Editor’s Column Recharge Your Life Batteries ‘Up North’ In the Northwoods you’re never very far from a refreshing cool lake. And, hey, there’s a bunch of trees here too. They must like company, because all across the landscape are woods and deep forests – perfect for family getaways and camping. Tons of trails weave their way through our county, state and federal forests. You’ll need a keen eye to see the deer trails, but there are plenty of developed trails for human feet, road and mountain bikes and ATVs/UTVs. The trails are well marked and take you to majestic waterfalls, lakes, scenic vistas and other attractions. There’s no shortage of things to do. This issue’s regional calendars offer numerous suggestions for summer and early fall activities. Interesting and fascinating artifacts and stories of
Inside This Issue
our very early years can be found at museums in nearly every community. The list of family fun possibilities seems endless – zip lines, golf courses, casinos, horseback stables, go-kart tracks, laser tag places, country fairs, bowling alleys, antique shops, wildlife parks, as well as pursuits of fishing and canoeing/kayaking/tubing. Shed those big city blues and make your vacation or getaway plans for a trip to the Northwoods. It’s not only a geographical place, but also a refreshing state-of-mind when you arrive at the land they call “Up North!” Dean Acheson, Editor
Musky Shop.................................................................................................................................Inside Front Cover Stoney Creek Home & Garden...................................................................................Inside Body Front Cover Editor’s Column.................................................................................................................................................Page 4 Summer & Fall Events to Enjoy List Feature Article......................................................................Pages 6-11 Iron County Lodging Association...................................................................................................... Back Cover
*All events & businesses subject to change. Please contact individual locations to confirm events and/or hours of operation. Cover photo from Cable Area Fall Fest taken by Julia Friermood - Country Roads Photography
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/CEO Al Hanley alh@5starupnorth.com Editor Dean Acheson
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Accounting Jackie Blodgett
Production Manager Jackie Blodgett
Graphic Designer Brittany Hazelquist
Sales Associate Al Hanley Cindy Olson
Project Manager & Senior Graphic Designer Danelle Pretasky
Distribution Brian Wiedeman Gary Harlander Kevin Atchison
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Map & Index
NORTHEAST REGION - page 12
NORTHWEST REGION - page 48
Covering the following counties: Florence • Forest • Marinette Oconto • Menominee • Shawano
Covering the following counties: Ashland • Bayfield • Douglas • Burnett Washburn • Sawyer • Rusk • Barron Polk • St. Croix • Dunn • Chippewa
NORTHCENTRAL REGION - page 16
Covering the following counties: Iron • Vilas • Price • Oneida • Lincoln Langlade • Taylor • Marathon
U.P. MICHIGAN REGION - page 58
Covering the following counties: Baraga • Gogebic • Ontonagon • Houghton Iron • Dickinson • Menominee
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To Enjoy List
Motorcycle Rides, Festivals & So Much More! The Northwoods of Wisconsin and the U.P. of Michigan is awash in dozens of challenging athletic activities and fun celebrations during the next two months. We can’t think of a time when running and bicycling contests were so numerous as in 2022. Take that COVID-19! Check our calendars inside this issue for events/dates. Learn more about the following events, and others, inside this issue of Up North Action.
The fun is back and in a big way. The Northwoods Fall Ride on Sept. 15-18 will welcome thousands of motorcycle riders to Tomahawk and area communities. Tomahawk-based events range from the chamber’s bonfire & brat fry, to the always-popular Thunder Parade and downtown street dances, indoor bike show, and live music. Also, taverns and entertainment venues for miles around will also offer live music and specials on the menu. Mark your calendar to make a road trip to Crystal Falls in the U.P. for that community’s Humongous Fungus Fest on Aug. 1214. It’s in tribute to the local Armillaria bulbosa, also known as
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the honey mushroom, that covers 37 subterranean acres. Scheduled is a kids carnival, along with a parade, car show, mushroom-themed food, mushroom foray, softball tournaments, and more. Over in Ashwaubenon (near Green Bay), during Artstreet you can watch master sand sculptors transform over 20 tons of sand into incredible sculptures during this art, music and food festival. It’s a full weekend, Aug. 26-28, of fine art, great music and delicious food.
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Speaking of sand, check out the beach at Torpy Park in Minocqua on Saturday, Aug. 20. There, the Minocqua Dragon Boat Festival will see teams of paddlers and a drummer getting ready for dragon boat races on Lake Minocqua. No fire breathing creatures, but each team is hoping to smoke the competition – or just have a whale of a good time. You spectators (admission is free!) will have fun cheering on the racers and enjoying the live music, food & beer garden and fun activities for young “dragonlings.”
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Keep Minocqua in mind, because the downtown becomes a giant food court for the annual Beef-A-Rama on Saturday, Sept. 24. It’s one-of-a-kind event, with people dressed in cow-themed costumes, or at a minimum, sporting black and white cow hats. There’s a Rump Roast Run, craft show, kids activities, live music and, of course, mouth-watering beef sandwiches for sale. We can’t wait! That’s our cue to mooo-ve up north to Ironwood, for one of the U.P.’s favorite events, the Gogebic County Fair, with fair dates being Aug. 11-14. The admission price is all-inclusive and gets you in for the carnival rides, grandstand shows and concerts at no extra charges. Food and games of chance/skill – well, pack a bit of extra money for those, especially if you have young kids.
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We can’t help it… (steers and bulls are involved): it’s time to again mooo’ve on, this time to Rice Lake, where the Barron County Pro Rodeo Event comes to town on Sept. 8-10. The first night features lightning-fast barrel racing in WPRA-style action. The next two days will see thrilling PRCA action with bronco and bull riding, along with steer wrestling and calf roping. Round up the little cowpokes and enjoy some great family entertainment. Traveling north of Rice Lake, you’ll also be welcomed at Hayward and Cable, both of which have fall festivals. The annual Cable Area Fall Fest on Sept. 23-24 includes live music, a car/motorcycle/truck show, arts and crafts vendors, and food vendors, as well as Friday’s fish fry and Saturday’s pumpkin pecan pancake breakfast. Yummy! Save some room and time for the Hayward Fall Festival, also on Saturday, Sept 24. It’s an annual tradition that celebrates the changing of the seasons with fine art & craft booths, sidewalk sales, wonderful food vendors, a brat, beer and wine tent, kids activities, and live music in downtown Hayward.
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Northeast Region Calendar
Aug. 5 Bonduel – Corn Roast Aug. 5-6 Bowler – Bowler Bash Aug. 6 Lakewood – Arts & Crafts Show Aug. 7 Aurora – Mud Runs Aug. 6-8 Keshena – Menominee Nation Contest Pow Wow Aug. 12-14 Shawano – Folk Music Festival Aug. 13 Oconto – Family Fun Day Aug. 13-21 Gillett – Oconto Co. Fair Aug. 19 Shawano – Smally Beach Bash Aug. 20 Mountain – Hidden Bear Trail ATV/UTV Fun Day Aug. 20 Shawano – Shawano Airport Fly-In & Car Show Aug. 26-28 Ashwaubenon – Artstreet Aug. 26-28 Florence – Florence Co. Fair Sept. 2 Doty – Pig Roast Sept. 2-3 Crandon – World Championship Off-Road Races Sept. 2-5 Suring – Labor Day Celebration Sept. 3 Townsend – Corn Roast & ATV/UTV Parade Sept. 3 Riverview – Corn Roast Sept. 4 Lakewood – Firefighter’s Annual Picnic Sept. 10 White Lake – Wolfman Triathlon Sept. 17 Lakewood – Festi-Fall Sept. 17 Oconto – Fly-In & Car Show Sept. 17 Bonduel – Founder’s Day Sept. 24 Crandon – Art in the Square Sept. 24 Lakewood – Toys for Joy Ride Sept. 24 Oconto – Harvest Fest Sept. 24 Oconto Falls – Run for the Trails Sept. 24-25 Crandon – Big Woods 200 Dual Sport Sept. 29 Oconto – World Walleye Championships
Relish ‘Artstreet’
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Art, Music and Food Festival Sets Down at New Location
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ASHWAUBENON – Artstreet is moving to Ashwaubomay Park in Ashwaubenon this year from its former home in downtown Green Bay. Mosaic Arts, the nonprofit organization behind the annual art, music and food festival, says the possibilities for growth at its new location is exciting. In one extended weekend, Aug. 26-28, you can stroll the festival grounds to view, purchase and hear original works of art. Watch master sand sculptors transform over 20 tons of sand into incredible sculptures, savor an array of specialty foods, and enjoy local wines and micro brews. Families and children can revel in hands on art projects, face painting and more. Continuous entertainment, featured on the music stage and community stage, will showcase a blend of jazz, blues, classical,
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rock, and country tunes, along with theater, comedy, and dance presentations. Visitors will also encounter street performers throughout the event. Spend the day or the entire weekend as each day offers something new. Exhibited for sale will be original works and limited copies, representing various media forms, by established fine artists. Artist listings, with sample artwork, can be found on the website along with all the event details, including a limited number of discounted room rates. Visit mosaicartsinc.org. Ashwaubomay Park is conveniently located between the National Railroad Museum and the Brown County Fairgrounds at 2881 S Broadway, Green Bay. On-site parking will be available and there will be free shuttles running from the fairgrounds (parking there is also free) to Artstreet.
Fall in Love with These Festivals LAKEWOOD & OCONTO – The beginning of colorama (mid-September) in the Northwoods brings thousands of visitors to Oconto County for two special celebrations and to enjoy the beauty of trees glimmering with red, yellow and orange leaves.
Festi Fall
Lakewood will usher in autumn during its Festi Fall, an outdoor celebration of food, live music and artisans on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Lakewood Area Enchanting Shops is hosting the event. Festi Fall features more than 30 vendors displaying a wide array of handcrafted merchandise including, jewelry, rugs, jams, paintings, photos, ceramics, and wood carvings. Some will be demonstrating their work. The enchanting boutiques and shops in Lakewood also will also participate in Festi Fall, opening their doors to festival shoppers. During your stroll, sample local and global wines and enjoy the open-air musical performances. Food stands will be serving a variety of food and refreshments. Public parking will be available.
Harvest Fest
Oconto’s downtown will spring to life for Harvest Fest, the city’s annual autumn celebration taking place on Saturday, Sept. 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. On the long-anticipated day of Harvest Fest, Oconto closes Main Street to vehicles from Huron Avenue to
Millidge Avenue, as it opens the street to vendors and foot traffic. Harvest Fest, sponsored by the Oconto Area Chamber of Commerce, features a variety of arts and crafts, seasonal produce and other merchandise. The Main Street shops host sidewalk sales and Harvest Fest specials. Plus, there are kids’ activities, food, refreshments and live music. Put on your flannel, pack up the kids, and head to Harvest Fest where you’re sure to find pumpkins for carving, hearty vegetables for simmering, and fun for all ages.
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Enjoy Gibson Island’s Easy Walking Trails CLINTONVILLE – Easy trail walking for the legs and a pretty sight for the eyes await those venturing on Gibson Island near Clintonville. Formerly private, the 25-acre island is now public and accessible by all via a 270-foot-long boardwalk. The undeveloped island sits between Grass and Pine lakes off Hwy. Y, about halfway between Clintonville and Shawano. The town of Belle Plaine-owned island offers great views of Cloverleaf Lake.
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There is an information kiosk and a walking trail through the woods, over the boardwalk and an isthmus, and then onto the island. The island has several trails totaling more than a mile through pristine woods. The only challenge for hikers is a slight incline.
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Access is free and the island is open year-round during daylight hours. But there’s no camping, fires, picnics, alcohol, smoking, pets, horses or motorized vehicles allowed. The other cautionary note is access may be limited during the time eagles are raising their young on the island. Directions: From Shawano, south on Hwy. 22 about five miles, left on Hwy. Y for a mile, then turn left (east) on Cloverleaf Lake Road. There is a small parking lot about a mile east on Cloverleaf.
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Tube the Pine and Brule Rivers FLORENCE – Florence County’s outdoor recreation offerings include the popular inner-tubing on the Pine River oxbow, as well as on the Brule River. The popularity of the “The Oxbow” is due to its near circular nature in which the river literally brings you almost back to your point of origin, thus enabling the group to forgo a vehicle at the exit point. The take-out is only a quarter mile from your put-in point so no shuttle is needed. The float takes 2-3 hours, depending on the water level. The scenic Pine River is designated a “wild river” with very little development along its banks. There are no real rapids on this float. When tubing the Brule River, you can put in at the Brule Dam Road and take out at Woods Road. For a shorter trip, put in or take out on Camels Clearing Road. Nature’s Water Park offers tube rentals at the Oxbow, shuttle service and guided paddle trips. Call 941-536-8090 for reservations. Maps are available at the Wild Rivers Interpretive Center.
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Northcentral Region
Calendar
Aug. 1-13 Hurley – Iron Co. Heritage Days Aug. 2-5 Tomahawk – Antique Boat & Motor Show Aug. 2-7 Wausau – WI Valley Fair Aug. 3 Mercer – Loon Day Aug. 4 Minocqua – After Loon Delight Craft Show Aug. 4-7 Saxon – Iron Co. Fair Aug. 5-6 Tomahawk – Main St. Sidewalk Sales Aug. 5-6 Eagle River – Antique Show & Sale Aug. 5-7 Park Falls – Flambeau Rama Aug. 6 Phelps – Twin Triathlon Aug. 6 Park Falls – Evergreen 5K Road Run Aug. 6 Arbor Vitae – Fire Dept. Summerfest Aug. 6 Mercer – Lions Duck Race Aug. 6 Merrill – First Festival of Quilts Aug. 6 Eagle River – Antique Show and Sale Aug. 6 Antigo – MK Triathlon & Splash-n-Dash Aug. 6 Three Lakes – Car, Boat & Motorcycle Show Aug. 6 Gleason – Deerbrook Rumble Aug. 7 Sayner – Street Fair, 5K Run Aug. 11-14 Eagle River – Vilas Co. Fair Aug. 12-14 Boulder Jct. – Musky Jamboree Weekend Aug. 13 Hurley – Bike the Paavo
What’s Autumn Without a Festival!
Northcentral Region
Musky Jamboree
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BOULDER JUNCTION– Boulder Junction – the Musky Capital of the World – will host its 65th annual Musky Jamboree Friday-Sunday, Aug. 12-14. Friday’s events include the “Learn to Fish Musky” event, and the evening street party with live music. Saturday sees the Musky Fun Run, followed by family-style activities at the Community Center and tours of the museum depot. Sunday’s events include the arts and crafts show, flea market, food and beverage vendors, car show, kid’s casting contest and a kid’s zone. Musical performances will take place throughout the day. The Musky Day Fly-In will be at Payzer Memorial Field. For detailed information about the Musky Jamboree visit boulderjct.org or call the chamber at 715-385-2400.
Beef-A-Rama
MINOCQUA – During 57th annual Beef-A-Rama on Saturday, Sept. 24, the downtown of Minocqua swells with thousands of visitors, drawn by the heady aroma of beef roasting on grills. Herds of creative festival goers, some dressed in cow-themed costumes and hats, start packing downtown early for the 10K and 5K Rump Roast Run/Walk along Lake Minocqua. More are drawn in by the live music, food and drink sales, beef eating contest, “cow pie deed” event, and the “Prime Choice” arts and crafts show featuring more than 70 vendors. Be sure to mooo-ve on down to Torpy Park and grab a roast beef sandwich. Check out Minocqua.org for updates and other details.
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Fall on the Farm in Manitowish Waters
MANITOWISH WATERS – The Manitowish Waters Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating the start of the fall color and cranberry harvest season in Manitowish Waters in a new way. “Cran-A-Rama” is now being called “Fall on the Farm in Manitowish Waters,” and it will be on Saturday, Oct. 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Community Center grounds. The event features indoor arts & crafts booths, free cranberry marsh shuttle bus tours to the Vilas Cranberry Company, a cooking demonstration with cranberry concessions, and a self-guided fall color excursion tour route. Included will be fall favorites and themed games and local vendors. The Frank B. Koller Memorial Library is having a cranberry count contest and cranberry crafts.
Cranberry Festival
EAGLE RIVER – The Cranberry Festival in Eagle River will be Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1-2. This community event includes a large arts and crafts show, farmers market, entertainment, tours of a cranberry marsh and much more. Most activities will be at the Vilas County Fairgrounds and downtown Eagle River. Check out the food tent where you will find soups, cranberry brats, charbroiled chicken sandwiches and much more. Visit the Information Headquarters tent where you can purchase fresh cranberry bakery goods and event souvenirs.
Calendar Continued
Fall Harvest Festival
PHILLIPS – Take a ride to Phillips during a crisp fall day and take in the community’s Fall Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 1. During the peak of colorama time in the Northwoods, the downtown festival includes arts and crafts, pumpkins galore, cranberries, music, food and activities for all ages. Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Colorama
Northcentral Region
ST. GERMAIN – During St. Germain’s Colorama celebration on Saturday, Sept. 17, you can experience beautiful fall colors and take in the craft show and farmer’s market at the St. Germain Park. Enjoy free horse-drawn wagon rides through wooded trails, pumpkin painting with the kids, decorate your homes with mums from “Mums the Word” sale and sample regional microbrews at the “Pints in the Park” beer tasting. Live entertainment and concessions all day. Other attractions are the Northwoods Cornhole Classic and the car show.
Aug. 13 Hurley – Paavo Nurmi Marathon Aug. 13 Boulder Junction – History Day Aug. 13 Three Lakes – Art on Main Aug. 13 Merrill – Underdown Trail Races Aug. 13 Minocqua – Let’s Dive-In Aug. 13 Minocqua – See Me Tri Triathlon Aug. 13 Manitowish Waters – Boat/Pontoon Poker Run Aug. 13 Springstead – Fire Dept./Auxiliary Corn Roast Aug. 13 Tomahawk – Thrilla-On-The-Grilla Aug. 13 Antigo – Tater Trot Aug. 13 Hurley – Paavo Nurmi Marathon Aug. 13-19 Rhinelander – Northern Woods & Waters Bicycle Tour Aug. 17 Eagle River – Paul Bunyan Fest Aug. 14 Boulder Junction – Musky Jamboree Aug. 17-21 Merrill – Lincoln Co. 4-H Fair Aug. 17-27 Ironwood – Masters & Youth Art Show Aug. 19-20 Wausau – Big Bull Falls Blues Fest Aug. 19-20 Aniwa – Central WI Military Show Aug. 19-22 Eagle River – Nat’l Championship Musky Open Aug. 19-21 Butternut – Community Fair Aug. 19-21 Crandon – Forest Co. Fair Aug. 20 Mercer – Mercer Loon Party Aug. 20 Minocqua – Dragon Boat Races Aug. 20 Phillips – Musky Tournament Aug. 20 Phillips – Phillips on Tap Aug. 20 Gleason – Mud Bogs/ATV Bogs Aug. 20 Wausau – Wausau Marathon/Half Aug. 19-21 Phelps – Oldtimers Slow-Pitch Softball Tournament Aug. 24-28 Phillips – Price County Fair Aug. 27 Eagle River – Car and Truck Show Aug. 27 Rhinelander – W.I.L.D. Hodag Mini-Tri Sept. 3 Hurley – Festival Italiano Sept. 4 Eagle River – Arts & Craft Show Sept. 4 Minocqua – No Frills Marathon, Half Marathon & Relay Sept. 4 Eagle River – Sausage Fest Sept. 4 Sayner – Mayor’s Race Sept. 4 Phelps – Sven Musky Tournament Aug. 5-6 Eagle River – Rotary Antique Show and Sale Sept. 6-11 Antigo – Stumble Stump Rendezvous Sept. 9-10 Three Lakes – NXNW Music Crawl Sept. 10 Boulder Jct. – Colorama Arts & Crafts Fair Sept. 10 Rhinelander – Oktoberfest, Chalkfest Sept. 10 Eagle River – SepTimber Ride Sept. 10 Land O’Lakes – Airport Radar Run Sept. 10 Brantwood – A Country Afternoon Sept. 10 Phelps – Musky Tournament Sept. 10 Gleason – Tractor/Truck Pull Sept. 10-11 Bessemer – Copper Peak Trails Fest Sept. 10-11 Wausau – Art World Wausau, Artrageous Weekend Sept. 15-18 Tomahawk – Northwoods Fall Ride (motorcycles) Sept. 16-17 Rhinelander – Project North Festival Sept. 17 St. Germain – Colorama Festival Sept. 17 St. Germain – Pints in the Park Sept. 17 Merrill – Pork in the Park Sept. 17 Mercer – Fall Color Classic Bicycle Tour Sept. 17 Mercer – Fall Classic Car Show Sept. 17 Three Lakes – Oktoberfest Sept. 17 Boulder Junction – Colorama Dinner Sept. 17 Phelps – Scarecrow Fest Sept. 17 Antigo – Eli’s Unite & Fight Run/Walk Sept. 17-18 Eagle River – Paul’s Pro-Am Musky Tournament Sept. 23-25 Rhinelander – Hodag Musky Challenge Sept. 23-25 Sayner -- Colorama Weekend Sept. 24 Minocqua – Beef-A-Rama Sept. 24 Land O’ Lakes – Oktoberfest, Art Harvest Sept. 24 Merrill – Colorama Bike Tour Sept. 24 St. Germain – Fall Fest ATV/UTV Ride Sept. 24 Ogema – Christmas Tree Festival Sept. 30-Oct. 2 Phelps – Midwest Musky Classic
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Meet the Local Artists on Fall Art Tour MULTI-COUNTIES – The North Woods Fall Art Tour, Oct. 7-9, is an easy and enjoyable way to meet dozens of artists in galleries and studios tucked under majestic pine trees and in quaint communities in Vilas, Oneida, Iron, Langlade and Lincoln counties. You’re sure to find unique gifts or something special for your home or office that will elevate your spirit and your space. The tour of open houses comprises 36 sites where you can craft your itinerary as time and interest allow. Tour maps are available at local chambers of commerce or go to northwoodsarttour.com to download one. The map includes descriptions and directions to each site. Please come prepared to honor all face mask requests. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., which gives you time to grab breakfast and to enjoy dinner afterwards. Drive the colorful back roads (it’s the peak of colorama!) and get a behind-thescenes view of how the artists create original art.
Northcentral Region
Chat with painters in oil, acrylic, watercolor and pastel; potters, photographers, carvers, jewelers, quilters, weavers, woodworkers, stained and hot glass artists, printmakers, sculptors and gourd designers in their studios. Some will be demonstrating their techniques.
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The Sawbuck is a Favorite in the LOL Area LAND O’ LAKES – There’s a place in downtown Land O’ Lakes that has treats for your taste buds and treats for your garden. The Sawbuck welcomes visitors seven days a week with home-made muffins and specialty coffees, along with 20 different flavors of Cedar Crest ice cream. They also have a greenhouse and garden center. Bill and Brittany Clark purchased the business known as Forget Me Not Floral on March 1, 2021. They opened the next day as The Sawbuck and set out to renovate the building, including expanding the kitchen. Both are very familiar with the area. Brittany, originally from Port Washington, worked for some time for Ozaukee County. Her grandparents had a cabin on the Three Lakes Chain of Lakes. More recently, when she’s not at The Sawbuck, you may spot her expanding her photography business. Bill’s family has been on Duck Lake since his great-grandfather bought the property a century ago. Bill is a graphic artist and does commercial voice-overs. They are already supporting the community as a major sponsor of last year’s Oktoberfest. They also hosted a band during this summer’s Make Music Day. The Sawbuck was one of the first names out of over 200 they considered for their business venture. It’s reflective of the rich logging and hunting heritage of the area. It’s also slang for a $10 bill.
Looking for a house warming gift or even for yourself? The Sawbuck has a nice selection of craft beer and high-end wine and liquor, sure to please any recipient. Needing more suggestions? Check out the gift shop, featuring a wide selection of quality items from local artisans and craftspeople. Gift cards are available. When checking out their greenhouse, nursery and garden center, you’ll find lush perennials and annuals for the flower garden or pots, as well as veggie selections such as onion sets, along with heirloom and organic vegetable seeds. With the onset of fall, they will carry mums, pumpkins, corn stalks, Indian corn, gourds and straw bales. Various garden tools are stocked. The animals and birds are not forgotten either. The inventory includes bird seed, dog and cat food, chicken feed, cracked corn and when winter arrives, alfalfa. They are always looking to add something new in the gift shop and to their menu. Future plans include expanding the patio for additional outdoor dining. You can learn more on the web at thesawbucklando.com and on Facebook. Or call 715-547-6100. The Sawbuck’s summer schedule is seven days a week to 4 p.m., with extended summer hours to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday). The business is located at 4270 Hwy. B, right next to post office in downtown Land O’ Lakes.
Northcentral Region
In addition to ice cream and muffins, the cafe serves Vienna hot dogs and chili cheese nachos. Coffee is available either bagged or fresh. Among the customers’ favorites is Affogato – a scoop of ice cream topped with a shot of hot espresso, as well as fresh brewed Colectivo coffee, frappes, lattes and other espressos.
Bill notes that customers come in early for coffee and to take advantage of the free high-speed Wi-Fi for their work or to catch up with friends and family. Invariably, they stay for lunch.
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Enjoy the Northwoods, One Step at a Time Phelps Trail: Located off of Highway E and Sugar Maple Road, the Phelps Hiking Trail is an easy nature hike suitable for all ages. This 1-mile trail is perfect for enjoying the relaxing scenery and sounds of nature. Beaver Creek Trail: You can’t get much farther from civilization in northern Wisconsin than this trail. Located off Indian Road near the Vista Lake Trails, experience the rejuvenating powers of a backcountry trail with a 2-mile hike through forested lands.
PHELPS – Whether you enjoy short strolls through the wilderness or more intense, challenging hikes, Phelps is the place to enjoy the great outdoors of Wisconsin. The Phelps Chamber offers several trail suggestions once you have the hiking shoes/boots laced and tied.
Northcentral Region
Nestled in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, you will have nearly unlimited opportunities to explore nature by foot. You will find trails to suit all abilities and ages, making for a fun summer vacation for the whole family or an exhilarating adventure. So, grab your gear for an extended backpacking trip or just throw on your favorite sneakers and hit the trails in Phelps. Don’t forget water for an extended hike.
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Spectacle Lake – Kentuck Lake Trail: Connecting two campgrounds, this 2.5-mile nature trail takes you through a colorful deciduous forest to an aromatic coniferous forest with pine and spruce trees towering above. With a lake at both ends, this makes for a perfect day-hike, complete with a romantic picnic. Blackjack Springs Trail: This 4-mile hiking trail is one of the best in Vilas County for wildlife observation and bird watching, so be sure to bring along those binoculars and camera. An off-set of the Vista Lake Trails, this is a good choice for a backpacking adventure. Rail Trail: Up for some endurance hiking? Check out this 7.6mile stretch of trail that runs along the railroad grade between Phelps and Conover. With some wetland areas, this is another great hiking trail for bird watching.
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Snowshoe Baseball Offers Great Entertainment for Families LAKE TOMAHAWK – Don’t leave the Northwoods without taking in at least one game of snowshoe baseball – a beloved, yet zany game of softball played on actual snowshoes, using a 16-inch ball, and with no gloves. The local Snowhawk games are played each Monday evening beginning at 7:30 p.m. with the last game of 2022 on Aug. 29. The action is intense with players sometimes tripping up and falling to the sawchip surface as they reach for a fly ball, or run the bases. Admission is free with a butterfly net passed through the stands during the middle of the game. The net proceeds provide Snowshoe organizers with revenue used for expenses as well as donations to various charitable projects that help out community needs. A concession stand is sponsored by area service clubs. Food is available beginning at 5:30 p.m. The menu includes brats, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, soft drinks and coffee. You won’t be able to resist the vast array of homemade pies to top off your pre-game meal. Some nights there are 60 varieties to choose from. A popcorn stand is available each game.
Northcentral Region
For further information, contact manager/coach Jeff Smith at 715-277-2616.
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Photo by Dean Acheson
Dragon Boats Will Rule the Waves
tent for young “dragonlings” provided by the Northwoods Children’s Museum.
In qualifying heats, three teams (each maximum of 20 paddlers and 1 drummer) race over the 300 meter-course in colorful “dragon boats.”
All proceeds will go towards hospital projects including a new service line for oncology chemotherapy infusions at Howard Young Medical Center, Woodruff. The proceeds will be matched by the hospital owner, Aspirus. Since the inaugural festival in 2016, the festival has raised more than $750,000 to benefit Howard Young Medical Center, Aspirus Eagle River Hospital, the Aspirus Tick-Borne Illness Center, and the Autism Services.
Spectators can catch all the action from Torpy Park, downtown Minocqua. The “Awakening of the Dragon” ceremony 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.”
If you want to get in the action, gather up family, friends, and co-workers and sign up at minocquadragonboat.com. No prior paddling experience is necessary. Help is offered for those wanting to join a team. Most teams also gather up pledges for the Howard Young Foundation.
Teams race from east to west, finishing in front of Torpy Park’s swimming beach by BJ’s Sportshop in an intense display of strength and teamwork. Spectator admission is free. There’s a beer and food court, live music, merchandise and souvenirs. Check out the interactive activities under the children’s activity
Volunteers are needed to do everything from holding boats to putting up signs, from greeting guests to getting teams ready to race. Register to be a volunteer at minocquadragonboat.com or contact the Howard Young Foundation at 715-439-4005.
Aug/Sept 2022 | UpNorthAction.com
Northcentral Region
MINOCQUA – One of the summer’s best attractions in the Northwoods is paddling toward you. Sponsored by the Howard Young Foundation, the annual Minocqua Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday, Aug. 20 will showcase upwards of 48 teams of paddlers and their drummers in boat-to-boat competition on Lake Minocqua.
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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 thier 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! 32
Aug/Sept 2022 | UpNorthAction.com
Snow Leopard: Stop by and watch these unique magnificent cats as they run and jump and may even follow you in their outdoor habitat.
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.
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!
Gibbons: Our whitehanded gibbon couple Maddie & Teddie welcomed a healthy baby to their family. Come check it out!
Amphitheater: Learn about your favorite animals during our Zoo Chats and meet our animal ambassadors.
DeBrazza Baby: Our DeBrazza’s have welcomed a healthy little munchkin to thier family! Doses of cutness await you!
Northcentral NorthcentralRegion Region
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!
UpNorthAction.com | May2021 Aug/Sept 2022 | UpNorthAction.com
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Northcentral Region Aug/Sept 2022 | UpNorthAction.com
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Dr. Kate Museum Honors a Local Legend 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 & Thursday 11am-2pm Group Tours by Appointment Affiliated with the State Historical Society of Wisconsin Across from the Lakeland Cinema on Highway 51 North Handicap Accessible
WOODRUFF – Have you heard the story of the “Million Penny Parade,” or about high school geometry teacher Otto Burich who was the force behind the 1953 parade, or about Dr. Kate Pelham Newcomb, widely known as the “Angel on Snowshoes?” It’s all spelled out at the Dr. Kate Museum in Woodruff. The country doctor was the “Angel on Snowshoes” for reaching patients when winter roads were impassable for vehicles of the time. Her remarkable career was the subject of a 1954 episode of Ralph Edwards’ television show, “This is Your Life.” You can view that episode at the museum. Nearby, at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Hemlock Street, is the “World’s Largest Penny,” constructed to commemorate the success of the “Million Penny” campaign in 1953 to raise funds to construct Lakeland Memorial Hospital, the area’s first hospital. There’s more to see at the museum, including items about the Arbor Vitae-Woodruff grade school and high school and about the town of Woodruff itself. The museum also has exhibits about Nestledown,” a favorite Woodruff business of the past; a nostalgic look at the “Golden Age of Television,” a jukebox playing 1950s favorites, and a player piano. The Dr. Kate Museum is open the second Monday in June through the Friday prior to Labor Day. Hours are Monday-Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is by donation.
Northcentral Region
Gangster Park will Rock the Northwoods
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HARSHAW – Gangster Park, located on U.S. Hwy. 51 in Harshaw, is where you will want to be during the motorcycle rally in the Northwoods. It’s a favorite stop for bikers and others, who will be drawn by the bands and more during their Sept. 1517 Bonnie & Clyde’s Fall Classic. The park opens at noon each day, with free admission the first two days. Hip Pocket and Bad Habitz will both be playing Thursday. Friday brings the music of Johnny Wad and Northwoods Skitchers. Saturday’s three musical bands will be Aron Shawn Huuta, Bobby Friss and national recording artist Jackyl. The evening burnout contest will reward the winner with $1,000. The event includes vendors and a museum. For more information, check out gangsterpark.com.
Aug/Sept 2022 | UpNorthAction.com
No matter how good a log roller is, he or she will end up in the water eventually. It’s a cold swim before those first few shows of the season.
Logging Lore Comes Alive at Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows
Northcentral Region
WOODRUFF -- Weeks before the official start of summer, Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows staff begin preparing for the upcoming season. This year marks the 41st year that Fred Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows has been entertaining visitors on Woodland Lake in downtown Woodruff.
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A spin-off of the famous Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows that began in Hayward, the Woodruff show features the same world-class athletes in performances identical to the Hayward venue. Preparing the site for the summer performances involves maintenance to guarantee the safety of performers, as well as guests. The climbing poles that rise 60 to 90 feet into the air are inspected and the pads are secured in place.
of saw blades to protect children as they cross-cut saw with the lumberjacks during the kids matinees. In addition, the show site is prepared for the throng of summer guests who arrive with the warm weather. Bleachers, walkways and the handicap ramp are checked and the landscaping is refreshed. How about all the logs the lumberjacks saw and chop? Over 20 tons of aspen logs are hauled to the site throughout the summer. Logs need to be uniform in diameter and stripped of bark – the same guidelines adhered to in the annual Lumberjack World Championships.
“When you are climbing that pole at record speed, the last thing you want on your mind is its stability,” says Cassidy Scheer, world champion pole climber.
The season starts Memorial Day weekend and runs through Labor Day weekend. The Lumberjacks are eager to entertain and display the athleticism they’ve worked hard to keep tuned during the winter months.
The log dogs on which the lumberjacks stand and swing razor sharp axes in the underhand chop are checked for structural safety. The specially turned cedar logs used for the logrolling and boomrun events are pulled out of storage and replaced, if necessary.
With everything checked out, cleaned up, and the staff eager to get another season underway, there is one element of the shows that cannot be controlled. That is the temperature of the water in Woodland Lake or Lake Hayward.
The gear and equipment used by the lumberjacks are also checked for safety. Steel-toed boots, leather leg chaps, climbing belts and gaffs (the spikes on the side of a climber’s shoes) must be in tip-top shape to protect the performers. They inspect and repair the special leather guards that are placed over a portion
“Logrolling and the boom-run are pretty darn cold events for us those first few shows of the season,” explains show manager Zac Tom. “That lake doesn’t really warm up until the beginning of July. No matter how good you are at these events, you’re going to end up in the water at some point.”
Aug/Sept 2022 | UpNorthAction.com
(715) 634-6923
or purchase your tickets at the gate the day of the show. Aug/Sept 2022 | UpNorthAction.com
Northcentral Region
2 miles North of Minocqua at Hwy 51 and 47 go East 1 block 1112 Highway 47 East, Woodruff, WI 54568
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It’s Hunker Down Time Focus is on the Underdown Races GLEASON – The Underdown Trail running race and “Thunderdown in the Underdown” mountain bike race will give outdoor athletes a run for their money come Saturday, Aug. 13. The two races paired up last year for an epic run. This year, both runners and bikers will again experience challenging trails across a wilderness landscape carved by glaciers that swept the area thousands of years ago. The Underdown Trail Races feature a half-marathon, marathon and 50K trail run. The racecourse is primarily singletrack over a bunch of hills, past isolated lakes and across dozens of boardwalks in the Lincoln County Forest known as the Underdown Recreation Area. The mountain bike races will follow the running event. A 33-mile single track loop combines the best of the old school with zippy machine-built renovations. They riders will pedal past four lakes, five bermed boardwalks and over 70 hills, all the way to the Prairie Dells overlook and back. Other ride options include 13 miles and 100 miles.
Northcentral Region
The Thunderdown is part of the Wisconsin Endurance Mountain Bike Series (WEMS). The event is co-sponsored by IRONBULL and Central Wisconsin Offroad Cycling Coalition (CWOCC).
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Aug/Sept 2022 | UpNorthAction.com
Food, drink and Strava games to follow with music by the Big Road Band. Pints to all finishers 21 and older. The Underdown Trails are located off Copper Lake Road, north of Merrill. For trail race information go to ironbull.org/underdown-details or the Facebook page. For information on the mountain bike races go to wemseries.com/hundred-down-in-theunderdown or the Facebook page.
Northcentral Region Aug/Sept 2022 | UpNorthAction.com
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Anyway You Peel It, Antigo’s Tater Trot is a Winner ANTIGO – The Antigo Tater Trot on Saturday, Aug. 13 offers different race distances, sure to please families with young runners, as well as competitive racers who are fleet of feet! All races start and finish at Antigo City Park, located four blocks east of Hwy. 45 on 8th Avenue. Route options are 1.2 mile, 10K and 3.75 miles. A virtual race option is available again this year. The 10K uses paved streets and country roads with a short section of gravel. The 3.75-mile walk/run and 1.2-mile fun run use paved streets. Chip timing, split times, mile markers and water stations are provided (no water stations on the 1.2 miler). For more information, contact Lindsey Mueller at lindsey.mueller@covantagecu.org or 715-627-4336 x24. Register online at antigotatertrot.com or in person Friday evening and Saturday morning at City Park
Northcentral Region
Trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers in each race. First place finishers in each division of the 10K will receive a custom potato trophy! Proceeds will support Antigo’s track and cross-country teams, along with other youth organizations.
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Aug/Sept 2022 | UpNorthAction.com
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. Stop for lunch at one of the many local restaurants and visit with some of the friendliest people. The trails will take you past plenty of destination opportunities through various towns and the backcountry woods of Northern Wisconsin in a Polaris off-road General.
‘The Paavo’ is Back HURLEY – The organizers of the Paavo Nurmi Marathon event have bumped it up a couple of notches this year with a couple of new events when the Paavo takes place Saturday, Aug. 13. The race is named after Paavo Johannes Nurmi, a Finnish middle-distance and long-distance runner. The “Flying Finn” dominated distance running in the early 20th Century. Veterans of the point-to-point, mid-August marathon fondly know it for its “heat, hills and humidity.” The Paavo is certified as a Boston Marathon qualifying event. Other traditional events that day are a half marathon, 2-person and 5-person relays. The marathon and relay start line (7 a.m.) is in Upson on Hwy. 77 at Hoyt Avenue. Runners will finish on Silver Street in downtown Hurley. For more details and to register, visit hurleywi.com. New events for spectators are the Best Cheering Group and Best Decorated Yard (along the course) with 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes going to the winners of each category. You can also sign up to bike the 26.2-mile course (same as the Paavo route) that Saturday, starting at 6:45 a.m. All are invited to join the festivities at the “Finnish Line” with food, beverages, kids activities (including a bounce house and bungee jumper), artisans & crafters and live music.
Northcentral Region Aug/Sept 2022 | UpNorthAction.com
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Aug/Sept 2022 | UpNorthAction.com
Check Out the Craft Show, Family Fun Run/Walk ARNOTT – Mark your calendar for a memorable shopping experience at Arnott on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 8-9. More than 110 vendor booths and the largest basket raffle in central Wisconsin will be at the Holiday “Spirits” Zor Funster Craft & Vendors Benefit for Shriners Hospitals. The 16th annual event will be held inside the Arnott Hockey Arena, along with live stage entertainment, food, and for the children – Zor Funster clowns with balloon animals, a duck pond, Plinko, fishing booth and a small animal exhibit. Bring a lawn chair for the stage shows. There will also be a classic car cruisin’ show. Admission and parking are both free. The hockey arena is located 6867 4th Street (corner of Hwy. J & 4th Street) in Arnott, six miles east of Plover on Hwy. J.
Family Fun Run/Walk
TOWN OF PLOVER – You are invited to the Boston School Forest for the annual Forest Family Fun Run/Walk on Friday, Aug. 26. This non-competitive 1.75-mile run/walk travels through the Boston School Forest. Families can enjoy running, walking or strolling along the beautiful trails. This free event will feature rolling starts so you can arrive anytime between 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. The event will conclude by 7 p.m. Register by Aug. 10. Snacks, water and juice will be available to all participants and spectators, courtesy of area businesses.
Register online at forms.gle/bz13P2kyVKMqJZeT9 by Aug. 12 for a free t-shirt. Contact Karla Lockman at klockman@pointschools.net or 715-345-5526 for more information. Boston School Forest is located at 5084 Lincoln Ave., Plover.
Northcentral Region Aug/Sept 2022 | UpNorthAction.com
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Northwest Region Calendar
Aug. 2 Milltown – Dairyland Garden Tractor Pull Aug. 4-7 Port Wing – Plein Air Painting Festival Aug. 5-6 Chetek – Crazy Days Aug. 5-6 Chetek – Lake Fest Aug. 6 Almena – Almena Fun Days Aug. 6 Amery – Half Marathon & 5K Aug. 6 Ashland – Kids Fishing Party Aug. 6 Spooner – Jack Pine Savage Days Aug. 9-11 Chetek – Wine Walk Aug. 11-14 Hayward – Sawyer Co. Fair Aug. 11-14 Iron River – Bayfield Co. Fair Aug. 12-14 Hayward to Cable – Art Crawl Aug. 13 Cameron – Past Reflections Car Show Aug. 13 Ashland – Car Show Aug. 13 Cornucopia – Cornucopia Day Aug. 13 Luck – Fireman’s Corn Feed Aug. 13-14 Chetek – Water Mania Aug. 13-14 Lewis – Charles E. Lewis Days Aug. 14 Turtle Lake – Vintage Cars & Crafts in the Park Aug. 14 Bayfield – Artrageous Aug. 18-21 Marengo – Ashland County Fair Aug. 19-21 Butternut – Butternut Community Fair Aug. 19-21 Rice Lake – Gem and Mineral Show Aug. 20 Cushing – Cushing Fun Day Aug. 20 Seeley – Pre-Fat Mountain Bike Races Aug. 20 Chetek – Pontoon Olympix Aug. 20 Birchwood – Timber Bay Fest Aug. 20 Cushing – Fun Day & Adult Soap Box Derby Aug. 20-21 Clayton – Moon Lake Threshing Bee Aug. 27 St. Croix Falls – Falls Music Festival Aug. 27 Iron River – Car Show and Swap Meet Aug. 27-28 St. Croix Falls – Rockin’ Ribfest Sept. 2-4 Exeland – Trout Festival Sept. 2-4 Shell Lake – Town and Country Days Sept. 3 Clayton – Truck/Tractor Pull Sept. 3 Balsam Lake – Corn-on-the-Curb Days Sept/ 3-5 Glidden – Community Fair Sept. 8-10 Hayward – Lake Chippewa Flowage Musky Hunt Sept. 8-10 Rice Lake – PRCA Bulls vs Broncs Riding Event Sept. 9-11 Osceola – Community Fair Sept. 10 Ashland – Mural Fest & Classic Car Show Sept. 10 Chetek – Harvest Festival Sept. 10 Osceola – Wheels & Wings Sept. 10-11 Cornucopia—Art Crawl Sept. 11-12 Bayfield – Festival of the Arts Sept. 15-18 Amery – Fall Festival & Tractor Show Sept. 16 Amery – Quilt Guild Fall Festival Show Sept. 16-18 Red Cliff – Red Cliff Cultural Days Celebration Sept. 17 Luck – Tractor & Truck Pull Sept. 17 Butternut -- Oktoberfest Sept. 17 Hayward & Cable -- Chequamegon MTB Festival Sept. 17-18 Highbridge – Aged Iron & Threshing Show Sept. 17-18 Amery – Quilt Guild Show Sept. 23-24 Cable – Fall Fest Sept. 23-25 Cable – Tour de Chequamegon Sept. 24 Cushing – River Road-87-Ramble Sept. 24 Clam Lake – Elk Fest Sept. 24 Mellen – Copper Falls State Park Festival Sept. 30-Oct. 2 Hayward – Muskies Inc. Fall Fishing Tournament
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Aug/Sept 2022 | UpNorthAction.com
Don’t Miss the Cable Area Fall Fest CABLE – All the best things that you love about autumn will be on display at the annual Cable Area Fall Fest on Friday-Saturday, Sept. 23-24 in Cable. Early fall brings cooler temperatures, perfect for a road trip! It’s Colorama time, so many of the trees will be in beautiful hues of gold, red, and orange colors, courtesy of Mother Nature. The locals are kicking it up a notch by lining the roads and streets with cornstalks, hay bales and pumpkins. There will be live music, a car/ motorcycle/truck show, arts and crafts vendors, and food vendors. Activities kick off Friday with a fall harvest dessert contest at 3 p.m. You can sign up to be an “official” judge by contacting the Chamber of Commerce. The late afternoon and evening offerings include a Northwoods-style fish fry at 5 p.m., the beer and wine garden starting
ESPRESSO LOCAL ART BAKERY FRESH FOOD
Photo by Julia Frierm ood - Country Roads
Photography
2596 STATE HWY 35
715 472 4700
GANDY DANCER TRAIL ACCESS
dlia Friermoo y Photo by Ju otograph Ph s ad Ro Country
Northwest Region
at 4 p.m. (Saturday, too), and live music by Ghost the Coyote and The Tinglers – bring your dancing shoes! Saturday kicks off with a pumpkin pecan pancake breakfast at 7:30 a.m., arts and crafts show at 9 a.m., the vehicle show at 9 a.m. and live music all day on the chamber deck. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., there’ll be bounce houses and carnival games for kids. Stop by the Badger Football Fall Fest Huddle at the Lions’ tent starting at 10 a.m. The wine and cheese tasting event will be at 5 p.m. in the Community Center. You can pick up seasonal harvests at the farmer’s market. The food court features many different cuisines. A tent showcases local restaurants’ best-selling pies, burgers, turkey legs and more. Watch the chefs whip up some of their delectable dishes and give them a taste.
Aug/Sept 2022 | UpNorthAction.com
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Almena Fun Days Now a One Day Affair ALMENA -- What has been a two-day affair in Almena is now a single day event as the Community Club hosts its annual Fun Days event on Saturday, Aug. 6. Among the fun offerings is a tractor pull. Registration starts at 9 a.m. and the pull begins at 11 a.m. The Western Wisconsin Truck Pullers Association will host the evening event. Trucks will be registered starting at 5 p.m., and the pull starts at 7 p.m. About 100 to 125 hooks are expected in each of the two pulling events. Gate admission is $10 per person.
Northwest Region
Besides the pulling events, the Fun Days celebration will include a kids sanctioned pedal tractor pull, 4 p.m. at Shadyside Park, craft and vendor show all day at the ball field, and a menu including burgers, brats, hot dogs, cheese curds, French fries, ice cream and beverages. Proceeds will benefit the Community Club, Almena Area Fire District, and the Sacred Heart Church Knights of Columbus chapter.
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Aug/Sept 2022 | UpNorthAction.com
It’ll be a Wild Weekend at Rice Lake’s Pro Rodeo Photo by Avid Visual Imagery
RICE LAKE – Mark the calendar and get advance tickets to the “Cadillac of Rodeos” when the Barron County fairgrounds in Rice Lake hosts the Barron County Pro Rodeo Event on Sept. 8, 9 & 10. The new “Pink Ladies Night” will be on Thursday, Sept. 8. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. on the 9th & 10th with pre-shows starting at 6 p.m. and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeos at 7 p.m. Watch the thrilling action as the broncs and bulls catch loads of air as they try to throw the riders. From chasing the calves and wrestling steers, to the comedy of the rodeo clown, the shows will be packed with family entertainment.
The rodeo schedule includes the band “8 Seconds” at 5:30 p.m. under the grandstand on Thursday night. The One Arm Bandit Show will entertain during the rodeo intermission and so much more. Lightning-fast barrel racing comes your way also on Thursday when the talented riders in the Women Professional Rodeo Association’s Great Lakes Circuit compete starting at 7 p.m. The competitors are looking to qualify for their divisional circuit finals, circuit finals, and the National Finals Rodeo. For more information, including tickets, visit barroncountyprorodeo.com or call 715-403-5162.
Aug/Sept 2022 | UpNorthAction.com
Northwest Region
The opening ceremony will include the military jets flyover. Miss Rodeo Wisconsin Jessica Moor will be in attendance. The preshows line-up will feature the Hometown Heroes Youth Equestrian
Drill Team, followed by the Jr. Bucking Bull Riders from Mississippi. The latter group will be making their first rodeo appearance.
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Drift Along with the St. Croix or Namekagon River
SAWYER COUNTY – It’s summertime – hazy and lazy days – and tailor made for tubing the St. Croix or Namekagon rivers, which together offer 252 miles of clean water gliding past a lush green landscape. The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway provides a wealth of scenic views and is a haven for wildlife. Imagine floating the day away along the gentle current and riffles of this scenic river way! Witness the beauty and tranquility along these Northwoods rivers as dragonflies swirl about on the breeze above you and native fish swim below. Travel at the pace of the river current for a wonderful day on the waters of these pristine rivers.
Northwest Region
If you decide to enjoy tubing you should wear a bathing suit or quick drying shorts and shirt. Old sneakers, aqua socks, or river sandals will protect your feet from rocks. A towel and dry change of clothes packed in a plastic bag come in handy at the journey’s end and you can put your wet suit in the bag. Protect yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Don’t be one of those who leave the river with a severe case of sunburn. Bring along food and water, too. Don’t forget your sense of adventure as you travel at the pace of nature for the day.
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Remember: No glass beverage containers, and carry out your trash. Though it appears as if anyone can do it, tubing is recommended only for people who are able to swim. For the non-swimmer, life jackets are essential. Many outfitters along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway rent tubes, as well as canoes and kayaks. Contact them for rates, locations served, and reservations.
Aug/Sept 2022 | UpNorthAction.com
4 PM - Close
Opening May 27th
Don’t Miss a Highlight of the Summer – a Lumberjack Show HAYWARD – It was 41years ago that Fred Scheer and his brother, Robert, created a new form of family entertainment, a lumberjack show, for northern Wisconsin visitors. The two brothers and their four sisters had spent numerous summers as kids balancing and rolling on the logs on Lake Hayward in the bay of North Wisconsin Lumber Company. Their summer fun trained them to become fierce competitors in the logrolling event (birling) of the Lumberjack World Championships (LWC) held in Hayward every July. The young Scheers expanded their activities and became skillful at the boom run and pole climbing, as well as other events that were part of the LWC. In 1981, the two brothers established the original Scheer’s Lumberjack Show and used their lumberjack skills to entertain area tourists. More than a demonstration, the show features a competition between two lumberjack teams as they do 10 different events, including logrolling, pole climbing and crosscut saw. Cheering the teams on gets the crowd involved in the show and down-home humor has everybody chuckling.
Fred is now the sole owner of Fred Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows and the Lumberjack Village. Training young athletes to be lumberjacks is still a fulfilling role for Fred. Through the years many lumberjacks have come, performed and moved on to other careers. Numerous world champion logrollers, pole climbers and boom-runners had their start as apprentices in Fred Scheer’s Lumberjack Show and the cast has always included world champion lumberjacks. A world champion log roller himself, Fred occasionally delights audiences by personally participating in a show. Scheers Lumberjack Shows is a great family adventure. Lumberjacks invite kids from the audience onstage during matinee intermissions to cross-cut saw with the lumberjacks.
For all the years Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows has been in Hayward, it continues to draw crowds. One might say that a visit to northern Wisconsin isn’t complete without seeing a Scheer’s Lumberjack Show.
Aug/Sept 2022 | UpNorthAction.com
Northwest Region
The original venue for the show in 1981 was a small dock on the shore of Lake Hayward, behind what was then Windmill Square. The show’s lumberjacks delighted small crowds and it soon became apparent the production needed more space. With encouragement from Tony Wise, the legendary Hayward promoter, Fred and Robert Scheer moved the show to its present location, Lumberjack Village. After that the Woodruff location opened up.
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Hayward Fall Fest Held in Scenic Northwoods HAYWARD – Now in its 37th year, the Hayward Fall Festival sponsored by the Hayward Chamber this year on Saturday, Sept. 24 celebrates the changing of the seasons with fine art & craft booths, food vendors, kids activities, and live music in downtown Hayward. Thousands of people from all over help the locals celebrate colorama time during this event. There will be events taking place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Hayward, including sidewalk sales and a farmers market. The artisans and craftspeople will be showcasing their original handmade works. There will be many activities and games throughout the day, especially for kids. They can decorate mini pumpkins near the main stage. Check out the brat and brew tent offering a selection of beer and non-alcoholic drink options. New this year will be a 3-on-3 basketball tournament hosted by the Hayward Girls Basketball Association.
Northwest Region
Live music will be performed by Jennifer Reisch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and by Sage Leary from 2-5 p.m. on the main stage. The scarecrow contest is back this year and festival-goers can vote for their favorite scarecrow throughout the day. For more information, visit haywardareachamber.com/fall-festival or call 715-634-8662.
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U.P. Michigan Region
Calendar
Aug. 4-7 Iron River – Iron Co. Fair Aug. 5-7 Pelkie – Baraga Co. Fair Aug. 6 Iron Mountain – Pine Mountain 500 Aug. 11-14 Ironwood – Gogebic Co. Fair Aug. 12-14 Crystal Falls – Humongous Fungus Festival Aug. 13 Iron Mountain – Italianfest Aug. 13 Iron Mountain – Tour de Dickinson Bike Ride Aug. 13 Ironwood – Lake States Mud Races Aug. 12-14 Crystal Falls – Humongous Fungus Festival Aug. 19-27 Ironwood – Masters and Youth Art Show Aug. 21 Rockland – Old Victoria Craft Fair Aug. 26-28 Silver City – Porcupine Mountains Music Fest Aug. 27 Alpha – End of Summer Blues Fest Sept. 2 Ontonagon – Labor Day Celebration Sept. 9-10 Marenisco – Lake Gogebic Fall Walleye Tournament Sept. 10 Crystal Falls – Harvest Fest Sept. 17 Baraga – ATV/UTV Wilderness Waterfall Adventure Sept. 23-24 Ewen – Log Jamboree Sept. 24 Ironwood – Bridges & Bluffs Half Marathon Run Sept. 24 Iron River – Beechwood Apple Fest
U.P. Michigan Region
Step Up to These Challenges
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FLORENCE & IRON MOUNTAIN – In this issue we’re offering two suggestions for you folks who like to do a bit of climbing without the danger of falling off a cliff. Along the way up you’ll be humming Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven.” Lace up your favorite outdoor shoes and head to Florence County where at Keyes Peak Ski Hill you will find a new exercise challenge: 168 steps on a trail that is a quarter mile long with an elevation change of 200 feet. A concrete path starts at Keyes Peak Lodge that leads to a series of wooden steps. Once on top of Keyes Peak, you can view Keyes Lake, the Keyes Peak Lodge and the surrounding hardwood forest, which is especially breathtaking with reds, oranges and yellows in the fall. There’s plenty of parking at the lodge. If you want a real workout on steps, give the legs a temporary rest and drive to Iron Mountain, where the Giant Pine Mountain 500 is a set of concrete stairs. And, yes, 500 stands for the number of steps! You’ll be climbing nearly half of a mile almost
Aug/Sept 2022 | UpNorthAction.com
straight up. For the ultimate in leg burn, pause for a moment or two to enjoy the vista and then tackle the ski jump steps. The stairs are open year-round for the public. We don’t know if there’s a word that adequately describes the next leg burn option, but if you are in fine physical shape you might be tempted to compete in the annual Pine Mountain 500. No leisurely walk up the stairs here, as you will be racing against others to be crowned “King or Queen of the Mountain.” The 2022 premier athletic event will take place Saturday, Aug. 6. From the top of Pine Mountain, participants will race down Kramer Drive to Lower Pine Mountain Road/Hibbard Street before turning on Pine Mountain Road and racing to the Pine Mountain 500 for the next leg. The event is chip timed and participants will receive an overall and a Pine Mountain 500 time. “Dual Duel” participants will do it twice! Registration ends Aug. 5. Find more info at PineMountain500.com.
This Fair is Packed Full with Family Fun
IRONWOOD – From mud races to youth contests, there will be something for all to enjoy at the 2022 Gogebic County Fair when it comes to the Gogebic County Fairgrounds Aug. 11-14. The fairgrounds is located at 648 E Cloverland Dr. (U.S. Highway 2), Ironwood. This fair boasts an “all-inclusive price program.” In simple terms, your gate admission fee (along with a wristband) allows you and each wristband holder to enjoy the K&M Carnival rides, all the grandstand shows and concerts, on-grounds entertainment and harness racing at no additional cost for that day/evening. A discounted season pass is also available that covers all four days. Among the attractions will be Timber Arts chainsaw carving demonstrations, 4-H blue-ribbon competitions inside the Multipurpose Building, livestock judging, horse show, lawn mower races, musical entertainment including the Dweebs on Friday night, harness races Friday and Saturday, antique tractor pull Saturday, chili eating contest, Lake States Mud Racers on Saturday, and a tractor parade. The Midway sparkles when the sun goes down. All your favorite fair food is at your fingertips.
Juried Art Show Reflects Wide Range of Talent U.P. Michigan Region
IRONWOOD – This August, the Range Art Association is hosting its 67th annual Masters and Youth Art Show in the Ironwood Memorial Building auditorium, located at 213 South Marquette St., Ironwood. This juried show offers $1,300 in cash prizes and ribbons and is hosted in association with the Emberlight Festival of the Arts. Some artwork will be for sale, and there will be a raffle sponsored by the Association. The show will be open for public viewing • Friday-Sunday, Aug. 19-21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; • Monday- Thursday, Aug. 22-25 from noon to 5 p.m.; • Friday, Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and, • Saturday, Aug. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The reception is also Aug. 27 from noon to 2 p.m. with the raffle drawing at noon. The public is invited and admission is free. Spanning northeastern Wisconsin and the western UP of Michigan, the Range Art Association provides Gogebic Range artists a venue to get together, create and show their work.
Aug/Sept 2022 | UpNorthAction.com
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ATV/UTV Wilderness Waterfall Adventure Tour Taking Sign-Ups SKANEE -- Building on the success of previous tours, sponsors of the third annual Baraga County ATV/UTU Wilderness Waterfall Adventure are welcoming sign-ups for the Saturday, Sept. 17 tour. The guided tour will take participants to 10 waterfalls and other natural attractions in Arvon Township. As a bonus, Mother Nature should be well on her way to painting the beautiful Huron Mountains in her striking fall colors. As riders travel the back country of Baraga County, they will be taken to Mt. Arvon, Michigan’s highest natural point, and also to the historic rock cut. The organizers are planning to accommodate four groups with a maximum of 25 machines per group. The travel will be on two track, railroad grades and unimproved trails.
U.P. Michigan Region
The first groups will take off at 8:30 a.m. EDT that Saturday, with the event ending at 5 p.m. Lunch will be available for purchase at the half-way point. For entry fees, accommodations suggestions and more details, contact the Baraga County Chamber of Commerce at 906-353-8808 or baragacountychamber@ gmail.com.
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The U.P. of Michigan is filled with adventures waiting for you!
Area Events!
7/1-8/31: Emberlight Festival of the Arts, Ironwood, MI 8/11-8/14: Gogebic County Fair, Ironwood, MI 8/21: Old Victoria Craft Fair, Rockland, MI 8/26-8/27: Porcupine Mountains Music Festival 9/2-9/5: Labor Day Festival, Ontonagon, MI 9/9-9/10: Walleye Tournament, Lake Gogebic, MI 9/10-9/11: Copper Peak Trails Fest, Ironwood, MI 9/24: Bridges & Bluffs Half Marathon, Bessemer, MI
Ironwood Chamber of Commerce
Lake Gogebic Chamber of Commerce
Wakefield Chamber of Commerce
Travel Ironwood
150 N Lowell St. Ironwood, Michigan 49938 1-906-932-1122 chamber@ironwoodchamber.org ironwoodchamber.org facebook.com/IronwoodChamber/
PO Box 114 Bergland, Michigan 49910 1-888-464-3242 info@lakegogebicarea.com lakegogebicarea.com facebook.com/lakegogebicarea
M-28 at US-2 Wakefield, Michigan 49968 PO Box 93 1-906-224-2222 chamber@wakefieldmi.org wakefieldmi.org
213 Marquette St. Ironwood, Michigan 49938 1-906-932-5050 info@travelironwood.com travelironwood.com
Bounce a Fishing Jig or a Basketball a tournament, and you have the “catch of the day” for fun and excitement. Reason enough to enter the 44th annual Lake Gogebic Fall Walleye Tournament, set for Sept. 9 & 10. While not mandatory, catch and release is appreciated. The top prize is $2,000 along with a trophy. Come up a bit short, and you’ll still take home $1,000 for second place or $300 for third place. There are also prizes for 4th-10th place. Various daily prizes of cash and merchandize will be awarded for largest bass, perch and northern pike. For complete details, call 888-4643242, e-mail info@LakeGogebicArea.com or go on the web at LakeGogebicArea.com. Reminder: The chamber is also sponsoring an annual tagged and monthly fishing contest through Sept. 12. Visit the website for more details. WAKEFIELD – Early September will bring a couple of possibilities for those who like to bounce a jig off the lake bottom for walleyes, and for those entered in a friendly basketball competition. Let’s first get to the fishing! Walleyes are not only fabulous table fare, but they are also fun to catch. Add in the challenge of catching “old marble eyes” during
Gus Macker
Sept. 3-4 are the dates for Wakefield’s Gus Macker, the original 3 on 3 basketball tournament. The tournament is designed so that anyone can play, no matter their skill level, age or height. Online registration (macker.com/local/wakefield-mi) deadline is Aug. 15. Mail-in registration is Aug. 12. The event is being organized by the Great Start Collaborative of Gogebic-Ontonagon Counties.
Gogebic Country Club Celebrates 100 years IRONWOOD – In 1917, mining company executives and business owners in the Ironwood area were flush with cash, but had few opportunities for “cultured recreation.” Their attention turned to starting a golf club. On March 30, 1917, articles of incorporation were filed and the Gogebic Country Club (GCC) was born. The new organization raised funds by issuing stock, soliciting donations and offering lifetime memberships.
By 1934, the Elks Club had taken ownership of the GCC clubhouse. A separate organization was needed to manage the golf course property. On May 15, 1934, the non-profit Ironwood Clubhouse Association was formed. For the next 79 years, the two corporations would operate the golf course and clubhouse side-byside. In the 1980s issues between the two corporations arose over ownership and revenue streams. In 2003, those issues were settled, and on Feb. 27, 2003, the two corporations merged into one non-profit corporation named the Gogebic Country Club-Ironwood Clubhouse Association.
The merged corporation continues to operate the 18-hole public golf course, which offers great golfing for beginners and avid golfers alike. This year the club is observing 100 years in operation. For more information, visit golfgogebic.com.
Aug/Sept 2022 | UpNorthAction.com
U.P. Michigan Region
By the early 1920s the first 5 holes of the course were built, but now a clubhouse was needed. Architect Hubert Nelson created plans for the clubhouse. In March 1922, the club hired master mason Anton Urli, and construction of a rugged-stone clubhouse began. Completed in 1924, the clubhouse’s total cost was $30,000.
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