.
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The Petting Zoo is enjoyed by the kids and adults alike, and there is a scenic and educational Green Treasure Forest Tour that shows the results of modern sustained logging. The Cracker Barrel Gift and Ice Cream Shop provides tasteful gifts and souvenirs as well as delights for your sweet tooth. For a nice lunch, the Choo Choo Hut Restaurant is available as well.
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The Cowboys will return on July 20 and will be back on Oct. 5, when Fall Festival is held. These hombres will rob every train that leaves the depot, and you will enjoy the beautiful horses, vintage clothing and guns. Don’t worry: you won’t have to put your money in your shoe – it’s just for fun! The summer season for the Lumberjack Steam Train runs from June 18 through Aug. 17 and will run again on Saturday, Aug. 24. The train leaves the depot at 10 a.m. and every hour on the hour, with the last run at 3 p.m. The vintage depot is located on U.S. Hwy 8, just west of Laona. For more information, visit lumberjacksteamtrain.com or call 715-674-3414.
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Kentuck Day Festival features dozens of artists, craft vendors
RANDON – The chamber of commerce’s popular Kentuck Day Festival in downtown Crandon honors the area’s early settlers who arrived from Kentucky and celebrates the rich heritage they left to future generations. At this year’s festival on Saturday, July 27, you’ll see a large arts & crafts show on the Courthouse Square, sidewalk sales, flea market and a car show. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be live music on the courthouse square grounds as well as a DJ at the car show. Brandt’s Horse and Wagon Rides will provide leisurely rides around the Courthouse Square. The Crandon Area Historical Society will have a booth with photographs and stories of settlers who migrated from Kentucky to Crandon in the early 1900s. There will be other information booths, including two area lake associations. At the arts & crafts show, over 75 artists and crafts people will be selling finely crafted and original items such as silk floral designs, scrolled wood items, photographs, honey products and wildlife art. The flea market on Polk Street will have about two dozen vendors.
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Great mouthwatering food will be available for purchase in the food court, such as the bluegrass burger. A number of restaurants will have Kentuck-themed specials on their menu. Just across the street from Courthouse Square will be the 17th annual Kentuck Klassic Car Show with the muscle car era well represented as well as showcasing vehicles from the 1940s and ’50s – and more. Vehicle registration is from 9 to 11 a.m. The car show will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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Forest County Peshtigo River – From quiet waters to “boulder gardens” whitewater
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OREST COUNTY – For sheer summer fun, nothing beats a trip down one of the beautiful rivers in Forest County. There are over 560 miles of rivers and streams alone in the county. With all these miles of streams, there are plenty of opportunities to canoe down gentle, scenic trout streams or enjoy the thrill of class II, III and IV rapids. Just remember to know your capabilities and what routes you will be taking. Among the favorites of many is a trip down the Peshtigo River that winds its way through Forest and Marinette counties. The river is rife with possibilities ranging from quiet water paddling to bare-knuckle whitewater runs where boulder gardens flourish! The first series of runs listed below can accommodate beginners to highly skilled paddlers. Remember to wear a life jacket! Water levels on the Peshtigo are high in the spring and low to scraping bottom in certain areas during the summer. • Put in at Big Joe Canoe Landing, and float for 7.5 miles to the Hwy. CCC bridge (Forest Road 2131). This stretch of quiet water is family- and novice-friendly with an easy class I rapids a mile into the trip. You may see eagles and deer, as this area is heavily forested. Big Joe Campground is located off Hwy. 139 and has three walk-in sites. • Put in at the Hwy. CC bridge (Forest Road 2131), and float for 9.5 miles to Burnt Bridge. Several rocky stretches with class I and II rapids will appeal to those with intermediate canoe skills. Burnt Bridge also has limited camping facilities, but you will enjoy sleeping under the tall pines.
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• Put in at Burnt Bridge (Forest Road 2134), and float 5.75 miles to Burton Wells Bridge (Forest Road 2136). The paddling gets much more intense, as there are class II, III and IV rapids along the way. Intermediate to advanced skills are required, especially during high water in the spring. There is one portage around the class II Michigan Rapids, which is just past where Armstrong Creek enters from the left. Other rapids include Upper Dells and Dells, both class II. Burton Wells Bridge campground has limited facilities, including a toilet and fireplace.
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• Put in at Burton Wells Bridge (Forest Road 2136), and take an easy float for much of the 6.25 miles to Goodman Park. However, near the end, paddlers will encounter class II, III and IV rapids. There is a mandatory portage around Taylor Falls, which has a 6-foot drop. A class II–III rapids immediately follows. Another mandatory portage just before Goodman Park is at Strong Falls, which drops 15 feet. Marinette County maintains the 15-unit Goodman Park campground. The Peshtigo is a class II trout steam and is periodically stocked with rainbow and brown trout. Along the route, many class I and II tributaries, such as Bills Creek and Whiting Creek, feed the Peshtigo River.
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Ride the
LUMBERJACK STEAM TRAIN to The Historic Logging Camp! 2019 Season
June 18 - August 17
Tues-Sat • Closed Sun & Mon Open Rain or Shine Train Times: 10 am,11 am, Noon, 1pm
2019 Special Events
Timberworks Lumberjack Show: June 29 Cowboy Reenactment: July 20 & Oct 5 Fall Festival: Sept 21, 28, & Oct 5 Haunted Slaughter House: Sept 21 & 28 & Oct 5
rsary 50th Annive
• Petting Zoo • Logging Museum • Blacksmith Shop • Forest Tour • Country Store & More!
5068 U.S. Hwy. 8 & 32 | Laona, WI | (715) 674-3414 On the National Register of Historic Places
www.lumberjacksteamtrain.com
Marinette
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Calendar Of Events July 12–14 Marinette – Logging and Heritage Festival July 20 Doty – Doty Fire Dept. Picnic July 27 Marinette – Brown Trout Derby
Channel your inner lumberjack at Logging & Heritage Festival
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ARINETTE – Bring a lawn chair and head over to Marinette: “Your City on the Bay” – for the ninth annual Marinette Logging & Heritage Festival set for Friday, July 12, to Sunday, July 14.
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There will be live music, an outdoor movie, inflatable bouncers, a lumberjack show, a parade and much more. Most activities will take place on Stephenson Island Park, 1650 Bridge Street. Catch the shuttle at Jack’s Fresh Market, Menominee. It runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
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This summer celebration begins on Friday with an outdoor fish fry (Green Bay perch!) hosted by the Marinette Moose Lodge at Red Arrow Park, along with DJ music. They will show the movie Lego Movie 2 at 9 p.m. Saturday begins another round of fun with the annual Ella Smetana Memorial 5K run/walk and the River Cities Charity Ride. Activities open on Stephenson Island with a craft show; Great Lakes Timber Show at noon, 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., featuring chainsaw carving, axe throwing, antique logging tools, row sawing and more; BMX bike show; Mischief & Magic (face painting and magic); Missing Man ceremony; the Johnny Wad concert at 6:30 p.m.; and the fireworks show. Sunday continues the fun with a parade down Riverside Avenue at noon, bike and car show, activities on the Island, beard-growing contest awards and more live music.
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For more details, go to marinette.wi.us/310/Event-Schedule.
Marinette County
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Marinette County Harmony Arboretum will grow on you
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ARINETTE – On your next visit to Marinette County, be sure to stop in and view Harmony Arboretum, a former county farm, which is now owned by Marinette County. The 460-acre farm has been developed into a conservation and horticulture education and demonstration area.
A pavilion is now located on-site – another good place to have a picnic while enjoying the scenic beauty of the area around you.
It holds a majestic hardwood forest, a 17-acre restored prairie, a pine plantation, winding walking trails, agricultural fields, children’s area, plus vegetable and flower demonstration gardens. It is open to the public, and admission is free. The Northern Lights Master Gardeners plant and care for the three-acre demonstration garden. There is a wide range of pe-
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Pine Beach Cottages • electric
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refrigerator gas range gas heat microwave basic dishes coffee pot
RESORT IS F O R S A L E!
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cooking utensils blankets bed pillows (no linens or towels) TV & converter private sandy beach for children safe for swimming (no drop offs)
• playground equipment • fish cleaning facility with running water • boat launching • campfire pit (wood not furnished) • outdoor grills • picnic tables
715.854.2173/summer 352.628.2626/winter
W6820 Lakeview Road, Crivitz, Wisconsin 54114
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rennials and annuals, formal herb garden (100 different herbs!), vegetable garden (accessible to persons with disabilities), and fruit tree orchard. There is a quiet shade house to protect shade-loving plants, complete with sitting benches. It’s a perfect place to read a good book or just sit and enjoy the day.
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A children’s learning garden features a sensory garden, wetlands, a beaver pond and lodge, a chipmunk tunnel and a living maze. The purpose is to involve children in gardening and interacting with nature. Most areas have an education element, but there is a “sailboat sandbox” for playing in and giant animals for climbing on. A 36-foot mural depicts 50 animals and plants native to the area. It is the front of a triangular structure that houses the Chipmunk’s Tunnel exhibit. Children are asked to imagine that they are only a few inches high, and what they see on the inside of the aboveground “tunnel” is what a chipmunk would see in his underground home.
Marinette County The Master Gardeners club holds a plant sale here every spring to help fund improvements to the garden area. Throughout the summer, the Master Gardeners club sponsors workshops on different subjects, all relating to gardening. The Land & Water Conservation offers nature programs in addition to the Master Gardeners events. Harmony Arboretum, N3890 County E, Peshtigo, is located 7 miles west of Marinette on Highway 64 and 0.5 mile south on County E. Watch for the sign. Visit online at marinette.uwex.edu or call 715-732-7510 for more information or to request a brochure.
Willow Bend Shoppes Willow Bend Shoppes have a great selection for different shopping needs. We have breakfast/lunch/ gelato/clothing/gifts, wine/party goods, furniture/home decor, specialty cheese/homemade & novelty candies. Each shop is unique in itself, so visiting them all is definitely a must.
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Oconto
county
Calendar Of Events July 3 Oconto – Waterfest July 6 Townsend – Kid’s Fishing Tournament July 10 Lakewood – Kids Watermelon Eating Contest July 12–14 Lakewood – Lakewood Mardi Gras July 20 Doty – Doty Fire Dept. Picnic July 27 Lakewood – Wienerfest North Aug. 2 Lakewood – Paul Bunyan Riders Brat Fry Aug. 3 Lakewood – Lakes Country Arts & Craft Show
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Colorful events await visitors to Oconto County
OUNTYWIDE – Various communities in Oconto County are rolling out the red (and yellow, orange and blue) carpet for visitors and residents during the peak of summer fun.
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Oconto Harbor Waterfest
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The Oconto Area of Commerce and the City of Oconto invite you to come and celebrate the Fourth of July on the shores of the Oconto River from 4 to 11 p.m. During Oconto Harbor Waterfest at Oconto Breakwater Park & Harbor, you can enjoy live music, great food, vendor booths, beanbag tournament, kids’ activities, music by Crossing Paths, a fireworks show at 10 p.m. over the Oconto River and more. DLW Timberworks will be having three shows throughout the afternoon, including events such as logrolling and lumberjack competitions. The two shuttle buses will do staggered pickups at Holtwood Campground and Oconto City Hall from 4 to 11 p.m. Mardi Gras The 65th annual Mardi Gras celebration in Lakewood will be July 12–14 at Lakewood Memorial Park. The weekend of fun includes softball tournament, human foosball, trout pond, live music, bounce houses and the parade at noon Sunday. Lots of food –
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including a pig roast – and refreshments will be available during the three days. The “Museum for a Weekend” will be held in the Community Building. Featuring many historical displays and memorabilia, the exhibits will be open for free public viewing. Color Burst 5K Run/Walk Then on Saturday, July 13, you can help raise funds for local medical facilities and other rescue agencies by participating in the Lincoln James Breath of Life Color Burst 5K Run/Walk. The event will be held at Holtwood Park, Oconto, beginning at 10 a.m. A 5K run/walk kicks off a day of fun. There will be about three dozen vendors of all kinds, along with raffles. Doty Fire Department Picnic A week later – on Saturday, July 20 – will be the Doty Fire Department’s annual picnic from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. There will be music, food, ice cream, raffles and corn hole tournament. Proceeds will go toward purchase of new equipment for the department. All located at the Doty Fire Department and town hall on Hwy. T. For more information, call 715-276-3769. Wienerfest North Wienerfest North is another fun fundraiser you shouldn’t miss. It will be Saturday, July 27, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Lakewood Pavilion on Lakewood. All proceeds go to benefit active duty troops and veterans. The honor guard will present the colors at noon. For more information, call Sandy at 715-276-2582.
Oconto County Beyer Home Museum opens the door to the past
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CONTO – While in Oconto, be sure to visit the Beyer Home Museum located at 917 Park Avenue. Built in 1868 by Cyrus and Kitty Hart, it is believed to be one of the first brick homes in the county with the bricks being shipped to Oconto from De Pere. The building passed through several owners before becoming the home of George and Fanny Beyer in 1881. Though the original structure was Italianate style, the Beyers remodeled it into a Queen Anne–style home adding a wraparound porch, a three-story tower room and entry, a south bay addition and new windows, many of which included leaded glass. In 1941, the county acquired this home and turned it over to the county historical society with the stipulation that it become a
museum for all to enjoy. During the 1970s, the interior of the home was completely restored to the 1890s and furnished in Victorian fashion. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
how the small-town wealthy lived.
The adjacent annex contains Copper Culture artifacts, old Main Street Oconto store exhibits and early settler and logging items. The new Carriage House opened in 2016 to wide acclaim. The buildings are open to the public as a fine example of
Guided tours are available Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Beyer Home Museum is closed Tuesdays. For additional information, contact the Oconto County Historical Society at 920-834-6206, or visit ocontoctyhistsoc.org.
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Shawano
countRy Calendar Of Events July 4 Leopolis – Triathlon July 7 Bonduel – Classic Car Show July 10 Shawano – Kids from Wisconsin July 13 Navarino – Navarino Days July 13 Shawano – ShawanoFest & Car Show July 18–21 Pulaski – Pulaski Polka Days July 19 Wittenberg – FFA Corn Roast
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July 26–28 Symco – National Antique Tractor Pull & Thresheree July 27 Embarrass – Fire Dept. Fun Daze Celebration July 28 Shawano – Arts & Crafts Fair Aug. 2 Bowler – Bowler Bash Aug. 2 Keshena – Menominee Nation Contest Pow Wow Aug. 2 Pella – Green Acres Car-Tractor-Motorcycle Show Aug. 2 Bonduel – Corn Roast
Get close to nature at Navarino Wildlife Area
HIOCTON – The Navarino Nature Center in Navarino welcomes outdoor enthusiasts year round, with 100 miles of trails in the 15,000-acre Navarino Wildlife Area. In the summer, the trails see use by hikers (biking is not allowed), birders, photographers and painters. A self-guided auto tour booklet of the Navarino Wildlife Area is available at the nature center or online at navarino.org. The tour is 40 miles in length and consists of 26 stops, which are both historical and detail wildlife management on Navarino.
NORTHEAST Region
The wildlife area encompasses parts of southern Shawano and northeast Waupaca counties. The state-owned wildlife area was once part of a glacial lakebed formed 12,000 years ago.
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The wildlife area is listed as a Wisconsin Wildlife Viewing Area. A 2006 prairie bird survey found 34 species of birds, while the forest bird survey identified 62 species of birds. Birders can focus their binoculars on a resident population of sandhill cranes, black terns, wood ducks, mallards, yellow warblers and western meadowlarks. Furbearers commonly seen on the wildlife area include coyotes, beavers, snowshoe hares, muskrats and even a black bear on occasion. The Nature Center offers programs for the general public – including guided trail walks, sandhill crane count, trail run, canoe trips and much more. There is a large area with an open-air shelter house, restrooms, a fire ring, tables and a playground area. The Nature Center is open Tuesday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday lobby hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center is closed Sunday and Monday. Visit navarino.org or call 715-758-6999 for additional information. The Nature Center is located seven miles south of Shawano at W5646 Lindsten Rd., Shiocton.
Mercer’s new bike/hike trail opens world of adventure
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ERCER – You and your bike (and/or walking shoes) can find outdoor adventure with the new Mercer Hike and Bike Trail that extends 7.8 miles from the community of Mercer south to Vilas County. There, the trail connects to the 52mile Heart of Vilas paved bike trail system for more hours of biking fun.
The northern trailhead is at the Snow’s Family Market on the south side of Mercer. The trail continues south on its own path, paralleling U.S. Hwy. 51 to the Iron/Vilas county line. It’s family friendly and offers great scenery. Three stretches are paved with asphalt while other sections follow the lightly used Plunkett Road, Manitowish River Access Road and Old Hwy. 51. A 40-foot bridge was placed over the Manitowish River via the Manitowish River Access Road to accommodate hikers and bikers. It’s a great spot to stop and take selfies!
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will find wildlife watching an added amenity to the beautiful vistas of the Little Turtle River Flowage at the MECCA trails. The Mercer Hike and Bike Trail also leads you to the WinMan Trails in Manitowish Waters, featuring single-track flow trails for mountain and fat tire bikers. For more information about the trails, contact the Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce at 715476-2389 or by email at info@ mercercc.com.
county Calendar Of Events
July 6 Mercer – Mercer Loons Memorial Run: Motorcycle Ride, Johnny’s Bar July 20 Mercer – Mercer Loons Mid-Summer Fun Run: Motorcycle Ride, Eunica’s Beaver Lodge July 27–Aug. 11 Hurley – Iron Co. Heritage Festival July 27 Hurley – Heritage Day: Farmer’s Market Aug. 7 Mercer – Mercer Loon Day
Along the way, you may spot wildlife, including white-tailed deer, fox, turkey, coyote, squirrels and native birds on the trail, which goes through the Northern Highland-American Legion Forest. While the trail favors road bikes, mountain bike enthusiasts are not left out. Iron County offers several hundred miles of unpaved, single-track mountain bike routes on county land. Riders
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Iron County Iron County offers attractive campgrounds
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ERCER – Camping under the stars appeals to a large segment of outdoor enthusiasts. Sitting around a campfire discussing the day’s fishing success can’t be beat. Iron County offers three established campgrounds and allows camping elsewhere in the county forest. Lake of the Falls County Park This campground is located on the Turtle River between Lake of the Falls and the Turtle Flambeau Flowage, a popular fishing destination. Take Hwy. 51 to Hwy. FF just north of Mercer. Lake of the Falls is about 5 miles west on Hwy. FF. Take a left onto Park Road or Popko Circle West. There is ATV access to the campground via road route off Trail 17 to Rice Lake Road to Popko Circle East and Popko Circle West. This is a blacktop road, 12.5 miles in length, to Lake of the Falls Campground. It is also accessible via road route Hwy. FF from the south to/from Swamp Creek Rd. The campground has three separate camping areas. Side 1 has electrical campsites, pavilion, pit toilets, water and a boat ramp (4720W Park Road). Quiet Side 2 has lakeside campsites, no electricity, pit toilet and water (4815N Popko Circle West). Popular Side 3 has electrical campsites, new flush toilets and showers, pit toilets, dump station and water (4775N Popko Circle West).
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The campground is open from approximately May 1 through Oct. 15. The boat ramp is accessible year round. There are weekly and monthly rates. Register at the self-registration station upon entering the campground. During the camping season, the park
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caretaker can be reached at 715-329-0826 if the county forestry office (715-561-2697) is unavailable. Weber Lake Weber Lake has 11 campsites, which include nine electrical sites and two non-electrical. Water is available. There are pit toilets with a changing area, a boat launch, a playground and a swimming area. There is ATV trail access to Trail 6. No reservations: first come, first served. Register at one of the self-registration stations upon arrival. 9110W Hwy. E, Iron Belt. Weber Lake is an excellent panfish and trout fishing lake. At 61 acres, it also makes a relaxing paddle in your kayak or canoe. Weber Lake is a slow-no-wake lake. Schomberg Park Schomberg Park, 9701N Hwy. 51, has 10 electrical campsites, four walk-in tent sites, restrooms with showers, pavilion, dump station and ATV wash station. ATV trail access, along with overflow or day use parking with a loading ramp, is adjacent to the campground. Schomberg Park is open from approximately May 15 through Oct. 15. RVs welcome. The pavilion can be reserved for family gatherings and parties. Register and pay at the self-registration station upon arrival. Camping & Hiking Rustic campsites (no water or electricity) have been established at Potato River Falls (five sites), Foster Falls (one site), Wren Falls (one site), Shay’s Dam (one site) and Spider Lake (one site). Camping is allowed at these sites or set up camp anywhere on the County Forest for up to two weeks at no charge.
Langlade
county Calendar Of Events
July 13 Deerbrook – Splash-NDash and Triathlon July 24–28 Antigo – Langlade County Fair
On your mark: MK Triathlon & Splash-n-Dash
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EERBROOK – Experience the best Langlade County has to offer in scenic beauty when you enter the MK Triathlon & Splash-n-Dash on Saturday, July 13, at Veterans Memorial Park, just north of Antigo. The weekend’s events include an off-road triathlon (new this year), a swim/run duathlon, and a kids’ race. Competitors can compete in either the solo or team division. The kids’ race starts at 8:15 a.m. The triathlon and Splash-n-Dash start at 9 a.m. There will be food, music and camping available. Jack Lake is known for its crystal-clear water, and the surround-
HITE LAKE – Summer is in full swing, and rafting, tubing, kayaking or canoeing the famed Wolf River in eastern Langlade County is a gift of adventure and fun that everyone should experience at least once each summer. The Wolf drops 430 feet over a course of 28 miles, making it one of the fastest-flowing rivers in the Midwest. Created by the Ice Age glaciers, the shoreline of this pristine river is protected from development, and rafters will experience a natural paradise. A bonus sighting of deer, black bear, raccoon, otters and fox is always a possibility. Spring and early summer on the Wolf bring the best whitewater rafting in the Midwest. Users will encounter class II and class III rapids. Whether by raft, canoe or kayak, you need to have
Veterans Memorial Park is located at N8375 Park Rd., Deerbrook. For more information, call 715-623-4134 or visit mktriathlon.com. The original MK – Michelle Koss, who lost her life in a bicycling accident in 2016 – created Splash-n-Dash. Her desire was to see the Splash-n-Dash become the sole fundraiser for the Antigo Swim Club, to encourage heart-healthy activities and to bring the community together in a fun atmosphere.
excellent river skills, good health and an ability to read the water. Wet suits, helmets and life vests are either required or suggested. But come summer, the lower water level opens the river to everyone. The water is 2–3 feet deep generally. Swimsuits, longsleeve shirts to prevent sunburn, and sneakers or rafting shoes for wading the gravel portions are recommended. Several knowledgeable whitewater rafting outfitters in the area rent rafts, canoes and kayaks as well as life jackets and paddles and will provide transportation back to your launch site or vehicle. Not allowed on the river are glass bottles and beverage cans, as well as plastic and paper wraps. Camping is also prohibited along the river. The rafting vendors open May 1 and continue operations to Sept. 30, with varying fees depending on length of trip. When it’s time for food and drink, you can select from casual to fine dining, with several taverns and restaurants in the area. Unique and traditional gift shops will round out your shopping experience. For more information on outfitters, lodging and dining, visit wolfriverterrority.com.
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A trip on the Wolf River is one to remember
ing area is prized for its miles of challenging trails that wind through pristine forest.
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Langlade County Raptor Center offers tours of its facility
days and 10 a.m. on some Saturdays through August. Tours last one hour. The maximum tour capacity is 25 individuals. Tour registration is via the website: raptoreducationgroup.org. The phone number is 715-623-2563.
NTIGO – A wildlife rehabilitation center, Raptor Education Group, Inc. (REGI), offers tours of its Antigo facility during the summer so that the public can see first-hand what the facilities look like and the type of work that goes on there.
Federal and state licensing not only allows them to take in and treat protected species of wildlife but also to permanently house a select number of raptors unable to be released back into the wild. That occurs when a bird is severely injured and cannot fly or, in rare occasions, when a bird has “imprinted” upon humans and is deemed unlikely to survive in the wild if released.
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REGI is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of injured or orphaned native bird species and public education of wildlife issues. REGI cares for 800–900 injured and orphaned bird patients each year, including approximately 100 bald eagles and endangered species.
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Tours are offered 10am on Tuesdays, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Thurs-
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Among their permanent residents is Thea, a barn owl that suffered a permanent head injury when struck by a car. Visitors will also be introduced to Isabeau, a female bald eagle that has been at REGI since 2001. The physical site of the wildlife center is on 70 acres of native grassland, marsh and hardwood forest near Antigo.
Lincoln
county Calendar Of Events
July 3 Tomahawk – Art and Craft Show July 6 Merrill – Tractor Pull and Car Show July 26–27 Tomahawk – St. Mary’s Summer Festival July 27 Merrill – Black Squirrel Scurry Triathlon July 27 Merrill – Lobsterfest July 31–Aug. 3 Tomahawk – Antique Outboard & Motor Show Aug. 2 Tomahawk – Sidewalk & Craft Show
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Antique Outboard and Motor Show
OMAHAWK – Boating enthusiasts – especially those with a deep appreciation of outboard motors from bygone eras – will be gathering in Tomahawk July 31 through Aug. 3 for the annual Tomahawk National Antique Outboard and Motor Show. Admission is free to the public.
The organizers will have five on-water events and 16 categories that you could participate in with awards for first place and ribbons for second and third. If you bring a boat and motor, you can join in the river cruise and, if you wish, a boat parade through the ski show course prior to the ski show, or you may just want to launch your boat and take a leisurely ride. For more information, contact Bob Dalle Ave, president of the Northwoods Chapter of the Antique Outboard Motor Club, Inc., at 715-356-5649.
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715-453-4511 • 5StarUpNorth.com
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The event will be held at SARA Park and includes a large swap meet and antique boats, both wooden and fiberglass. Some of the best restored motors and boats will be displayed and judged inside of the hockey arena. Many more will be displayed on the former airstrip by nearly 100 vendors, both large and small. Many of the motors, accessories and boats are for sale.
Many of the boats on display are the last remaining specimens of their kind. All are impressive models of early small craft workmanship and inventiveness.
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Lincoln County
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Celebrate the Northwoods at the Thirsty Giraffe Lakeside Bar & Grille
OMAHAWK – Experience true Northwoods hospitality at the Thirsty Giraffe Lakeside Bar & Grille, just north of Tomahawk, at 2200 County Rd. L. This past April was their fifth anniversary. Owner Eric Frost invites you to try their BBQ Pit menu, including smoked brisket and ribs, as well as broasted chicken and homemade pizza. Their smoker is running most every day. It’s not Northwoods without burgers and Friday fish fry, and they have that, too – also salads, appetizers, platters, sides (including pepper berry seared Ahi Tuna) and kids’ sandwiches. The popular restaurant has a varied specialty drink menu and full bar with craft beers and traditional favorites such as old-fashioneds. The restaurant has undergone extensive remodeling the past five years: a new bar that Eric and his daughter hand-built, an expanded kitchen and numerous aesthetic changes made. Every seat in the place has great views of Lake Nokomis.
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In addition, they have large TVs to catch all the games and an outside deck for casual dining. There are docks on the lake so you can come by boat and enjoy dinner or drinks. In the winter, a snowmobile trail goes right behind the Thirsty Giraffe. They also host two pool teams and two volleyball teams, and there are horseshoe pits for some friendly competition.
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Lincoln County 1
Your Area Northwoods Real Estate Specialists, Ed & Chris Raasch
Chris Raasch, Broker Owner 715-612-7926 chris@woodlandlakesrealty.com
Ed Raasch, Broker Owner
303 N. 4th Street Tomahawk, WI 54487 Office: 715-224-3800
715-612-7925 ed@woodlandlakesrealty.com
Make us your “home” page
www.WoodlandLakesRealty.com
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Lincoln County Tomahawk Sports Center for “Fun in the Northwoods”
Manitou lines of pontoons, Alumacraft fishing boats and Paddle King paddleboats. They also handle waterfront equipment such as docks, lifts and rafts, etc. Other featured lines include Bombardier, Can-Am, Ski-Doo, SeaDoo, Manitou, Sanpan, Aqua Patio and Sweetwater.
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Rentals range from helmets and snowmobiles to pontoons and fishing boats, too. They have an extensive inventory of quality used snowmobiles, boats and other products that you can trust to last.
Mike has worked at Tomahawk Sports Center for 22 years: first as a mechanic and then as a sales associate. So, as they say on a certain TV ad, he knows a thing or two because he’s seen a thing or two. He knows that customers come first, whether they are buying a new boat or having a favorite snowmobile repaired quickly so the owner can ride that weekend.
The full-service department has a large inventory of parts, and with the factory-trained technicians’ help, they will get you back on the water or the trail in the shortest amount of time possible.
OMAHAWK – Mike Hilgendorf, the new owner of Tomahawk Sports Center, is a familiar face around this Tomahawk business that has been serving the community and beyond for nearly 50 years.
Tomahawk Sports Center, 693 N. 4th Street, has been on the cusp of every outdoor motorized sport, starting back in 1966, when they took on the Ski-Doo snowmobile franchise. Ironically, the Ski-Doo dealership was purchased from Mike’s grandfather. “So it’s in my blood,” he says. Whether you’re looking for fast excitement or casual pleasure, Tomahawk Sports Center can fit your recreation needs. Tomahawk Sports Center is northern Wisconsin’s one-stop shop for ATVs, UTVs, boats and motors, personal watercraft and snowmobiles. You can also shop for clothing and accessories there.
NORTHWOODS Region
They are a franchised dealer for industry leaders Johnson, Yamaha, Honda and Evinrude outboards. They carry the Godfrey and
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THE #1 MOST VISITED LAKE PROPERTY SITE IN THE MIDWEST WITH OVER 3,500,000 VISITORS! SERVING WISCONSIN’S NORTHWOODS!
1411 N 4TH ST. | SUITE 100 | TOMAHAWK, WI 54487 KATHLEEN PARAMORE 715-218-5018
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When it’s time to put the toys away after a season on the water or the trails, they offer storage and winterization/ summarization. Give them a call at 715-453-5373, or visit tomahawksportscenter.com.
Lincoln County Black Squirrel Scurry Tri meets up with Lobsterfest
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ERRILL – What do black squirrels and lobsters have in common? Not much, unless they cross paths at Ballyhoos Eatery in Merrill this July. The two critters are namesakes for two fundraisers for local nonprofit programs. This year’s events will take place Saturday, July 27. Black Squirrel Scurry Triathlon The timed Black Squirrel Scurry triathlon features a 2-mile paddle down the Prairie River, a 17.5-mile bike ride featuring the River Bend Trail out to the countryside of Lincoln County, and a 5K trail run through the Merrill Area Rec Complex and Council Grounds State Park. Divisions include 19 and under relays, corporate relays, tandems and aged divisions for individuals. Proceeds will be donated to the Northwoods Veterans Post and Friends of the River Bend Trail. There will be a one-mile fun run/charity walk Lobster Crawl at approximately 3 p.m. to raise money for the Safe Ride Home program. This is a non-timed event, but there will be awards for fastest male and female and best costumes. Join in or sit back and listen to the music. Lobsterfest Lobsterfest is a day of fun and feasting at Ballyhoos. Proceeds will also benefit the Safe Ride Home program. Volunteers, including local fire and police department staff, help run Lobsterfest. Coyote DJ will be on-site. There will be door prizes, raffles and a cotton candy stand and bounce house for the kids. Each event ticket purchase will enter you into drawings for a chance to win two Packer game tickets (Green Bay vs. Denver) in a suite, including food and drink.
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For those that do not want lobster, a prime rib dinner is available. The Ballyhoos menu will also be open. Lobsterfest tickets must be purchased in advance and are available at Ballyhoos or the Merrill Chamber of Commerce.
715-453-4984
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Marathon Calendar Of Events July 11–14 Wausau – Balloon & Rib Fest July 11–13 Iola – Iola Car Show July 11–14 Wausau – Sidewalk Sales July 13 Wausau – Balloon Chase 5K Run/Walk
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August-Oh Fest brings three days of racing excitment
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AUSAU – Wausau 525 will be packed with excitement the extended weekend of Aug. 9–11, when August-Oh Fest comes back for another year of American Motorcycle Association (AMA) motorcycle and quad racing. On Friday, gates open at noon, with riders making practice runs at 4 p.m. Races start at 5 p.m, with top Quad, AA bike, Open AMA bike, Open AMA Quad, youth bike 65/85cc. The band Hyde will be playing later on the track.
NORTHWOODS Region
The Steve Nace/AMA All Star National Flat Track Series will take to the short track Saturday. Gates open at noon, practice at
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4 p.m., with AMA-All Star Flat Track racing from 6 to 10 p.m. Fans on Sunday, Aug. 11. will enjoy a new feature at Wausau 525 – TT racing. There’s a radio polka show beginning at 8 a.m. Gates open at 8 a.m., with practice at 11 a.m. TT racing is from 1 to 4 p.m. The term TT (tourist trophy) is sometimes used for any dirt-track motorcycle race in which there are both right- and lefthand turns as well as steeplechase-style jumps. Food and refreshments will be available on the grounds. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the racing action and music. August-Oh Fest helps to raise money for Flip’s Fund. The funds that are raised go back into the community mainly through college scholarships for local high schoolers and direct funding for children with medical challenges in our area. For ticket prices and more information, visit wausau525.com or call 715-351-0525.
Oneida
county Calendar Of Events
Hodag Country Festival brings the stars to the Northwoods
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HINELANDER – The legendary Hodag Country Festival (HCF), July 11–14, will present some of the brightest stars in the field of country music. Thousands of country music fans will pack the natural amphitheater for this, the 42nd annual Hodag Festival. The announced lineup for the main stage is as follows: • Thursday, July 11 – Roots & Boots, Aaron Watson, The Northern Lights, Brett Westgrove • Friday, July 12 – Old Dominion, LOCASH, Michael Ray • Saturday, July 13 – Lady Antebellum, Gary Allan, Shenandoah, Lindsay Ell, Brandon Lay • Sunday, July 14 – Neal McCoy, LANCO, The Marshall Tucker Band, Terri Clark, Jack Rose
July 5–6 Minocqua – Premier Up North Antique Show July 6 Minocqua – Muggy Buggy 5K & Xtreme Mud Run July 7 Pelican Lake – Craft & Vendor Show July 11–14 Rhinelander – Hodag Country Music Festival July 13 Minocqua – Island Art Walk July 18–21 Minocqua – Small Town Baseball World Series July 19–20 Minocqua – Gem & Mineral Show July 20 Minocqua – Bear Cupboard Run July 27 Minocqua – LdF Lions Brew Fest July 27 Minocqua – Firefighter’s 5K Aug. 2–3 Minocqua – Ladies of the Lakes Quilt Show: Lakeland Union HS
Plus, there will be a band playing in the pavilion every day starting Saturday, July 6, and a karaoke contest on Thursday, July 11. Each year, bands also vie for the title, Wisconsin State Country Band Champion.
NORTHWOODS Region
Amenities at the festival grounds include a jumbotron screen, food and merchandize vendors (including official HCF tees) modern flush toilets, primitive camping sites (some electric) and showers. For ticket and camping information and latest updates, visit hodag.com, or call 800-762-3803 or 715-369-1300. Happy Hodag!
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Oneida County Take a journey to the past at the Minocqua Museum
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INOCQUA – Minocqua has a charming museum where you can learn more about Minocqua’s early days and the people who made a difference in the history of this flourishing resort community. Minocqua became a township on March 13, 1889. The town’s name was derived from the Ojibwe word “Ninocqua,” meaning “noon-day rest.” Native Americans once used the Island of Minocqua as place of rest during their journeys.
NORTHWOODS Region
The history of Minocqua is rich in logging lore. When early settlers arrived in Wisconsin, virgin forests with mammoth, hundred-year-old trees covered nearly 90 percent of the state. In 1891, the town consisted of 29 saloons, two hotels, two general stores, a small market and approximately 15 homes.
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After the lumbering era was over, the town became attractive to people seeking fishing adventures and a quiet way of life. Operated by volunteers, the museum is filled with artifacts, memorabilia and displays from those early years. The museum standard exhibits include the devastating fire of 1912 that wiped out a good portion of Minocqua’s business district. A scale model train (HO gauge) display shows how the community looked before the fire. Another permanent exhibit is on the local Min-Aqua Bats, a water ski club still active today after nearly 70 years. Of special interest is a 1908 Cameron automobile that is housed inside. This summer’s special exhibits include a capsule history of America Legion Post 89, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. There’s also a collection of old newspapers heralding “Victory in Europe,” signaling the end of World War II action in the European theatre. Photos of the Apollo 11 landing on the moon 50 years ago are also included. Admission to the museum is free. Open weekdays from June to Labor Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and other times by appointment. Telephone: 715-356-7666. The museum is located at 503 Flambeau Street, on the Island of Minocqua.
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Oneida County Register a team for Dragon Boat Festival
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INOCQUA – Teams will fill dragon boats, music will fill the park and people of all ages will have a great time at the fourth annual Minocqua Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday, Aug. 17, at Torpy Park in Minocqua. Gather 16–20 of your friends, family or coworkers who are all up for exciting, team-centered fun to raise funds for a worthy cause. Competitive dragon boat club teams pay a registration fee of $600. Community teams pay $900 per team (that’s $42.85 per person for a team of 21). Everything your team needs to compete is included: All necessary equipment including a boat, life vests, paddles and a steersperson/coach One practice, scheduled in the week leading up to the event Racing a minimum of two times on race day on a 300-meter course When you participate as a paddler, a spectator or volunteer, you are helping the Howard Young Foundation to deliver its mission by providing top-notch technology for area emergency medical teams, Howard Young Medical Center and Ascension Eagle River Hospital. The partner organizations also benefit by food (St. Germain Prime Timers) and beverage sales.
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For more information, to register a team or to volunteer, visit minocquadragonboat.com.
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Oneida County Dozens of artists will take part in Island Art Walk
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INOCQUA – The Lakeland Kiwanis Club’s annual Island Art Walk event will be Saturday, July 13, at Torpy Park in Minocqua from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The show is expected to draw upwards of 70 artists and crafters from throughout the region. The event will be held on the park’s lower level this year due to construction of the Lion’s pavilion on the upper level. Parkside Gallery will again be a visitor stop for the public to view the collection of art there before continuing on to Campanile Center for the Arts, which will have art created by Lakeland Union High School students. Campanile also invites you to return for the 7 p.m. performance of Echoes of Ella & Etta. The First Lady of Song meets the Matriarch of the Blues in this tribute show. Vocalist Erin Krebs and her sextet will present an evening of songs made popular by Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James. The Island Art Walk is open to both amateur and professional artists whose work is original in concept and design – including paintings, drawings, stained glass, sculpture, jewelry, decorative painting, carving, basketry, textiles, wood working, pottery and much more. Live music of Gregg Thomas, a well-known local musician, will again fill the air, making a fun and festive event. The Kiwanis Club’s brat cookout supports their mission to help children.
NORTHWOODS Region
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Oneida County The making of a world champion lumberjack
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OODRUFF – Ever wondered what makes a lumberjack a world champion? Some of it may be inherent talent, but mostly it’s training, training, training. For the past 32 years, Fred Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows have provided an excellent training venue for dozens of athletes to develop their lumberjack skills. For many, their goal is to compete in the Lumberjack World Championships held annually in Hayward.
NORTHWOODS Region
Prior to being accepted as a performer in his show, Fred requires potential lumberjacks to meet certain athletic qualifications. Once hired, the aspiring lumberjacks are trained in the various events and then finally allowed to perform in front of live audiences. Train-
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ing the aspiring lumberjacks has always been a key activity for Fred Scheer, who says, “I really enjoy seeing these young people reach a skill level that allows them to compete.” Spectators, young and old, often remark to the lumberjacks that having a role in Fred Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows must be a really cool summer job. According to Zach Ray, who will start his fourth season with the show this summer, “It’s not just a summer job, you have to stay in shape during the off season or you won’t meet Fred’s expectations in June when the show opens.” The young men spend many hours training and getting ready for the shows. Once they begin, it’s nonstop for them from June 23 to Aug. 18, which is the peak season, and then several shows from Aug. 20 to Sept. 1, which is considered the late season. It’s a great summer job for young men in high school and college, and it can be a career many of your lumberjacks have gone on to do.
Oneida County
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2 miles north of Minocqua at Hwys. 51 and 47, 1 block right 1126 Hwy 47 | Woodruff, WI | 54568 (715) 634-6923
or purchase your tickets at the gate the day of the show. UpNorthAction.com
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Experience the wonders of nature found throughout Wildwood Wildlife Park Zoo & Safari. It is full of many unique animals that you may have never seen before. Plan a visit to the zoo and see binturong, siamang, penguin, kookaburra, DeBrazza’s, hyena, sloth, anteater, lemur, fox, flamingo, Toucan, gibbon and many more animals from all over the world. Wildwood Wildlife Park is all about providing special experiences that last a lifetime with every visit no matter your age.
OFFERING EXTRAORDINARY ANIMAL EXPERIENCES
Hand Feeding: Goat, sheep, pig, aoudad, and camel. Enjoy feeding a bottle of “bear juice” to the bears or stroll leisurely through the park, where the deer roam among you and have them eating right out of your hand. Giraffe Encounter: Get nose to nose with the tallest animals in the world during the giraffe feeding. You will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with these astonishing and fascinating giraffes.
Parakeet Encounter: Enjoy the parakeet encounter a wonderful experience for the entire family. Hear the children’s laughter and excitement as they hand-feed hundreds of brightly colored parakeets.
Petting Zoo: Touch, feel and pet an amazing array of animals including: armadillo, ferret, kangaroo, woodchuck, chinchilla, porcupine, bunnies, and skunk in the animal encounter area.
Koi and Trout Feeding:
Buy trout pellets from the feed machines and toss into the pond and see the entire surface come alive with a frenzy of trout or koi. Guests can just sit and relax in this peaceful and tranquil area.
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Amphitheater: Learn about your favorite animals during our Zoo Chats and meet the animal ambassadors. Safari Tram Ride: jump on the
tram and enjoy a narrated journey winding through the sprawling woods. Spot Zebra grazing near a spring fed pond, Watch Eland studding across an open field. Search for the camouflaged Scimitar Horned Oryx concealed in the thickets or the Wildebeest sunning on the savannah. Other animals you will encounter during the safari include: Big Horn, Dall Sheep, Emu, Addax, Nilgai, Kudu, Beisa Oryx, Arabian Oryx, Ostrich, and Nyala. There is nothing like this in the state of Wisconsin. Wildwood Wildlife Park Zoo & Safari is home to over 2000 animals and acres of fun you will find a million reasons to smile. Come spend the day with us. We can’t wait to show you around.
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MoDanaZu!
ZOO & SAFARI
2nd LARGEST ZOO in WISCONSIN!
Give your business the exposure it deserves!
Over 60 Years
An Unforgettable Adventure
FUN FOR ALL!
NEW
PENGUINS & GIBBONS
• Explore & Learn Programs • Safari TRAM Ride • Paddle Boat Ride • Safari Kiddie Train Ride • Dino Dig • Aviary-Flamingos • Educational Center • Living History Center • Hungry Bear Ice Cream & Sweet Shoppe • Jambo Food Stand
Open 7 days a week, May 1st - mid October
NEW Safari
Tram Ride
www.wildwoodwildlifepark.com E-mail: nature@wildwoodwildlifepark.com 715-356-5588 / 10094 Hwy 70 W, Minocqua, WI
No Job is too big or too small! • Graphic Design Services -Business cards to high-end catalogs • Distribution • Magazines • Visitor Guides • Area Maps • Brochures/Rack Cards Plus So Much More! When traveling look for our wooden racks filled with brochures, rack cards, maps, visitor guides & other travel information!
Up North Action & Home Showcase magazines are distributed throughout Wisconsin (600+ locations), Fox Valley & Milwaukee (175+ locations), Eastern Minnesota including Minneapolis/St. Paul (175+ locations), & Chicago & Northern Illinois (86+ locations).
409 SOUTH PARK DR. • P.O. BOX 10 • TOMAHAWK, WI 54487
715-453-4511 • 5StarUpNorth.com
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• Hundreds of Mammals, Birds, Reptiles & Primates • Giraffe Feeding • Parakeet Feeding • Whitetail Deer Feeding • Bear Juice Feedng • Goat-Sheep-Camel-Pig Feeding • Petting Area/Animal Encounters • Trout Feeding • Koi Feeding
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Discover the arts in Historic Downtown Rhinelander
HINELANDER – Historic Downtown Rhinelander has much to see and do, including a new destination art and cultural center called “ArtStart,” located in the historic Federal Building, 68 S. Stevens Street. The volunteers who comprise ArtStart schedule concerts, films, exhibits and other happenings for the enjoyment of local residents and visitors. Their latest project is called “48-Hour Film Festival.” At the end of June, teams competed for prizes by creating a short film from start to finish in under 48 hours! Now that all the films have been received and judged, join ArtStart on Saturday, July 13, where all of the winning films will be showcased and prizes will be awarded. Exhibits Currently on exhibit is Layers, a new work by Phillip Faulkner. Admission is by donation. As described by ArtStart, “Faulkner produces work that melds the digital and tangible, bridges technology and tradition, and attempts to create imagery that is both new and nostalgic. The artwork in Layers employs appropriated imagery from disparate sources, combined with original marks that are placed in new combinations.” Gallery hours are 11am to 5pm Thursday – Saturday.
ArtStart also announces two upcoming concerts. Suggested donation is $10. A cash bar is available during evening performances. Victoria Vox is in concert on Thursday, July 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. The ukulele-toting award-winning songwriter and performer is originally from Green Bay. She now resides in Costa Mesa, CA. With a passion for songwriting since she was 10, she studied at the Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA) and in 2003, she took up the ukulele as her main accompaniment. Since the release of her first ukulele album in 2006, Vox has been one of the leading songwriters on the ukulele scene. However, she ventures into the folk scene as well, where she has opened for Jackson Browne, Tom Chapin, Leo Kottke and Cheryl Wheeler. She performs mostly as a one-woman-band, incorporating a loop pedal and bass effect on her ukulele, while taking her own solos (on mouth-trumpet), and cutting through it all with her genuine lyrics and pure voice. Brothers Burn Mountain will perform on Thursday, Aug. 8, 7–9 p.m. They may be a blur of motion when they perform live, but on their new release, “When You Crave a Sweetness,” The Brothers Burn Mountain show that they’re also inventive songwriters whose musical panorama extends beyond simple, athletic energy. The new disc shows it’s impossible to pin this duo – brothers Jesse and Ryan Dermody – down to any definitive sound or style, as they simply careen from track to track with the abandon of a rabid dog in a vigorous mash-up of sensibilities. Even the word eclectic comes up short describing the brothers Dermody. What “When You Crave a Sweetness” brings to light is that they’re talented musicians whose palette of aural shades and hues is so varied that they really are unclassifiable.” - John Ziegler, The Duluth News Tribune In Progress ArtStart and WXPR Public Radio have teamed up for “In Progress,” on the last Wednesday of every month from 7 to 9 p.m. It’s an evening dedicated to sharing your craft, however finished it may be: storytelling, poetry, music, comedy, theater, film and all things creative. Cash bar available. Admission is free.
NORTHWOODS Region
ArtStart also offers dance classes, guitar, piano and art lessons and yoga. For more information, contact them at artstartinc@ gmail.com or call 715-362-4328 or visit artstartrhinelander.org.
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Calendar Of Events July 6 Fifield – Community Picnic July 6 Phillips – Downtown Art Festival July 6 Phillips – Spirit of America 5K Run/Walk July 20 Phillips – Antique & Tractor Expo July 27 Ogema – Timm’s Hill Triathlon July 27 Ogema – German Settlement History Picnic & Open House Aug. 2 Park Falls – Gun, Sport & Knife Show Aug. 1–4 Park Falls – Flambeau Rama Aug. 9 Spirit Hill – Spirit Hill–Ogema 4-H Fair
Newbies encouraged to try Timm’s Hill Tri
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GEMA – Enjoy the beauty of the Timm’s Hill area (tallest spot in Wisconsin) during the annual Timm’s Hill Triathlon on Saturday, July 20.
NORTHWOODS Region
Participants will paddle a half mile on Bass Lake, bike six miles through Timm’s Hill County Park and run a 5K Ring School
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Flambeau Rama festivities include music, parade
ARK FALLS – Kick back and enjoy four days of live music during the 67th annual Flambeau Rama in Park Falls, Aug. 1–4. While its music is certainly a big draw, there will be other Flambeau Rama activities for the family to enjoy. Scheduled is an expanded food court, carnival, gun show/sports show, pooch pageant, silent auction, rod casting contest, chalk drawing contest, cardboard boat regatta, family fun day games, arts and crafts fair, 5K road run, kids races, car show, flea market, parade and more. Hosted by the Park Falls Chamber, most events will be located on 5th Street North in Park Falls with the gates open at 10 a.m.
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Road Loop at this just-for-fun race geared toward beginners and families. This is an opportunity for experienced triathletes to encourage someone new to try the sport. They have also added a team race of 2–4 racers to encourage new participants. Overall awards to the top male and top female finishers, award for closest predicted finish time, plus everyone who registers is a winner with Kathy’s post-race picnic and a long-sleeve event shirt. Registration is 2:30–3:30 p.m., with race start at 4 p.m. Start, finish and transition area will be in front of Hill of Beans Restaurant at High Point Village Resort. Hill of Beans Coffee Shop & Restaurant is located at W3075 County Road RR in Ogema. For more information, call 715-7675287. Follow High Point Village Resort on Facebook for information on Saturday morning group training sessions.
each day. There will be a food court all four days. The sidewalk sales and retail promotions run Thursday through Saturday. On Thursday, Aug. 1, the St. Croix Rod youth casting contest starts at 10 a.m., with the carnival getting into the swing of things at 5 p.m. Then enjoy the music of The DWEEBS at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2, brings live music beginning at 11 a.m. with polka music by Red and Friends and Haley Grace and the Rebels. Some highlights from Saturday, Aug. 3, include Evergreen Road Race at 8 a.m., arts and crafts show, Northwoods Classic Car Show, flea market, minnow races at 10 a.m., cardboard boat races at 3 p.m., magic show at 11 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Live music from 1 p.m. until 1 a.m. featuring Red Higgins, Twisted Whisker, and Boogie and The Yo Yoz. Kids can get in another day of carnival fun on Sunday, Aug. 4. The mini car races start at 11 a.m., with the parade starting at noon and the music of Robbie Vee at 2:30 p.m.
NORTHWOODS Region
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Calendar Of Events
photo by Dean S Acheson
NORTHWOODS Region
July 3 Manitowish Waters – Family Play Day July 6 Eagle River – Pinwheel Fest July 9 Phelps – Picnic in the Park July 11 Eagle River – Fishing Day for Kids July 12–14 Lac du Flambeau – Bear River Pow-Wow July 13 Eagle River – Moonlight Run 5K July 16 Boulder Junction – Sidewalk Sales Day July 17 Manitowish Waters – Fleazaar July 18–21 Manitowish Waters – Manito Art League Art Show July 20 Eagle River – Artarama July 20 Conover – Don Gillum Memorial Bike-Hike July 20 Eagle River – Cranberry Country Quilters Quilt Show July 20 Manitowish Waters – Sidewalk Sales July 20 Manitowish Waters – Taste of Manitowish Waters July 25–28 Manitowish Waters – Midsummer Bluegrass Music Festival July 27 Eagle River – Forest Fest July 27 Land O’ Lakes – Summer Classics/Art Impressions July 27–28 Phelps – Slow-Pitch Softball Tournament Aug. 3 St. Germain – Pig in the Pines: Bacon, BBQ & Bands
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Ride the river with Hawks Nest Outfitters
AGLE RIVER – Floating or canoeing the upper Wisconsin River is one of the best Northwoods experiences you will have this summer. Hawks Nest Outfitters is ready to help you achieve that dream in the best way possible. “We handle the rest, including all transportation needs from our site. Whether you are looking for a more relaxed ride in a tube, or a more vigorous workout with a canoe or kayak, we have you covered!” says Scott Henderson, owner of Hawks Nest Outfitters. Scott purchased the building and equipment at the site formerly known as Hawk’s Nest Canoe Outfitters from Dave and Sue Pucci. It’s located on Highway 70 West between Eagle River and St. Germain. They welcome families and other groups as well as singles and couples searching for their next adventure. “If you are looking to host a special event of any kind, whether it be a fundraiser, team building event, birthday party, corporate event, or youth group, we would be happy to accommodate,” Scott adds. “If you have your own adventure planned, we have all of our watercraft available for single or multiple day rentals.” They carry comfortable Tube Pro river tubes. The single rider tube has a backrest, floor and two rider support handles. Their 17-foot canoes are Alumacraft QT-17C Quenico. They are great for durability and handling all that the Wisconsin River can throw at them. The open cockpit solo kayaks are Old Town Otters, again great for the river and for having good stability when navigating. The tandem kayak is for two people who want to stick together (perfect for those with young children) during the trip. These kayaks are also from Old Town. Hawks Nest Outfitters is located at 6141 State Hwy. 70 West. They are open 7 days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., from Memorial Day weekend to after Labor Day. Contact them by phone at 715-479-7944 or by email admin@hawksnestoutfitters.com, or visit hawksnestoutfitters.com.
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Shanty Boy Hill Cemetery
RESQUE ISLE – Shanty Boy Hill Cemetery in Presque Isle is a memorial to those who lived in rough shanties in the woods – a common circumstance for those men who worked in the logging industry. The trail leading to the cemetery is part of the Nature Trail System behind the Community Center in Presque Isle. The location of the cemetery is easy to find as it is to walk to it. From Hwys. B and W intersection, follow Hwy. B north to the top of the hill. Turn right on School Loop Road, and turn left into the parking area. Walk along the left side of the ball diamonds until you see the sign directing you to Shanty Boy Hill Cemetery. Once there, take a moment to remember those who toiled in the rugged woodland frontier of the Northwoods – the men who cut the trees that built this nation and gave their lives, some at an early age.
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Spend the day in Manitowish Waters
ANITOWISH WATERS – Whether you’re a first-timer or a veteran traveler to the Northwoods, the community of Manitowish Waters invites you to experience first-hand the food, art and fun offered there. Any time is a fine time to visit, but mid-July brings added incentives. The Manito Art League’s Art Show runs July 18–21 at the Manitowish Waters Community Center. On that Saturday, July 20, is also the Taste of Manitowish Waters. The 54th annual juried fine art show is open to the public with free admission. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday–Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on that Sunday. This is one of the longest-running fine art shows in the Northwoods. There will be people’s choice voting, artist demonstrations and silent auction. All artwork will be for sale. The patron preview party scheduled the night before the start of the show is also open to the public. The chamber’s Taste of Manitowish Waters on Saturday celebrates the culinary skills of the outstanding restaurants in the area. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., sample the food and enjoy live music by Steve Swalve and the ice-cold beverages. The event will be held at the Lions Club Pavilion at the Community Center.
NORTHWOODS Region
In addition to the art show, there will be area-wide sidewalk sales from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and in the evening, the Skiing Skeeters will put on a water-ski show at Rest Lake Park beginning at 7 p.m.
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Vilas County It’s sizzlin’ Pig in the Pines: Bacon, BBQ and Bands
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T. GERMAIN – The summer festival you’ve been waiting for all year is almost here. Pig in the Pines: Bacon, BBQ and Bands is just around the calendar corner – Friday and Saturday, Aug. 2–3, to be exact – at St. Germain’s Community Park. Hours are 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. each day. There will be live music and mouth-watering food, including pulled pork sandwiches, succulent ribs and BBQ. There will be lots of fun activities for all ages, including bouncy house and games for the kids and craft vendors in the artisan market for the older crowd. Here’s a peek at the outstanding entertainment coming your way:
Friday, Aug. 2 Bret & Frisk (11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) – Their music ranges from a few hits of the 1950s all the way up to present-day alternative rock/folk. Most of their music comes directly from the Woodstock era of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Sons of Legend (3 p.m. to 6 p.m.) – Veteran musicians have joined up to form a dynamic sounding blues-based rock band, as well as hard rock/metal, southern rock and outlaw country. Madison County (6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.) – Madison magazine’s Best of Madison 2019 winner. This seven-piece country show band is based out of Madison and voted as Local Group of the Year for the past nine years at the Q106 MCMA Awards Show. Saturday, Aug. 3 Jim Pekol Polka Band (11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) – Traditional polka music from a regional favorite. Country Wide Rocks (3 p.m. to 6 p.m.) – Hailing from Madison, Country Wide is an energetic and engaging cover band that plays modern country, rock and pop. Their four lead vocalists add a considerable amount of variety to their shows while offering multi-part harmonies. Zac Matthews Band (6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.) – Voted #1 country band in Wisconsin 2018. Matthews received the title of 2014’s Texaco Country Showdown’s Best New Male Act in Country Music in Nashville, Tenn. Matthews and his band have opened up for The Kentucky Headhunters, David Allan Coe and Leann Rimes.
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Powwows resume in new Waaswaaganing Indian Bowl
AC DU FLAMBEAU – Traditional dance and storytelling performances by the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, and others, will resume in 2019 at the completely reconstructed Indian Bowl in downtown Lac du Flambeau. Since 1951, the historic Indian Bowl has seen countless families attend the performances there. Guests were treated to an authentic Native American experience and took home lasting memories and a piece of living history. President Dwight Eisenhower stopped by in 1965. In a naming ceremony, the tribe honored President Eisenhower with the Ojibwe name Giniw-Wi-Giizhig, or Golden Eagle.
NORTHWOODS Region
Renamed Waaswaaganing Indian Bowl Living Arts and Culture Center, the facility honors heritage and tradition and provides a first-class venue for contemporary expression of living Native culture through the arts.
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Powwow dates are July 2, 4, 9, 16, 23 and 30; Aug. 6 and 13, and Sept. 14. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; pre-show at 6:30 p.m.; performances from 7 to 9 p.m. Rain dates are the following Thursdays. The July 4 date has a parade at noon; powwow at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 is also the Wild Rice Festival beginning at 10 a.m. and powwow from 2 to 4 p.m.
Saturday 10am – 2pm
• Hike & bike 12 miles of trails • Nature Center • Canoeing • Nature & wildlife classes • Facility rentals • Open all year • Skiing, snowshoeing DiscoveryCenter.net Manitowish Waters, WI (877) 543-2085
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Barron
county Calendar Of Events
July 3–7 Chetek – Chetek Liberty Fest July 13 Chetek – Brew and Rib Fest July 17–21 Rice Lake – Barron County Fair
Chetek plans big Liberty Fest celebration
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HETEK – Make plans to attend Chetek’s 45th annual Liberty Fest, a summer festival and Fourth of July celebration all rolled up into a multi-day (July 3–7) event for all ages and all interests. Liberty Fest starts with “World Fare,” a food truck fundraiser at Phillips Park from 5 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, July 3. They will also be playing vintage baseball at 6 p.m. The popular Hydroflites Ski Show is at 6 p.m. (also on Saturday and Sunday nights). Thursday, July 4, brings a pancake breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Masonic Lodge, the grand parade at noon, the chamber of commerce’s beach party with live music by Sage from 2 to 6 p.m. and fireworks 15 minutes after dusk. The fireworks show is launched from a floating platform on Lake Chetek.
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AMERON – Time flies when you visit the Pioneer Village Museum in Cameron. The entire family will enjoy exploring the several historic buildings and browsing the numerous exhibits and display buildings filled with items from bygone days. The museum complex is nestled amongst a 35-acre pine grove with 37 buildings and several original log cabins built and furnished in the 1800s. A climate-controlled building contains 36 cubicles filled with antique guns, clothing, and World War I and II and Civil War artifacts. Take a stroll down Pioneer Street, where you will find an early railroad depot, country school, dentist’s office, doctor’s office, jail, blacksmith shop, newspaper office, library meeting house, general store, post office and many other buildings. A gift shop is filled with handcrafted items including beautiful handloomed rugs.
Saturday, July 6, starts off with the “Fishy Four” run/walk at 8:15 a.m. at the Chetek City Beach; a car show at the Chetek Airport; the Indian Head Country Art & Craft Show at Airport Park; and quilt show, horse pull and horseshoe tourney at noon. There will be lots of activities from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the kids – including the pedal pull, sawdust money hunt and cardboard regatta. The Hydroflites show is at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, July 7, brings the continuation of the softball tournament, craft fair and quilt show. R-Bar is hosting a horse pull starting at noon. The showing of the family movie is at dusk. Visit cheteklibertyfest.org for locations and times of all events.
A number of special events planned for 2019 will give you more reasons to return to continue your exploration of this interesting museum. The Pioneer Kitchen offers lunch and refreshments on days of special events. Ice cream, soda and snacks are also available in the saloon each day. Upcoming events include the following: July 6–7 – Heritage Days, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days; and Aug. 2–4 – Rendezvous. During Heritage Days, volunteers in period outfits lend authenticity to the pioneer scene as they share their knowledge of the displays and demonstrate variety of pioneer skills and crafts. See the intricate needlework of tatting, rug weaving, chair caning, butter making the old-fashioned way, gunstock carving and more. Some displays allow visitors to try their hand at the heritage skills. For more information call 715-458-2090 or 715-642-1327 or visit pioneervillagemuseum.com. The museum is located 1.5 miles west of Cameron on Highway W. It is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
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NORTHWEST Region
Don’t miss touring the Pioneer Village Museum
Friday, July 5, sees the start of the three-day softball tournament at the city ball field and a golf tournament at Sunset View Golf Course and “Elvis” at the Mill.
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Barron County
THE CHETEK AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & RESORT OWNERS ASSOCIATION Invites you to explore all we have to offer! Please visit our website: www.explorechetek.com
NORTHWEST Region
6 lakes with over 3800 surface acres Some of the best fishing in the state Events throughout the year ATV routes and trails 68 miles of shoreline 39 resorts to meet all your needs Shopping, Dining, & parks Chetek Hydroflites Water Ski team Chetek is the perfect place to do everything or nothing at all.
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Chetek Events
July 3rd-7th July 13th August 2nd-3rd August 9th-10th August 17th August 22nd August 24th-25th Septmber 1st September 7th September 14th October 25th October 31st September 14th November 23rd December 6th
Liberty Fest Brew & Rib Fest Crazy Days Lake Fest Pontoon Olympix Wine Walk Water Mania Walleyes for Chetek City Wide Garage Sale Harvest Fest Witches Brew Night Out Halloween Party Harvest Fest Halloween Party Christmas For Kids
Bayfield
county Calendar Of Events
July 6 Seeley – Namekagon Art & Music Festival July 5–7 Bayfield – Red Cliff Traditional Pow-Wow July 20–21 Bayfield – Festival of Arts & Gallery Tour July 25–28 Iron River – Lions Blueberry Festival July 27–28 Iron River – Chamber Vendor Fair July 28 Cable – Ice Cream Social: Historical Museum
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The call of the loon beckons you
ABLE – Common loons are anything but ordinary. Diving deep, flying fast and fighting hard, these Northwoods icons are ready to capture your imagination with their precisely tuned adaptations to life on our lakes. Join Cable Natural History Museum naturalist and author Emily Stone on Saturday, July 13, at Amnicon Falls State park to learn about these fascinating creatures through hands-on specimens and plenty of time for questions. Then try your hand at decoding their eerie calls. The session begins at 7 p.m. Donations are appreciated. For more information, call 715-798-3890. The Cable Natural History Museum – with wildlife displays including birds of prey, songbirds, mammals and insects – is a must-stop for visitors. The museum has a summer lecture and field trip series. Many special workshops and outdoor programs offer natural history and science education for all ages.
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Burnett
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Calendar Of Events July 7 Danbury – Wild Rice Breakfast: The Forts July 19–21 Grantsburg – World Championship Snowmobile Watercross July 20 Siren – Gandy Dancer Trail 5K July 20 Siren – Gandy Dancer Fly In/Drive In July 25–28 Danbury – Fur Trade Rendezvous: The Forts Aug. 1–4 Siren – Summerfest
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Birders flock to the Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area
ANBURY – The 5,200-acre Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area in Burnett County is a bird watcher’s paradise. Sharp-tailed grouse, upland sandpipers, American kestrels, eastern bluebirds and bald eagles all can be found here. Great Wisconsin Birding & Nature Trail includes it as a site in the Lake Superior/North Woods Region. It’s one of the last remnants of what was once a vast expanse of semi-open brush prairie on sandy soils. The land, descriptively called the “barrens” because it lacks extensive forest cover, lies in the northeast corner of the county, adjacent to the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers.
The north unit is flat to gently rolling, and the dry uplands are interspersed with lowlands and the headwaters of a small trout stream. It is best accessed by taking Hwy. 35 north of Danbury to St. Croix Trail, which runs west to east across the southern portion of the unit. The south unit is characterized by steep topography and a large, bog-like wetland, which can be observed from a scenic overlook in the north-central portion of the unit. The Namekagon River forms the unit’s northern boundary. Access is from Hwy. 35, then west on Spring Brook Trail, which bisects the land. The Namekagon Barrens is best known for its sharp-tailed grouse population, which is the primary focus of wildlife management efforts there. Other avian wildlife also benefit from the open landscape – including the rare upland plover, clay-colored sparrows, bluebirds, mal-
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Journey into the past with visit to Fur Trade Rendezvous
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ANBURY – The Great Folle Avoine Fur Trade Rendezvous set for Thursday, July 25, through Sunday, July 28, is a celebration of historical education, entertainment, great food and unique shopping opportunities.
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Today, in an authentic re-creation at Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park near Danbury, dozens of fur trade camps with a variety of characters fill Sayer’s Field and Trader’s Row. As was true 200 years ago, goods are “traded,” stories told and fun times enjoyed by rendezvous campers, traders and visitors. Watch demonstrations of period skills – including black powder shooting, archery and tomahawk throwing. Tasty food prepared in the fur trade–era manner is a treat. Trader goods include period clothing, furnishings, camp gear, trade silver, animal skins, jewelry and a variety of other utilitarian and decorative items. Rendezvous hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. They will be serving a wild rice pancake breakfast on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Historical Park is a living history site with two fur trading posts, North West Company and the XY Company, reconstructed on the actual site known to be active from 1802 to 1805, along with an authentic Ojibwe Indian village. Guides in character and period dress will take you through the fur trade compound and the Ojibwe village, explaining the fur trade in the region and native culture of historic times. Stop by the gift shop for unique gifts for family and friends. More information about the park is available at theforts.org, or call 715866-8890.
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Snowmobiles blister the lake at top speeds
Burnett County
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RANTSBURG – The World Championship Snowmobile Watercross in Grantsburg is billed as “The Fastest Show on H2O.” World-class racers will show fans why the title is richly deserved at the 2019 championship title event Friday, July 19, through Sunday, July 21, at Memory Lake Park in Grantsburg.
Rated as one of the 10 best races in the country by Snow Goer magazine, it also includes vintage sleds. Hosted by the Grantsburg Hockey Association, the 43rd annual event will feature over 100 competitors, including top racers from the United States and Canada. There will be upwards of $20,000 in cash and trophies awarded. The Grantsburg Watercross, the most prestigious of them all, is the “World Championship” race within the International Watercross Association racing circuit. If you’ve never been to a snowmobile watercross event, be prepared for a unique family experience. Part quirky, part crazy, and all action – the races are a delight to watch. Racers blast off from land and have to maintain top speed to skim over the water surface either on a straight drag race or oval-style course. The racing facility offers lots of spectator room (thousands of fans attend!), plus camping facilities, displays, food and beverage vendors and kids’ play area. There will be street dances each night with live music and other activities. On Saturday evening, there will be entertainment on the water before the street dance, followed by a spectacular fireworks show at dusk. Visit grantsburgwatercross.com for a complete schedule of events.
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Polk
county
Calendar Of Events July 3 Osceola – Fireworks Express Train Ride: Osceola Train Depot July 4 Amery – Wapo-Beartrap 5k Fun Run: Stower Seven Lakes Trail July 5 Amery – Giant Ice Cream Sundae: Soo-Line Park, Noon July 5–7 Balsam Lake – Freedom Fest July 6 Balsam Lake – Pancake Breakfast: American Legion Hall, 8–11 a.m. July 11–14 Centuria – Memory Days July 12–14 Turtle Lake – Inter-County Fair & Grand Parade July 14 Centuria – Memory Days July 19–21 Luck – Lucky Days Festival July 19–21 St. Croix Falls – Wannigan Days July 20 Balsam Lake – Bassmaster’s Classic Fishing Tournament July 20 St. Croix Falls – Jazz Festival: Chateau St Croix Winery July 20 St. Croix Falls – St. Croix Falls Fish Hatchery Centennial Celebration July 25–28 St. Croix Falls – Polk County Fair July 27 Clayton – Lion’s Club Brewfest: Turtle Lake Glen July 27–28 Frederic – Gem and Mineral Show July 28 Centuria – Chasing Big Foot 25K: Gandy Dancer Trail Aug. 10 Luck – Fireman’s Corn Feed Aug. 10–11 Lewis – Charles E. Lewis Days
Events in Polk County will keep the fun going
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OUNTYWIDE – You are never far away from a community celebration during your visit to Polk County this summer. Almost every town and city has a Fourth of July event, or multiple events, going on during our nation’s celebration of independence. Once that’s over, a number of other communities hit it out of the ballpark with continuation of the fun. Mosey over to Centuria for their Memory Days set for July 11–14. There’s a car show, stock car races, kiddie parade, street dance and Sunday’s parade followed by an antique tractor show. Over at Turtle Lake, they’re hosting the Inter-County Fair – which includes a midway, rides and games, truck and tractor pulls and much more – July 12–14. The following weekend may have you scrambling to arrange enough days to visit communities hosting even more celebrations. July 19–21 will see Lucky Days Festival over in Luck, with bed races, classic car show, softball tournament and parade; and Wannigan Days at St. Croix Falls and Taylor Falls with parade, fireworks and live music. The St. Croix Falls Fish Hatchery is celebrating its centennial July 20. For the fishers in your household, there’s the Bassmaster’s Classic Fishing Tournament on July 20. The Chateau St. Croix Winery is hosting a Jazz Festival on July 20. That staple of summer, the Polk County Fair, is taking place July 25–28 at St. Croix Falls. Lots of food, midway, games, animal shows and more for the entire family. Clayton is where you will want to be if you like beer. The Lions Club’s Brewfest is slated for July 27 at Turtle Lake Glen. If you like interesting rocks, then to Frederic you must go for the Gem and Mineral Show on July 27–28. With that much running around, you’ll be in perfect shape for the July 28 Chasing Big Foot 25K on the Gandy Dancer Trail in Centuria. There you have it. We might have missed a couple celebrations, so be sure to visit polkcountytourism.com for the latest and most complete listing of July events in Polk County.
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Ancient flood created potholes still visible today
T. CROIX FALLS – Mother Nature had long-range plans for Interstate State Park – creating dozens of potholes in basalt bedrock in a gorge known today as the Dalles of the St. Croix River. Some 10,000 years ago, rushing meltwater created abrasive whirlpools of sand and gravel that scoured saucer-shaped and
cylindrical depressions into the hard rock surfaces of terraces carved by the Glacial St. Croix River. Among the potholes of various sizes and shapes is one nearly a perfect pothole – 4.5 feet wide and 18 feet deep. The Minnesota side of Interstate Park contains more than 80 of these glacial potholes, the largest concentration in the world. The Pothole Trail, about 0.4 mile long, affords visitors views of the glacial potholes as well as awesome views of the St. Croix River gorge and a cliff formation known as the Old Man of the Dalles. Flush with many other geological features, the trail is one of many in the Interstate Park and Polk County itself. The park is open year round. Daily or annual permits required.
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Sawyer
county
Calendar Of Events July 6 Hayward to Cable– Namekagon Art & Music Festival July 6 Hayward – Cardboard Boat Races July 7 Hayward – Fly-In Pancake Feed July 13 Winter – Art in the Garden: Winter Greenhouse July 18–21 Hayward – LCO Honor the Earth Pow Wow July 27 Hayward – Hayward Piecemakers Guild Quilt Show July 27 Winter – Minnow Races: The Rum Shack Aug. 1–3 Hayward – Lumberjack World Championships Aug. 3 Stone Lake – Summer Soaker
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Ojibwa Park has camping, picnic facilities
INTER – Clean, quiet and beautiful surroundings have made Ojibwa Park a popular camping and picnic spot and a rest stop for travelers since 1932. Hwy. 70 bisects Ojibwa Park between Ojibwa and Winter. Originally owned by the state Department of Natural Resources, the park is now owned and maintained
Several picnic areas near a small stream and pond provide a relaxing place to eat a meal. A playground area is provided. An RV dump station, drinking water and pit toilets are available. A large stone pavilion can be reserved for a $35-per-day fee. If not reserved, the pavilion is open for public use.
The park comprises 366 acres of forest bordered by the Chippewa River on the north and the Tuscobia State Trail on the south. The park is open for camping from May 1 to the last day of the regular gun deer hunting season. However, the park is designated a wildlife refuge and is off limits to hunting.
Across the road, the Turkey Feathers Nature & Hiking Trail loops go one mile along the Chippewa River. Feathers Trail is easy walking. There are tree- and plant-identification signs along the way. Excellent fishing and canoeing opportunities abound on the Chippewa River.
by the Town of Ojibwa.
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The campsites are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Each of the three non-electric sites has a $15-per-night fee. Each of the 12 electric sites has a $20-per-night fee. Coin-operated showers were added in 2016.
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Don’t miss the Namekagon Arts & Music Festival
EELEY – The annual Namekagon Arts and Music Festival in Seeley is one event you don’t want to miss this summer. It will be Saturday, July 6, on the Mooselips Festival Grounds in Seeley. Sponsored by the Cable Hayward Arts Council (CHARC), the festival has been held here since 1999. The festival grounds are located just behind the Sawmill Saloon and Mooselips Café, Hwy. 63 and County Rd. OO. Admission is free with lots to see and do. Vendors will be offer-
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A short trail connects the parking area with the Tuscobia State Trail, which is a popular ATV/ORV, snowmobile and mountain bike trail. Tuscobia runs 74 miles from Tuscobia (near Rice Lake) to the city of Park Falls on an old abandoned C & NW Railroad corridor. ATV/UTVers can run the trail from April 15 to Nov. 15 each year before surrendering it to snowmobilers during the winter months.
Adjacent to the nature trail is a hiking/cross-country ski trail of about 1.5 miles in length that can be used year round. It, too, has a gentle slope and is easy walking.
ing their handcrafted wares – including paintings, photography, sculpture, woodworking, jewelry, soaps, pottery and metal whirligigs. There will also be a tent with local authors selling their autographed books. There will be a free art activity in the kids’ tent. Adults can paint a wine glass (for a fee). The Seeley Lions Club will provide food and beverages. Regional musicians will be playing throughout the day. The poetry jam starts at noon, with competition in Adult, Juvenile and Songwriter categories. Participants are to use three words (that are provided) in their poems. They have an hour to write a poem, which they then will read to a panel of judges inside Mooselips. The winners of each age category will receive prizes, and they can also read their poem outside on the main stage.
Sawyer County
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Sawyer County Sawyer Co. Historical Museum appeals to all ages
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AYWARD – Visitors will find exhibits and displays on nearly every facet of local history at the Sawyer County Historical Museum in Hayward. Visitors to the Sawyer County Historical Museum in Hayward, Wisconsin, will find exhibits and displays on nearly every facet of local history: Ojibwe culture, logging and lumberjacks, homesteading and pioneers, community development, Victorian lifestyle, churches, schools, hunting, fishing, political and the resort tradition, which are all included in the museum’s comprehensive look at the past in Hayward and greater Sawyer County.
were born. For adults there are the logging and lumberjack displays as well as the old blacksmith’s forge, detailed homestead and Victorian furniture exhibits. New exhibits are added each season. A volunteer museum attendant is always on hand to provide any details that aren’t covered in the two floors of displays. A variety of books, maps, pictures, and brochures on the history of Hayward and Sawyer County are for sale in the museum gift shop. Call 715-634-8053 for more information. The museum is located on Hwy. B, near the Lumberjack Bowl.
The museum is the former DNR Ranger Station built in 1928 and moved to its current site by the Historical Society in 1991. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m., June 1 to through Aug. 31. Winter hours are in effect from Sept.1 through May 31, Thursdays only from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free, with donations appreciated.
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The Historical Society notes that all age groups will find something interesting in the museum. Children like the diorama of Hayward’s Main Street showing how it looked long before they
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Sawyer County
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Sawyer County
4 PM - Close
Opening May 24th
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Sawyer County Pictured, from left: Zach Tom, Alec Duffy, Deven Blair, Tommy Krob and Zach Ray. Alec is the announcer; the other lumberjack performers.
Scheer’s Lumberjack Show grows champions
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AYWARD – If you don’t have the opportunity to attend the Lumberjack World Championships (LWC) in Hayward July 25–27, you can see the same display of lumberjack sports by attending a Fred Scheer’s Lumberjack Show. In fact, you may see some of the same lumberjacks who compete in the world championships. Since its onset, Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows have been a training ground for many athletes who have become world champions. Founders of the show, Rob and Fred Scheer, both claim world championship titles: Rob a three-time world champion in the 90-foot Pole Climb, Fred a four-time world champion in the men’s log roll and two-time champion in the men’s boom run. Fred’s son Cassidy was raised in the Lumberjack Bowl, where both the LWC and Fred Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows are held. Cassidy has 10 world titles in speed climbing and one world title in the boom run. He also is a two-time Stihl Timbersports Series finalist and one of the top-ranked woodchoppers in the United States. Cassidy was one of Fred’s lumberjacks for several years and manages the show in the Wisconsin Dells.
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According to Cassidy, “When you perform an event two times a day, five days a week all summer long as part of a lumberjack show, you get a lot of practice in front of a crowd. You can get really good if you put in extra time working on your personal technique.” Dustin Beckwith, Sean Duffy (yes, that Congressman Sean Duffy), Roger Burger, Brian Linville, Charlie Fenton and Darby Hand are among the Lumberjack World Champions who learned their skills as performers in Fred Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows. The Lumberjack World Championships in Hayward isn’t the only worldclass lumberjack event in which Fred Scheer’s Lumberjack Show performers have competed. As part of Fred Scheer’s Stihl Pro Team, Cassidy Scheer and Dustin Beckwith captured gold and bronze medals in the Superjack event at the 2005 ESPN Great Outdoor Games competition.
Fred Scheer is quick to point out that the lumberjack athletes deserve all the credit for their achievements, “I just teach them the skills. They practice and develop their own techniques – it’s really fun to watch them take off.”
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Sawyer County Your fishing adventures begin here
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hen you are in Sawyer County, you’re never far from fantastic fishing. We’ve written about the beautiful Chippewa Flowage before, so this time we are turning to some other flat water opportunities as outlined by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Connors Lake and Lake of the Pines are good fishing lakes with walleye, bass, musky, northern pike and panfish present. The two are close to each other, so you can fish one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Baits most frequently used in the two lakes are jigs, spinners, spoons and crank baits. Live baits used are leeches, minnows and crawlers. For anglers looking for a trophy musky, Connors is the lake to fish. Connors is a deep, clear lake of 427 acres that has a 90-foot hole and an average depth of 40 feet. Walleye are the primary fish with a good population of smallmouth bass, perch and bluegill also present. Try for walleye along the west shore in the fallen timber using slip bobbers or jigs with live bait. Rock bars and weed lines are good on both lakes using these same techniques. There is a state campground on the lake. At 273 square acres and shaped like a bottle opener, Lake of the Pines has a good population of musky, walleye, northern pike and an excellent population of panfish, especially crappie.
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Bass Lake is a little gem of a lake about three miles off Hwy. W
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on Tower Hill Road. Camping and boat motors are not allowed on this lake. Boats must be walked in. Largemouth bass and bluegills are the two main species fished. Try fly rod fishing for “gills” using poppers or flies. Or you might try using ultralight rods with worms and small leeches. For largemouth bass use weedless crank baits, spinners and jigs tipped with a piece of crawler. Turning to some flowing water, the Flambeau River offers unlimited opportunities for musky, walleye and smallmouth bass. Musky are fished by using bucktails and large crank baits. For walleye and smallmouth use small spinners, Rapalas and jigs tipped with live bait. Look for these species by deep pools, eddies and the edge of weed lines. Rocks also make excellent spots to fish smallmouths. Trout anglers can find native brook trout in just about every creek that empties into the Flambeau River. The two best-known trout streams in the forest are Price Creek and Hackett Creek. Use worms or crawlers to bait these fish. Fly rods can be used in portions of the creek. Tiny spinners are also excellent at certain times of the year.
Washburn
county Calendar Of Events
July 4 Shell Lake – Sailing Regatta July 6 Shell Lake – Fine Arts Festival July 11–13 Spooner – Heart of the North Rodeo July 19–21 Birchwood – Birchwood Bluegill Festival July 25–28 Spooner – Washburn County Fair July 27 Shell Lake – Shell Lake Triathlon Aug. 2–3 Spooner – Jack Pine Savage Days
Saturday morning, the 5K run/walk and fun run kick off at 8:30 a.m. Lots of activities – including a beanbag tournament, kids’ games and mouse game, ice cream social and bake sale – await visitors.
IRCHWOOD – Looking for a weekend of fun activities and food? Come to Birchwood for the Birchwood Lions’ 56th annual Bluegill Festival, Friday, July 19, to Sunday, July 21.
Sunday morning is the start of the doubles horseshoe tournament. The grand parade kicks off at 1 p.m. Afterwards stop by at the fire department for the open house, fire truck rides and refreshments.
Bands will be playing Friday and Saturday afternoons and later in the evening for the street dances on Main Street. The queen coronation is Friday evening. The acclaimed Friday night fish fry is one not to be missed. The historic Morey House & Log Cabin will be open for tours both Saturday and Sunday. Food tent and beer garden will be open throughout the festival.
Birchwood prides itself on being a quaint village surrounded by deep forests and many lakes. So it’s no wonder that Birchwood is also famed for its fishing including the popular bluegill, which it has honored with a 13-foot statue on the edge of town. Ounce for ounce, the bluegill is one of the hardest fighting fish around, especially on light tackle.
Discover the original tin ceilings in Spooner
summer of 1904 destroyed most of the business buildings on the south side of Walnut Street.
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POONER – Have you ever looked up while wandering through Spooner’s downtown shops? If not, you’ll want to pick up the Spooner Tin Ceiling Tour brochure from the Washburn County Visitor Center in Spooner. The brochure walks you through the historic buildings of downtown Spooner, showing you the intricate designs of the original tin ceilings while sharing the rich history of each of the 17 buildings listed on the tour. Most of the two-story brick buildings in Spooner were built in either late 1904 or 1905 after a fire in the
Tin ceilings became a popular trend in the late 1800s and early 1900s, according to the brochure information. Businesses used them as an inexpensive substitute for the more labor-intensive fancy plaster. The tin was also a fire barrier between the first-floor businesses and the second-floor apartments. At one time, there were about 45 companies in America making tin ceiling tiles. The tiles became obsolete during the Great Depression. Parking is available on Walnut Street or at the municipal parking lot near the museums. Begin at the southeast corner of Walnut Street (near Big Dick’s Buckhorn), and follow the sidewalk on the south side of Walnut Street.
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Bluegill Festival set in Birchwood
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Washburn County Savage Dash highlights Jack Pine Savage Days
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POONER – Join the crowd for the 27th annual Jack Pine Savage Days at Spooner, Friday, Aug. 2, to Saturday, Aug. 3. It’s two days of fun with games, live music both nights and a 5K mud run/obstacle race. Most events take place Saturday. The Kids’ Dash Mud Run on Friday is a mile-long mud/obstacle course for ages 2–12. It has proven to be almost as much fun for spectators as it is for the participants! Events Saturday include a volleyball tournament, beanbag tournament and horseshoes competition. Back this year is the car show Saturday on Front Street, along with sidewalk sales, craft vendors and a health fair. Check out jack pinesavagedays.com for more information.
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The signature event will be the Savage Dash – a 5K mud run obstacle race. You can register online at savagedash.com. The first wave of 25 runners sets off at 1 p.m. The course is designed for all skill levels with about 10–15 obstacles spread throughout the course. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or obstacle racer, new to running or just want to walk the course and skip the harder ob-
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Western U.P. Michigan Calendar Of Events July 4 Wakefield – Sunday Lake Run/Walk July 4 Ironwood – Run for a Vet July 17–21 Ironwood – Festival Ironwood July 19–21 Ironwood – Range Art Association Show
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“Find Your North” at Festival Ironwood RONWOOD – Festival Ironwood 2019 will take place in historic Depot Park, downtown Ironwood, from July 17 to 21.
WESTERN U.P. Michigan
Festival Ironwood is a community celebration that features daily live music under the Big Top, kids’ games, bike rides, an arts and crafts fair, brown-bag concerts at the 1928 Historic Ironwood Theatre, daily raffle drawings and much more. For an updated listing of events and times, visit ironwoodchamber.org or download the Chamber smartphone app (free): IronwoodGO. And, as one would expect of a community celebration, there will be lots of food! In addition to the food vendors under the Big Top, Thursday, June 18, will feature the Yooper-style wood-fire grilled chicken feed, and Friday evening will have the traditional fish fry. Wednesday, July 17, brings the Fat Tire Bike Club ride, Superior Riders bike ride, and an evening of bluegrass music under the Big Top.
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Thursday, July 18, brings the official Festival opening ceremonies, an evening polka fest and the start of the World’s Largest Duck Pick. In addition, the Stormy Kromer Company will have a huge summer tent event and additional factory tours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at their Wall Street headquarters. Friday, July 19, is the traditional Kids’ Day with special kids’ games, trout pond, sandcastle building, a trike & bike kids’ show, woodchip scramble and H.O.P.E. animals. Live music Friday night includes the Black River Band. The Range Art Association Master’s Art Show opens Friday in Ironwood’s historic Memorial Building auditorium. Saturday, July 20, opens with a pancake breakfast under the Big Top and the 70+-vendor arts and crafts show on the Depot Park grounds. Other Saturday highlights are the Old Depot Car Show, volleyball tournament, outdoor pool tournament, strawberry social, dance company performances and Marty’s Goldenaires drum and bugle corps. Sunday, July 21, is the final day of the Master’s Art Show, and Depot Park will host Range Fest, sponsored by the Range Bible Church, Hurley.
Western U.P. Michigan Explore the Sylvania Wilderness/Rec. Area
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ATERSMEET – The Sylvania Wilderness and Sylvania Recreation Area, is located near Watersmeet, Mich., and is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. It’s famous for its numerous pristine lakes and old-growth forest. Giant trees – some 300 to 400 years old – stand like sentinels along the lake shorelines. Few wilderness areas can compare to Sylvania. Combined with the adjacent Recreation Area, the 18,327-acre wilderness area offers an outstanding experience for those who want to camp, fish, hike, canoe, ski or enjoy the solitude of a wilderness experience. Outfitters are available in surrounding towns. Here you will find 34 named lakes – some with sandy beaches, others surrounded by record-sized red and white pines. Six of the lakes are over 250 acres in size. The exceptionally clear water allows you to see far below as you paddle or snorkel. This large natural area with its old-growth forest and pristine lakes provides habitat for a wide range of living things. While exploring Sylvania, you might see threatened or endangered plants and animals, such as rare orchids, bald eagles, loons and osprey.
A special permit is required to enter the Sylvania Wilderness Area. Camping is permitted at designated sites by permit only. Permits can be obtained on a walk-in basis at the Wilderness Entrance Station or can be reserved through Reserve America online at recreation.gov. Reservations can also be made by calling toll free, 1-877-444-6777.
WESTERN U.P. Michigan
FOUR UPPER PENINSULA LOCATIONS IRON RIVER, MI · IRONWOOD, MI MARQUETTE, MI · IRON MOUNTAIN, MI
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Eastern U.P.
photo by Dean S Acheson
Michigan Calendar Of Events July 6–7 Crystal Falls – Bass Festival July 7 Crystal Falls – Run Your Bass Off Race July 19–20 Iron River – UP Pro Rodeo July 27 Iron River – Float the Paint (River) Aug. 2–3 Crystal Falls – Humongous Fungus Fest
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Pro rodeo comes to Iron River
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RON RIVER – The U.P. Championship Rodeo returns to Iron River with the first performance on Friday, July 19, and two more on Saturday, July 20. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) sanctions the rodeo – the only pro rodeo in Michigan. There will be seven classic professional rodeo events: bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, women’s barrel racing, team roping, and tie-down roping. There will be roping in pre-rodeo food and fun on Thursday, July 18, with the rodeo tailgate cookout at Angeli Foods from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Iron County chamber is hosting a rodeo kickoff event from 6 to 9 p.m.
EASTERN U.P. Michigan
The entire city gets into the spirit Friday, July 19, with queen and princess horsemanship at the Rodeo Arena beginning at 8 a.m. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., enjoy Market Days in downtown Iron River, and be sure to stop over at the West Iron District Library for the book and bake sale. Arena gates open at 5 p.m. Fri-
day for the Pink Ribbon Rebels performance, and then at 7 p.m., enjoy a rousing PRCA rodeo performance. Afterwards, stay for the street dance that starts at 9 p.m. Saturday morning, July 20, lace up the running shoes for the 8 a.m. start of the Windsor Rodeo Run. The chuck wagon is open at the Iron River Senior Center, where they will be serving a pancake breakfast from 8 to 11:30 a.m. The grand Wild West Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. At 11 a.m., head over to the VFW Post 3134 for the antique tractor show and brat feed. Arena gates will open at noon Saturday for the 2 p.m. PRCA rodeo performance and again at 5 p.m. for the 7 p.m. concluding rodeo. Both rodeos will be preceded by the Pink Ribbon Rebels’ performances. In addition, the crowning of the 2019 Miss U.P. Rodeo Queen and U.P. Rodeo Princess will take place at 6:30 p.m. The rodeo is held at the Iron County Fairgrounds, 720 W. Franklin St., Iron River.
Bass Festival returns to Crystal Falls
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RYSTAL FALLS – The Crystal Falls Lions Club invites you to their 55th annual Bass Festival in Crystal Falls, Friday- Sunday, July 5-7 at Runkle Lake Park. In addition to the Lions’ overall sponsorship, other groups are sponsoring individual events. On Friday, take in the 14th annual Boxing Invitational, beginning at 7pm, at the Nylund Building. The action features amateurs from Michigan and Wisconsin. Concessions will be available.
A pancake breakfast will be served Sunday from 7am to noon at the VFW Hall. Sunday morning also brings the foot races (see below). Other Sunday activities include the community picnic with food, concessions and refreshments, volleyball tournament, live music, baby contest (children 3 and under) at noon, horseshoe tournament, kids games and races, and the drawing of the 50/50 raffle at 5pm. They will also raffle off two paddleboards and one 24” girls and one 24” boys bike.
Events Saturday include the Bass Festival parade at 10am on Superior Avenue with canoe races at 11:30am down the Paint River. The Lions’ chicken barbeque dinner starts at noon at Runkle Lake Park. There will be live music. The two-day fishing tournament also starts Saturday. The legendary ethnic softball game begins at 7:30pm at the ball field.
The 39th annual “Run Your Bass Off” run/walk will be Sunday, July 7. Choose from a timed 10K, Half Bass (5K), 2-mile walk or kids run. The races/walk start at 9am from Runkle Lake Park. There will be awards, gift certificates and door prizes. For more information and to register, visit ironendurance.weebly.com/run-
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Run Your Bass Off races
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