NORTHCENTRAL REGION

Calendar

NORTHCENTRAL REGION

May 6-7 Tomahawk – Downtown Spring Fling May 7 Antigo – Old Fashioned Plow Day May 7 Upson – Kids Fishing Event May 13-15 Presque Isle – Walleye Fishing Tournament May 14 St. Germain – Fishing with the Stars May 15 Conover – Doubles Disc Golf Tournament May 15 Rhinelander – RASTA Mtn. Bike Rally May 16-21 Rhinelander – Hodag Heritage Festival May 21 St. Germain – Ruck-n St. Germain May 21 Boulder Junction – White Deer Triathlon May 26-30 Mercer & Hurley – ATV/UTV Rally May 28 Eagle River – Arts & Crafts Show, Sidewalk Sale May 28 Manitowish Waters – Classic, Custom Car & Boat Show May 28 White Lake – Oxbow Odyssey Bike Ride May 28 Wausau – Rib Mtn. Adventure Challenge May 27-29 Elcho – Bullhead Fishing Tournament May 29 St. Germain – Classic Sled Round Up May 29 Tomahawk – Main Street Memories Car Show May 29 Pickerel – Cornhole Tournament June 4 Minocqua – June Bloom Arts & Crafts Show June 4 Sayner – Water Ski Tournament June 4 Deerbrook – Jack Lake Mountain Bike Race June 4 White Lake – Nic Roc Twister Trot Trail Run June 4 Saxon – National Trails Day Hike June 4-5 Antigo – Off-Road Races

Rhinelander to Celebrate Hodag Heritage Days

RRHINELANDER – The sponsors of the second annual Hodag Heritage Days are promising that the legendary, fearsome creature known as the Hodag will be on its best behavior during the multi-day celebration in Rhinelander. The Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce says the celebration will run from Monday, May 16 through Saturday, May 21. The mysterious, mischievous Hodag has roamed the Northwoods for more than a century and has become the official symbol of Rhinelander (while pulling a few pranks along the way). Various statues of the creature dot the city, including a large one at the chamber office. The week will feature weeklong art contests, scavenger hunts, Hodag decoration contests, Hodag heritage videos, citywide Hodag foods and beverages, and ending Saturday, May 21 at the Pioneer Park. The Tour de Hodag group bike trail ride will depart from the Hwy. K Bearskin trailhead at 5 p.m. Friday, May 20. They plan to bike a total of 6 miles roundtrip for about an hour ride at a leisurely pace.

The final day’s (May 21) lineup of fun includes a pancake breakfast, kids activities, heritage ceremony, Hodag calling contest, music by Hip Pocket, various craft and food vendors, Hodag historic bus tours, cryptid and Hodag lore speakers. For updates and more information, visit RhinelanderChamber.com or the Hodag Heritage Facebook page.Northcentral Region

Memories Car Show Returns to Tomahawk

TOMAHAWK – A fleet of all your favorite hot rods and classic cars and trucks, and even motorcycles and bikes, will fill Main Street and its side streets in Historic Downtown Tomahawk for the 28th annual Main Street Memories Car Show on Sunday, May 29. Admission is free for spectators. It’s a must-see museum on wheels and one of the northern Wisconsin’s first and finest car shows of the season. The show caps the number at 300 vehicles. There are about two dozen classes for owners to enter their pride-n-joy. Entrants can pre-register online or just show up and register when they get there The entire Main Street is closed to through traffic for this event, held rain or shine. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be food and refreshments, along with an arts and crafts show and raffles. There will also be kids activities, a bounce house, balloon art, fishbowl game and petting zoo. For more information, contact Tomahawk Main Street at 715453-1090 or e-mail: director@tomahawkmainstreet.org.

Holiday Acres Keeps the Fun Going

MINOCQUA – Holiday Acres Recreation Park in Minocqua is a complete entertainment package for all ages, offering horse and pony rides, exciting go-kart racing and relaxing and fun mini-golf. Up for a spin around the go-kart track? Holiday Acres boasts three excellent tracks, including the original Super Track. Each track has different features where the Mario Andretti set – young and older -- can zoom around hairpin curves, carve a path up the hills and zip across bridges as they race friends and family. When it’s time to relax there are a couple outstanding choices. First, take a 45-minue guided ride on gentle horses and ponies through the 40 acres of scenic woods that surround Holiday Acres. Rides leave on the hour daily. The little cowpokes will be talking about the ride on their favorite pony for weeks afterwards! Reservations are suggested (715-356-4400). Or challenge family and friends to a round of golf on the 18hole miniature golf course, with outstanding landscaping features such as rivers, ponds and waterfalls. Golf under the sun or under the lights at night. Holiday Acres is located on U.S. Highway 51 just south of the Island of Minocqua. Open daily at 9 a.m. May-October.

Antigo Off-Road National Roars Back in Action

ANTIGO -- The Antigo Lions Roaring Raceway is hosting its second annual AMSOIL Championship Off-Road Series race at the Langlade County Fairgrounds the weekend of June 4 & 5. Antigo Off-Road National will showcase well over a dozen classes of racers, headlined by strong entry lists across all of the Pro Truck and SXS classes vying for cash and trophies on the halfmile dirt oval.

There will be a parade of race drivers and vendors in downtown Antigo on Friday. The parade will begin on Fifth Avenue and end at the fairgrounds. There will be free music Friday and Saturday nights. A one-day pass is $30 or a weekend pass is $40 with free entry for kids 12 years and younger. Advance tickets can be purchased online or at Langlade Ford located at 2530 Neva Rd., Antigo. For more information, visit antigoracing.com.

Spanning over 259 acres within Minocqua, WI is Wildwood Wildlife Park Zoo & Safari and all of its residents! The Giraffes and Penguins are the most popular, while visitors �lock to partake in the giraffe encounter. Another must visit includes the Safari Tram ride populated by Eland, Ostrich, Kudu, Nyala, Beisa Oryx, Nilgai, Scimitar Horned Oryx, Wildebeest, Bongo, Emu, Big Horn Sheep and much more!

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, aoudad, and camel. Whitetail deer are strolling leisurely throughout the park and visitors can feed them out of their 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. We can’t wait for you to meet our giraffe family!

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.

Snow Leopard: Stop by and watch these unique magnificent cats as they run and jump and may even follow you in their outdoor habitat.

Penguin Cove: This immersive exhibit is home to a cozy colony of endangered African Black-Footed Penguins.

Siamang: A performance and sound that guests will never forget! You will have the opportunity to hear these silly monkeys as they fill up their air sack to call out- which can be heard over 2 miles away!

Koi and Trout Feed-

ing: 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 our 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 strutting across an open field. Search for the camouflaged Scimitar Horned Oryx concealed in the thickets or the Wildebeest sunning on the savannah. 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.

FUN FOR ALL!

North Woods Art Tour Announces Summer Dates

MULTI-COUNTY – Freshen your outlook on life (and your home or office interior) by taking part in the 2022 North Woods Art Tour July 22-24 in multiple locations in Oneida, Vilas, Iron and Lincoln counties. Artwork will be available for purchase during the open house, which will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. During this self-guided tour, nearly 40 of the region’s finest artists will open their galleries and studios – including some private studios rarely open to the public – to the public. The tour is free and you are free to design your own tour experiencer, nor are reservations needed.

Artists will be demonstrating aspects of their working process, what materials they use and how they approach the creative process. A robust array of art will be demonstrated, including paintings and drawings and works in clay, fiber, wood, gourds, glass, photography and designer jewelry in precious metals, and unique combinations of many media. Mark the calendar for the fall art tour set for Oct. 7-9. For more information, go to northwoodsarttour.com where a tour guide brochure can be downloaded. Brochures with the same colorful examples of artwork are also available at local chambers of commerce, area galleries and businesses. For more information contact Arlene Bozicnik at 715-385-3334.

Dr. Kate Museum & State Historical Marker

Learn the inspiring story of Dr. Kate, Angel on Snowshoes 923 Second Avenue, Woodruff , WI

715-356-6896 • Visit us on the web: drkatemuseum.org

Monetary donations appreciated Mid-June through Labor Day: Open Monday – Friday 11am-3pm September Hours: Open Tuesday & Th ursday 11am-2pm Group Tours by Appointment Affi liated with the State Historical Society of Wisconsin Across from the Lakeland Cinema on Highway 51 North Handicap Accessible

Car and Boat Show Moored at Manitowish Waters

MANITOWISH WATERS – Turn the rudder (i.e., wheel of your family cruiser) to Manitowish Waters for that community’s seventh annual Classic + Custom Car & Boat Show on Saturday, May 28. The event will be held on the grounds of Little Bohemia Lodge, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be informative pontoon rides on Little Star Lake, sponsored by the Manitowish Waters Historical Society and the North Lakeland Discovery Center; live music by Bret & Frisk, demonstrations, information booths on water issues, food and beverages, free kids’ games, and the awards presentation, including for People’s Choice and Best of Show in four categories. During your visit you’ll learn the history of Little Bohemia and its connection to John Dillinger, and enjoy the day admiring classic and custom cars, trucks, canoes, and outboard motors that are among the best of collections in northern Wisconsin. Little Bohemia is located along Hwy. 51 and Little Star Lake. Little Star is one of lakes that make up the “Legendary 10-Lake Chain,” a popular vacationing place, nestled within the great Northwoods of Wisconsin.

Honor the Fallen by Attending the Veterans Memorial Ceremony

The annual Veterans Memorial Ceremony will take place at the Veterans Memorial in Union Grove Cemetery on Saturday, May 28. The cemetery is located at 4521 Lakewood Road in Harshaw. The 11:30 a.m. ceremony will be a time to pay your respects in honor of those who have died either while serving their country, as a result of military service or after they have finishing serving as a retired or separated veteran. The nation’s present-day military personnel will also be honored during this event. The younger attendees will learn about veterans and their sacrifices in service to our nation. Active-duty personnel and veterans will contribute to this understanding as they relate their own experiences and knowledge. This solemn observance includes presentation of the Colors by the Tomahawk Area Veterans Honor Guard, cannon salutes by the 8th Battery Veterans Light Artillery of WI and by the Major John Pelaham’s Battery ANV, along with other speeches and music. “Taps” will be played as those assembled honor “All who gave some, and those who gave all!” There will be a motorcycle honor procession from American Legion Post 93 to the cemetery. Contact Nick Blennert at 715-5742060 for details.

Please bring a chair, as this is a longer observance than most Memorial Day observances. Restrooms are located on site. There will be a free fellowship luncheon at the Cassian town hall following the ceremony. For upcoming information on the event, visit www. veteransceremony.org or call event chairman Rick Smith at 715612-0332.

Hike the North Country Trail

GURNEY -- The Heritage Trail Chapter of the North Country Trail Association and Iron County Outdoor Recreation Enthusiasts (ICORE) are co-sponsoring a hike in honor of National Trails Day on Saturday, June 4 from 10 a.m. to noon. Open to the public, participants are to meet at Wren Falls before 10 a.m. to hike the North Country Trail to Porcupine Hill and back, approximately 4 miles. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear and clothing, and bring water and a trail lunch. For more information, e-mail icoretrails@gmail.com or visit ironcountyoutdoora.org. Another hike (on your own) to consider is to Corrigan’s Lookout, located off Hwy. 122 in Upson. The site features a quarter-mile hike to a rock outcrop overlooking Upson Lake to the west, the Gogebic Range to the south, and Lake Superior to the north. The trail is located 2.6 miles north of Upson. Go to ICORE’s website (listed above) for a map.

Books are open for 2022 rentals!

B & B Adventures, located in Mercer, WI, offers two and four-seater side by sides to rent.

bbadventuresofmercer.com

715-476-2137

We offer daily rates as well as multi-day rates for the best rental experience. Explore Northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula’s roads, trails, and parks. You will be able to ride past lakes and rivers, stop at waterfalls, eat lunch, or soak in the spectacular fall colors while riding.

We are here to provide you with an opportunity to explore the Northwoods and create a lasting memory. We love connecting riders with adventure and an experience that will keep you wanting to come back and bring your friends.

Food Lovers Will Get a ‘Taste of Conover’

CONOVER – We can’t stop thinking of Taste of Conover, but our watering taste buds will have to wait until Sunday, June 26 when the annual event comes to Conover where the sampling of delicious specialty foods from local restaurants and other businesses will take place. The Conover Chamber of Commerce is the event sponsor. We’re not alone in anticipation. Suffice to say many people plan their visits Up North to coincide with this popular culinary event, which will be held again from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Conover Town Park, Hwy. K East. They promise you will not go away hungry. Chefs and other veteran cooks will be poring over familiar and new recipes to whip up the best in breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert offerings. Each vendor will have food items in $1 increments. Tickets can be purchased at the park entrance. There will be activities for kids and live music as you enjoy the food and chat with friends new and old. Make a day of it by visiting the area’s specialty shops and other businesses.

Get the Gang Together for an ‘Up North’ Fishing Tournament

Great memories are made when you are surrounded by friends and family. It’s especially true when you are all together on a trip “Up North” fishing a family-friend(ly) tournament. We found a couple that fit the bill nicely. PRESQUE ISLE – The Presque Isle Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 30th annual Walleye Tournament Friday through Sunday, May 13-15. Outside of the excellent walleye fishery, anglers will take in the natural splendor of the Northwood, including soaring eagles that may be eying their catch. Anglers have their choice of several tournament lakes to fish: Horsehead, Oxbow, Presque Isle, Van Vliet, Averill, Birch and Wildcat. The Outpost Cafe in Presque Isle is the tournament headquarters. It’s where you can get updates on who is leading the tournament. Registration can be made either on-line in advance or in person Friday. The tournament fee includes a fish fry luncheon after the tournament ends on Sunday at the Presque Isle Community Center. Cash prizes will be awarded for first through fifth place. To register and for more information, visit PresqueIsle.com or stop at the chamber office or call 718-686-2910. ST. GERMAIN – Do you like fishing? For prizes? Then you might want to head over to St. Germain for the chamber’s sixth annual “Fishing with the Stars” tournament on Saturday, May 14. All registered anglers will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a day fishing and filming with either fishing legends Rob Manthei, Pete Maina or John Gillespie. Manthei’s Guide Service is the tournament co-sponsor. Register at st-germain.com or stop by the chamber office in St. Germain or call 715-477-2205. Tournament hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the angler’s choice of any lake in Vilas and Oneida counties. Anglers will be targeting bass, walleye, pike and panfish during this catch-and-release event. First through third place winners from the Saturday tournament will win additional chances to win the raffle drawing. Three names will be drawn to spend a day on the water fishing with the “Stars” on Sunday, May 15 on an area lake.

White Deer Triathlon Welcomes Back Athletes

BOULDER JUNCTION – The Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce announces the White Deer Triathlon will return in full on Saturday, May 21. Due to COVID-19, the event was cancelled in 2020 and returned the following year as a duathlon. The sixth annual White Deer Triathlon features a 3-kilometer paddle course on Boulder Lake, 22-kilometer bike ride on Boulder Junction’s paved rustic roads and 6-kilometer run along scenic county roads and a beautiful forest trail, according to chamber executive director Dina Casso.

The race begins at 9 a.m. on Boulder Lake. There are options to compete as an individual, or as 2-person team or as 3-person team. There will be spectator viewing near each transition area and the finish line. Awards and a cookout will follow the race at the community center. To register, go to boulderjct.org. Follow the White Deer Triathlon Facebook page for updates or call the chamber at 715-385-2400.