Wonders
of WALWORTH
COUNTY Published by Southern Lakes Newspapers LLC
Wint er 2016
Page 2
WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
WINTER 2016
Celebrating Winterfest 21st Anniversary US National Snow Sculpting Competition! 393 N Edwards Blvd. Lake Geneva, Wis.
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WINTER 2016
WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
Page 3
Snow sculptors work on their masterpieces during the 20th anniversary U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition in Lake Geneva in February 2015. The 2016 Winterfest celebration, which features the competition, is set for Feb. 3 to Feb. 13 in downtown Lake Geneva.
Winterfest 2016
penny gruetzmacher Wonders of Walworth County
is almost here
Lake Geneva set to host annual snow sculpting competition and festival Lake Geneva’s Winterfest 2016 runs Feb. 3 through 13. The annual festival features music, magic, refreshments, activities, helicopter rides, shopping and dining. Scheduled events for the week of Winterfest include dining specials, a bonfire and human dog sled races. For two decades the highlight of Winterfest has been the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition, and this year is no exception. The 20th annual snow-sculpting competition begins at Wednesday, Feb 3. Visitors can watch sculpting teams from all over the United States create snow masterpieces from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at Riviera Park on the lakefront in downtown Lake Geneva. Teams sculpt late into the night on Friday as well. Sculpting ends at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6. Crowning of the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition Champion’s Award, second, third place and the Peoples’ Choice take place at The Riviera. Winners are announced at 3 p.m. in the Riviera Ballroom. The public is invited to attend the ceremony. Ballots are on site for the Peoples’ Choice voting. The contest Each team will receive a cylinder shaped block of snow 8 feet in diameter and 9 feet high on the grounds of The Riviera. Each team’s snow block will be chosen by lottery. Condition of the snow cannot be guaranteed. If snow is not available and snow-making is not possible, an ice-carving competition will be held. The teams consist of three members 18 years and older from the same state. Amateurs and professionals are eligible. Additional sculpting assistance is not allowed except that given by competition organizers and grounds crew. The final sculpture must fit within a 12-foot circle, height is optional. No media other than snow, ice or water may be used. Competitors to use snow available on site only. Colorants
not allowed. Armatures or molded shapes are not allowed. Sculptors may provide their own tools at their own risk and liability. No power tools are permitted. Snow removal equipment, axes, machetes, buckets, shovels, long-handled ice scrappers and ladders will be available on site. The individual artists are judged on the sculptures and winners will be determined based on these recommended criteria: • Creativity – originality of expression (50 percent); • Technique – utilization of materials, excellence in execution and presentation (30 percent); • Message – visual force of message (20 percent). First-place winners receive the U.S. National Competition Champions Award and trophy invitation to compete in Association International de Sculpture sur Neige et Glace sanctioned International Snow Sculpting Competition. Second-place winners receive the State of Wisconsin Award and trophy. Third-place receives the City of Lake Geneva Award and trophy. The Gene Kempfer People’s Choice Award is determined by public vote held on the site of the competition. The Klaus Ebeling OMM Award is given to a team or person that promoted the spirit of the event. The award is named after Klaus Ebeling from Watertown, N.Y. The award is decided by previous winners of the award. For more information, visit www.usnationals.org.
against each other in a double-elimination tournament to determine the winner. Races start at 10 a.m. Each team will consist of six people: including four sled pullers, a sled rider, and a sled pusher. The sled track is about 135 feet long and takes place at Lake Geneva Canopy Tours’ 100-acre wooded property just minutes from downtown Lake Geneva. Team members are encouraged to dress in wacky costumes, as there is a prize for the most creative attire. Visit lakegenevaevents.com for entry information.
Frosty’s beach bonfire Frosty’s Beach Bonfire is scheduled for Feb. 9 from 4 to 8 p.m. The family event included a snowman building activity, while participants sample hot cocoa from Oakfire, Panzerotti’s, and Simple around a bonfire. All proceeds from the event will go to the Lake Geneva Fire Department.
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Human dog sled races In the human dog sled races, Feb. 13, teams compete
Wonders
The of Walworth County A publication of Southern Lakes Newspapers LLC 1102 Ann St., Delavan, WI 53115 • (262) 728-3411 EDITOR: ........................................................... Tracy Ouellette EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: ........................................Sharon Soch CREATIVE/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: .................. Sue Z. Lange ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: .............................Vicki Vanderwerff SPECIAL SECTIONS ADVERTISING: .................Karen Dubinsky
On the cover
Members of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater women’s softball team laugh at the cold as they take the Polar Plunge for the benefit of Special Olympics in 2015. This year’s event is Saturday, Feb. 13. See page 4 for details. (Tom Ganser photo)
Page 4
Freezin’ for a reason WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
WINTER 2016
Annual Freeze Fest features Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Whitewater’s annual Freeze Fest will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13, at Cravath Lake Park, 341 S. Fremonth St. The celebration of all things cold will have the annual Polar Plunge, a chili cook off and other winter-related activities. Last year, 275 brave souls took the Polar Plunge in Whitewater to help raise more than
Tom Ganser Wonders of Walworth County
Erika Dreksler gets a ride from Cyrus, a snow sled dog, with a little help from handler Teresa Schneider, during last year’s Freeze Fest.
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$62,000 for Special Olympics Wisconsin. The Polar Plunge benefits more than 10,000 Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes across the state, who compete and train year-round in 17 different sports. The plunge at Freeze Fest happens rain, sleet, snow or shine, according to organizers. However, if temperatures reach dangerous lows, the event is modified for safety. There are also law enforcement and fire department volunteers in wet suits in the water with the plungers to keep everyone safe while participating. Every participant raises a minimum of $75 in order to plunge on event day. Participants receive a long-sleeve event T-shirt and the chance at more prizes the more they earn for Special Olympics. Registration starts at 10 a.m. on the day of the event and plunging time slots begin at 12:10 p.m. When checking in for the Polar Plunge participants must bring the following items: • Registration form (if they did not register online); • Signed waiver; • Cash and check donations (each team member must have raised a minimum of $75); and • Any corporate matching gift forms to receive a free Polar Plunge stocking hat. There will be an early check-in from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 12, at Whitewater City Hall, 312 W Whitewater St.
Tom Ganser Wonders of Walworth County
Whitewater’s annual Freeze Fest held at Cravath Lakefront Park features a chili cook off and other winter activities, including the annual Polar Plunge to benefit the Special Olympics. The 2016 celebration of all things cold is set for Saturday, Feb. 13.
For more information on how to participate in the Polar Plunge or to register as a plunger, visit polarplungewi.org. Chili cook off The annual Freeze Fest chili cook off
will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Polar Plunge warming tent at Cravath Lake Park. There is no entry fee for the event, but the cook off is limited to 12 entrants. For more information, call Deb at (262) 473-0535 or email dwberpal@whitewater-wi.gov.
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WINTER 2016
WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
Page 5
Kellen olshefski Wonders of Walworth County
Photo courtesy of Shauna Johnson Wonders of Walworth County
Almost like being there Area student returns to school with help of Double Robotics technology By Kellen n area fourth-grader is looking Olshefski forward to getting back into the staff writer classroom with friends with a little help from new technology picked up by the Elkhorn Area School District. Ryan Johnson, 9, from Elkhorn, was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma on Oct. 26, 2015, and given a prognosis of anywhere from six months to two years to live. The disease involves an inoperable, malignant, brain-stem tumor, more commonly known as DIPG. According to Stanford University’s School of Medicine, DIPG affects 200 to 400 school-aged children in the country each year and has a five-year survival rate of less than 1 percent. The tumor is growing through the brain stem, which controls breathing and the beating of the heart. Radiation provides a temporary reprieve from the tumor’s growth. Facing a tough radiation regiment since his diagnosis, Ryan has unfortunately been out of school since about the beginning of November, his mother, Shauna Johnson, said. However, as part of a pilot program through the school district, Ryan will soon be joining his friends again in Katie Laveau’s fourth-grade classroom at West Side Elementary – just not physically. This is where Double comes in.
Double Robotics
Double, a robot made by Double Robotics out of Burlingame, Calif., is essentially an iPad connected to a Segway-like base, bridging the gap between home and school for homebound students, like Ryan. Elkhorn Area School District Superintendent Jason Tadlock said the iPad-robot combination is controlled via software, which allows the user to direct the robot wirelessly from just about anywhere in the world. The camera from the user’s computer displays an image of the user on the robot’s iPad display, and likewise, the iPad captures video and sound from its location – like
Ryan is all smiles recently when he attended a recent Milwaukee Bucks home game with family.
Photo courtesy of Shauna Johnson Wonders of Walworth County
Ryan Johnson shows off the mask he uses during his radiation treatments. In children with DIPG, radiation treatment is used to help slow the growth of the tumor on the brain stem. Top right, in order to attend school, Johnson needs some extra help – in the form of this robot. The robot can be easily maneuvered throughout the classroom and school, allowing Ryan to see the whiteboards and interact and collaborate with groups of classmates on projects.
Ryan’s classroom – and transmits it back to the user. Tadlock said this gives the student an advantage over programs like Skype, allowing them to follow the teacher, work with other students in groups and essentially receive the next closest experience to actually being there in person. “They can drive the robot down to lunch for social reasons, drive it to any of the other classes if need be,” he said. “You don’t have to worry about moving a computer, setting up and worrying about the camera angle because the user can control all of that.” Tadlock said the district viewed this as an opportunity to help out students like Ryan who are homebound due to illness and would like to keep in touch with and be in their classes. “There’s a lot of illnesses and diseases where people can’t be present in school, but they can still do it from home,” he said. “I think what’s hard is feeling alone, not being connected to peers. It’s just not sufficient for being able to stay caught up on things. “I really see this as having a lot of potential for someone in that situation.” Tadlock said after logging in a few times to demonstrate the robot prior to the holiday break, students have already adapted to the robot. He believes the novelty wears off quickly and students are beginning to view it as just another student in the classroom. “Over time it just becomes another part of the classroom,” he said. “The student’s there, they interact with him and treat them as if they’re physically there.” Laveau, Ryan Johnson’s fourth-grade teacher, said the hopes are high for the program and all are excited about the possibilities. “He’s really excited about it, and the kids are too,” she said. “Everyday they ask when Ryan’s going to be there and I have to tell them, you’ll see him, you’ll see him when he’s there.” With Ryan still having a desk in the room, Laveau said she’s placed it in a spot where he can easily maneuver the robot over to work with groups and
interact with his classmates.
Joining the class
While radiation has gotten Ryan to a much better place than he was before – and he’s now at a point where he can go into school every so often to visit with friends for short periods – Shauna said the technology offers Ryan a tremendous opportunity. “When he’s down, it’s a good way for him to still be around the friends and teachers he loves that can make him happy, whether or not he can be there in person,” she said. “The robot allows him to join class, see his friends and even just see faces he hasn’t seen in a long time because he doesn’t get out much.” Ryan thinks it’s pretty “neat” too. “I like the way it looks,” he said, adding he also likes being able to visit with friends and teachers. Shauna Johnson said navigating the robot from his iPhone, Ryan got really excited the first time his teachers popped up on the screen and she suspects once he actually takes it for a spin around the classroom with students, he’ll enjoy it much more. “I appreciate it for the fact that he’s still able to have a social life,” Johnson said. “The teachers love him, they all miss him and they all get so excited to see him.”
Future of program
While they’re just piloting the new technology this year with Ryan, Tadlock said if the funds could be raised to purchase more of the robots, which cost about $2,200 with the audio kit, it’s something that could prove to be useful for shorter absences as well, such as students out with a cold. Tadlock said while a student’s health is obviously the number one concern and the district wants ill students to get plenty of rest, it could allow for students to pop into a class from home they’re concerned about missing or simply want to keep up on.
• Robotics continued on page 6
Page 6
AM I CRAZY?
WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
WINTER 2016
• Robotics continued from page 5
Korey’s Auto Kare
Providing all goes well, Tadlock said, the district hopes to seek donations and grants to purchase more of the robots for use across the district. “We know we’re going to have other students who are going to be out for extended sick-leave and the like,” he said. “We’re excited for the opportunity and I think the possibility of helping reach students who are homebound, even if it’s just for an hour or two or day so they can get connected and get caught up, be a part of the school, that’s money well-spent.”
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by his father and the latter by mother and some of her friends. Upcoming fundraisers to support Ryan and his family as they continue through treatment can be found under the events tabs as they’re posted. Additionally, Shauna Johnson said, a website dedicated to Ryan’s fight is in the workings and should be completed in the near future. Once it’s finished, a link to the website will be available on the Facebook pages. The website will also feature information about upcoming fundraisers and how to donate to the cause. A GoFundMe.com account has also been started to help offset the cost of medical expenses. As of last Thursday, 65 people had donated nearly $5,000 to the cause. The GoFundMe account can be found at gofundme.com/rockinryan.
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Eyes WINTER 2016
WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
Page 7
Right before your
“
Here, we can slow things down a little, I can kind of get to know the audience, talk and joke with them.” – Tristan Crist
submitted photo Wonders of Walworth County
By Kellen Olshefski staff writer
W
hat was once a Lake Geneva furniture store has recently been transformed into a theater specifically designated for magic tricks
and illusions. But that’s just where the real magic begins. With only about 50 seats, those settling in for a show at the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre in Lake Geneva are getting much more than the average magic show. Illusionist Tristan Crist, along with his two full-time “lovely female assistants,” offers a Las Vegas-style show featuring about $100,000 worth of modern illusions he’s built up over the years. However, where Crist’s theater differs from others all comes down to its size. While other magicians might perform in much larger theaters, Crist’s theater in Lake Geneva is really quite small, though the size shouldn’t be construed as any indication of the quality of his show.
Crist said the intimate setting will give him the opportunity to continue performing the grand, Las Vegas-style illusions he has always done, but in an up-close and personal way. “We’re going to make a full-scale motorcycle that works appear right here on this stage,” he said. “You will not be able to see this stuff anywhere else in the world. I guarantee as far as a magic theater, this is the most intimate place to see large-scale illusions. “We’re not going to hide anything from you because we’re 20-feet away from you at the furthest.”
Exclusive trick
Speaking of the motorcycle illusion, Crist’s theater is likely the only place you’ll ever see it performed. Crist said the only other person with the rights to perform it is the illusionist who originally designed it. “You’ll never see that specific appearingbike illusion anywhere else,” he said. “There’s only one other place.” Crist said while it is a family friendly
show, you’re not going to see a birthday party magician pulling a rabbit from a hat – it’s the adults they’re performing for. “Kids are going to enjoy the show, but we’re not doing kid tricks,” he said. “No offense to the birthday party magicians out there, but they don’t have $100,000 worth of equipment. It’s just a different scale of show when it comes to that sense.” For now, Crist said, shows will run for about 75-minutes with no intermission, kicking off at 7 p.m. on most nights and 2 p.m. for Sunday matinees. Shows will be pretty much contained to weekends, though come summer Crist said they’ll be performing seven days a week. While Crist said he’s often asked if he’s nervous about taking on the challenge, he said he’s comfortable with the prospect because it’s something he and his assistants have been doing for quite some time. “We’re very confident that people are going to see an excellent show, because that’s what we do,” he said. With a longer show in a more intimate
Illusionist Tristan Crist offers a Las Vegas-style show in an intimate, 50-seat theater in Lake Geneva. His show features about $100,000 worth of modern illusions he’s built up over the years as he’s refined his act.
Magician opens intimate theater in Lake Geneva theater, Crist said, his show also allows him to get a bit more personal with the audience and be more of an entertainer than a performer. “Here, we can slow things down a little, I can kind of get to know the audience, talk and joke with them,” he said. “So, a piece like this card trick I’m doing, where it has a story behind it, a reason behind the magic, that’s what I’m enjoying working on.” Crist said the new setting will allow people to become a part of the show rather than watching from 80-feet away. “Basically, they’re going to come, we’re going to have a party, I’m going to show them a bunch of cool magic tricks and we’re going to talk to each other,” he said. “You’re really going to be in the show, a part of the show … you’re going to be right there and it’s going to be a little more interactive than what I think people think theater is these days.”
• magician continued on page 10
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All Your for for Visit MaXxx All Winter Your Winter Apparel, Apparel, PHAZER RTX VECTOR LTX Accessories, Parts Accessorie, Parts and I-43 & Hwy 14, Darien, WI and Service Needs! I-43 & Hwy 14, Darien, WI
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Always wear an approved helmet and eye protection. Observe all state and local laws. Respect the rights of others. Ride within your capabilities. Allow extra time and plenty of distance for maneuvering. Do not perform stunts. @2014 Yamaha Motor Corp, U.S.A. All rights reserved.
• Full Deli Department, Party Trays Available • Fresh Salad and Hot Food Bar • Produce Delivered Fresh Daily • Full Service Meat Department, Will Cut To Order • In-House Bakery, Custom Cakes • Floral Arrangements and Plants for All Occasions • Complete Liquor, Wine & Beer Department
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
ly Delavan ient n e v n d 1414 E. Geneva St. Co cate Lo in the Shopko Shopping Center
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Stinebrink’s Liquor Store (Next Door) Largest Liquor Store in the Area
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Lake Geneva 100 East Geneva Square in the Geneva Square Shopping Center
262-248-8798 230831
WINTER 2016
WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
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Winter events JANUARY 29, 30, 31 First Lady’s third annual Wellness Weekend at The Abbey Resort, 269 Fontana Blvd., Fontana. Activities related to health and well-being. Info: www. firstlady.wi.gov 29 Wine, Beer and Food Expo, 5 to 8 p.m. at the Monte Carlo Room, 720 N. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn. Presented by the Elkhorn Rotary Club. Admission includes 10 taste samplings, silent auction and hors d’oeuvres. Additional taste samplings can be purchased for $1 each after admission. Advance tickets are $25 ($30 at the door), available from any Rotarian or at the Elkhorn Chamber of Commerce, 203 E. Walworth St.
2222, www.uww.edu/youngauditorium 6 William Nelson meet and greet, print signing, 1 to 4 p.m., at the Cornerstone Shop and Gallery, 214 Broad St., Lake Geneva. Nelson will sign his limited edition “Winterfest” print and other prints of the Lake Geneva area. Info: (262) 248-6988, www.cornerstoneshoppe.com 6 Book signing, 1 to 5 p.m., at the Cornerstone Shop and Gallery, 214 Broad St., Lake Geneva. Author Clyde Deighton will sign copies of his locally-based novel, “Murder at French Country Inn.” Info: (262) 248-6988, www.cornerstoneshoppe.com
30 Whole Farm Management workshop, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, W2493 Highway ES, East Troy. Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Program Director Laura Paine will be the presenter. Cost is $60. Info: (262) 642-3303, www. michaelfields.org
6 Veranda Views: Bottoms Up!, 1 to 3 p.m., at Horticultural Hall, 330 Broad St., Lake Geneva. Learn about Wisconsin’s historic bars and breweries with “Bottoms Up” author Jim Draeger. A tasting of six craft beers will be served as part of the presentation.Cost is $20 and the show is for adults only. Info: (262) 248-1888, www. blackpointestate.org
30 Afternoon tea and historic house tour, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Baker House, 327 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva. cost is $28. Info: (262) 2484700, www.historichotelsoflakegeneva.com
6 Afternoon tea and historic house tour, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Baker House, 327 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva. cost is $28. Info: (262) 2484700, www.historichotelsoflakegeneva.com
31 Bridal Extravangaza, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Hawk’s View Golf Club, 7377 Krueger Road, Lake Geneva. Bridal show featuring a fashion show with fashions from Christy’s Bon Bon Belle Bridal and Burlington Menswear. One registered bride will receive a one night romantic stay at Sybaris. Info/register: (877) 429-5788, www.hawksviewgolfclub.com
6, 7 Doghouse Roses perform at The Waterfront, 269 Fontana Blvd., Fontana, 9:30 p.m. on Saturday and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. Info: (800) 709-1323, www. theabbeyresort.com
FEBRUARY 1 Black Point Estate Winter Book Club, 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Bragi Cafe, 80 N. Walworth Avenue, Williams Bay. This month’s book is “American Heroine: Life and Legend of Jane Addams” by Allen F. Davis. Info: www.blackpointestate.org 2 Tuesdays at Two: Mobsters, Murder and Mayhem - Lake Geneva, 2 to 3 p.m., at the Geneva Lake Museum, 255 Mill St., Lake Geneva. French Country Inn keeper and author Tony Navilio will bring the history and mystery of the inn to life. Info: (262) 248-6060, www.genevalakemuseum.org 3-13 Lake Geneva’s annual Winterfest weekend featuring the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition featuring music, magic, refreshments, activities, helicopter rides, shopping and dining. The U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition Champion’s Award, second, third place and the Peoples’ Choice award are featured at this great event at the beautiful and famed Riviera on the lakefront in downtown Lake Geneva. (262) 248-4416
7 Haydn, Schumann and Ives Concert, 4 to 6 p.m., at Seabury Room, Beasley Campus Center, George Williams College of Aurora University, 350 Constance Blvd, Williams Bay. Info: (262) 245-8536, www.gwc. aurora.edu 9 “Ragtime,” 7 to 9 p.m., at the Young Auditorium, 930 W. Main St., Whitewater. This 13-time Tony award-nominated musical is a timeless celebration of life, based on a true story by E.L. Doctorow published in 1975. Info/tickets: (262) 472-2222, www.uww.edu/ youngauditorium 12, 13, 14 Sky Circus on Ice, at Lake Lawn Resort, 2400 E. Geneva St., Delavan. Features airborne performances by professional kite teams from across North America, plus snow sculpting and ice carving by top regional artists. Grand kite launches at 11 a.m. on Saturday and
Sunday. Kite making workshops and a mix of outdoor activities and games for all ages will round out the fun. Info: (262) 728-6000, www.lakelawnresort.com 12, 13, 14, 15 LEGO Weekend, at yhe Abbey Resort, 269 Fontana Blvd., Fontana. Professionally created LEGO exhibits, LEGO creation workshops and other activities. All tickets for LEGO® workshops, concessions and fee-based crafts will be sold out of Rainbow Point from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Info: (800) 709-1323, www.theabbeyresort.com 13 Whitewater’s Freeze Fest – Cravath Lakefront Park, featuring the Polar Plunge, chili cook-off and more. Proceeds support Special Olympics and Seniors in the Park. See Page 4 for details of the event. 13 Track the Past train show, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Geneva Lake Museum 255 Mill St., Lake Geneva. Free family train day with train memorabilia, multi-gauge trains, operating train layouts, Thomas the Train, cookies and train flicks. Info: (262) 248-6060, www.genevalakemuseum.org
20 “Rumpelstiltskin,” 2 to 4 p.m., at the Young Auditorium, 930 W. Main St., Whitewater. Missoula Children’s Theatre presents this original adaptation of the classic children’s story. Info/tickets: (262) 472-2222, www.uww.edu/youngauditorium 20, 21 Big Al Wetzel Band, 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, at the Abbey Resort - The Waterfront, 269 Fontana Blvd., Fontana. Info: (800) 709-1323, www. theabbeyresort.com 23 Tuesdays at Two: Roll Out the Barrels, 2 to 3 p.m., at the Geneva Lake Museum, 255 Mill St., Lake Geneva. Author Gary Hess ail; tell the story of his grandfather’s success as an immigrant in Wisconsin, who built barrels for beer. Info: (262) 248-6060, www. genevalakemuseum.org 23 Wine Club of the Month, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Brick Street Market, 104 E. Walworth Ave., Delavan. Six wines, six cheeses, $15 per person. Reservation required. Info: (262) 7401880, www.brickstreetmarket.com
13 Veranda Views: Polka Heartland, 1 to 3 p.m., at Horticultural Hall, 330 Broad St., Lake Geneva. Richard March will explore the people, places, and history behind the Midwest’s favorite music and describes some of the venues, instruments, and musicmakers who have been pivotal to polka’s popularity. The Julida Boys will perform polka classics following the presentation. Info: (262) 248-1888, www.blackpointestate. org
27 Barnyard Bargain Bonanza, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. Indoor winter flea market withe vendors, antiques, garage goods and more. Info: (262) 723-3228, www. walworthcountyfair.com
13 Afternoon tea and historic house tour, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Baker House, 327 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva. cost is $28. Info: (262) 2484700, www.historichotelsoflakegeneva.com
28 Music Mosaics – Valves, And Reeds, And Strings, Oh My!, 3 to 4:30 p.m., at UWWhitewater Light Recital Hall, 950 W. Main St. Info/tickets: (262) 472-2222, www.uww. edu/cac
15 Auditions for “Rumpelstiltskin,” 4 p.m., at UW-Whitewater for children in grades K through 12. Info: (262) 472-1432
27 Afternoon tea and historic house tour, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Baker House, 327 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva. cost is $28. Info: (262) 2484700, www.historichotelsoflakegeneva.com
MARCH
19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 “The Odd Couple” by the Lakeland Players, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, 3 to 5 p.m. on Sundays, at Walworth County Performing Arts Center, 15 W. Walworth St., Elkhorn: Info: (262) 728-5578, www.lakeland-players.org
1 “All My Sons,” 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., at the Young Auditorium, 930 W. Main St., Whitewater. Arthur Miller’s story about the post-World War II consequences for both veterans and civilians. Info/tickets: (262) 4722222, www.uww.edu/youngauditorium
20 Afternoon tea and historic house tour, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Baker House, 327 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva. cost is $28. Info: (262) 2484700, www.historichotelsoflakegeneva.com
3 The Hit Men in concert, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., at the Young Auditorium, 930 W. Main St., Whitewater. Info/tickets: (262) 472-2222, www.uww.edu/youngauditorium
5 Winterfest Cocoa Crawl, 4 to 8 p.m., downtown Lake Geneva. Free family night sponsored by the Lake Geneva Business Improvement District. Stop downtown between 4 and 7 p.m. to pick up a map, explore downtown, and enjoy area cocoa recipes. Head back at 7 p.m. to vote for the favorite cocoa recipe and win prizes. Info: www.lakegenevawi.com 5 “Jack and the Beanstalk,” 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Young Auditorium, 930 W. Main St., Whitewater. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas and snuggle in for a fairytale of operatic proportions. Jack and the Beanstalk tells the classic tale of a young boy who sells the family cow to a mysterious stranger for a handful of magic beans. Presented by the Florentine Opera Company. Cost is $5 for adults; $3 for children ages 2 to 11; UW-Whitewater students, $5. Children younger than 2 admitted free of charge. Info: (262) 472-
On the ice
penny gruetzmacher Wonders of Walworth County
Jacob Laing, Luke Heidenreich, Declan McHugh and Logan McHugh play ice hockey at last year’s Fontana PTO Winterfest. Human bowling with tubes and sleds and curling were also popular activities at the event.
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WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
Thrills, chills
In a live magic show there’s a whole different energy compared to watching it at home on TV, Crist said, and there’s the added chance that something could go wrong. “I put my one girl in a box and I shove spikes through her,” he said. “It’s a dangerous trick, it really is. Most magicians cut their ladies in half. I slice mine into eight pieces. We certainly have that danger element that I think people like.” Crist said the show has also got its comedic value. Though he admits the jokes are a bit cheesy, he said it’s a part of the style and there are definitely plenty of laugh-outloud moments, something he’s received great feedback about over the years. Though the intimate setting puts pressure on the group to execute each illusion to perfection, Crist said it’s a challenge they’ve embraced. In preparing for the up-close-and-personal performances they’ve taken illusions they’ve done for years and tweaked them to a point where many of them are even more deceptive and more entertaining than they were before. “This is kind of cool ... we’re going to be right here,” he said. “It’s stuff that’s come about just because it’s, like, now we’re right here in front of people, how are we going to do this? “So the creative process has been really cool as well.” Crist said with so much negativity in the world, it’s his pleasure to provide an opportunity for people to escape real life and “go be a kid again.” “I think that says it all right there,” he said. “Be a kid again. Sit back and enjoy something that you have no idea how it’s done. Try and figure it out if you want to or
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sit back and enjoy it. I encourage both. “More than anything, just come and have a good time because it’s so rare these days that people can just relax and enjoy themselves.”
The illusionist
Crist, who grew up in Milwaukee, said he took an interest in performing arts at a young age, acting in community theater and dancing with the Milwaukee Ballet School. When he received his first magic kit at about 6-years-old, Crist said the art grabbed a hold of him and forged a passion that has led him to where he is today. “That kind of hit home with me,” he said. “I started practicing the magic kit, went to the library and checked out books on magic, I went to see every magic show I could.” It wasn’t long before Crist was performing for friends and family in a theater he built himself in the basement of his home. “So, it’s funny now that I’ve built a real theater,” he said. As he grew older, Crist worked his way through college at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point as a performing illusionist and eventually earned a degree in technical theater. “Magician” wasn’t a degree option, he said. Having always wanted to own his own theater, Crist said he knew the degree would be priceless in his future as a magician. Immediately out of college, he was hired by Circus World in Baraboo, where he’s spent the last 10 years as the resident illusionist. Starting out with a 20-minute segment in the circus ring, Crist said, the show kept getting bigger and bigger until he eventually had a 400-seat theater he had built at Circus World strictly for his show. While he had reached success and had a theater at Circus World, Crist said he wanted
Allens Grove
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Sharon
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Fontana
Lafayette •
Silver Lake
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to finally break out on his own.
The theater
Looking to bring entertainment to a tourist town that doesn’t have live entertainment of his kind, Crist said he had been looking at Lake Geneva for a number of years before everything fell into place and enabled him to open the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre. “We felt this was probably a great area,” he said. “It doesn’t really have anything like this yet so we’re pretty sure we’re coming in at a good time. It’s kind of just this perfect location.” Crist’s lobby, reminiscent of the glory days, the Golden Age of Magic, is decked out in reds and blacks. Posters featuring some of
history’s greatest magicians and magic acts line the walls in lit, Vaudeville-esque frames. Stage lighting, curtains and more bring visitors immediately into that show business mood. “It was very important to me that people walk in and they suddenly enter our world,” he said. “It’s not just go to a magic show, it’s go and experience this whole world of magic and illusion – the history side of it. We’re really trying to push that home.” Tickets for Crist’s performances can be purchased by calling (262) 248-0505 or online at lakegenevamagic.com. The website features upcoming show dates, times and more information. Tickets cost $35 for front row seats and $29 for general admission.
Aquatic Therapy Pro-Step offers physical, occupational and speech therapy. All major insurance accepted including Medicare, Forward Health, Dean Care, UHC and WEA
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With his assistant tucked away inside the box, illusionist Tristan Crist slowly pushes the box back towards a series of spikes. This element of danger is something Crist said he thinks people really enjoy about live illusions.
Ask your Physician to refer you to ProStep Today!
www.progressivesteprehab.com
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WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
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