Summer Fun Guide 2024

FUN SUN IN THE

A summer walk along the lake

The Geneva Lake Shore Path offers plenty of sights

By Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT

Residents and visitors alike can spend time this summer in an activity unique to this area – a walk along the Geneva Lake Shore Path. The popular walking trail travels around the entire lake, roughly 26 miles in all. But there are several areas to enter the path, which offers flexibility in the length of a hike.

The history of the path goes back to the days of the Indigenous people of several Native American tribes, who made their home in this area, including the Potawatomi led by Chief Big Foot.

A plaque placed in Library Park on the shore in Lake Geneva gives a short history of this trail that began many centuries ago.

“The 26-mile lakeside trail along the shore of Geneva Lake was used by several Indian cultures from 2500 BC and continuing to 1836 A.D. Chief Big Foot’s Potawatomi tribe walked the trail between their villages at present Fontana, Williams Bay, and one at Lake Geneva located in this park. Later the trail became the workmen’s path from Lake Geneva to the summer estates of

wealthy Chicago families,” it reads.

These wealthy Chicagoans made their way to the shores of Geneva Lake after the Chicago Fire of 1871, remember the one that was said to be started by Mrs. O’Leary’s cow? At that time the citizens of Chicago looked for an escape for their families, away from the smoke and polluted air of the city as it was rebuilt.

It was to Geneva Lake that they traveled, where they found the perfect setting to build summer cottages. But unlike the summer cottages most would envision, theirs were actually mansions, large and elegant, much as their homes in Chicago.

Wives and children would come to the lake for the summer, with their servants, while the husbands would commute up on weekends as they continued to work during the week.

Many of these lavish homes can still be found on the shores of Geneva Lake, and a view of them can be enjoyed while in a boat on the lake or walking the shore path.

Over the years many of these lavish homes have been torn down and the properties divided into smaller parcels with new buildings. While some may be less impressive than the originals depending on who you ask, they are generally still a gorgeous sight from the shore.

Public domain

It was the early settlers who deemed that the “20 feet leading to the shoreline be preserved as public domain.”

The plan was to keep this historical path for

future use in memory of the past and to assure that the lakefront would remain available for all to enjoy. Each property owner is still required to maintain the path through their property, which has made each section of the path unique.

Just as each estate itself has a different look, the shore path offers many different looks as walkers move from one property to the next.

Not all property owners were pleased to have strangers walking through their property and some tried to discourage visitors from traveling across by making the section of trail on their property challenging, from a narrow path to one overgrown.

In 1970, the owners of Stone Manor at the time were sued by the City of Lake Geneva for constructing a fence that blocked the shore path. The city won, the fence came down and the path remained intact.

Rules to be followed

While walking the entire path in one day is possible for those in good health who walk regularly, it takes eight to 10 hours to complete. For those not ready to tackle the entire trek around the lake, dividing it into sections will make it easier to navigate yet still offer a variety of things to see along the way.

Public access points – where walkers can join or leave the path – must be used. Cutting through owners’ lawns is not acceptable, nor is sitting on the piers or chairs or benches on the individual

properties. Only the actual path is open to walkers.

For those who wish to tackle the shore path in shorter stretches, access points are in Lake Geneva, Fontana, Williams Bay, Linn and Big Foot Beach. Each one of the sections – whether walking along the path and turning around to return to the access point used as the entrance or walking to the next public access point – are a good hike with incredible views. Those wishing to walk from one access point to the next should team up with a friend so one vehicle can be left at the area where the walkers will exit the path and the other vehicle is used to drive to where the path will be entered.

The path is family friendly, but those with younger children should start by taking a shorter walk along the path –familiarizing themselves and children with the challenges of hiking before tackling a lengthier stretch.

The walk from Lake Geneva to Williams Bay is about 7 miles, while a shorter walk from Williams Bay to Fontana covers about 3.5 miles.

Dogs must remain on a leash and under control the entire time while on the path. Walkers must clean up after the dog and remove the waste from the area.

There are no public access garbage bins so anything brought along must leave with those using the path.

Tips for comfort, safety

The shore path is a walking path and not made for bikes, scooters, strollers, or wagons. With surfaces that vary but include cement, bricks, wood planks, gravel, steppingstones and narrowing in areas, it’s not practical for much more than peoples’ feet to be on the path. Wearing comfortable walking shoes with non-skid treads is recommended for safety especially when the path is wet and slippery.

Safety is important as some areas of the path are very close to the water and may not have a fence separating walkers from an unexpected dip in the lake. For those with young children, it’s recommended they walk from Library Park in Lake Geneva –in either direction.

On the other hand, for those who plan to walk the entire path in one day, it’s suggested they start at the south end of the lake as that section is more difficult and is best attempted when you aren’t tired.

Walking the path is a memorable experience but what time of year its best enjoyed is a matter of preference.

Some prefer spring with its sense of new life as flowers and greenery begin to show their colors. Summer generally features nearly everything along the path in full bloom. Then there is autumn, with its myriad of colors as the leaves show off their shades of red, orange, yellow, and brown, as well as fall flowers on display around the lake.

HEIDI SCHULZ Fun Guide

Regular shore path walkers will head out during all three seasons as each offers a different view of the path and sights along it but also of the lake.

The path is accessible during the winter but only experienced walkers with proper shoes and equipment should consider it that time of the year, considering the path is not shoveled and is often icy and slippery.

Also in the winter months, some of the piers may be stored in a manner blocking the path, possibly making passage impossible.

For safety – as mentioned before – good sturdy walking shoes are important, and

on sunny days, portions of the path are out in full sun so remember to wear sunscreen and a hat to protect against sunburn.

There are no restrooms or food stands on the path. Restrooms are available in public areas such as near the library in Lake Geneva, Williams Bay and Fontana. Carry water or other liquids with you to avoid dehydration.

Dogs must remain on a leash and under control the entire time while on the path. Walkers must clean up after the dog and remove the waste from the area. There are no public access garbage bins so whatever you bring in must leave with you.

above: While some areas of the path are out in the open, others are in shaded areas, a welcome reprieve for walkers on a hot day. opposite bottom: A colorful row of chairs line a pier on Geneva Lake with the Stone Manor mansion visible across the lake in the background. opposite top: There are a variety of boats that can be seen while walking the shore path, from those out on the water to ones that are docked.

Enjoy the great outdoors in style

Camp

Kettlewood features

vintage trailers, platform tents, cabins

By Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT

For some, spending time outdoors highlights a more rustic way of life –setting up a tent, sleeping on the ground in a sleeping bag and enjoying the elements of nature.

For others, while there is an appeal to spending time outside and communing with nature, they are not quite ready to embrace time away from all of the amenities that enjoyed in everyday life. For this group, an ideal compromise is the upgraded style of camping referred to as “glamping.”

Glamping combines the best of both worlds – time in nature, sure, but at the end of the day, sleeping in an actual bed and having electricity.

When Jeremy and Simona Ebner discovered a large 80-acre parcel of land for sale near the Kettle Moraine area, they knew it would be perfect for their dream of owning and running a campground that could meet the needs of a variety of campers and thus Camp Kettlewood was born.

“Jeremy grew up enjoying being out in nature. He enjoys adventures, back packing, and camping as it was since the beginning of time. He has made me love the outdoors adventures, too, but I tend to prefer a more glamping style of camping, one where we do not have to spend hours setting up the campsite,” Simona said.

Jeremy said their goal was to open a campground where people could enjoy the escape in a unique way.

“While looking for a house to purchase, we found the perfect spot for our needs. We found this historic scout camp with 80

acres and a building we would turn into our home,” Jeremy said.

That space had previously been owned by the Girls Scouts of Wisconsin Badgerland Council, and from 1967 through 2018 it was the home of Girl Scout outings and events. It was a place where memories were created for many young scouts over a number of years.

The perfect balance

The Ebners purchased the property and turned it into a upscale campground with many features not present in the original camp.

“We kept many of the old features of the campsites, such as their names, but we updated the campsites and added unique camping venues such as the vintage trailers, platform tents and some antique scout cabins, and two bath and shower buildings,” the couple said.

Some of the more unique places to camp are in the vintage trailers. These renovated vintage trailers were built from 1951 to 1977 and will help make glamping

a nostalgic time whether guests have ever camped in a vintage trailer or maybe only dreamed of doing so.

They are equipped with electricity and coffee makers, and propane grills are available. Each of these campers – from the smallest, which sleeps two to the largest, which sleeps three to six guests – will offer guests the glamping experience they desire.

The three trailers at the Mushroom Gulch group trailer village –named the Ham, the Empire, and the Shasta – may be the perfect spot for a group to take in a weekend getaway

Other trailers on site – these are individual trailers and not part of a group – are the Oakwood Knoll, a 1957 Holly that sleeps up to two guests, and the Last Resort, a 1977 Airstream that sleeps up to four guests.

Variety of tent options

Those seeking an upgraded tent camping experience can consider renting one of the platform tent sites at Camp Kettlewood, of which three are available.

The Hilton is the premium canvas platform tent site and while the platforms themselves were original to the days of the scouts camping here, they have been upgraded. The Hilton site features tents that are equipped with that all-important mosquito netting, propane grills, hammocks, and string lights, which add ambience in the evening while sitting around the campfire.

Those looking for a bit more of a rustic experience are encouraged to check out Sunset Ridge and Crow’s Nest – platform tent sites for small groups. They offer that scout vibe with each sleeping up to four guests, and the hassle of having to put up or take down the tent is a non-issue. As a bonus, the feature metal cot frames, which were rescued from the basement of the lodge.

Each cabin on site has unique décor such as this one, which features a variety of simple antiques to add to the ambience the cabin offers.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Fun Guide

44th Annual

Juried Fine Art & Craft Fair

The cabin life

There is yet another option at Camp Kettlewood – staying in an authentic scout cabin built in the 1940s with some upgrades. The eight scout cabins on site were moved from Camp Pottawatomie – also a former Girl Scout Camp just up the road – and were cleaned, repaired and decorated by Simona and Jeremy in 2022 to add another camping experience to their offerings.

Maybe the best news of all is that there are two bathroom buildings on the property complete with flush toilets. There are also four open-air style showers on site.

Plenty to do in the area

There are many outdoor activities in the area outside of Camp Kettlewood for those who wish to explore.

The area features several trails for hiking or biking such as John Muir, Nordic, Bald Bluff, Homestead, Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit and Ice Age trails. There are also some nature conservancies and natural areas worth a visit for outdoor exploring.

Swimming, boating, kayaking or paddle boarding is available at many lakes in the area including Lake Beulah, Potter Lake and Eagle Springs Lake/Lulu Lake.

In nearby East Troy, the Village Square is filled with fun places to explore and shop as well as grabbing a bite to eat, a cup of coffee or a locally brewed beer.

It’s also home to the East Troy Electric Railroad Museum, which offers regular rides as well as numerous special events.

The Elegant Farmer, just a few miles from East Troy outside of Mukwonago, is well known for its award-winning apple pie baked in a paper bag. It also features deli picnic lunches and many other items – all of which can be eaten there or picked up and taken back to Camp Kettlewood to enjoy at one of the pond-side picnic tables on site.

In addition, other places visitors may want to check out include Green Meadows Petting Farm, Old World Wisconsin in Eagle – an outdoor history museum, Staller Estate Winery, and Skydive Milwaukee, which offers skydiving out of the East Troy Airport.

When guests arrive at the campground, they will park in one of two designated parking lots, transfer their belongings to a golf cart and transport everything to the site in that manner. No motorized vehicles are allowed at the camp sites to maintain the serenity of the space.

Check-in is 4 to 8 p.m., checkout is 1 p.m. and quiet hours (no amplified music) are 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. And for food and drinks along with other items needed, Hansen’s IGA is just down the road in East Troy.

The camp is also suitable for special occasions including weddings. To inquire

above: This peaceful, relaxing cabin, all in white with windows all around and a beautiful natural wood ceiling is an ideal place to relax and unwind. top: A glamping experience can easily be found at Camp Kettlewood in this camper with features such as a coffee maker, stove and electricity.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Fun Guide

about such events, visit the website and complete the form under the “Weddings” tab.

Though the campground has many upgraded – and even some upscale –options, the Ebners ask guests to keep an important message in mind.

“Although we have some modern amenities, please do keep in mind that at the end of the day, it’s still camping. You’ll be sharing the woods with local wildlifelike deer, turtles, songbirds, and yes- bugs.

You might even get a little dirty,” the website states. “And though there isn’t any WiFi, we promise you’ll find a better connection while you’re here.”

Camp Kettlewood is at W3524 State Rd. 20, East Troy. It’s open from Memorial Day weekend through the end of October. For more information, email info@ campkettlewood.com, visit the website at www.campkettlewood.com or follow them on social media including Facebook and Instagram.

Pearce’s Farm Stand a family affair

Four generations actively involved in the operations

Pearce’s Farm Stand is dedicated to offering fresh produce, homemade bakery goods, and seasonal fall decorations.

They could not accomplish those goals without the help and dedication of many family members, and currently boast four generations being actively involved.

But that’s far from the only goal of the longstanding family farm, which is also dedicated to family fun and community support.

Located at W5740 North Walworth Rd., Walworth, Pearce’s Farm Stand is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. seven days a week from midJuly through October.

Among the many events that bring family fun to Pearce’s is an annual corn maze, live music on the weekends in the pavilion, two car shows each summer (July 20 and Sept. 28 this year).

There are concessions available Saturdays and Sundays between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. including burgers, brats, roasted sweet corn and apple cider slushies. The family also hosts a Customer Appreciation event the third weekend in September, as well as an Octoberfest event – featuring the Steve Schultz Polka Band and dancing, which will be Oct. 5-6 this fall.

The farm stand offers seasonal fruits and vegetables, a farm fresh bakery – donuts, specialty breads and cookies, kettle corn, homemade caramel sauce (made the oldfashioned way in a copper kettle), caramel candy and hand-dipped caramel apples.

Robert (Bob) and Mary Ann Pearce started dairying in 1955 just a mile down the road and moved east to the corner of County F and Highway 67 in 1965.

The farm was originally purchased by Amos Van Dyke in 1848 through the Homestead Credit Act for $1.25 per acre. The Pearce’s are the second family that has operated the farm since Wisconsin became a state in 1848. A few of the original buildings from that era are still in use today.

above: JR Pearce and Kylee bag caramel apples, which feature caramel made the oldfashioned way in a copper kettle. left: Mary Ann and Bob Pearce started the farm years ago and now have four generations involved in its operations.

above: A variety of Pearce’s homemade specialty breads are available in the market. top: This trio of watermelons looks like a rainbow of fresh fruit. top right: Each year, the family has a nearly 13-acre corn maze professionally designed. SUBMITTED

In 1967, the Pearce family had a few dozen extra sweet corn and pumpkins. The five Pearce kids decided to sell the surplus vegetables by the edge of the road to raise money for 4-H projects and their college education. In the beginning, only a few vegetables were offered for sale. Podded peas were available in June, and then followed by corn in July. With a ready supply of child labor intensive crops were planted and cared for by hand throughout the season.

In the years to follow, sweet corn went from being planted a couple of times to regular plantings throughout the spring and early summer to assure a continuous supply to the one wagon farm stand where a young person would wait for a customer.

By the mid-1970s the market expanded to multiple wagons with a variety of produce grown on the farm including zucchini, beets, basil, tomatoes, leeks, winter squash, cucumbers, dill, green beans and more. Apple products were also provided by a local grower.

Today, Pearce Farms continues to offer the wide variety of quality, fresh fruits and vegetables that have been offered for years.

“We continue to hand pick all our vegetables at the peak of perfection to bring you the very best. We also offer all kinds of fall decorations. From your traditional large, round pumpkins to unique ones such as Lunch Lady Gourds with warts all over their skin like those found on a witch’s face. We have tiny pumpkins and gourds all the way to the 300-plus pound Atlantic Giant pumpkins,” the website states. “With such a wide array of colors and choices you will have a hard time deciding which ones you will want to decorate your home with.”

Fresh produce

The produce available at Pearce’s is based on the season.

“(We) provide you with the opportunity

to buy the very best locally grown produce. We have a variety of items to satisfy your every craving for seasonal, fresh, fruits, vegetables and more. Pearce’s Farm Stand is especially known for its wonderful sweet corn –picked every morning to ensure a sweet, fresh flavor, and a wide assortment of pumpkins and gourds,” the website states.

“The vegetables are hand-picked, cared for, washed and then retailed to you by our family and a few close staff members. Pearce’s Farm Stand strives to grow and provide quality, farm fresh, wholesome family food to nourish and enjoy,” it states.

The website contains a seasonal availability schedule that, while approximate and subject to weather conditions, offers a general idea of when specific produce will be available for purchase at the farm stand.

Corn Maze

The annual corn maze at Pearce’s, which spans nearly 13 acres, is open daily, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from early September through October.

The professional maze features a new theme each year. Costs are $8, adults; $6, children 5-12 years of age; free, children 4 and younger. Note that children younger than 13 must be with an adult.

In addition to fresh produce, the corn maze and a variety of events throughout the open season, there is a market with many more items to choose from.

The market is stocked with “fruits, veggies, jams, jellies, and locally harvested honey. We also offer fresh donuts and kettle corn made every weekend on site,” the website states.

For more information – including updates on events – visit Pearce’s Farm Stand on Facebook or the website, www. pearcefarms.com.

Make memories aboard a railcar

Plan an outing with the East Troy Electric Railroad to visit a time when life was a little simpler. The historic interurban railroad cars and trolleys take a scenic 14-mile round trip in the East TroyMukwonago areas.

The museum in the depot is a place where kids can be trolley motormen, discover the joy of model railroads, and learn about electricity. The gift shop features a unique selection of railroad souvenirs for people of all ages.

Make a stop at Lauber ’s Ice Cream Parlor across the tracks from the depot, enjoy coffee, pastries, or a sandwich at 2894 On Main, or go out for a delicious meal at East Troy House or at East Troy Brewery – all of which are on the square in East Troy.

Tickets can be purchased in advance on the website, but walk-up tickets are generally available, too. Trains can be boarded at the depot in East Troy or at the depot behind the Elegant Farmer.

Train schedules, ticket prices and equipment are subject to change without notice.

Amenities include the following: parking is free at the museum; smokefree trains run rain or shine; Discover, Visa and MasterCard are accepted; public washrooms are available.

2024 schedule

Fridays – June 7 to Aug. 30

• Eastbound

Departs East Troy Depot

10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m.

• Westbound

Departs Elegant Farmer

11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.

(3 p.m. is not a round-trip)

Saturdays – April 13 to Oct. 26

• Eastbound

Departs East Troy Depot

10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.

• Westbound Departs Elegant Farmer

11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.

(3 p.m. and 4 p.m. are not round-trips)

Sundays – May 5 to Oct. 27

• Eastbound Departs East Troy Depot

10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m.

• Westbound

Departs Elegant Farmer

11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.

(3 p.m. is not a round-trip)

All trains go to Indianhead Park between April 13 and Sept 1.

During Harvest Fest all trains stop at the Elegant Farmer.

Fares

Adults $17 • Seniors (65+) $14.50 Children (3-14 years of age) $11 (all fares are plus tax) Children 2 and younger ride for free.

Enjoy a Picnic or Sunday Brunch train

Among the special events offered by the East Troy Railroad are the Picnic Train and the Sunday Brunch Train.

Picnic Train

A kid friendly family Picnic Train will run on Sunday July 7 with the picnic taking place at Indianhead Park.

This year the railroad will take Train Cars #9 and #13 all the way to Indianhead Park in Mukwonago for a true picnic in the park with a box lunch.

Railroad representatives recommend purchasing tickets online in advance for specific departures.

A complete list of train schedules can be found on the website.

The East Troy Railroad Museum is at 2002 Church St., East Troy, WI.

For more information, call 262-6423263 or visit www.easttroyrr.org.

Reservations are available through the website.

Sunday Brunch Train

Enjoy a two-hour round trip on the railroad’s beautiful dining cars with views of the Kettle Moraine countryside outside on the Sunday Brunch Train on Sept. 8.

The three-course meal will begin with a breakfast charcuterie board, followed by a crustless cheese and spinach quiche, finishing with a braided maple and pecan Danish. Coffee and or juice are included.

The dress code is casual, and restrooms are on board.

For more information and to book reservations for these and other special events, visit the East Troy Railroad Museum website at www.easttroyrr. org.

Children excitedly await the arrival of a train at the Elegant Farmer station, led by Chicago Elevated Car 4420.

PHOTO COURTESY JENNY MCCARTHY Fun Guide

Dinner trains

The East Troy Electric Raiload offers numerous dinner trains. Below are themes and dates on remaining events this year. For more information, including prices, menus and to make reservations for a dinner train – which are required, visit the website at easttroyrr.org.

Father’s Day

June 15

Stars and Stripes

July 13

Surf & Turf

July 27

Wine & Cheese

Aug. 10

Southern Delight

Aug. 17

Beer Tasting

Aug. 31

Fall Harvest

Sept. 14

Autumn Glow Sept. 21

Oktoberfest Oct. 5

Epicurian Express Oct. 12

Gourmet Lunch Oct. 12

Sweetest Day Oct. 19

Adult Halloween Oct. 26

A variety of dinner train events are offered by the East Troy Electric Railroad. Reservations are required and it’s not uncommon for the dinner trains to sellout.

Lineup of events

Railfan Day

June 22

On Railfan Day all of the equipment is taken out of the barn and put on display. Guests can ride a different rail car on each trip of the day. Once again, the railroad is offering fun family activities like scavenger hunt, miniature train rides, and operating model railroads.

Chicago Day

July 13

Celebrate Chicago’s railway history with a centennial celebration of the railroad’s three CTA cars. They also will have the Chicago, South Shore and South Bend railroad six operating South Shore cars, originally built in the late 1920s. National Park Rangers from Indiana Dunes National Park will be on hand to explain the history of the South Shore Line.

Milwaukee Day

Aug. 3

Celebrate Milwaukee’s electric railroading history with a chance to see and ride on a historic Milwaukee Streetcar or a restored Chicago North Shore and Milwaukee Silverliner car. Work cars from The Milwaukee Electric Railway & Light Company (TMER&L) will be on display along with historic tickets and timetables.

Beer Tasting Train

Aug. 31

Join a fun and educational beer tasting train. Enjoy five different beers while traveling the route of the East Troy Electric Railroad.

The train is a joint event with Black Point Estate on Geneva Lake. A historian and beer aficionado from Black Point serves as the host, and Toothpicks, the railroad’s caterer, provides the hors d’oeuvres.

This 2 1/2-hour event starts and finishes at the East Troy Depot. Book seats online under the Dinner Trains section at easttroyrr.org.

Passengers are shown riding on Car #846, the historic Milwaukee Streetcar that’s among the numerous trains run by the East Troy Electric Railroad.

The Ultimate Luxury in Dog Care The Ultimate Luxury in Dog Care

Dog’s Version of a Disney Style Vacation

Actually designed and built by R.J. Ogren, a Disney designer and artist with years of experience. Come and see for yourself the hand painted displays in the playroom, kennels, grooming and day camp areas. Meet the experienced staff that will care for your precious pets. Attendant on premises 24 hours. We specialize in cat and dog grooming. We have prices to accommodate every budget. We also have a background in exotic animals. Give us a call at (262) 7282900 to learn more about us. Check our website www.lollipupspetresort.com.

Harvest Fest Trains

Sept. 7 through Oct. 27

The railroad’s regular season ends on Sept. 7. They then offer round-trip rides to the Elegant Farmer, where guests can enjoy apple picking, a corn maze, and hayrides.

Railroad representatives suggest visiting the website to see the schedule and purchase tickets online in advance.

Note that trains will not travel to Indianhead Park in Mukwonago during this time.

Tickets can also be purchased on a walk-up basis, subject to availability.

Trick or Treat Trains

Oct. 4, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27

Bring the kids or grandkids in costume and take a train from the Depot in East Troy to Town Hall Park.

The park allows kids to go “Trick-or-Treating,” play games, and enjoy the playground equipment before the train heads back to East Troy.

June 30, Aug 11, Sept 29

May 25 - Aug 31, 2024

July 10 - 14, 2024

July 27, 2024

August 2 -3, 2024

Aug 28 - Sept 2, 2024

October 19, 2024

Dec 6-8, 2024 Dec 7, 2024 Dec 25, 2024

Christmas Parade Train

Dec. 7

This train brings Santa on his sleigh from Indianhead Park to East Troy for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Village Square.

The train – which carries on a tradition started by Milwaukee Schuster’s Department Stores – is lit up like a fireworks show and plays Christmas music while Santa stops to greet families at each railroad crossing.

Christmas Trains

Nov. 29 and 30

Dec. 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20 and 21

This magical outing will take guest on a 1/2-hour ride from the East Troy Depot to Santa’s workshop located at the Elegant Farmer.

At Elegant Farmer, children can visit Santa and get a photo taken with the jolly elf himself. Santa’s workshop wouldn’t be complete without hot chocolate and cookies, and children receive a special gift on the return trip to East Troy.

Keep it fresh at local farmers markets

Markets throughout the area vary as far as the number of vendors on any given week as well as the items available. But they seem to share a common goal –featuring products from locals, including farms, growers, artisans, and others.

Though every effort was made to include markets in communities throughout the area, it is limited to markets with information that could be verified for 2024.

Burlington Farmer’s Market

Held at Wehmhoff Square on the corner of Washington and Pine streets, 3 to 7 p.m., Thursdays, May through October.

A vibrant mid-week market with fruit and vegetables, meat, cheese bakery, honey, preserved and ready-to-eat foods, live music, artisans, local craft beer, and special events throughout the year.

For more information, follow the market on Facebook or visit burlingtonwifarmersmarket.com.

Delavan Market at Tower Park

Home-grown & hand-crafted items, fresh produce, eggs, baked goods, plants, and more. Join community organizations and neighbors 3 to 6 p.m., Thursdays, June 6 to Aug. 29.

The market is at Tower Park, between Walworth Avenue and Park Place in historic downtown Delavan. For more information, call 262-728-5095 or email info@ delavanwi.org.

East Troy Farmers Market

The East Troy Farmers Market at Honey Creek Collective, N8030 Rd., is held Fridays, 3 to 6 p.m., June through October.

Enjoy items from a group of local vendors that offer local produce, flowers, pickles, salsas, local art, toffee, apples, baked goods and much more.

For more information, follow East Troy Farmers Market on Facebook or email easttroyfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

Elkhorn Saturdays on the Square

This farmers market is on Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Saturday, Aug. 31. It features a variety of fresh produce, crafts, commercial products and more. Vendors set-up on a first come first serve basis with plenty of room for all who attend. Find food trucks and a morning workout on the square and get your weekends started off right!

Held at Veterans Park, 100 W. Walworth St., Elkhorn. For more information, email info@elkhornchamber.com.

Genoa City Farmers’ Market

The market in Genoa City is held Fridays, 3 to 7 p.m., May 24 to Sept. 27 at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 700 Fellows Rd.

Offers a variety of vendors selling produce, plants, flowers, art, pottery, cooking/baking products, homemade and handmade items, local organizations, live music, kids’ activities, food trucks and beverages.

Kenosha Public Market

This outdoor summer market is open Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (8:30 a.m. opening for seniors and people with disabilities), May 11 to Oct. 26.

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the market offers locally produced products, fruits (seasonal) locally sourced meats, poultry, eggs, cheeses, garlics, jellies/jams, honey, pasta, granola, pantry goods, baked goods, roasted nuts, sauces, soaps, lotions, and hand-crafted gifts made by local artisans. The food court features a wide array of cuisines.

The Kenosha Public Market is at 625 52nd St.

Lake Geneva Farmers Market

Held 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays through October in downtown Lake Geneva. Farmers, artisans, craftsmen and vendors offer up some of the area’s very best. Held rain or shine.

Horticultural Hall is at 330 Broad St., Lake Geneva. For more information, visit horticulturalhall.com.

Geneva Outdoor Market

Lake Geneva House of Music presents the Geneva Outdoor Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sundays through October. Celebrating local farmers, producers, food and beverage vendors, and artisans.

Held on the Lake Geneva House of Music festival grounds, N3241 County Trunk H, Lake Geneva. For more information, email chris@LGHOM.com.

Mukwonago Farmers Market

The Mukwonago Farmers Market is at Field Park, 933 N. Rochester St. (at the corner of highways 83 and NN) every Wednesday from 2 to 6 p.m., May 15 to Oct. 19.

Held in a park setting, the market offers plenty of parking, sitting areas, and a playground. Featuring over 35 local vendors weekly with a wide selection of locally grown produce and food products. We proudly support our local growers, producers and consumers.

For more information, call 262-363-7758 or email assistant@mukwonagochamber. org.

Palmyra Farmers Market

The Palmyra Farmers Market (also known as Makers Market) will be held 4 to 8 p.m., Mondays, June 3 to Sept. 30 on Taft Street between 2nd and 3rd streets.

This maker ’s market is a bustling haven of fresh produce, artisanal foods, and lively entertainment. A community gather place where people come together to celebrate food and culture, connect with their

neighbors, and support local businesses.

For more information, follow Palmyra Makers Market on Facebook or email abcdfarmhouse@outlook.com.

Union Grove Public Market

Held Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 9 through September in the parking lot at Piggly Wiggly, 4400 67th Dr. The market features a variety of local vendors, crafts, honey, canned specialty items, artisans, food trucks and more. For more information, call 262-878-4606 or email info@uniongrovechamber.org.

Waterford Market at Ten Club Park

The market is held Mondays, 5 to 8 p.m., June 3 to Aug. 26 at Ten Club Park, 110 S. First St.

Summer nights in Waterford – Farmers Market, Food Trucks on First, Lions Club beverages, live music and more – all in the redesigned Ten Club Park along the Fox River.

For more information, call 262-210-6360 or email burlingtonmarket@yahoo.com.

Whitewater City Market

The City Market is held Tuesdays, 4 to 7 p.m. (May 7 to Sept. 22, 4 to 6 p.m. (Sept. 29 to Oct. 29). It brings area farmers, artisans, food

carts, and the community together to create not only a unique shopping experience but a celebration of what is local. Hosted by Downtown Whitewater, this vibrant market includes music, kids’ activities, and a variety of vendors.

The market is held near the Whitewater Depot, 301 W. Whitewater St. (Note that

during the cooler months, the City Market is held 10 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, at Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, 413 Center St.)

For more information, follow Whitewater City Market on Facebook or email whitewatercitymarket@gmail.com.

Whitewater Farmers Market

The Whitewater Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, May through October in the Depot Museum parking lot, 301 W. Whitewater St.

This producer only market features a variety of locally grown produce, eggs, baked goods, flowers, artisan crafts and more.

For more information, follow Whitewater Farmers Market on Facebook or visit whitewaterfarmersmarket.com.

Williams Bay Farmers Market

The market is held 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays along the waterfront in Edgewater Park on East Geneva St.

Each week features new activities or vendors, such as kid activities, dog days, and special events like Christmas in July on July 19th & 26th with festive decor and foods. No farmers market on August 9th; join us for the Corn & Brat Festival that weekend!

For more information, email williamsbayfarmersmarket@gmail.com.