Off the Beaten Path

by Marissa DeGroot

Though slightly lesser known, and maybe a little off-the-wall, these fall food festivals around Wisconsin are worth the road trip.

Pardeeville Watermelon Festival

Saturday, September 9 • Pardeeville

Watermelon is serious business at this festival centered around the championship events of seed spitting, speedeating, watermelon-carving and largest watermelon. For those not trying to beat the seed-spitting record of 61 feet, 3 inches, enjoy a family-friendly event with watermelon served up free all day.

Thirsty Troll Brew Fest

Saturday, September 9 • Mount Horeb

Step into your lederhosen and get your arms ready for the much anticipated Masskrugstemmen strength competition, or beer-stein holding competition. Sample over 125 different beers, ciders, seltzers, and more at this festival held in the Troll Capital of the World.

Apple Affair

October 7 • Galesville

Come ready to sniff and sample your way through this Trempealeau County event offering nearly every apple dessert imaginable, including the famous apple pie made with 12 bushels of apples and 120 pounds of streusel topping. Work off all that pie with the Apple Affair Bike Tour through the Galesville apple orchards and surrounding area.

Nekoosa Giant Pumpkin Fest

October 7–8 • Nekoosa

While the great pumpkin weigh-off can certainly draw a crowd, the real showstopper of this weekend festival is the giant pumpkin drop. The excited masses circle around a gigantic pumpkin that's lifted to the top of a 100foot crane and released to come crashing to the ground. Children immediately run toward the splattered mess in hopes of gathering seeds.