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Editor’s column
Harvest some food & fun this season Took a stroll down by my apple trees the other day. This is either year 5 or 6 for the half dozen future apple pie makers. Taking care of them has cut into my fishing hours, but the fruits of my labor should be rewarding. The trees are surrounded by an electric fence (thanks to roaming deer), their lower trunks shielded by plastic wrap (thanks to rabbits and other small nibblers) and two fake Great Northern owls that I periodically rotate (thanks to birds, namely bluejays, I suspect, that spear the ripe apples). Earlier in the season, I sprayed pesticides on the leaves (thanks also to small wormy things).
Dean S. Acheson After a successful growing season last year, the sweet corn this year in the garden (another electric fence) doesn’t look so good. Half of the seeds didn’t germinate, perhaps due to my inattentiveness to watering the garden. So, like many of you, I’ll be stopping at farmers’ markets that dot the Northwoods for the makings of fresh corn-on-the-cob dinners. (As I don’t home-brew, I may also have to stop at an Oktoberfest or two to sample their produce.) Take a stroll through the pages of this issue of our Action magazine to discover all the wonderful autumn celebrations planned throughout the land they call “Up North.”
Inside this issue Pontoons on the Move.......................................... Inside Front Cover
Fall Ride Guide................................................................. Center Section
Editor’s Column............................................................................... Page 4
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 Owner/Publisher Al Hanley alh@5starupnorth.com Editor Dean Acheson DeanAcheson@yahoo.com
Accounting Jackie Blodgett Marketing Associates Al Hanley Teresa Mead Jody Peterson
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Production Office Elizabeth Kelly Lori Morris
Graphic Designers Brittany Hazelquist Danelle Pretasky
Distribution Gary Harlander Jeff Safranek Brian Wiedeman
Social Media/PynPoints Maggie Koenig
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Map & index
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 28 Oneida County................................... page 29 UpNorthAction.com
NORTHWOODS REGION Price County........................................ page 45 Vilas County......................................... page 47 NORTHWEST REGION Ashland/Bayfield County................ page 53 Barron County.................................... page 54 Burnett County................................... page 56 Polk County......................................... page 58 Sawyer County................................... page 60 Washburn County............................. page 66 U.P. REGION Eastern U.P. Michigan....................... page 71 Western U.P. Michigan......................page 69 5StarUpNorth.com
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Portage County Photo by Zac Langlois
Discover the relaxing atmosphere at Ridgewood on the River campground TOWN OF PLOVER – Ridgewood on the River is a destination seasonal camping place in the Town of Plover, which is known as the “Gateway to the North.” Ridgewood has been a familyowned-and-operated private campground for nearly 50 years and is heading into the third family generation. Ridgewood currently has 114 seasonal sites and is in the process of expanding. Michael and Kathleen Langlois, the owners and managers, had a vision 20 years ago to create a culture of peace and relaxation in an environment surrounded by the simplistic natural beauty of land and water versus campgrounds driven by “Yogi Bear” style of kids’ activity programs.
Ridgewood sits directly adjacent to the Wisconsin River and offers access to about 20 miles of navigable river waterways to their seasonal campers. Many people travel far north to experience what is nestled right in Central Wisconsin. Pontoons and boats line the natural sandbars in the river where many enjoy the shallow waters in the sun. From Ridgewood, campers can hop on their boats or pontoons and get to either of two restaurants on the river. Both restaurants have dock space for patrons. The river provides marvelous opportunities for fishing, kayaking, boating, jetskiing, tubing, wake boarding, water skiing and pontooning.
CENTRAL Region
Ridgewood is a place where many near-retirement and fullretirement clientele have their “summer place.” These snowbirds spend their spring, summer and fall at Ridgewood and then head to warmer climates in the winter months to escape from Wisconsin’s
snow and frigid temperatures. Ridgewood is also for families and couples who want to escape from the hectic busyness of everyday life, and experience the captivating calm and breathtaking beauty of the Wisconsin River.
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Ridgewood provides seasonals with beautiful grassy and mature leafy tree sites and offers private boat slips. Sites are large enough for the camping unit, vehicle parking, a fire ring area, deck, screenhouse, and more. The clubhouse has men’s and women’s restrooms with showers and a laundry area. Hand and body lotion, bath mats and some toiletries are provided as complimentary. The bathrooms are kept clean for a pleasant experience every time you enter. The clubhouse is open 24/7. The peaceful atmosphere at Ridgewood is attracting people from across the state and beyond. Ridgewood is conveniently located in the center of the state, offering easy access to Hwy. 54 and Interstate 39. Folks who would ordinarily travel far north have cut hours off their travel time by choosing Ridgewood. The surrounding area has a small-town feel and offers parks, shopping and restaurants galore! Some of the main attractions in the area are the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Sentry World Golf Course, Boston School Forest, Golden Sands Speedway, Stevens Point Brewery, Crossroad Commons Shopping and The Wellness Spa.
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Portage County Plover Kwik Trip to honor truckers, hold car show
PLOVER – Kwik Trip in Plover is planning two events open to the public in September, including a car show and the other in appreciation of truck drivers who carry goods across America on Interstate, state and rural highways and byways. “As part of National Truck Drivers Appreciation Week we at Kwik Trip have put together a few events in honor of truck drivers,” said Michael Lubinski, store leader of the Kwik Trip Travel Center #202 in Plover. “The intent of these events is to get as many of our customers as possible around truck drivers so they can thank them for what they do every day for us.
CENTRAL Region
“Our goal is to honor and support truckers with a fun event that they can enjoy and be encouraged by the support of our local community. Truckers provide us with resources we use in our lives every day, and we are excited to share our thanks with them for all that they do.”
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Sept. 8–14 this year is the National Truck Drivers Appreciation Week. In recognition, the Plover store will have a Trucker Vendor Day on Wednesday, Sept. 11, and the car show on Thursday, Sept. 12. For Trucker Vendor Day, they invite a variety of companies to come and share with truckers and potential drivers their resources for the trucking industry. Local trucking sales and service companies will demonstrate the latest in trucks and trailers. Hiring personnel from local trucking companies will share what they are currently looking for in drivers. “Our own Convenience Transportation team will be there to promote the opportunities available for drivers within Kwik Trip,” Lubinski said. Also in attendance will be repair service companies, CAT scale, companies that work with drivers to set up their rigs (radios, phones, lighting, etc.) and other local companies that support truckers. These companies are invited to set up booths and displays to share their products with truckers. “As we honor and support truckers we want to provide this Trucker Vendor Day as an opportunity for drivers to explore and find resources that can benefit them and make their work more efficient for them,” Lubinski said. “Plus, we want to say ‘thanks’ for all they do by preparing several giveaways of appreciation baskets with an assortment of gifts including gift certificates, hats, doggie treats, food and much more.”
Car Show
The store’s third annual car show welcomes anyone with a vehicle they want to show off to bring it to the show. Racecars are especially welcome – a great way to get a sponsor’s name seen by a different crowd. In addition to the racecars, they will have a wide variety of classic cars, hot rods and trucks, from early Model T Fords up to the present day. This year, they are including emergency vehicles within the car show. “This is a day to discover equipment that is protecting you and to meet the operators of that equipment,” Lubinski said. “We invite fire, police and rescue units to join us.”
About the store
The Plover store opened on Dec. 5, 2013. In 2017, they were named the 11th best truck stop in the nation, according to Trucker Path. In 2018, Trucker Path changed the ranking format, but once again, the Plover store made the list, edging up to an eighth place finish for “Best Chain Truck Stop in the Nation” – quite an honor, as there are more than 6,000 truck stops in the nation. Nor has any other truck stop made the list two consecutive times. State Rep. Katrina Shankland presented them a legislative commendation for that achievement. The Plover store employs about 40 coworkers. In addition to fuel and convenience store items, the store offers showers, laundry, lounge, free Wi-Fi, free satellite TV and CAT scale for truckers, and it sells CNG and DEF.
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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
Aug. 3 Florence – Keyes Peak Summerfest & Pig Roast Aug. 4 Aurora – Aurora Mud Runs Aug. 6 Aurora – National Night Out Aug. 23-25 Florence – Florence County Fair Aug. 25 Florence – Classic Car, Motorcycle & Tractor Show
Florence County Fair features mud bog, garden tractor & horse pulls FLORENCE – With lots of activities, including a mud bog competition, the Florence County Fair – Aug. 23–25 – will entertain the entire family this summer. The 116th fair has all the fun activities: inflatables, music, ATV/UTV games, horse pull, garden tractor pull, exhibits, Fairest of the Fair crowning ceremony, hands-on children’s games and a new feature: “Secret Life of My Pets.” Highlights on Friday, Aug. 23, include the garden tractor pull at 6 p.m.
and music by The Cadillacs on the main stage beginning at 8 p.m. They will begin flinging mud at noon Saturday, Aug. 24, at the mud bog. You may want to check out the kids’ cricket-spitting contest at 5:30 p.m. Next Myle plays on the main stage beginning at 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25, brings the classic car and motorcycle show. The ATV/UTV show featuring games starts at noon. The draft horse pull is at 4 p.m. in the arena.
Florence County offers miles of ATV/UTV trails Riders will encounter trails leading to waterfalls, several scenic overlooks and parks. Florence County also has a 17-acre ATV park, which is located on the south side of Fisher Lake in the Town of Florence.
COUNTYWIDE – Florence County is home to over 150 miles of ATV/UTV trails and routes with hundreds more that connect with neighboring counties and the state of Michigan.
Paddle undeveloped rivers to reconnect with nature. Take the kids geocaching in the Nicolet National Forest to see their excitement at finding the hidden treasure.
The northern part of the Nicolet State Trail runs through the western portion of the county. This particular trail also runs through Forest and Oconto counties. The Florence County ATV trail system winds through the open Spread Eagle Barrens State Natural Area and county, industrial and national forests.
Hunters have an abundance of game to pursue, including white-tail deer, black bear, small game such as squirrels, upland birds and waterfowl.
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But the recreation opportunities don’t stop with ATV/UTV trails. More than half of the county landmass is public land, giving you access to outdoor adventure galore. There are hiking and bike trails, as well as snowmobile, cross-country ski and snowshoe trails (yes, winter’s coming!).
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Florence County is a natural wonderland Florence County’s amazing wild scenery is best viewed up close, and autumn is a perfect time to do just that. Located in Wisconsin’s Northwoods, Florence County boosts seven waterfalls, all located along the magnificent Pine and Popple rivers – both designated Wisconsin’s Wild Rivers.
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Spend a day exploring the sights on two designated road tours and take in a few of the waterfalls. For a relaxed and leisurely pace, the clockwise trek round the county to all seven falls should be split into a two-day excursion. Trails to the falls are hilly and rustic and require you to be in good physical shape. The list encompasses Meyers and Bull Falls, Jennings Falls, LaSalle Falls, Big and Little Bull Falls and Washburn Falls. You can also take a relaxing drive on the county’s two designated rustic roads, which combine to form a circular and picturesque drive (Rustic Road 74) among beautiful hardwood forests. Autumn colors fairly explode on the forest canopy and at their peak are amazing.
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The roads cross the Popple River several times and pass near Morgan Lake Campground, a National Forest semi-wild campground. You can also see the former Civilian Conservation Corps’ Camp Newald, which operated from 1933 to 1942, from nearby Highway 139. It takes about an hour or so to drive the approximately 36 miles of Rustic Road 74. Rustic Road 74 is located between WIS 139 and Cty. C, near the Town of Fence. From Hwy. 101, take Cty. C west through Fence about two miles to Morgan Lake Road (Forest Rd 2159). Travel northwest on #2159 for five miles, and then turn right on Forest Rd. 2161. Drive approximately seven miles until reaching Twin Rivers Road (Forest Rd. 2398). Turn southeast on Forest Rd. 2398, and travel 5.7 miles until reaching Newald Road. Turn east on Newald Rd. for 1.5 miles and then northeast on Newald Tower Rd. for 2.9 miles. Here travel southeast on Rock Creek Rd. for 6.4 miles until once again reaching the junction with Cty. C.
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Pack a lunch and tour Rustic Road 74 FLORENCE – Traveling one of Wisconsin’s “Rustic Roads” is a treat any time of the year, but we at Action tend to highlight these roads during autumn, when the roadsides sparkle with color. The pace of life slows down – literally – on these roads so that drivers and their passengers can enjoy the drive. Rustic Road is an official Wisconsin highway designation. The one in Florence County is designated as R-74, located between WIS 139 and WIS 101 in the town of Fence. Like many Rustic Roads, its surface is gravel. It goes a shade over 32 miles. Located within the scenic Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, R-74 is a peaceful, scenic route among beautiful hardwood forests. R-74 passes the former Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp Newald, which operated from 1933 to 1942. This route crosses the Popple River, a state designated Wisconsin “Wild River” – meaning undeveloped. Several fishing and paddling access points to the Popple River are signed. It is also near Morgan Lake Campground, a National Forest semi-wild campground.
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NORTHEAST Region
Sighting a secretive bear, fisher, eagle or many other wildlife species is very possible. Watch the “Rustic Road” signs for directions.
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Forest county Calendar Of Events
Visit Camp 5 for Lumberjack Steam Train & Fall Festival
Aug. 3 Wabeno – Art & Music Festival Aug. 3 Laona – Souper Run Aug. 10 Argonne – Argonne Days Aug. 17-18 Crandon – Footstock Natl. Barefoot Water Ski Championships Aug. 17 Wabeno – Trump Lake Walleye Fundraiser Aug. 17-18 Crandon – Footstock Barefoot Water Ski Tournament Aug. 30-Sept. 1 Crandon – World Championship Off-Road Races Sept. 1 Crandon – World Cup Sunday Sept. 6-8 Crandon – Forest Co. Fair Sept. 20-22 Crandon – Northwoods Rendezvous & Wild Rice Festival Sept. 21 Crandon – Art in the Square Sept. 21 Laona – Fall Festival Sept. 21 Crandon – Kendal Bug Shuffle 3K Sept. 28-29 Wabeno – Dual Sport OffRoad Event
Photo by Dean S. Acheson
LAONA – The Lumberjack Steam Train summer season at Camp 5 Museum Complex in Laona ends Aug. 17, but the train will leave the station one more day, on Aug. 24. Can’t make it? That’s all right because you have other ride opportunities during Fall Festival, which runs on Sept. 21 and 28, and again on Oct. 5.
NORTHEAST Region
The Lumberjack Steam Train leaves the vintage depot on U.S. Hwy 8 & 32 beginning at 10 a.m. and every hour on the hour, with the last run at 1 p.m. To learn more about Camp 5, visit lumberjacksteamtrain.com. Oct. 5 is also the date the Cowboys return to rob the Lumberjack Steam Train, dressed in vintage clothing, sporting traditional firearms and riding their beautiful horses. You can enjoy the sights and sounds of the Old West as well as the chug of the Lumberjack Steam Train. Fall Festival is a special time to ride the Lumberjack Steam Train, with the colored leaves making spectacular views on the two later runs, plus the corn maze, the haunted slaughterhouse (Halloween is just around the corner) and all of the other attractions that make a visit on the train to the Camp 5 complex a special event. This includes the Green Treasure Forest Tour, the exceptional logging museum, the petting zoo, the Crackerbarrel Gift Shop and the Choo Choo Hut Restaurant. A camera is a must, and if you like to fly a drone, the view of the corn maze from above makes for a great picture. For those of you who love to hunt, Heritage Hunt Club stocks pheasants in the many fields that surround Camp 5, and a great sporting clays course is also available.
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Forest County communities welcome fall with events CRANDON – The annual Art in the Courthouse Square will be Saturday, Sept. 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in downtown Crandon. The event features talented crafters displaying and selling a wide variety of handmade arts and crafts. There will be specialty food booths, live performances, flea market, horse and wagon rides, pumpkin wagon – all held on the spacious Courthouse Square grounds. LAONA – Laona’s annual Fall Festival will also be Saturday, Sept. 21. Held at Community Park with the Soup Kettle, there will be vendors with all types of arts and crafts and other wares, music, apple cider, bake goods and other food. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Check out the endurance skiers at Footstock 2019 CRANDON – Its roots go back to the early 1970s, but the goal of all barefoot water skiers entered in “Footstock” is to hang tight until their opponent drops either out of sheer exhaustion or a misstep on the waters of Peshtigo Lake. The National Championship of Figure Eight Endurance Barefooting – dubbed by Water Ski Magazine as the “craziest tournament in America” – returns to Crandon on Saturday, Aug. 17, and Sunday, Aug. 18. Competition begins at 9:15 a.m. Saturday, with the finals at 3 p.m. on Sunday. “Footstock” is the largest figure eight endurance barefoot championship in the world. Held on Peshtigo Lake, just outside of Crandon along Highway 32 & 55, it pits the world’s best professionals against amateur barefooters from across the United States on a grueling mile-and-a-half course. Competitors go head to head as they battle wind, waves and each other to see who can barefoot the furthest before surrendering to exhausted calf and arm muscles and, for some, a face plant at 40 mph. The last skier standing wins in this double elimination free-for-all. Winner or loser, there are blistered feet to treat in many cases.
NORTHEAST Region
The event drew 155 competitors last year. There are divisions for juniors, seniors, masters (55 plus), open and women’s. There is also a costume contest.
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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
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Marinette county Calendar Of Events
Aug. 10 Silver Cliff – Silver Cliff Fire & Rescue Auxiliary Picnic Aug. 10 Peshtigo – Auto and Cycle Show Aug. 10 Crivitz – Art in the Park Aug. 10 Crivitz – Settlers’ Day Picnic Aug. 22-24 Marinette – AIM Walleye Tournament Sept. 14 Crivitz – Oktoberfest in Crivitz Sept. 28 Crivitz – Fall Harvest Fest
Crivitz is brewing up another great Oktoberfest
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CRIVITZ – Celebrate fall with traditional German brews, food and festivities during Oktoberfest in Crivitz on Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Crivitz Community Veteran’s Park, 510 Louisa Street. Admission is free. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. and end at 11 p.m. with all things German – including, of course, cold pints of German beer and food. There will be bratwurst, kielbasa and wieners along with homemade German potato salad, sauerkraut and pretzels. Enjoy the imported beer and wine along with your favorite domestic brands. The official tapping of the keg is at 11 a.m.
Whether you are in the listening or dancing mood, enjoy the live music by the area’s favorite bands. There will be bouncy houses, face painting and pumpkin decorating for kids and much more. There will be games for the older brunch, too. Last year’s events included the Fraulein’s Beer Stein Race, Starken Mann Stein hoisting contest, yodeling contest and sauerkraut eating contest. All proceeds benefit the Crivitz Fire Department. Take a peek at Facebook for all the updates as they become available.
Harvest Festival CRIVITZ – More than 60 vendors will be at the annual Harvest Festival and craft show on Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Crivitz High School. Admission is free, but visitors are asked to bring canned goods for donation to the local food pantry. In addition to the craft show, there will be a bake sale, food, concessions and outdoor decorations. Be sure to check out the fall specials at local businesses.
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Peshtigo to host popular Auto and Cycle Show PESHTIGO – Come see a living museum of automobiles and motorcycles when the Marinette and Menominee Auto Club presents its 48th annual Auto and Cycle Show on Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Menominee Marina Park. 701 1st St. (band shell area), Peshtigo. Spectator admission is free. Vehicle registration is $5 from 8 to 10:30 a.m. The show is open from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nearly 80 trophies will be presented in 21 auto classes and four motorcycle classes. Best of Show in both motorcycle and auto will also be awarded. For more information, call 715-582-0347. Spectators can also vote for their favorite motorcycle and/or automobile for a $1 donation, which goes toward the club’s scholarship fund. The public can also bid on items in the silent auction.
NORTHEAST Region
Music will by Russes Golden Oldies. There will be a small auto swap space set up on the south side of the grounds.
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Marinette County 21
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
Aug. 2 Lakewood – Paul Bunyan Riders Brat Fry Aug. 3 Lakewood – Lakes Country Arts & Craft Show Aug. 15-18 Gillett – Oconto County Fair Aug. 17 Oconto – Fall into Fun Family Day Aug. 24 Mountain – Mountain Motor Madness Aug. 30 Suring – Labor Day Celebration Aug. 31 Suring – Conquer Suring Hill 5K/10K Run/ Walk Aug. 31 Townsend – Red Arrow Club’s Corn Roast Aug. 31 Mountain – Riverview Fire Dept. Corn Roast Sept. 1 Lakewood – Firefighter’s Picnic Sept. 7 Lena – Lions Dairy Fest Sept. 14 Lakewood – Festi-Fall Sept. 24-26 Oconto – Cemetery Walk Sept. 28 Oconto – Harvest Fest
Harvest Fest at Oconto OCONTO – Sponsored by the Oconto Area Chamber of Com- Admission is free to the fall-themed fun events. There will be merce, the annual Harvest Fest will be Saturday, Sept. 28, from craft and produce vendors; kids’ activities, including face paint10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in downtown Oconto. Main Street will be ing; food and music. A 5K run/walk is also planned. closed to vehicular traffic from Huron Avenue to Millidge Street to ensure safety and easy access.
NORTHEAST Region
Oconto is surrounded by nature, recreational opportunities OCONTO – The City of Oconto is a great place to live, as well as a popular travel destination. The community, located on both the Oconto River and the waters of Green Bay, is surrounded by natural beauty and many excellent outdoor recreation opportunities. The Oconto River and Green Bay, both known for great fishing, are accessible from Breakwater Park and Holtwood Park and Campground. Holtwood Park is located along the bank of the Oconto River and offers a variety of recreational activities. The Oconto Harbor (Main Street/County Y east to Harbor Road) is a popular water sports area, located at the mouth of the Oconto River as it enters Green Bay. Breakwater Park provides paved boat launches, a picnic shelter, transient docking and marine pump out stations. A 3,000-foot stone break wall that extends into Green Bay shelters the harbor.
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Oconto has long been known as the “Perch Capital of the World,” and the Oconto River has produced trophy bass, walleye and brown trout. For more information, call 920-834-7711, Another area popular with locals is the Oconto Marsh & Rush Point Refuge located just north of Oconto on the west shore of Green Bay. Covering more than 800 acres, the marsh is an area rich in birdlife, which includes wood ducks, ring-necked ducks, snowy owl, scoters and many more. It also encompasses a state waterfowl sanctuary and a breeding ground for the “yellowheaded blackbird.” Take a walk along the 2.8-mile mowed path, and see what you discover. Keep your eyes open and the camera close by. Whether at the Oconto Marsh Refuge, Breakwater Park & Harbor or any other site in Oconto, be sure to look to the skies, as you never know when you might see one of the nation’s prettiest birds.
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Oconto County 23
Copper Culture State Park Visit the nation’s oldest “Copper Cemetery”
OCONTO – The Copper Culture State Park features a Native American burial ground from the Copper Culture People, artifacts from which were dated to about 6,000 years ago. The site is in the city of Oconto with the burial area about 150 yards north of the Oconto River. The 48-acre park was established after discovery of the artifacts in 1952. The burial ground of North America’s earliest metal users, the Oconto site is the oldest dated cemetery in eastern North America (and oldest Copper cemetery in the nation). The site is on the National Register of Historic Places. A tour guide will walk you through the displays to help demonstrate the significance of this site, giving an early look at Archaic Indian lifestyle, an early trade network and first copper toolmakers in the country. A foot trail leads from the parking area to a stone monument at the location of the burial ground. The Oconto County Historical Society operates the Oconto Archaic Copper Museum, which is on the grounds. It is housed in a Belgian farmhouse built in 1924 by Charles Werrebroeck, the only example of this style of old-world architecture in the Oconto area. The museum is open 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Memorial Day to Labor Day. Admission is free, although donations are appreciated. While at the park, visit the 15-acre shortgrass prairie, have a picnic lunch, hike along the woodland paths or fish the nearby
Oconto River. Use of the park grounds is free – no state vehicle admission sticker required. However, there are no campgrounds. Lodging is available in the greater Oconto area. For additional information, visit ocontoctyhistsoc.org. From U.S. Highway 41 South, exit State Highway 22. At the roundabout, turn right on Copper Culture Way. At the stop sign, turn left to enter the state park.
NORTHEAST Region
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Calendar Of Events
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 Aug. 6 Marion – National Family Night Out Aug. 9 Shawano – Maxwell Street Days Aug. 9-10 Aniwa – Central WI Military Show Aug. 9-11 Bowler – Mohican Pow Wow Aug. 9-11 Shawano – Folk Music Festival Aug. 17 Shawano – Amish Quilt & Consignment Sale
Aug. 17 Cecil – Town of Washington Firemen’s Festival Aug. 18 Shawano – WISCO BASS Singles Tournament Aug. 24 Tigerton – Lumberjack Days Aug. 24-25 Tigerton – Tigerton Lumberjack Days Aug. 28-Sept. 2 – Shawano – Shawano Co. Fair Aug. 31 Clintonville – Cloverleaf Lakes Triathlon Sept. 8 Shawano – Custom & Classic Car Show Sept. 21 Bonduel – Founder’s Day Sept. 21-22 Wittenberg – Walls of Witte4nberg Fall Art Show Sept. 28 Shawano – Bike the Barn Quilts & 5K Walk/Run Sept. 28 Tigerton – “Taste of Tigerton” Apple Fest
Bike the Shawano County barn quilts NORTHEAST Region
SHAWANO – Enjoy dozens of the Shawano Country barn quilts by joining Shawano Pathways for the annual Bike the Barn Quilt Ride and Walk/Run the Mini-Quilts on Saturday, Sept. 28. The event was listed as one of the top 10 bike events in Wisconsin per Travel Wisconsin in 2016. Seven scenic routes varying in distance from 5 to 70 miles will showcase beautiful 8’x8’ quilt squares with fall colors as a background. Register for all events at Memorial Athletic Park in Shawano. The 5K walk/run is on mapped routes within the city limits. Traffic control will be provided for the downtown areas and major intersections. For more information, or to register, call 715-524-2139 or visit shawanopathways.org. Proceeds support Shawano Pathways, whose mission is to promote tourism, economic growth, healthier living, family fun and greater opportunities for exercise.
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Iron county Calendar Of Events
Aug. 1-4 Saxon – Iron Co Fair Aug. 1-11 Hurley – Iron Co. Heritage Festival Aug. 6 Mercer – Street Dance Aug. 7 Mercer – Loon Day Art & Craft Fair Aug. 10 Hurley – Paavo Nurmi Marathon Aug. 11 Hurley – Paavo Pursuit Bike Race Aug. 17 Mercer – Turtle Flambeau Flowage Pig & Corn Roast: Midway Bar Aug. 24 Mercer – Ambulance Steak Feed: Community Center Aug. 31 Hurley – Festivale Italiano Sept. 21 Mercer – Friends of the Mercer Library Fall Celebration
Claire d’Loon is calling you to Loon Day arts and crafts show MERCER – One of Northwoods’ premier arts and crafts show is no laughing matter – unless you’re a loon using its tremolo call on a Northwoods lake. Which is our way of segueing into the very popular Loon Day celebration Wednesday, Aug. 7, in downtown Mercer. The 39th annual midweek event features more than 250 arts and crafts exhibits and vendors, a flea market, sidewalk and bake sales, live music, kids’ games, face painting, raffles, food, refreshments and the world-famous loon-calling contest, all packed into the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. that Wednesday. Leading up to Loon Day is the Tuesday night street dance with live music from 7 to 11 p.m.
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Loons vocalize in amazing ways. They have four distinct calls that they use to communicate with their families and other loons; these are the tremolo, wail, yodel and hoot. The tremolo is also known as the “crazy laugh.” Loons use the tremolo to signal alarm and, sometimes at night, to vocally advertise and defend their territory. Mercer holds title to “Loon Capital of the World,” and the community pays homage to this fascinating bird with a 2,000-pound, 16-foot-tall loon statue adjacent to the chamber of commerce office. “Claire d’Loon” has her voice back, and you can hear her different wailing calls.
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NORTHWOODS Region
During Loon Day, be sure to catch the Lakeland Cloggers performing. The talented Lakeland Barbershop Chorus will blend
their voices at 11 a.m. A different sort of music takes to the stage at 1:30 p.m., when children and adults attempt to imitate the haunting calls of the common loon. The loon-calling contest takes place in front of the Heart of the North Bar & Grill.
26 Iron County
Paavo Nurmi Marathon & (now) Pursuit
HURLEY – As one might guess from the headline, there’s something new on the schedule for the 2019 Paavo Nurmi Marathon set for the weekend of Aug. 10–11. In fact, there are a couple of new features to this highly rated event! Since 1969, the Paavo Nurmi Marathon has challenged runners from all over. The 26.2 miles of hills, humidity and heat made the course one-of-a-kind. After celebrating the historic marking of 50 years, the race committee has decided on a new course route and the addition of a bike event to the Paavo weekend. The new course starts and ends on Silver Street in downtown Hurley for a unique out-and-back course with a twist. The course
will offer a safe, northern rustic experience through the historic communities along the way.
NORTHWOODS Region
The full marathon and relays will begin on Silver Street while the half marathon begins at mile marker 13.1 (located on Hwy. Cty. E); all these events start at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday. The Paavo Pursuit bike race on Sunday, Aug. 11, will offer 24-, 50- and 100-mile bike route options throughout northern Iron County. The race weekend begins with the carbo-loaded spaghetti feed in Hurley on Friday afternoon and continues that night with a gala torch-lighting ceremony on Hurley’s Silver Street. After the marathon, a festive “Post Paavo Party” and awards ceremony is held in Hurley, with music, food and refreshments available for everyone. For more information on the Paavo Nurmi Marathon, contact the Hurley Area Chamber of Commerce at 715-561-4334. For complete details (registration deadlines are looming) on the two races, go to paavonurmimarathon.net or call 715-208-0902.
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Langlade county Calendar Of Events
Don’t leave the North without going for a “Lakes and Leaves” bike ride
Aug. 3 Gleason – Deerbrook Rumble Motorcycle Ride Aug. 10 Antigo – Tater Trot Aug. 18 Antigo – Badgerland Classics & Customs Car Show Aug. 30-Sept. 1 Elcho – Post Lakes Bullhead Tournament Sept. 1 Pearson – Labor Day Picnic Sept. 6-8 Antigo – Stumble Stump Rendezvous Sept. 7 White Lake – Wolfman Triathlon Sept. 7 Antigo – Ice Age Trail Hike Sept. 14 Summit Lake – Lakes and Leaves Bike Ride Sept. 14 Antigo – Jack Lake Trail Run
ANTIGO – Families, couples and solo riders are invited to participate in the 20th annual Lakes & Leaves bike ride on Saturday, Sept. 14. It features four different routes through the spectacular scenery of northern Langlade County, according to the sponsor, the Antigo/Langlade Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center. With different route lengths (6, 18, 38, and 62 miles), they have something for everyone. The ride will be on paved public roads with rolling hills and beautiful scenic views. The routes will be well marked, along with rest stops stocked with water, sports drinks, fruit and snacks.
NORTHWOODS Region
Pre-registered and non-registered riders must check in between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Saturday at Summit Lake Park, located 17 miles north of Antigo off Hwy. 45 N in Summit Lake. Departure times: 62-mile ride – 8 a.m.; 38-mile ride – 9:30 a.m.; 18-mile ride – 10:30 a.m. and 6-mile ride – 11:30 a.m. All riders are welcomed with morning refreshments at registration. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m., following the ride. Riders of all ages may participate. An adult must accompany children under 18 years of age. Riders must obey all traffic laws. Bike helmets are required for all riders. The event is held rain or shine, with no registration refunds. Visit antigochamber.com for a printable registration form, or contact the chamber office at (715) 623-4134 for more information.
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Lincoln county Calendar Of Events
Aug. 2 Tomahawk – Sidewalk & Craft Show Aug. 3 Merrill – Normal Park Craft Festival Aug. 2-4 Merrill – Co-ed Softball Tournament Aug. 10 Merrill – Chalk It Up Aug. 10 Tomahawk – Thrilla on the Grilla Aug. 14-18 Merrill – Lincoln Co. Fair Aug. 18 Gleason – Antique Tractor Show & Tractor Pull Sept. 2 Merrill – Lions Car Show Sept. 2 Merrill – Labor Day Parade and Celebration Sept. 6-7 Tomahawk – Outdoor Recreation Expo Sept. 7 Merrill – Merrill Airport Days Sept. 7 Merrill – Run for the Taps Sept. 7 Gleason – Tractor/Truck Pull Sept. 12-15 Tomahawk – Tomahawk Fall Ride for MDA Sept. 14 Merrill – Pork in the Park Sept. 21 Pine River – Fire Dept. Pig Roast Sept. 21 Merrill – Colorama Sept. 21 Merrill – Colorama Bike Tour Sept. 28 Merrill – Chili Blast
The bicycle wheels go round and round in Lincoln County COUNTYWIDE – Whether on a mission to put as many miles of blacktop behind you as possible, or on a leisurely bike ride, or up for a challenging mountain bike route, Lincoln County can supply the trails and the scenery.
NORTHWOODS Region
According to TREK (a bicycling guide for Lincoln, Oneida and Vilas counties), “Lincoln County has a “Scenic Bike & Auto Tour” route that includes stretches that are perfect for road bikes, with particularly scenic rides to be found along the Wisconsin River. “In eastern Lincoln County, you’ll find a landscape of rolling hills and free-flowing streams. Western Lincoln County is characterized by large expanses of woodlands and is sparsely populated, making it a great place to explore if you want to get away from it all.” You gear grinders seeking escape from city noise and traffic can say hello to millions of trees and very few people when you embark on a mountain bike journey traversing the 101,000 acres of county forest lands. The matrix of logging roads will have you far from civilization before too many gear shifts. (Far from civilization, yes, but remember that county logging roads are multi-use, including ATV and other motor vehicles use.) Camping is allowed in the county forest. Your ticket to scenic fun can be punched with the Harrison Hills, especially beautiful in the fall when the forests and woodlands are ablaze with color. Located about 10 miles southeast of Tomahawk or 8 1/2 miles northeast of Merrill. Other recommendations for touring and mountain biking include the Bearskin State Trail, The Hiawatha Trail, Council Grounds State Park, and Underdown Recreation Area (mountain bike only). Go to northwoodsbiking.com for maps and other information.
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Oneida county Calendar Of Events
Behold the Beef! Minocqua’s Beef -a -Rama draws thousands to tasty festival MINOCQUA – The Island of Minocqua will again proclaim itself the beef capital of Wisconsin when it holds its 55th annual Beef-a-Rama on Saturday, Sept. 28. The festival occurs during Colorama, when the countryside is ablaze with fall colors, while the downtown streets feature blazing-hot grills cooking large beef roasts. The sponsor, the Minocqua Area Chamber of Commerce, estimates that more than 12,000 people will pack the Island during the day. Before the herds of hungry visitors arrive, the roasters will be setting up grills and stands very early Saturday morning. Secret sauces and blends, along with traditional spices, will be applied with dreams of a trophy for “Best Taste” dancing above the hot coals. Sales of the famous roast beef sandwiches begin at 10 a.m. at Torpy Park. Volunteers slice up and serve more than 5,000 pounds of beef each year!
The Prime Choice craft show features more than 70 vendors selling handcrafted wares, including jewelry, pottery, photographs and wooden crafts. Don’t miss the beef-eating contest at 11:30 a.m., live music at two stages, the petting zoo and the cow plop contest (pick a square and hope the cow does its job!). You can admire the new Torpy Park shelter built by the local Lions, which will have their beer garden set up there. The “Stampede of Roasters” – roasters parading their roasts down Main Street – commences at 3 p.m. Awarding of trophies will follow, including Best Taste and Best Dressed.
The Friday before
Jumpstart the weekend with a stop at the chamber office (south of the Hwy. 51 bridge) for official Beef-a-Rama apparel (10 a.m. to noon), and then later that night, head to Torpy Park for live music (6:30–9:30 p.m.) sponsored by the Minocqua Island Business Association.
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Skip the hassle
Parking on the Island is limited, and you’re encouraged to catch a shuttle bus. Buses will run continuously between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., with stops at Trig’s RV parking lot, Lakeland Union High School, Hribar/Truck Country and Builders First Source. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit minocqua.org.
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NORTHWOODS Region
Calf muscles will get a workout when hundreds gather for the Rump Roast Run/Walk, starting at 9 a.m. Saturday from Torpy Park. Options are 10K and 5K with a “Calf Mile” for the junior set.
Aug. 1-4 Rhinelander – Oneida Co. Fair Aug. 2-3 Minocqua – Ladies of the Lakes Quilt Show: High school. Aug. 3 Minocqua – Fire Fighters 5K Aug. 3 Three Lakes – Car Show Aug. 7 Rhinelander – Redikulus Dae Aug. 8 Minocqua – Craft Show Aug. 10 Three Lakes – Kids Free Fishing Day Aug. 10 Woodruff – See Me Tri Triathlon Aug. 10 Three Lakes – Art on Main Aug. 10-16 Three Lakes – Bicycle Tour Aug. 11 Three Lakes – Running Bear Triathlon Aug. 13 Minocqua – Krazy Day Sidewalk Sale Aug. 17 Minocqua – Dragon Boat Festival Aug. 17 Newbold – Firemen’s Picnic Aug. 24 Rhinelander – W.I.L.D. Hodag Mini Triathlon Aug. 28-29 Rhinelander – Project North Rhinelander Aug. 31 Minocqua – MKLPA Pig Roast Sept. 1 Minocqua – No Frills Marathon Sept. 7 Rhinelander – Block Party & Chalkfest Sept. 14 Lake Tomahawk –Fall Harvest Fest Sept. 14 Three Lakes – Oktoberfest Sept. 20 Three Lakes: Music Crawl Sept. 20-22 Rhinelander – Hodag Musky Challenge Sept. 26-29 Rhinelander – Project North Festival Sept. 27 Minocqua Live Music: Torpy Park Sept. 28 Minocqua – Beef-a-Rama
30 Oneida County
Photo by Dean S. Acheson
Dragon Boat Festival will unleash the fun MINOCQUA – They’re going at it again. The Dragon Boat paddlers have waited all year to show off their mettle and friendly competitive spirit at the fourth annual Dragon Boat Festival, which, this year, will be Saturday, Aug. 17, on Lake Minocqua. The event is a fundraiser for the Howard Young Foundation. In the first three years alone, the festival raised $620,000, which helped fund local healthcare initiatives for local communities. The organizers provide the boats, steerperson, paddles, PFDs and some training. Spectator admission is free. Spectators can catch all the action from the beach at Torpy Park.
Then at 9 a.m., the first three teams will be summoned to board their 45-foot “dragon boats,” paddles in the air, and then furious paddling of the 300-meter course. About 3 p.m. will be the finals, pitting the top six teams in the 2K race. Awards will be presented at 3:30 p.m. for race winners and spirit awards, including best-dressed drummer, best-decorated tent and highest-pledge earner. Not racing? There’s beer and a food court, live music, fun merchandise and souvenirs. “Dragonlings” can enjoy all the free activities in the children’s tent. There is still time to form a team (16 to 20 paddlers plus a drummer). Go to minocquadragonboat.com for more details.
NORTHWOODS Region
Festival headquarters will be at Torpy Park, where the 17 teams (as of mid-July) will filter in and out as their allotted times are called. First, though, is the 8:30 a.m. “Awakening of the Dragon Ceremony” that is conducted to “cleanse the area of competition, to bless the competitors and their boats, and to charge the boats
and their crews with the Spirit of the Dragon and the Goddess of the Sea.”
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32 Oneida County
Harvest Festival & Car Show LAKE TOMAHAWK – The 29th annual Harvest Festival & Auto Show at Lake Tomahawk’s Snowshoe Park will be Saturday, Sept. 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Lions Club sponsors the event and will also showcase their sixth annual car show, which opens at 8 a.m. The entry fee for cars is $10.
Legion Post 318 and the Lions will be serving food at the concession stand. Apples from Hauser’s in Bayfield will again be sold, along with the famous Snowshoe Park pies by the slice or whole pie, along with fresh, crisp caramel and turtle apple slices.
NORTHWOODS Region
Explore the many arts and crafts booths, along with vegetables and other produce at the farmers market. And be sure to take a chance on winning a nice prize with a raffle ticket purchase.
The “Pumpkin Patch” crew will help youngsters decorate wooden pumpkins to take home. Prizes will be awarded in various age groups. The Lake Tomahawk Bible Church will have children’s activities as well.
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34 Oneida County Looking for something to do? Car show in Three Lakes
THREE LAKES – The 14th annual Car, Boat and Motorcycle Show on Saturday, Aug. 3, at the Northwoods Petroleum Museum, Three Lakes, is a celebration of the beautiful vehicles from in and around Three Lakes. The show also features farm tractors. Past shows have displayed over 175 vehicles. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The museum is located at 2141 Wykowski Road, just off Hwy. 45 and just north of Three Lakes.
Redikulus Dae in Rhinelander
RHINELANDER – Rhinelander’s summer tradition, Redikulus Dae, has been celebrated for decades. This year’s event, sponsored by Downtown Rhinelander, Inc., will be Wednesday, Aug. 7, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Downtown streets will be closed to motorists and packed with a combination of vendors and shoppers. They will over 45 crafters, artists, direct sales and “Boy Toys.” This annual street sale offers up fantastic bargains from merchants and unique items from vendors, as well as fabulous food and fun.
After Loon Delight Craft Show in Minocqua
NORTHWOODS Region
MINOCQUA – The Minocqua Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to continue the celebration after Mercer’s Loon Day in Minocqua on Thursday, Aug. 8 with the After Loon Delight Craft Show. The show fills the upper and beach levels of Torpy Park on Lake Minocqua from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Oneida County 35 More than 100 exhibitors set up rain or shine and sell a wide variety of unique handcrafted items. The artisans and craftsmen featured at the show are selected for their handmade craftsmanship and artistic talents. You will see original artwork, pottery, jewelry, tapestries, clothing, photography, wood creations, leather goods and more. Live music and food concessions add to the delightful atmosphere.
Krazy Day in Minocqua
MINOCQUA – The annual Minocqua Island Krazy Day on Tuesday, Aug. 13, is guaranteed to be full of bargains and for all ages. Oneida Street (main street) will be open to traffic, but the parking spots will be filled by local organizations and businesses with special street sales. Participating local businesses will be showcasing their products and offering great end-of-season discounts. The Minocqua Island Business Association invites you to enjoy browsing both on the streets and in the stores during the event hours, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Classic Car Show in Hazelhurst
HAZELHURST – The Hazelhurst Lions annual Classic Car Show will be Sunday, Aug. 18, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Hazelhurst Fire Department baseball field, Hwy. 51, downtown Hazelhurst. The craft and flea market starts Saturday, Aug. 17, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and continues Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday’s lineup will also include a farmer’s market and silent auction. Food and beverages will be available. Vehicle entry fee is $10 with awards presentation for the various classes, including Best of Show, at 2 p.m. For registration information, contact Cindy Carney at carney6390@gmail.com.
NORTHWOODS Region
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2019 Fall Ride Guide
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
MDA Welcome Schedule ...................................................................................4-6 Tomahawk Chamber Welcome/Bonfire .............................................................. 7 Fall Ride Signature Event ...............................................................................10-11 Kelley Arms Castle ............................................................................................... 12 Harrison Hills ....................................................................................................... 12 Timm’s Hill ............................................................................................................ 13 Harley Davidson Open House .......................................................................14-15 Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Trail ......................................................... 17 Hwy. 107 Scenic Drive ......................................................................................... 18 Pork In The Park Ribfest ...................................................................................... 19 Mercer & Hurley Rides ........................................................................................ 21 Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area ................................................................ 22
Welcome
Let’s get ready to rumble...
T
he 2019 Tomahawk Fall Ride for MDA is shaping up to be another huge event for the community and for others miles away from Tomahawk. The ride brings in tens of thousands of bikers over the course of several days to experience the joy of riding in the great Northwoods. An untold number of spectators also converge on Tomahawk to share in the fun and excitement. From Tomahawk, numerous events across the landscape in all directions coincide with the Tomahawk Fall Ride. A core value of the event is helping others less fortunate. Since 1981, Tomahawk Fall Ride has raised over $2 million for MDA to support individuals and families throughout the Northwoods region area with life-enhancing resources and services that open new possibilities and maximize independence so they can experience the world without any limits. The annual celebration puts money into the pocketbooks of small businesses and non-profits as well. That money is circulated several times over in those communities. As a rider, as a spectator, your contributions and your purchases are greatly appreciated. From all of us in the Northwoods, welcome to the land they call Up North!
Published By: 5 Star Marketing & Distribution 409 Southpark Drive P.O. Box 10 Tomahawk, WI 54487 715-453-4511 E-mail: info@5StarUpNorth.com Owner/Publisher Al Hanley alh@5starupnorth.com Editor Dean Acheson DeanAcheson@yahoo.com Accounting Jackie Blodgett Marketing Associates Al Hanley Teresa Mead Jody Peterson Production Office Elizabeth Kelly Lori Morris Distribution Gary Harlander Jeff Safranek Brian Wiedeman Graphic Designers Brittany Hazelquist Danelle Pretasky Social Media/PynPoints Maggie Koenig © 2019 5 Star Marketing & Distribution, LLC. All material in this publication is copyrighted and may not be reprinted in any form without the written consent of 5 Star Marketing & Distribution.
2019 Fall Ride Guide
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Welcome
r MDa to Tomahawk fall ride fo TOMAHAWK – Tens of thousands of motorcycle riders have already made plans to attend the 38th annual Tomahawk Fall Ride with headquarters in Tomahawk, but with an impact far beyond this Lincoln County city of 3,346. Attendance in 2018 was estimated at 44,000! The event not only brings in entertainment and the newest motorcycles and accessories from Harley-Davidson Motor Company, but it also raises money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). In fact, the Tomahawk Fall Ride is the largest local fundraiser for MDA in North Central Wisconsin. There will be food and refreshments, bands, street dances, merchandise vendors and lots more to see and do during the Fall Ride. SARA Park in Tomahawk is one hub of activity, and it’s where all proceeds after expenses go to MDA.
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2019 Fall Ride Guide
Downtown festivities dubbed “Tomahawk Veterans Fall Ride” are managed by the Wurl-Feind-Ingman Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2687. Proceeds go to meet local veteran needs, Never Forgotten Honor Flight and Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation of Phillips (the latter a Purple Heart camp dedicated to veterans recovering from physical injuries and PTSD). A sea of bikes lines the downtown streets in Tomahawk throughout the event. It’s also where the famous “Thunder Parade” ends up after touring the countryside early Friday night. Of course, the impact is much wider than Tomahawk as bikers spread out on the open roads to many miles away in all directions. Numerous taverns and other venues are hosting their own bands and welcome parties.
Thursday, Sept. 12 The event officially gets underway on Thursday, Sept. 12, starting with the “Breakfast with a Vet” from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Wurl-Feind-Ingman VWS Post 2687, 203 S. 4th Street in Tomahawk. MDA is holding court over at SARA Park, where you can buy fun run tickets, MDA and Harley-Davidson merchandise and raffle tickets for the 2019 Harley-Davidson Vivid Black FLHTK Ultra Limited or a second-place prize of a one-week getaway. Other vendors will have leather, clothing, motorcycle products, pin stripping, jewelry, Sturgis souvenir and other products and services. Food and drink vendors are there also. A children’s area hosted by the Christian Motorcyclist Association has been set aside for the younger set. The Tomahawk Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes early riders at their traditional brat fry and bonfire at SARA Park from 6 to 9 p.m. It’s a time and place for early riders to meet old friends and to catch up the happenings. Brian McLaughlin will be playing tunes. Doug Kroening will be on stage at the east end of Wisconsin starting at 8 p.m. There is live music by Doug Kroening starting at 8 p.m. at Pik’s Pub, 8 W. Wisconsin Avenue.
2019 Fall Ride Guide
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Friday, Sept. 13
Saturday, Sept. 14
“Breakfast with a Vet” is serving again from 8 to 11 a.m. at the VWF Post. The Post is also where there’s a “MASH”-style blood drive from 8 a.m. to noon.
“Breakfast with a Vet” serves up another hearty meal from 8 to 11 a.m. at the VWF Post.
Harley-Davidson Tomahawk Operations welcomes visitors to tour the Somo plant anytime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The plant is located at 426 Somo Avenue. SARA Park will see a day of fun runs, MDA raffle ticket sales, along with Harley-Davidson merchandise and various vendors offering food, drink and merchandise. Take a ride on any one of the 2020 Harley-Davidson demo fleet motorcycles provided by Northwoods Harley-Davidson. Demo ride registration is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. SARA Park is also an official HOG pin stop. Scott Kirby will be playing from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Then The Lizards play from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Brian McLaughlin will be playing over at Rodeo Saloon & Grill starting at 1:30 p.m. Also, Gypsy Rose will have the mic beginning at 1:30 p.m. at Rodeo Saloon. The Thunder Parade of motorcycles stretching for miles will start at 5 p.m. from the Tomahawk School Complex. Riders are encouraged to arrive early for the lineup. The ride follows an 18mile route on Kings Road and County Roads D, H and A before turning onto North 4th Street and ending up on Wisconsin Avenue. After the Thunder Parade, Vada’s Rockhouse will be playing on the east end of Wisconsin Avenue. On the west end of Wisconsin Avenue, Cherry Pie will be playing after the Thunder Parade.
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2019 Fall Ride Guide
SARA Park will be buzz’n’ again with activities. The ticket sales will be going strong for the MDA raffle of a 2019 HarleyDavidson Vivid Black FLHTK Ultra Limited. Sales of HarleyDavidson and other merchandise along with food vendors will keep visitors busy shopping. Take a ride on any one of the 2020 Harley-Davidson demo fleet motorcycles provided by Northwoods Harley-Davidson. Virginia Steel will be playing tunes on the SARA Park stage from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Then Aaron and the Hoo Doo will take the stage from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. The winner of the Harley cycle will be announced at 5 p.m. at SARA Park. The stage on the west end of Wisconsin Avenue will have She Knows playing from noon to 3 p.m., followed by Older Budweiser from 3 to 7 p.m. and Hyde from 7 to 11 p.m. Big Bad Band plays at 2 p.m. Saturday at Pik’s, with Script playing at 1:30 p.m. at Rodeo. Playing on the east end of Wisconsin Avenue on Saturday night will be Ripple Effect from 6 to 10:30 p.m.
Chamber
WElcom
es biker s
The Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce will host its annual bonďŹ re and brat fry on Thursday night, Sept. 12, at SARA Park along the waterfront of Lake Mohawksin. The party serves as a welcome to the early arrivals of the many thousands of riders expected for the 2019 Fall Ride to Tomahawk event and to the general public. Music and food will all start at 6 p.m. and go until 9 p.m. Come enjoy a brat hot off the grill, cold beer or soda and a huge bonďŹ re and live music. The music is free; food and drink are available by purchase.
2019 Fall Ride Guide
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Extensive Business Directory featuring area attractions, lodging & dining options, places to shop local... PLUS SO MUCH MORE! 2019 Fall Ride Guide
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Fall Ride
r tomahawk is the signature event fo By Pat Haskin, Wurl-Feind-Ingman, VFW Post 2687 Wow! Has it really been 38 years of Tomahawk Fall Ride for MDA? Yes it has! The 38th annual Fall Ride takes place the second week of September 2019. Many festivities kick off early in the week and run through Sunday, Sept. 15. The Wurl-Feind-Ingman, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2687 enters its fourth year managing the downtown event now known as the Veterans Fall Ride. It runs Friday, Sept. 13, and Saturday, Sept. 14. Many vendors, which include local nonprofit food providers, will be set up on North 2nd and North 3rd streets. This is a “boots on the ground” event with the MASH tent set up on South 2nd Street, showcasing Neillsville’s High Ground, Merrill’s new Northwood Veterans Post, Wounded Warrior In Action Foundation (based in Phillips), Never Forgotten Honor Flight and a first aid station. Visiting veterans are invited to relax, put their feet up and talk to our local veterans who provide our “in-demand” Veterans Fall Ride pin. Muscular Dystrophy of North Central Wisconsin will be set up in SARA Park starting Thursday, Sept. 12, with fun runs, pins, music and food and merchandise vendors. There will be afternoon music throughout downtown and at SARA Park and downtown street bands starting by 7 p.m. Bubba’s Big Party in the town of Nokomis starts early in the week with a venue of music, camping and other entertainment. The city of Tomahawk offers camping sites at SARA Park. Holly’s offers lots to do with music, camping and vendors.
10 10 2019 2019Fall FallRide RideGuide Guide
This year’s Fall Ride going strong The budget for the downtown Veterans Fall Ride requires $28,000 to be solicited to kick off the year. A thank-you goes out to all supporters and sponsors. These folks recognize what this event provides to a small community. After the 2018 Fall Ride, the Tomahawk Area Chamber of Commerce conducted a survey of the area to secure accurate information on attendance and its financial impact on the Tomahawk area. This survey can be viewed online through the chamber’s website. The two main facts from this survey were the financial impact of $27.3 million that circulates throughout the area from the Fall Ride and the attendance numbers of 42,000 visitors. To support the MDA and the Tomahawk Veterans Fall Ride, contact Abby of MDA at 920-499-4571 or Pat at the VFW at 715453-0854. Leave a message and your call will be returned. Fall Ride history nears four decades Here’s a bit of history on this spectacular motorcycle event: This all began when eight workers at Harley-Davidson decided to “take a ride” in October 1982. Funds raised from donations they sought were given to a charity of the riders’ choice. Those original riders were Glenn Christiansen, Tim Albers, Red Ingman, Jeff Wendland, Stanley Barr and Alan Dean. The following year, Harley-Davidson, Inc., selected Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) as their charity of choice for the Fall Ride. Some 300 riders toured on 160 motorcycles a 90-mile
route on Oct. 8. Returning to Tomahawk’s plant, the riders were treated to brats, beer and door prizes. Approximately $350 was raised for MDA through a $2 registration fee. In 1986, the date of the event was moved to early September in hopes of better biking weather. Some 1,200 riders on 676 motorcycles raised $3,200 for MDA. The event’s headquarters moved permanently to SARA Park in 1989, bringing in 5,000 folks and raising $10,000 in donations. The following year saw the first Sportster raffle giveaway, which was won by a Merrill man. The Thunder Parade introduced a “rumble” ride in 1991 along a rural route and through the streets of Tomahawk. And a “rumble” it was, with 4,000 riders braving the pouring rain. The MDA raffle’s top prize was ramped up to a new big twin FLHS Electra Glide Sport. Over $20,000 was raised for MDA. In the 10th year of the Tomahawk Ride (1995), Harley-Davidson opened its new North plant. The Thunder Parade went through the City of Tomahawk with an estimated 4,000 riders, again in pouring rain. Attendance was estimated at 13,000. Some 30,000 raffle tickets were sold, resulting in a total donation of over $80,000 to MDA. In 1997, Harley-Davidson provided a green and gold bike autographed by Green Bay Packers coach Mike Holmgren, commemorating the Green Bay Packers’ Super Bowl championship. MDA donations topped $100,000, as the bike raffle alone raised $67,000. Crowd attendance was estimated at 30,000 with 15,000 motorcycles. The downtown street dances were added to the event right after the Thunder Parade. In 2001, to honor the nearly 3,000 who died on Sept. 11, 2001, in the terrorist attacks in New York City (Twin Towers), Washington, D.C. (Pentagon), and outside of Shanksville, Penn., (UA Flight 93), two raffle bikes were featured, with a grand prize of a HD Electra-Guide Ultra Classic and a second place being a Sportster. Some 4,000 bikers rode in the Thunder Parade on the new northbound lanes of Hwy. 51 as the first traffic. A candlelight vigil was held in honor of those who had died a few days earlier. Harley-Davidson celebrated 100 years in 2003. Additionally, 40 years of the Tomahawk Operations was celebrated with a “blind
ride” offered for the first time through the efforts of the Tomahawk Lions Club and Northern Lights Harley Owners Group. Fourteen visually impaired riders took part in the 18-mile Thunder Parade. MDA donations totaled $112,000. The year 2004 saw perfect motorcycling weather and an estimated 40,000 folks attended with 20,000 bikes. MDA raised $160,000, including $75,000 from the bike raffle. A record crowd of 45,000 attended city events in 2006 (the 25th anniversary of the Fall Ride) raising $141,000 for MDA. The Tomahawk Post Office presented a 25th anniversary stamp cancellation. The Tomahawk Downtown Business Council, Tomahawk Leader and Tomahawk Post Office in 2007 provided two commemorative post cards, a limited-edition Fall Ride stamp and a special one-day motorcycle pictorial cancellation dated Sept. 14, 2007. The year 2011 brought Tomahawk a new North Fourth Street and bridge adding a fresh look to Tomahawk when the 30th anniversary was celebrated. In 2016, a new face was introduced to the organization in the downtown when Wurl-Feind-Ingman VFW Post 2687 set up the MASH-themed events and declared it “The Year of the Veteran.” Contests were held on window decorations and a look-alike MASH characters with the new Tomahawk mayor dressing up as Klinger. The VFW introduced their Veteran Fall Ride pin. Funds raised by the downtown event went for local veteran needs after all expenses had been paid. During the funky year of 2010, attendance had dropped, but efforts by the VFW to increase the veteran attendance in 2016 proved a great success. Attendance went from approximately 25,000 to around 35,000. Attendance continued to increase both in 2017 and in 2018, with attendance estimated at 42,000. The VFW took on the downtown festivities of the Veterans Fall Ride as a community service project. The goal was to bring the ride back to its peak attendance and to assist the Tomahawk area businesses with financial stabilization. (Many businesses and nonprofits rely on this income source year to year.)
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Kelley Arms Castle open for tours
TOMAHAWK – A castle in the Northwoods? Yep, and during Friday and Saturday of the Fall Ride, you’re invited to stop by and see the amazing structure being built just north of Tomahawk. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Owner Pete Kelley has been working on the castle-type structure for more than 30 years. It’s officially a two-story home (with walkout basement), but constructed with granite and concrete blocks and designed to resemble a castle with moat, battlements and turrets. Pete says there will be belly dancers from Navah Mirage on Saturday and medieval fighters from Knights of the North most of the weekend. People are welcomed to tour the structure (for a small fee). Fall Ride is the only time that the castle grounds are open to the public without reservations. The castle is located at 2815 Rice Road, Tomahawk. Rice is off of County Road Y. To get to the castle, take Highway 8 West to Highway Y. Head 5 miles north on Highway Y to Rice Road. Go about a quarter mile west on Rice Road. The first driveway on the left leads to Kelley Arms. Signs along Highway Y will guide you to “Kelley Arms.”
Photo by Dean S. Acheson
The driveway is not a paved road. Bikers should use extreme caution if they decide to drive in. Parking available for bikes and cars. It is not handicapped accessible, as you have to walk across a narrow “footbridge” over water to reach the castle.
head over to
Harrison Hills IRMA – The Harrison Hills area – including Lookout Mountain – just south of Tomahawk and east of Irma, is a riot of color during autumn and an ideal destination to feel the wind against your face as your bike follows these lightly traveled rural roads. From Tomahawk, go south on either Hwy. 107 or Hwy. 51 to Irma. Turn left (east) and pick up County Road J. It takes you east and then south, where you will pick up Hwy. 17. Turn left and continue to Gleason. Take a break at Gleason for lunch; afterwards, continue on Hwy. 17 north to County Road D. This road will take you through the Harrison Hills area, dotted with many small lakes. Continuing on County Road D, you will head north before turning west. County Road D will take you directly into Tomahawk. Or pick up County Road H and head south – merging into County Road V, which then meets County Road J. A right-hand turn on J takes you back to Irma and either on Hwy. 51 or Hwy. 107 back to Tomahawk.
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2019 Fall Ride Guide
View fro m the to p of
Timm's H ill is Brea thtaking OMEGA – An excellent place to take in the nature’s fall canopy of color is from the top of Timm’s Hill, the highest point (1,952 feet) in Wisconsin. Timm’s Hill is located within Timm’s Hill County Park and requires a final short climb by foot to reach its summit and the observation tower for a 30-mile view of the vast Northwoods.
Prentice / Ogema (25 miles round trip)
The entire area is heavily forested with northern hardwoods and is spectacular during the fall color season. But anytime during the year rewards you with a stunning view. From the summit, you can also see Bass Lake and Timm’s Lake.
• Turn left on Highway 86 into Ogema. Stay on County C after leaving the park, and retrace your route back to Prentice.
• Start your trip in the village of Prentice. Follow County C south, where you will experience a breathtaking view of Timm’ s Hill. • After spending time at Timm’s Hill County Park, take County C back to the intersection of Highway 86.
• Return to Prentice from Ogema on Highway 13.
The park gate is open 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., May through October. The park’s hiking trails includes Timm’s Hill National Ice Age Trail and a trail to the observation tower. They also connect to the Rib Lake Trails. The park has a boat landing, fishing pier, picnic tables, grills, shelter and vaulted toilets. Once there, consider stopping at High Point Village Resort. Enjoy morning coffee, lunch or evening meal at their Hill of Beans Restaurant. Here’s a Colorama route suggested by the Price County Tourism Department:
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ions harley davidson operat
Open House
TOMAHAWK – Harley-Davidson Tomahawk Operations will host its annual Open House from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both Friday, Sept. 13, and Saturday, Sept. 14, at its Somo Avenue facility, 426 E. Somo Avenue. The Tomahawk Open House features self-guided tours of the Somo Avenue facility. To ensure the safety of guests, factory tour participants must be at least 12 years old and wear fully enclosed shoes. Additional activities • Purchase Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) motorcycle raffle tickets during the Open House. You could win a 2019 Harley Davidson Vivid Black FLHTK Ultra Limited motorcycle. Tickets are $5 each or five for $20. • Demo rides featuring the complete lineup of new 2020 HarleyDavidson motorcycles (valid motorcycle license required) will be offered at SARA Park, 900 W. Somo Avenue. Demo rides will be available Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. About Harley-Davidson Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s website at www.h-d.com. About Tomahawk Operations • Harley-Davidson Tomahawk Operations consists of two facilities, one on Kaphaem Road and one on Somo Avenue, which include 192,000 square feet on 96 acres used to support production. • Employees at Tomahawk Operations paint components that are shipped to York, Pa., and Kansas City, Mo. These parts are then assembled on Harley-Davidson motorcycles. • At the Kaphaem Road facility, windshields for both current production
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2019 Fall Ride Guide
models and Genuine Motor Parts and Accessories are produced. Hard Candy Custom painting is also completed at Kaphaem. • At the Somo Avenue facility, employees fabricate, paint and prepare motorcycle parts and accessories for final assembly at HarleyDavidson facilities in York, Pa., and Kansas City, Mo. Employees also ship parts and accessories orders directly to dealers to fulfill customer orders. This facility includes a high-volume paint facility currently running four high-volume robotic paint lines, buffing and final paint inspection and parts and accessories production. Tomahawk Operations History The original plant in Tomahawk was purchased from Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Co. in 1961, and Harley-Davidson began producing parts in 1963. In 1965, Tomahawk Operations became the sole supplier of the fiberglass parts including sidecar bodies, saddlebags and windshields. In 1995, the North Plant was added to accommodate increased production of sidecars and windshields and the painting of starter motors. In 2002, Harley-Davidson added a 60,000-square-foot facility on Kaphaem Road. A few years later, a 35,000-square-foot addition was built to house injection-molding operations. Shortly after that, windshield operations also moved to the Kaphaem Road plant. In 2014, Tomahawk Operations started painting Hard Candy Custom parts. This complex painting process required a new, innovative sanding cell and work process. The following year also saw several new process developments, including a new silkscreen machine, new router and state-of-the-art oven in the windshield department.
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vietnam veterans
Commemorative Trail PRICE COUNTY – The Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Trail is located entirely in Price County with 13 markers at various parks and monuments to represent the 13 years of service and sacrifices of the brothers and sisters in arms for each year of the war. Each was chosen by Vietnam veterans to mark a significant event that occurred during the war.
able via paved roads. Stops along the scenic route include Big Falls County Park in Kennan, the Ogema Veterans Monument, Timm’s Hill County Park in Ogema and the Prentice VFW Hall.
This scenic drive is a commemorative project to remind the public of the sacrifices made by Vietnam veterans, an unheralded group of soldiers. Price County is a Vietnam War Commemorative Partner.
Traveling north, markers are located at the Old Town Hall Museum in Fifield and in Park Falls at Smith Lake County Park, the Old Abe Monument and Hines Park. The last marker is located at the Forest Home Cemetery in Fifield.
In Phillips, stops include the Wisconsin Concrete Park, Phillips VFW Hall, Veterans Park and Solberg Lake County Park.
The trail runs from southwest to northwest Price County, starting in Big Falls Park south of Kennan. The markers are all reach-
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www.WoodlandLakesRealty.com 2019 Fall Ride Guide
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e cenic Dr&iv Hwy 107r S River Views “M0unt Menard”
A long the way, discove
TOMAHAWK TO MERRILL – Hwy. 107 in Lincoln County fits the bill nicely for bikers looking for a scenic drive, as it parallels the meandering path of the Wisconsin River between Tomahawk and Merrill. Along the way are two dams, Grandfather Falls and Grandmother Falls, that provide hydroelectric power and back up flowages for fishermen and boaters. It’s worth noting that the Wisconsin is called the “hardest-working river in the world” because of the hydroelectric dams. It’s about 25 miles between the two cities with a couple of taverns along the way. From Tomahawk, take Hwy. S to its junction with Hwy. 107, and turn right. The road soon turns twisty and flops up and down over many small hills. It doesn’t straighten out, if one could even call it that, until past Mount Menard (more about that later) on the southern stretch. About two miles down Hwy. 107, the Wisconsin River emerges to the right. About two miles further is the Grandmother Falls hydro dam. If the access is gated, you can still park at the entrance and walk around the gate to the dam. Another three miles brings you to a boat launch area, perfect for photos of the river. Continuing two more miles brings you to the Hwy. E bridge. Take a right across the bridge, turn around and park next to the bridge facing east. Extended views of the river north and south. Then back on the bike to continue south on Hwy. 107 for two miles, where there is an unmarked entrance to the Grandmother Falls dam. A mile further is Camp Newwood County Park, which has two large shelters with picnic tables, vault toilet and
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another boat launch area – another great spot for photos if the leaves along the riverbank have turned. From Camp Newwood, the road begins to climb out of the valley. A couple miles further south is the Father Menard monument. This probably is the most scenic view along the stretch between the two cities. However, approaching traffic has limited sight lines so be cautious stopping and returning to the highway. “Mount Menard,” as it is called, Ninemile Hill is a favorite stopping place for bicyclists and motorcyclists, especially in autumn when the trees in the valley to the north shimmer with red, yellows and oranges. It overlooks the Wisconsin River valley where pioneer Jesuit missionary, Father (Père) René Menard, S.J., became lost in July 1661. He was never seen again. His final resting place and how he died were never determined. Erected on the site in 1923 was a seven-foot-high granite monument dedicated to the missionary who had attempted to reach a band of Huron Indians further south in what is now Taylor County. From Mount Menard, it’s a long, easy ride down to the farm country that surrounds Merrill. Just before Merrill is the road to Council Grounds State Park. Merrill has numerous parks, restaurants and taverns.
Pork in the park
Ribfest
MERRILL – Some amazing tasty ribs await visitors to the annual “Pork in the Park” Ribfest – Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce’s invite to Fall Ride bikers, spectators and others who love BBQ ribs and other mouth-watering food. The seventh annual event will be staged Saturday., Sept. 14, starting at 2 p.m. at the Merrill Festival Grounds. Look for them under the grandstand. Ticket sales start at 1:30 p.m. Come out and enjoy ribs, pulled pork, chicken and steak sandwiches, ribbon fries and corn on the cob. Plus, Merrill Youth Hockey will be taking care of the refreshments, Ed & Sharon’s will be cooking up cheese curds, and Studio 808 will be scooping up ice cream. They will have a half dozen rib cooks this year, each competing for the top prize of best tasting ribs. Come ready to sample them all, and vote your pick for the People’s Choice Award. Ticket prices are one for $1, 12 for $10 or 25 for $20. Other events that day include the gun show (Friday and Saturday) at the Merrill Expo Hall, and craft and vendor sales.
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2019 Fall Ride Guide
Mercer & Hurley:
Welcome to the great outdoors HURLEY & MERCER – The Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce and Hurley Area Chamber of Commerce invite Fall Ride bikers to discover the colorful back roads lined with pine and birch trees in Iron County. The two communities offer distinctive charm, warm hospitality and a casual atmosphere. Ride on miles of paved roads with very little traffic. By midSeptember, the leaves and roadside foliage are beginning to turn colors. Thundering waterfalls, with easy access, are within a short ride. Old mine sites along with rustic cabins are just a few of the cycling experiences Up North. The Mercer Museum’s bright red Soo Line caboose and the huge Claire d’ Loon statue are perfect backdrops for a photo. Hurley’s historic Silver Street is famed for its nightlife. The world’s largest freshwater lake – Lake Superior – is just a short distance north of Hurley. When the body says it’s time to refuel, Mercer and Hurley have a number of restaurants offering grilled burgers, Friday night fish fries and sizzling steaks. We know you didn’t packed a fishing rod on your bike, but local guides have the fishing equipment, boats
and knowledge to make a morning on the water an added feature of your ride. Iron County has 214 lakes to explore, including the famed 19,000-acre Turtle-Flambeau Flowage. • U.S. Highway 51 is the main traffic artery that runs through Mercer and Hurley. But don’t forget the back roads. Among the great riding routes consider Hwy. FF and the Popko Circle loop. Go north of Mercer for about 2.5 miles on Hwy. 51 to Hwy. FF, turn on Popko Circle west, which loops back to FF. • Or try Hwy. J out of Mercer. Turn left on Hwy. H by the town park, follow H to Hwy. G and take a left and back to Hwy. 51, where another left takes you back to Mercer or up to Hurley. • Another route is on Hwy. 51 before Mercer: turn left on Hwy. 47, turn on Hwy. 182 from Springstead to Park Falls, head north to Butternut and take a right on Hwy. F, which turns into FF, to Hwy. 51 and back to Mercer or up to Hurley. For more information, contact the Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce (715) 476-2389 visit mercercc.com and the Hurley Area Chamber of Commerce at (715) 561-4334 or visit HurleyWi.com.
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urtle-Flambeau Tour theScT enic Waters Area MERCER – The Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area Auto (and Motorcycle) Tour is a self-guided tour illustrating the interactions of humans with native flora and fauna. This tour will give you a glimpse of the spectacular resources of the area. Management programs that will ensure the future of these resources are explained. The tour is 24 miles long and has 15 stops. Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area Auto Tour booklets are available at the Mercer Ranger Station and may also be found in the literature box on the kiosk at the Little Turtle Waterfowl Management Area parking lot – this site is the first stop on the tour.
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2019 Fall Ride Guide
Go the distance A circle tour around the entire Turtle-Flambeau Flowage is approximately 125 miles long and will take you into the communities of Mercer, Springstead, Park Falls and Butternut. This scenic tour is especially nice in the fall, when the trees in the forests are at their peak color. The leaves begin to change in mid-September and typically peak around Oct. 1. But each year is different, and good color can be found sometimes until mid October.
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2019 Fall Ride Guide
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oneida county
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:
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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.
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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Oneida County 39
ZOO & SAFARI
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NORTHWOODS Region
• 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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40 Oneida County
2 miles north of Minocqua at Hwys. 51 and 47, 1 block right 1126 Hwy 47 | Woodruff, WI | 54568 (715) 634-6923
Children 3 and under – Free Ages 4 to 11 – $10.95 Ages 12 and older – $14.95 Seniors – $12.95
or purchase your tickets at the gate the day of the show. UpNorthAction.com
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It’s sharp – Just axe a lumberjack WOODRUFF – The logging of northern forests is a significant part of Wisconsin’s history. At Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows in Woodruff and Hayward, visitors can learn about the logging history of the state and see current lumberjacks compete in events that were part of the competitions held during that era.
Oneida County 41 Swinging an axe while standing on a springboard can be a scary event.
Logging was difficult work, and several of the events’ visitors will see at the show demonstrate just how dangerous the activity could be. Not surprisingly, the two most dangerous events of the show include swinging an axe. Axes used in Scheer’s Lumberjack Show, and in all lumberjack competitions, aren’t purchased at a local hardware store. Axes preferred by the professional competitors are made in New Zealand or Australia. Ask a lumberjack in Scheer’s Lumberjack Show why his chopping axe had to make such a long journey to get into his hands, and he’ll respond – “SHARP.” The axe has to be extremely sharp and able to hold an edge. It costs about $100 to get an axe sharpened, and after it’s done a guy could use it to shave his face – really. Lumberjacks combine that edge with physical strength in two of the events featured in Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows. In the Underhand Chop the lumberjack stands on top of a platform called a log dog and straddles a 12-inch-diameter aspen log between his legs. He then chops the log in half with swings of the axe, being very careful to avoid his feet and legs. Accuracy prevents him from losing a toe, and upper body strength will make him a winner.
The Spring Board Chop is an interesting event that also requires an accurate swing of the axe. It demonstrates the primitive method of climbing a tree that was used to get above the fanning root system at the butt. Using his axe, the lumberjack notches a vertical standing log and wedges a board into the notch. The lumberjack then climbs up onto the board and chops a vertical standing log in half. This is very dangerous because the lumberjack is chopping six feet in the air on a very narrow board. Strength, accuracy and balance combine to prevent an accident and to make the lumberjack a winner. These and eight other events are featured in Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows in Woodruff and Hayward. The show is educational and combines athleticism with comedy – a great family adventure.
NORTHWOODS Region
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42 Oneida County
Downtown Rhinelander will host Block Party and annual Chalkfest
RHINELANDER – Downtown Rhinelander, Inc., says it’s party time for the entire family. Downtown Rhinelander is hosting its Block Party and third annual Chalkfest on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be great food, live music all day and artists and craft vendors on Davenport Street. The free family area features the Hodag truck, a Hodag to ride, YMCA, Home Depot and Old School Arts & Learning – all free for families to do. The Hodag will be there, and Scoopie from Culvers will also make appearance – plus there’s free cake and ice cream (while supplies last), face painting for kids and a basket raffle with prizes from local businesses. Check out Chalkfest with accomplished and amateur artists beginning to draw on sidewalks at 7 a.m. with judging at 3:45 p.m. Winners will be announced at 4 p.m. Registration (visit downtownrhinelander.com) for early birds is $15. The fee is $20 after Aug. 10. Registration includes a concrete square and a 48-count box of artist chalk. Additional items such as chalk and T-shirts may be purchased.
NORTHWOODS Region
There will be a free family chalking area for kids under 12, but a parent or guardian must supervise them.
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Oneida County 43
Project North Festival to highlight the local arts & sustainability RHINELANDER – The city of Rhinelander may have been flying a bit under the radar when it comes to the arts scene, but a major event in September will highlight the many avenues of creative art that community members are pursuing. Project North Festival will take place Thursday, Sept. 26, through Saturday, Sept. 28, in downtown Rhinelander. More than a music festival, the community will be engulfed with eclectic concerts, thought-provoking art and a commitment to environmentally conscious education and practices. Project North will feature more than 15 live music performances on four stages at ArtStart, WXPR, the Masonic Lodge and a temporary grand stage on King Street; an eco-village with sustainability speakers, products and vendors; sustainable food trucks and a craft beer wagon on King Street. There will be unique art installations and experiences along Brown, Davenport, and King streets; School of the Arts Legacy Program classes at UW-Stevens Point/Treehaven; and a children’s activity tent at the Rhinelander Library. The 50-year tradition of School of the Arts continues as a key component of the festival. Morning art classes will be offered at the Treehaven campus, 20 miles outside of Rhinelander. Poetry, printing, playwriting, sketching, songwriting and more will be pursued in a beautiful Northwoods natural setting. Afternoon classes, lectures, workshops and tours will be featured in downtown Rhinelander.
Speaking of tours, be sure to take part in the Downtown Art Walk – a partnership between local businesses and local artists. See the breadth of Northwoods talent as you shop, eat and explore Rhinelander’s downtown. The Downtown Art Walk is open to all art forms including painting, drawing, stained glass, sculpture, jewelry, decorative painting, carving, basketry, textiles, woodworking and pottery. To learn more and to purchase tickets, visit projectnorth.org.
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NORTHWOODS Region
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Price county Calendar Of Events
Warm up to Flambeau 40 & Time Trial PARK FALLS – Road warriors on bikes are invited to compete in the 11th annual Flambeau 40 Road Race on Saturday, Aug. 31, in Park Falls. The 35-mile loop road bike race with professional chip timing consists of beautiful rolling hills along the Flambeau River. The race is open to anyone who wants to safely participate in a self-imposed challenge with friendly competition. Registration is 8:30–9:30 a.m. with the race start at 10 a.m. at the intersection of 9th Ave. South and Division St. Early-bird discounted registration is available. All pre-registered road race entrants receive a T-shirt. Water and fruit are available before the race; a free lunch is offered for all racers afterward. Special awards are given to the top three overall male and female finishers. Then the following day, Sept. 1, is the time trial event for recreational riders, with registration from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and the first riders setting off at 9 a.m. Chequamegon High School, 420 9th Street North. The time trial is a 12-mile out-and-back ride with the majority of the terrain being flat and straight. Pre-registration is recommended. Water and fruit are available before the race. Special awards are given to the top overall male and female finishers.
Aug. 2 Park Falls – Gun, Sport & Knife Show Aug. 1-4 Park Falls – Flambeau Rama Aug. 3 Park Falls – Northwoods Classic Car Show Aug. 3 Park Falls – Evergreen Road Walk/Run Aug. 9 Spirit Hill – Spirit Hill-Ogema 4-H Fair Aug. 17 Phillips – Charity Classic Musky Tournament Aug. 21-25 Phillips – Price County Fair Aug. 27 Phillips – Charity Classic Musky Tournament Aug. 31 Park Falls – Flambeau 40 Road Race: Biking event Aug. 31-Sept. 1 Prentice – Prentice Progress Days Sept. 1 Park Falls – Time Trial: Biking event Sept. 1 Park Falls – Pike Lake Chain Firefighters Fun Day Sept. 14 Park Falls – Butternut Lake Musky Madness Sept. 14 Brantwood – A Country Afternoon Sept. 28 Park Falls – Fall 4 and Fall Color Festival Sept. 28 Phillips – Fall Harvest Festival Sept. 28 Ogema – Christmas Tree Festival
Register online for both the race and time trial, print a registration form from the Park Falls Chamber website – parkfalls.com – or call 877-762-2703.
PHILLIPS – Fred Smith – the creator of the Wisconsin Concrete Park in Phillips – could neither read nor write, but his imagination soared with the best of them. The result is a stupendous display of folk art cast in concrete that has gained national recognition. Born of German immigrants, Fred Smith was a true son of the Northwoods. His great strength served him well as he logged with his team of horses. A self-taught fiddler and folk artist, he began sculpturing in his sixties. Before he died in 1976, he had created more than 250 figures using wooden armatures wrapped in mink wire and covered with layers of hand-mixed concrete. He placed broken pieces of beer bottles (Rhinelander Beer was a favorite), glassware donated by tourists, stones, metal pieces, etc., in the wet concrete. He had a grand vision of what the figures should represent:
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history, legends and his unbridled imagination. Among the immense broad-shouldered figures are likenesses of Ben Hur, Paul Bunyan and the Lincolns. It will take you more than an hour to adequately explore and examine this wonderful collection of outdoor art. The park is open year round. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., May to October, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday to Sunday, November to May 1. Admission is free but donations are appreciated. Guided tours for groups are available (depending on volunteer staff availability) and can be arranged by calling 715-339-7282. While there, be sure to visit Countryside Artists Gallery and Gifts, located in the Smith family house. Open seasonal hours. The Friends of Fred Smith and the community of Phillips host an annual celebration (in the second week in August) at the park. Festivities include live polka music, puppet shows, guided tours of the park, demonstrations by local artists, etc. The county-owned complex is located along Highway 13, one mile south of Phillips.
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Wisconsin Concrete Park – Folk art for the ages
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Vilas county Calendar Of Events
Northwoods Bad -Dash set to make a splash MANITOWISH WATERS – Getting from Point A to Point B has never been so much fun – and challenging – as at the Northwoods Bad-Dash, an endurance/ obstacle race set in the great Northwoods, specifically Manitowish Waters. The Manitowish Waters Chamber of Commerce and the North Lakeland Discovery Center have partnered to bring about this event. The 2019 version will take place Saturday, Aug. 31.
Register by Aug. 30; participants must be at least 14 years old. Visit nwbaddash. com for more information, including course fees. The first 200 registered participants are guaranteed a Bad-Dash Mud Run pint glass. The first set of runners will take off at 10 a.m. from the North Lakeland Discovery Center. There will be staggered starts every five minutes. Spectators are encouraged to cheer on the participants. The finish line is on the grounds of the Manitowish Waters Community Center. Then all are welcomed to the post-race party (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) for music, beer, food and raffles. Awards will be given out, including for Best LumberJack & Jill (Jack & Jack, or Jill & Jill – a.k.a. Best Couple); Best Team Get-Up and Truest Wisconsinite.
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This four-mile muddy challenge throws up an even dozen obstacles for you and your teammates to overcome. (Rest assured, most Mad-Dashers do.) On the list is the mud crawl, cargo net, fish crib climb and much more. You will long remember “Log Slog,” “Triple Threat,” “Icy Hell” and the finish – the “Lambeau Leap!”
Aug. 2-3 Presque Isle – Octoberfest Aug. 2-3 St. Germain – Pig in the Pines: Bacon, BBQ & Bands Aug. 3 Phelps – Fireman’s Pig Roast and Picnic Aug. 3-4 Arbor Vitae – Firemen’s Picnic and Summerfest Aug. 4 Presque Isle – Fireman’s Picnic Aug. 4 Sayner – Sayner/Star Lake Street Fair Aug. 8-11 Eagle River – Vilas Co. Fair Aug. 10 Land O’ Lakes – Ride with Leinie Bike Ride Aug. 10-11 Boulder Junction – Musky Jamboree Aug. 11 Eagle River – Paul Bunyan Fest Aug. 16-18 Phelps – Old-Timers Slow-Pitch Softball Tournament Aug. 16-18 Eagle River – National Championship Musky Open Aug. 24 Phelps – Twin Triathlon Aug. 24 Phelps – Dan & Connie’s Fishing Classic Aug. 31 Manitowish Waters – Northwoods MadDash Sept. 1 Manitowish Waters – Sno Skeeters Summer Fest Sept. 1 Eagle River – Arts & Craft Show Sept. 7 Eagle River – SepTimber Ride Sept. 8 Conover – Northwoods Throwdown Disc Golf Tournament Sept. 14 Conover – September Bike Ride Sept. 14 Manitowish Waters – Poker Paddle Sept. 14 Phelps – Scarecrow Fest Sept. 14 Boulder Junction – Colorama Arts & Crafts Fair Sept. 14 Lac du Flambeau – Wild Rice Fest Sept. 14 St. Germain – Woods & Water Paddle Race Sept. 14-15 Eagle River – Paul’s Pro Am Musky Tournament Sept. 21 St. Germain – Colorama Festival Sept. 27-29 Sayner – Plum Lake Colorama Weekend
48 Vilas County Registration open for World Championship Musky Classic MANITOWISH WATERS – Registration is now open for the 43rd annual World Championship Musky Classic fishing tournament Friday, Sept. 6, through Sunday, Sept. 8. The communities of Presque Isle, Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters and Winchester are the event sponsors. Eligible fishing lakes are located within the four townships. Tournament proceeds help fund scholarships for students from the North Lakeland area. Open registrations will be accepted until noon on Saturday, Sept. 7. In-person registration on Friday, Sept. 6, begins at 8 a.m. in the Manitowish Waters Community Center on Hwy. 51N. Again this year, there will be a fly rod division. During registration, fishermen will pick up their entry forms, hats and drawing tickets. At the 9 a.m. orientation meeting, their “hat ticket” will be used for a drawing for three prizes (must be present to win). The awards ceremony will follow the close of fishing hours on Sunday at the Manitowish Waters Community Center. There are 19 trophies and awards to be presented – plus many other prizes given away through raffles, including a $450 rod/reel combo.
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To request an entry application or to get more information, call Beth Kebl at 715-543-2657 or Beth Meyer at 715-499-3245, or visit wcmuskyclassic.com.
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50 Vilas County
Native American Art & Craft Show set LAC DU FLAMBEAU – Mark your calendar for the Native American Arts & Crafts Show and Sale on Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Lake of the Torches Convention Center in downtown Lac du Flambeau. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The show will feature Lac du Flambeau artists and craftspeople. Artists will make birch bark baskets and black ash baskets and do fish decoy carving, beadwork, leatherwork, etc. Items will also be for sale.
NORTHWOODS Region
There will be three breakout sessions with artists speaking about their arts and crafts, the materials used, how it was constructed and its significance in the Ojibwe culture. Admission to the show is free, but a donation is welcomed.
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Vilas County 51
Powwows resume in new Waaswaaganing Indian Bowl
LAC 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. 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. 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.
Saturday 10am – 2pm
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Future powwow dates are Aug. 6 & 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. Sept. 14 is also the Wild Rice Festival, beginning at 10 a.m., and the powwow is from 2 to 4 p.m.
52 Vilas County Colorama time in St. Germain ST. GERMAIN – For 61 years, St. Germain has proudly worn the banner as being the “Birthplace of Colorama.” Experience beautiful fall colors and celebrate bountiful harvest at that community’s craft show and farmers market on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy free horse-drawn wagon rides through wooded trails, pumpkin painting with the kids. You can decorate your homes with mums from the “Mums the Word” mum sale or sample regional microbrews at the “Pints in the Park” beer tasting. Live entertainment and concessions all day.
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Join the second annual Helo 5K Run to benefit the Vilas County Sheriff’s K-9 Program. The race will start at 11 a.m. Register at runsignup.com/Race/WI/ StGermain/Helo5KRunWalk.
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Calendar Of Events
A park for all seasons Visit Copper Falls State Park MELLEN – It’s impossible to come away after a visit to Copper Falls State Park without a deep appreciation of nature’s beauty and for the multiple recreational pursuits that can be found there. The 3,068-acre park near Mellen features ancient lava flows, deep gorges and spectacular waterfalls. It’s considered one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful state parks. The Bad River and its tributary, Tylers Forks, converge and flow over Copper and Brownstone Falls and Tyler Forks Cascades. Humans lent a helping hand, including in the 1930s, when the Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration workers built log buildings, still in existence today and just as charming as ever. Visitors can hike or mountain bike 17 miles of trails in the park, including a section of the North Country National Scenic Trail; pack a picnic lunch, cast a lure to entice trout, or swim in the cool waters of spring-fed Loon Lake on a hot summer day. (Loon Lake is electric motor only.) There are 55 regular campsites, a group camping area to accommodate 40 people, a backpack campsite and a rustic cabin that’s handicapped-accessible. A baker’s dozen sites have electric service; there are also showers and both flush and vault toilets and a full-service dump station for RV campers. Come winter, the lake-effect snow guarantees smooth striding or skating on the eight miles of cross-country ski trails.
Aug. 2-4 Grandview – Grand View Firehouse 50 Aug. 3 Madeline Island – Point to La Pointe Swim Aug. 8-11 Bayfield – Bayfield Co. Fair Aug. 10 Cornucopia – Cornucopia Day Aug. 15-18 Marengo – Ashland Co Fair Aug. 16-18 Butternut – Butternut Community Fair Aug. 17-18 Madeline Island – Anishinaabe Cultural Days Aug. 17-18 Herbster – Herbster Studio Art Tour Aug. 24 Cable & Drummond – Gitche Gumee Gran Fondo: Bicycling event Sept. 6-8 Bayfield – Classic Boat & Schooner Rendezvous Sept. 7 Ashland – Mural Fest & Classic Car Show Sept. 7 Cornucopia – Cornucopia Art Crawl Sept. 14 Cable – Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival Sept. 27-28 Cable – Cable Area Fall Fest Sept. 28 Cable – Birkie Trail Run Festival Sept. 28-29 Madeline Island – Commemorating the Treaty of 1854
The park’s concession stand is open daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend and on weekends through mid-October. The concession stand has a small gift shop. Sunday mornings are popular for the concession stand’s pancake breakfasts. The state park is located at 36764 Copper Falls Road. For more information, call 715-274-5123.
CABLE – Now in its third year, the Gitche Gumee Gran Fondo is a mass-start cycling event in the spirit and tradition of the great Italian cyclosportives. The route goes from Cable to Bayfield. The 2019 event will be Saturday, Aug. 24 – starting at 8 a.m. with respective sites in Cable and Drummond – and finishes on Bayfield’s Lake Superior shoreline. Return transportation will be provided. Cyclists of all abilities and ages are welcome. Visit gitchegumeegranfondo.com for more information or to register. Depending on your ride route, you will travel along 100, 80 or 60 miles of scenic, paved Wisconsin backcountry roads, cross several rivers and traverse the Continental Divide.
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By definition, a Gran Fondo (Italian and translated as “Big Ride”) is not a race but, rather, an event designed to draw the community together and give everyone a chance to enjoy the fun of riding a bike. Participants will share an amazing ride experience between two iconic northern towns – a historic lumbering town surrounded with beautifully clear inland lakes and a historic fishing village on the beautiful shores of the largest freshwater lake in North America – with a purpose to benefit healthy lifestyle through clean sport and cycling.
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Join in an epic ride – The Gitche Gumee Gran Fondo
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Barron county Calendar Of Events
Aug. 2-3 Chetek – Crazy Days Aug. 2-3 Almena – Almena Fun Days Aug. 9-10 Chetek – Lake Fest Aug. 10 Rice Lake – Northwest Gem & Mineral Show Aug. 17-18 Cameron – Old Fashioned Country Fair Aug. 22 Chetek – Wine Walk Aug. 24-25 Chetek – WaterMania Sept. 1 Chetek – Walleyes for Chetek Sept. 6-8 Cameron – Bluegrass Festival Sept. 7 Chetek – Citywide Garage Sales Sept. 6-8 Cameron – Bluegrass Festival Sept. 14 Chetek – Harvest Fest Sept. 14 Rice Lake – Nature’s Edge 5K Trail Run/Walk Sept. 14 Rice Lake – Street Eats Sept. 21-22 Rice Lake – Snow and Dirt Show
WaterMania makes its inaugural debut at Chetek CHETEK – An exciting new event descends on the resort community of Chetek this August. WaterMania will be Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 24 & 25, featuring two days of action-packed racing with the Twin City Power Boat Association. Held at the Hydroflites Water Ski Show site, the event features sanctioned powerboat racing, as well as acts by the water ski team, jet ski exhibitions, Hydroflites night show, live music, kids activities, boat show and more. Planning to stay overnight? There are a variety of Chetek lodging options, each with their own uniqueness. Choose a secluded cabin, a modern motel or resort, or a campground. Go to exploreChetek.com or call 1-800-224-3835 for more information.
Old Fashioned County Fair at Cameron CAMERON – Immerse yourself in some good old-fashioned fun at the Pioneer Village Museum the weekend of Aug. 17 and 18. Hours of the Old Fashioned County Fair are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Carnival-style games, contests of skill, clowning, face painting and juggling are among the planned activities. Take part in a horseshoe tournament. See a doll and teddy bear Ferris wheel. Witness some rope tricks. Take a ride on a little steam engine. Young tractor enthusiasts will enjoy the state-sanctioned pedal tractor pull on Saturday. There will be local artwork, sewing, fancy work, photography, garden crops, canned goods, baked goods, flowers or a woodworking project, all competing for a ribbon and bragging rights. Other events include a BBQ chicken dinner, an old tractor and vehicle parade, bingo, pie and ice cream social. Sunday brings a round-robin vintage baseball game, using 1860s rules, terms, equipment and uniforms. Even if you’re not a baseball fan, you’ll enjoy the game played by these teams. There are no gloves, and the gentleman in the top hat is the referee.
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Chetek Lake Fest’s party on the sand bar CHETEK – Chetek’s seventh annual Lake Fest, sponsored by Gilligan’s and Red’s, kicks off Friday, Aug. 9, with a pre-party raffle event. Then the following day, the fun shifts that afternoon (2–5 p.m.) to the Lake Chetek sand bar. Friday night, they will have prizes and giveaways at Red’s beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available now: pick up your wristband, passport, shirt or drink at Red’s or Gilligan’s. There will be music, raffle drawings, door prizes and apparel giveaways at the sand bar. T-shirts are $10 and are available at both locations. The price includes prize wristband and Lake Fest flag. Lakefest drinks and raffle tickets are also available. This event supports Walleyes For Chetek and the Chetek Chamber of Commerce.
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THE CHETEK AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE THE CHETEK AREA & COMMERCE CHAMBER OF RESORT OWNERS & ASSOCIATION Invites you to ASSOCIATION explore RESORT OWNERS all we have to offer! Invites you to explore Please website: all wevisit haveour to offer! www.explorechetek.com Please visit our website: 6 lakes with over 3800 surface acres www.explorechetek.com Some of the best fishing in the state
6 lakes with over 3800 surface acres Events throughout the year Some of the best fishing in the state ATV routes and trails Events throughout the year 68 miles of shoreline ATV routestoand trails 39 resorts meet all your needs 68 miles of shoreline Shopping, Dining, & parks 39 resorts to meet all your needs Chetek Hydroflites Shopping, Dining, &Water parksSki team Chetek is the perfect place to Ski do everything Chetek Hydroflites Water team or nothing at all. Chetek is the perfect place to do everything or nothing at all.
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Chetek Events August Chetek 2 -3 Crazy DaysEvents nd
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th August 2 9th nd-10 August -3rd th August 9 17 th August -10th nd August August 22 17th th August 22 24th nd-25 August st Septmber August 24th1-25th September 7th Septmber 1st th September 7 14 th September th October 25 14th September st October October 31 25th rd November st October 3123 th December 6 November 23rd December 6 7th th December nd February December22 7th
Lake Fest Crazy Days Pontoon Lake FestOlympix Wine Walk Pontoon Olympix Water Mania Wine Walk Walleyes for Chetek Water Mania City Widefor Garage Sale Walleyes Chetek Harvest Fest City Wide Garage Sale WitchesFest Brew Night Out Harvest Halloween Party Witches Brew Night Out Small Business Halloween PartySaturday Christmas For Kids Small Business Saturday Santa’s Arrival & Family Fun Day Christmas For Kids Winter Fest Santa’s Arrival & Family Fun Day
February 22nd
Winter Fest
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Burnett county Calendar Of Events
Aug. 1-4 Siren – Summerfest Aug. 7, 17 Danbury – Wildlife Nature Walk Aug. 9-11 Webster – Gandy Dancer Days Aug. 5 Danbury – Garden Tea: Forts Folle Avoine Aug. 17 Danbury – Oktoberfest Aug. 22 Grantsburg – Burnett Co. Ag Society Fair Sept. 7 Danbury – Lions Softball Tournament Sept. 20-22 Webster – Central Burnett Co. Fair Sept. 21 Grantsburg – Grantoberfest Sept. 21 Siren – Siren Nationals Sept. 27-28 Siren – Harvestfest
Discover world -class birding experiences in Burnett County COUNTYWIDE – Birders from all over the country flock to Burnett County to capture images of rare and elusive bird species at one of Burnett County’s 10 wildlife areas to explore.
over the region with the promise of a sighting. It is also the beginning of the Lake Superior Northwoods Region of the Great Wisconsin Birding & Nature Trail.
If you’re looking for a guided birding experience, Crex Meadows Wildlife Area encompasses 30,000 acres and is home to over 270 species of birds, including a number of endangered species. A haven for birding and wildlife enthusiasts, Crex Meadows’ unique topography of marshland, prairies, flowages and forests creates the ideal home for many migratory birds like the sandhill crane.
The Crex Meadows Visitor Center welcomes guests seven days a week from March through November. Travel the boardwalk and nature trail to the visitor center to listen to the history of Crex Meadows and experience museum-quality artifacts, including a replica of a 1930s hunting shack.
NORTHWEST Region
Rare birds, including LeConte’s sparrow and yellow rail, call the area just north of Grantsburg home and entice birders from all
Stop in the gift shop to get field guides, T-shirts and other souvenirs. Nature classes and events are offered year round by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Be sure to attend the Crex Crane Festival on Oct. 12, 2019. Follow the geese painted on Grantsburg’s throughways and be inspired by the wildlife at Crex Meadows.
10 WILDLIFE AREAS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
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Crex Meadows Fish Lake Wildlife Area Amsterdam Sloughs Wildlife Area Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area Keizer Lake Wildlife Area Danbury Wildlife Area Sand Creek Wildlife Area Sand River Wildlife Area Goose Lake Wildlife Area Clam Lake Wildlife Area
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Burnett County 57
Wildlife area receives high marks from users
WEBSTER – Just northeast of Webster is the Keizer Lake Wildlife Area, offering 1,352 acres of outstanding habitat that supports a full range of wildlife. Trails take visitors into the area, including up a hill, where they can look at two lakes on either side. Visitors can fish, hunt, canoe, bird watch and, in the winter, cross-country ski – or just soak in the serene beauty of this special place. Its wild inhabitants include deer, black bear, wild turkey, snowshoe hares, wolves and other small game – including pheasant, grouse, partridge and American woodcock.
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Mostly water, marsh and forested upland, Keizer Lake Wildlife Area also includes fishing opportunities. Fishers go after stocked trout in Banach Lake and bluegill, bass and northern pike in Big Lake and North Lake. Bird watchers should note that Keizer is on the Great Wisconsin Birding & Nature Trail list for the “Lake Superior – North Woods Region.” There are bald eagles, osprey and songbirds to add to your personal list. A new mountain bike trail is being developed in the wildlife area. The network includes logging roads and double- and single-track trails. Most are gated or bermed, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The state-owned wildlife area is located five miles northeast of Webster on Hwy. A, four miles east of Hwy. 35. The boat landing is on the southern end of Big Lake, along Hwy. A. Parking areas can be found on the south, north and west sides of the property.
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Polk county Calendar Of Events
Aug. 10 Luck – Fireman’s Corn Feed Aug. 10-11 Lewis – Charles E. Lewis Days Aug. 11 Turtle Lake – Cars, Crafts & Rock-n-Roll in the Park Aug. 17 Cushing – Cushing Fun Day Aug. 17 Frederic – Frederic Festival Aug. 17-18 Clayton – Moon Lake Threshing Bee Sept. 6-8 Osceola – Community Fair & Parade Sept. 6-8 Balsam Lake – Corn-on-theCurb Days Sept. 7 Osceola – Wheels and Wings Sept. 12-15 Amery – Amery Fall Festival Sept. 14-15 Amery – Apple River Quilt Guild Show Sept. 21-22 St. Croix Falls – Fall Harvest Festival
Moon Lake Threshing Bee brings yesterday to life
Give your business the exposure it deserves!
TURTLE LAKE – The threshing bee of yesterday was a time when neighbors came together to help each other with the harvest. The hard work was made easier by many hands, and the rewards were substantial – good harvest, good eats and good times by all. Moon Lake Threshermen’s Association will bring back those good times at their 35th annual Threshing Bee the weekend of Aug. 17–18. It offers fun for the family all weekend. The event takes place at the George Sollman Farm, six miles south of Turtle Lake, 862 2-3/8 Street, Clayton. In addition to displays and demonstrations throughout the day, you can enjoy old-time music, shop at the craft fair and flea market, munch on delicious food – including homemade pies and ice cream – and pancake breakfasts both days.
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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).
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Demonstrations include steam threshing, stone flourmill, steamed powered sawmill, steam powered rock crushing and rope making. Other demonstrations include lumber planing, lath mill, antique sewing machines, maple syrup cooking and blacksmith shop. Saturday’s activities include a sawdust pile for kids, sanctioned pedal pull for kids and adults at 1 p.m., and a slow tractor race at 2 p.m., followed by a parade. TC & the Heuts will be playing music from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday will bring an antique and classic tractor pull starting at 11 a.m., parade at 1:30 p.m. and more music, this time by the Little Falls Music Makers from noon to 3 p.m. There will be displays of antique tractors, cars and trucks, fire trucks, along with a large miniature farm display and more.
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Polk County 59 Cars, Crafts & Rock-N-Roll in the Park TURTLE LAKE – The annual Cars, Crafts & Rock-N-Roll in the Park on Sunday, Aug. 11, promises a fun time. Visitors will be treated to a car show, craft vendors, music and food. Admission is free for spectators. The event will be held at the Turtle Lake Village Park, junction of Hwy. 8 & 63 North in Turtle Lake. The Greater Turtle Lake Area Association sponsors the event. The car show with vintage and classic vehicles runs 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., while the craft show with over 50 vendors selling their latest handmade items is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The first 250 entries in the car show will receive dash plaques. Registration fee is $5 per car. First, second and third place trophies will be awarded in all classes. They will be playing all your favorite classic ’50s and ’60s rock-n-roll tunes throughout the day.
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Sawyer county Calendar Of Events
Aug. 1-3 Hayward – LumberjackWorld Championships Aug. 3 Stone Lake – Summer Soaker Aug. 10 Winter – Ojibwa Canoe Race Aug. 10 Winter – Area Rummage Rama Aug. 14 Hayward to Cable – Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival Aug. 17 Hayward – Seeley Lions Pre-Fat Bike Race Aug. 17-19 Radisson – Harvest Fest Aug. 22-25 Hayward – Sawyer County Fair Aug. 30-Sept. 1 Exeland – Trout Festival Aug. 31 Winter – Tuscobia Trails ATV Club Labor Day Event Sept. 21 Hayward – Hayward Fall Festival Sept. 27-28 Hayward – Birkie Trail Run Festival
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Celebrate autumn in a colorful way at Cranberry Festival STONE LAKE – The local cranberry harvest will be in full operation and available for tours during the 38th annual Cranberry Festival in Stone Lake on Saturday, Oct. 5 More than 300 vendors, crafters, artisans, food and hospitality areas will also be ready for you. A cranberry pancake breakfast from 7 to 11a.m. at the fire hall will get you energized for the day’s many events. The day’s events go from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The festival welcomes upwards of 30,000 visitors drawn to the arts & crafts show, flea market, farmers market, fresh cranberry and craisin sales, festival apparel, cranberry marsh tours, Krate Derby, a wide variety of food and live entertainment. There’s a pie social and bake sale from at the First Lutheran Church. Cranberry Fest is a perfect opportunity to see the colorful cranberry marshes as workers harvest the red berries. Board a bus from the festival grounds and tour one of the two local marshes, Zawistowski’s and Golden Pond. Tours run 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.,
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depart every 30 minutes and take about an hour. Ticket booth and marsh tour bus stop are located at the tent under the water tower. Enjoy a hometown parade at 2 p.m. consisting of marching bands, royalty, horses, fire trucks and floats Last year’s parade drew more than 65 entries. The Krate Derby follows immediately after the parade. Twelve young contestants will race down Main Street in two heat races, with the winners advancing to the finals. Be sure to experience the history of Stone Lake with a visit to the Stone Lake Historical Museum located next to the fire hall. The building is the old Stone Lake Train Station nicely renovated. It now houses artifacts from the town’s past. There’s also a boardwalk starting in the downtown that goes through the Stone Lake Wetland Park and to the upland Ridge Walking Trails. Stone Lake is located about 13 miles south of Hayward, via Hwy. 27 and then Hwy. 70.
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Sawyer County 61
Hayward Fall Festival celebrates autumn season
HAYWARD – Thousands of people are expected for the 35th annual Hayward Fall Festival on Saturday, Sept. 21. The autumn tradition celebrates the changing of the seasons with fine art and craft booths, local business sidewalk sales, wonderful food vendors, a brat and brew tent, kids’ activities, live music and more in downtown Hayward. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Live music on the Main Stage will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and
again 2 to 5 p.m. The Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce brat and brew tent will be grilling up brats from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Main Street. There will be a bungee jumping area and an obstacle course for kids, as well as games going on throughout the day. There are also scarecrow design and harvest baking contests. Relay for Life of Sawyer County also hosts a 5K Run/Walk in the morning.
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4 PM - Close
Opening May 24th
Sawyer County 63
It takes a (Lumberjack) Village
A selection of craft beer, fine wine and cocktails combined with lakeside dining make the River Deck a perfect place to dine. - Contributed Photo
HAYWARD – At Scheer’s Lumberjack Village, located on Hwy. B, a half mile east of Hayward, a talented and diverse team of individuals coordinates efforts to provide guests with hours of fun at one location. The Lumberjack Village, owned by Fred Scheer, is the venue for his Lumberjack Shows, a quintessential northern Wisconsin attraction since 1981. Here a visitor can watch world-class athletes perform 10 of the same events that are part of the Lumberjack World Championships. An elite skier, world champion log roller and boom runner, and inline skate and mountain bike enthusiast, Fred Scheer exemplifies the varied talents and interests of Hayward’s residents as well as its visitors. Though Fred Scheer has a high energy level, he does not personally manage all the shops and amenities at the Lumberjack Village. Those who do bring an even broader collection of interests and talents to the team. Linda Fenton, owner of the Namekagon Cone ice cream shop located in the Lumberjack Village, was the Iditarod’s “Teacher on the Trail” in 2013. Sue Scheer, owner of Mainstream Boutique in the Lumberjack Village, serves the world’s cross-country skiing community as a member of the American Birkebeiner board.
The restaurant’s menu features unique and flavorful salads and sandwiches that combine fresh ingredients and local products. The menu expands in the evenings to include five dinner entrees, and every week, Corey creates a featured entrée to add to diners’ enjoyment. The restaurant offers cocktails, beer and a selection of fine wine. When in Hayward, plan a stop at Scheer’s Lumberjack Village, where you can experience fabulous food at the River Deck, followed by Wisconsin’s best ice cream at the Namekagon Cone. Women can browse in the Mainstream Boutique. And everyone will enjoy world-class entertainment at a Lumberjack Show and a round of golf at the Lumberjack Village Mini-Golf.
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Children 3 and under – Free Ages 4 to 11 – $10.95 Ages 12 and older – $14.95 Seniors – $12.95
When one’s inner dinner bell rings, by far the most popular professional in the Lumberjack Village is Corey Elliott, chef at the River Deck Restaurant, located right next to the Lumberjack Show grandstand. Corey holds a culinary arts degree from the Art Institute International of Minnesota and has earned a reputation locally for his innovative and eclectic cuisine.
64 Sawyer County
Cool off with the Ojibwa Canoe Race OJIBWA – A fun time and cool water are in store for participants in the annual Ojibwa Canoe Race on Saturday, Aug. 10, near Ojibwa. In addition to canoes, kayaks and paddleboards are welcomed too, says event organizer, the Ojibwa Community Club. Same-day registration is at 10 a.m. at the Wannigan, N5909 Dam Road, Ojibwa. Registration fee ($10) includes T-shirt and lunch. For more information, call 715-266-5141.
NORTHWEST Region
The race follows a 5.5-mile course on the Chippewa River from the Wannigan to Ojibwa Community Park, County Rd. G and Highway 70. The canoe race starts at 11 a.m. Kayaks and SUPs will start immediately after the canoes. Food, drinks, raffles, prizes, kids’ games and more at the finish line.
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Washburn county Calendar Of Events
Aug. 2 Shell Lake – The Pistol Whippin Party Penguins: The Potter’s Shed Aug. 2-3 Spooner – Jack Pine Savage Days Aug. 3 Shell Lake – King Cardinal: The Potter’s Shed Aug. 7 Shell Lake – Adrian + Meredith: The Potter’s Shed Aug. 9 Shell Lake – Molly & The Danger Band: The Potter’s Shed Aug. 14 Shell Lake – Cameron Dettman, Sean & Ian Okamoto: The Potter’s Shed Aug. 16 Shell Lake – Them Coulee Boys: The Potter’s Shed Aug. 17 Spooner – Clay Day/ Potters in the Park
Aug. 21 Shell Lake – The Lowest Pair: The Potter’s Shed Aug. 23 Shell Lake – Emily Scott Robinson: The Potter’s Shed Aug. 24 Shell Lake – Pert Near Sandstone: The Potter’s Shed Aug. 28 Shell Lake – Sue Orfield Band: The Potter’s Shed Aug. 3 Shell Lake – Erik Koskined and Molly Maher: The Potter’s Shed Sept. 6 Shell Lake – Bare Bones: The Potter’s Shed Sept. 27-28 Spooner – Fall Splendor Art Meander Aug. 30-Sept. 1 Shell Lake – Town & Country Days
Camping opportunities are abundant in Washburn County COUNTYWIDE – Whether you’re towing a trailer or toting a tent, there are many camping opportunities in Washburn County. In addition to the privately run facilities, the county-owned camps include the following:
NORTHWEST Region
Sawmill Lake Campground
Washburn County operates a campground on Sawmill Lake, approximately eight miles north of Birchwood. The secluded campground is within a county forest primitive area. It is surrounded by many small kettle moraine glacial lakes, which are connected by a canoe portage system. The campground has 25 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings. No electricity is available. Facilities include a dock, open-air shelter, vault toilets and hand pumps for water. A boat launch is located on Sawmill Lake, although motors are not allowed on this lake.
Totogatic Campground
The Totogatic Campground is located in the northwestern part of Washburn County, on the Minong Flowage, approximately eight miles west of Minong. The campground has 71 sites, most of which provide electricity. Nearly one-half of the sites provide direct access to the flowage. Campground facilities include a beach, a boat ramp, a dock, a fish-cleaning station, picnic areas, flush and vault toilets, dump stations, water, firewood and a public telephone. A park ranger resides on site.
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Leisure Lake Youth Camp
The county owns a lodge and several cabins on Leisure Lake, northwest of Trego. The camp is available for use on a reservation system. The Youth Camp gives first priority of use to Washburn County youth groups and outside youth groups as a second priority. This beautiful facility provides an excellent opportunity for recreation and education for children and young adults. There is a ball field, a picnic area and beach. A self-guided nature trail adds to the experience of this camp.
Davis Flowage primitive boat-in campsites
The Davis Flowage is located three miles north of Stanberry, near the intersection of Hwy. M and Hwy. 77. This 250-acre body of water is a shallow flowage completely surrounded by county forest. The flowage was restocked with walleye, northern pike and panfish in 2000. Access to the flowage is from a boat landing along Chippanazie Road on the east side of the flowage. Entrance to the flowage is gained after a short float down Chippanazie Creek (200 yards). No other motorized access to the Davis Flowage exists. Two primitive campsites just off the dike on the west end of the flowage were built in 2000. The sites contain a picnic table and a fire ring, and both offer a scenic view of the water.
County forest camping
Camping on the county forest is allowed with the prior permission of the forest administrator and with a tent or lesser facility.
Day use areas
The county forest has picnic areas at Slim Creek Flowage, Leisure Lake, Harmon Lake and Totogatic Park. There are boat landings on Slim Creek, Leisure Lake, Harmon Lake, Loyhead Lake, Wolf Lake, Sawmill Lake, Big McKenzie Lake, Spider Lake, Elbow Lake, Long Lake and at the Birchwood dam.
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68 Washburn County
Visit Town & Country Days
SHELL LAKE – Celebrate Labor Day weekend (Aug. 30–Sept. 1) in Shell Lake with lots of fun activities and events planned for their 41st annual Town & Country Days celebration. There will be a truck pull Friday night.
Sunday, Sept. 1, brings the tractor pull (10 a.m.), kiddie parade (noon), Grand Parade (12:30 p.m.), car and bike show, teen dance party, and the second day of the craft fair and flea market. The Car & Bike Show includes classics, hot rods, customs cars and trucks to bring back memories and to generate some appreciative “oohs” and “aahs.” The first 50 vehicles entered receive a commemorative dash plaque. Trophies and door prizes will be awarded.
NORTHWEST Region
Saturday, Aug. 31, the fly-in/drive-in breakfast will at the Shell Lake Airport. Also scheduled Saturday are the Lake Run options (a nine-mile run and 5K run/walk) for those looking for competition and some exercise. Other events include a spelling bee, craft fair and flea market, “Fastest Kid” race, Chocolate Fest, kids’
pedal tractor pull, sailing regatta, Dairyland garden tractor pull (5 p.m.) and street dance.
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Western U.P. michigan
69
Calendar Of Events
Aug. 8-11 Ironwood – Gogebic Co. Fair Aug. 31 Ironwood – Festival Italiano Sept. 21 Ironwood – Harvest Pie & Pumpkin Festival Sept. 28 Ironwood to Bessemer – Bridges and Bluffs Half Marathon
Runners at their peak, fall colors at their peak for the Bridges & Bluffs Half Marathon IRONWOOD TO HURLEY – During the 2019 Bridges and Bluffs Half Marathon on Saturday, Sept. 28, runners can enjoy the scenic trail while taking in the amazing sights of bluffs, rivers and railroad bridges. The race consists of a half marathon, two-person half marathon relay team and a two-mile run/walk option. The main event happenings and race start will take place at the historic Ironwood Depot Park in downtown Ironwood. The racecourse will take runners along the paved Iron Belle Trail over the impressive bridges with views of the area bluffs. To top off the event, they expect the fall foliage to be at its peak.
The half marathon starts at 9 a.m. and runs along the Iron Belle Trail to Bessemer and back along the trail finishing again at Ironwood’s Depot Park. A two-person relay will start also at 9 a.m., and the two-mile run/ walk will take place at 9:30 a.m. For updates and more information, visit bridgesandbluffs.com. Proceeds will support management and maintenance of the local section of the Michigan Iron Belle Trail. Proceeds from the Friday night pasta feed at Bessemer Cold Iron Brewing will support the Ironwood Red Devils cross-country teams.
Catch the flow at Copper Peak Trail Fest party will also be at Black River Valley Pub. There will be live music, drinks and food. For updates and more information, visit sisudirtcrew.com/copperpeak-trails-fest.
The course navigates down to the Black River and then climbs 500 plus vertical feet to the historic Copper Peak ski flying jump. The downhill is fast and flowy with intermittent jumps and bridges. There will be a sport race (7 miles), an expert race (16 miles), as well as a kid’s race and trail run (7 miles). The event starts at 10 a.m. (CST) at the main entrance to the facility. Racers registered before Aug. 22 are guaranteed a T-shirt. Registration and packet pickup party is at Black River Valley Pub in Bessemer on Friday night from 6 to 8 pm. Saturday post-race
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U.P. MICHIGAN
BESSEMER – For those looking for another adventure this fall, the Copper Peak Trail Fest on Saturday, Sept. 7, will fit the bill. This event is centered around a mountain bike race on the outstanding trails at North America’s largest ski jump located just north of Bessemer.
70 Western U.P. Michigan Lake Gogebic Walleye Tournament offers large cash prizes to winners
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LAKE GOGEBIC – A grand prize of $2,000 and a trophy for the largest walleye will be awarded to the winner of the 42nd annual Lake Gogebic Walleye Tournament set for Friday, Sept. 13, and Saturday, Sept. 14. Sponsored by Lake Gogebic Area Chamber of Commerce, the contest offers a $1,000 prize for second place, followed by $400 for third and various cash prizes for fourth through tenth places – all for walleyes. Daily prizes are in store for largest bass, perch and northern pike. Catch-and-release after weigh-in is being encouraged. Registration is $50 if done by Aug. 31 and $75 after that date. Saturday dinner is included in the registration fee. All prizes will be awarded after Saturday’s dinner at Gogebic Lodge. In Lake Gogebic’s 13,380 surface acres of prime fishing water, there are walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, jumbo perch and some whitefish. With its large size, the lake is a natural for boating and recreation pursuits from kayaking and canoes to tournament boats and ski boats. Vacationers and day-trippers will find the area provides plenty of opportunities for different kinds of outdoor recreation from mountain biking to camping to star gazing.
U.P. MICHIGAN
For more information about the tournament or the area itself, visit LakeGogebicArea.com or call the chamber at 1-888-464-3242.
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Calendar Of Events Aug. 2-3 Crystal Falls – Humongous Fungus Fest Aug. 4 Iron River – Full Triathlon, Spring Triathlon & Walk Aug. 8-11 Iron River – Iron County Fair Aug. 24 Alpha – End of Summer Blues Fest Sept. 28 Iron River – Harvest & Haunt
Stupendous Humongous Fungus Fest awaits you CRYSTAL FALLS – Crystal Falls, smack dab in Michigan’s outdoor paradise, has a special treat for visitors (and residents) with another Humongous Fungus Festival set for Friday, Aug. 2, and Saturday, Aug. 3. The festival celebrates the oldest, largest contiguous life-form on earth living underneath Crystal Falls. This year’s festival will again feature the jaw-dropping 100-squarefoot mushroom pizza, guided forays for mushrooms and other edibles, a mushroom cook-off between local restaurants, mushroom cooking demonstrations, city-wide rummages, parade and street dance, kids’ games and crafts and a softball tournament. Following the parade on Friday (5:30 p.m.) will be the street dance and free tie-dying to fit the festival’s “Psychedelic ’60s” theme. Bring your own tie-dye apparel or buy a special Fungus Fest T-shirt. The Great Mushroom Cook-Off will be Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. behind the Crystal Theatre. There are two awards: the Judges’ Choice award and the Audience Choice award.
The Doors of Chicago will be in concert at the Crystal Theatre on Saturday night at 7 p.m. Get your tickets in advance at thecrystaltheatre.org. More information – including parade theme, citywide rummage sign-up and other registration forms – can be found at iron.org/ fungusfest.
About that life-form
The largest contiguous life-form on Earth lives right here in Iron County. It’s a massive, 882,000-pound, 185-acre Armillaria Gallica fungus (also known as a “honey mushroom” or “shoestring mushroom”) that lives a quiet life spread out between Crystal Falls and Alpha. The massive fungus has edible mushrooms that can be harvested in the fall. It was discovered in the late 1980s and remeasured in 2017, confirmed to be twice the size it was when it was originally discovered. There is a large fungus found in Oregon (the locals say it’s a title pretender) that’s a different species and is not contiguous.
End of Summer Blues Fest features several bands The eighth annual End of Summer Blues Fest kicks off the morning of Saturday, Aug. 24, with the 11 a.m. (CST) blessing of the bikes and bikers, followed by the Veterans Freedom Ride and memorial poker run. Motorcycles (cars welcomed too) will travel through Iron County, with stops at veteran memorials before returning to Alpha at 12:30 p.m. The Blues Fest is rain or shine, as it will held under the pavilion behind Porter School in the Village Circle. With a blueberry pie– eating contest, vendors, food and multiple bands, you’re sure to have a great time!
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The Blues Fest music gets underway at noon in the pavilion with music by this talented lineup: 12:30 p.m. – Flat Broke Blues Band; 2:30 p.m. – The Lark Brothers: 3:30 p.m. – UP Gumbo: intermissions with Paul E. Sundquist; 5 p.m. – Heather Crosse Band; 7 p.m. – Sons of Legend. There will be food and merchandise vendors, along with refreshments by the American Legion Riders-Post 21 (no carry-ins allowed), and a “Blues Berry” pie–eating contest at 4 p.m. – with divisions for 12 and younger and 12 and older. Bring a bag chair for the music. Don’t forget your cheap sunglasses! Children under 12 admitted free with a paid adult. The festival will take place rain or shine. For more information, call 906-875-3913 or email bobblackpro@gamial.com.
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U.P. MICHIGAN
ALPHA – Head to the little Village of Alpha near Crystal Falls in Upper Michigan for a daylong festival filled with top-notch blues music, locally brewed beer and good food.
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