NORTHWEST REGION

Birkie Trail Run Festival Debuts New Venue

CABLE – The annual Birkie Trail Run Festival the weekend of Sept. 26–27 features the best sections of the famous Birkie Trail, as well as a host of other fun events. The festival will start and finish at the American Birkebeiner trailhead in Cable.

The half marathon has once again been named the USA Track and Field 2020 Half Marathon Trail Championship. Whether you chose the half, full, or relay marathon or the ultra, this course is perfect for runners looking to break free from the roads, as it is a great crossover and introduction to trail running. The Birkie Trail has a wide, grass-covered, level surface, and the single-track is smooth and fast. But don’t make any mistake about it, this is a full-commitment trail race, with the famous Birkie hills making it a challenging race for even veteran trail runners. Hammer it or cover your favorite distance at a recreational pace. Either way, this event has a friendly vibe, an awesome vendor fair, a finish-line party with local Northwoods fare, Birkie Brew-Ski craft beer on tap, live music, on-site camping, bonfires, and more! For more information, call 715-634-5025 or visit birkie.com/run/events/birkie-trail-run/. Fall 2020 | UpNorthAction.com

Scattered like falling leaves in the northeast section of the great Northwoods of Wisconsin are a number of fall festivals guaranteed to please the wandering spirit in you (as well as the need to shop, shop, shop). Over in Hayward, take in the fall colors and fun with a visit to their annual Fall Festival on Saturday, Sept. 26. Activities will be located on Main Street in the downtown. There will be fine arts and crafts, food, brat and beer garden, live music, sidewalk sales, farmer’s market items, children’s games, Relay for Life 5K run/ walk, and a scarecrow design contest.

There will be lots of activities at Siren’s annual Harvestfest & Homecoming Celebration set for Sept. 25 and 26. Fall leaf colors are usually beginning to peak at this time of the year, so your trip will be colorful to say the least! Saturday’s events include artisan and crafter show at Crooked Lake Park, “Run Down Hunger” 5K, carriage rides, farmers market, pumpkin bowling, and contests. Homecoming will be celebrated both Friday and Saturday. For details, call 800- 788-3164.

St. Croix Falls welcomes autumn leaf peepers with their annual Harvest Festival on Sept. 26 and 27. Events will be held at the Chateau St. Croix Winery & Vineyard, located at 1998 State Road 87. There will be a craft vendor fair, live music, winery tour, and wine sipping. Hours are Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free.

Don’t miss St. Croix Falls’s contribution to autumn fun. Their Autumnfest & Craft Fair will be Saturday, Oct. 3, at the St. Croix Falls Library, 230 S. Washington Street. Celebrate the season with festivities that will include an arts, crafts, and food fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and music at the Farmer’s Market from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call 800-222-7655.

Be the First at South Shore Enduro

BAYFIELD – Mark your calendar and enter northern Wisconsin’s first mountain bike enduro to be held on the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) trails. The South Shore Enduro on Saturday, Oct. 10, will start at the Mt. Ashwabay trailhead, 32945 Whiting Rd., Bayfield. This inaugural event (postponed from its original May 9 date) offers two race options with a shorter three-stage sport class as well as a longer, more challenging five-stage. The courses will feature everything from flowy fast sections to technical rocky climbing. Races get underway at 10 a.m. Registration includes timing/number plate, free post-race beer or beverage, event sticker, snacks, and entry for prize drawing. All proceeds from the event go directly back into MTB advocacy, CAMBA trail building, and maintenance. Registration and after party will be at South Shore Taphouse. For more information, call 715-798-3599 or visit cambatrails.org/events/south-shore-enduro/.

Zombies on the Loose! Will You Survive This 5K Run?

SPOONER – Experience the thrills and chills of being chased by bloodthirsty zombies on the one-of-a-kind 5K Zombie Run course through the haunted woods of Spooner on Saturday, Oct. 17. But beware of what’s around the next bend … you may have to run for your life! Participants are encouraged, but not required, to dress up in their scariest zombie attire. Registration starts at 2:30 p.m. While it is on an individual basis, racers are encouraged to run with friends – you may need a hand to hold! The race itself starts at 5:30 p.m. The course will be clearly marked. The terrain will contain paved trail, road, and sidewalk. Prizes will be awarded for best zombie costumes. For more information, call 715-635-2168.