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2012 Awareness Weeks – Days & Major Conferences – Events…

Jan 13-22  Milwaukee Boat Show at State Fair Park. NWS will staff table during the Fri-Sat-Sun weekends.

Feb 17 Probabilistic Outlooks (formally Spring Flood Outlook)

Mar 15-16 Governor’s Conference on Homeland Security & Emergency Management Training day is Mar 14, Conference in Appleton at Radisson Paper Valley Hotel.

Mar 02 Probabilistic Outlooks (formally Spring Flood Outlook)

Mar 09 Probabilistic Outlooks (formally Spring Flood Outlook) – optional

Mar 11 Daylight Savings Time begins – push clocks forward 1 hour at 2 am (spring forward).

Mar 12-16 Flood Safety Awareness Week

Mar 15-16 Governor’s Conference on Homeland Security & Emergency Management Training day is Mar 14, Conference in Appleton at Radisson Paper Valley Hotel.

Mar 23 Probabilistic Outlooks (formally Spring Flood Outlook) – optional outlook, only if there are significant hydro-meteorological changes between March 11 and March 24th.

Apr 12-16 Tornado & Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin – drill day on the 19th (1 to 2 pm)

May 07-11 National Air Quality Awareness Week (sponsored by EPA & NWS)

May 09 NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards Day in Wisconsin

May 19-25 National Safe Boating Week (sponsored by National Safe Boating Council)

June 03-09 National Rip Current Awareness Week

Jun 14 Heat Awareness Day in Wisconsin

Jun 24-30 National Lightning Safety Awareness Week

Jun 23-24 Field Day (ARRL Sponsored Event on National Emergency Preparedness)

Jun 27-Jul 03 Milwaukee’s Summerfest

Jul 05-08

July 23-29 Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Air Venture 2010. Oshkosh Wittman Field.

Aug 02-12 Wisconsin State Fair, West Allis.

October ?? WEMA Conference – final date/location TBD

Nov 04 Standard Time begins – push clocks back one hour at 2 am (fall back).

Nov 05-09 Winter Awareness Week in Wisconsin

Nov 30-Dec 01 SKYWARN Recognition Day (6 pm Fri to 6 pm Sat)

Summer is nearing the end… What are you cramming in??

The state fair is going on, the Milwaukee water and air show is this weekend, and so many other county fairs and free fun are happening around the state. What do you have yet to accomplish this summer?

The only summer plans that I consider a must-do are to bring my husband and kids to Rutabaga in Madison to kayak for the day, plan my daughters 5 year birthday and just get ready for her to enter kindergarten. Gasp!!!

However, that is just my realistic list. I also want to go camping, get out on a day-long pontoon ride, get to Chetek for a weekend, more beach days, more days of long road trips, a better tan, … I could go on forever.

What is on your realistic list for the remaining weeks of summer?

Another beautiful Wisconsin weekend!

Can you believe
It is the last weekend of July??? August is when I become depressed About the upcoming fall and winter. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE fall in Wisconsin, but it’s just the final step before the long, brutal winter.

What is your favorite Wisconsin season?? Do you have anything you are looking forward to for fall and winter? One thing I love to do with the kids in the fall is head out to the Elegant Farmer for hayrides, apples, and apple cider… And of course, all the beautiful photo ops with the change of leaves.

Back to sitting in the warm sun and watching the kids in the pool! Have a fun and safe weekend! Leave a comment with what your plans are for this weekend.

So much to do this weekend, July 22-24…

Image via Wikipedia

If you have no plans this weekend, we’ve got some fun for you to enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEEKEND FUN

07/22/2011	07/22/2011	Food, Folks & Spokes	Kenosha
07/22/2011	07/22/2011	Movies Under the Stars	Osceola
07/23/2011	07/23/2011	Old Fashioned Festival	Baraboo
07/21/2011	07/23/2011	Country Jam USA	Eau Claire
07/23/2011	07/23/2011	Art Impressions	Land O’ Lakes
07/23/2011	07/23/2011	Dodgeville Blues Fest	Dodgeville
07/22/2011	07/23/2011	Central Wisconsin Truckers Picnic	Owen
07/18/2011	07/23/2011	Door County Plein Air Festival	Fish Creek
07/23/2011	07/23/2011	Taste of Sun Prairie	Sun Prairie
07/23/2011	07/23/2011	River Bluff Daze	Ferryville
07/23/2011	07/23/2011	Art at the Mill	Richfield
07/23/2011	07/23/2011	Platteville’s Hometown Hog Roast	Platteville
07/23/2011	07/23/2011	Northwoods Music Festival	Superior
07/23/2011	07/23/2011	Coon Creek Trout Fest	Coon Valley
07/22/2011	07/23/2011	Savour Green Bay	Green Bay
07/23/2011	07/23/2011	Car, Mororcycle, Vintage Snowmobile Show and Swap Meet	Spencer
07/23/2011	07/23/2011	K-9 Karnival	St. Germain
07/23/2011	07/23/2011	Genesee Depot Daze	Genesee Depot
07/23/2011	07/23/2011	Touch-a-Truck	Cedarburg
07/23/2011	07/23/2011	Summer Harvest Cherry Fest	Fish Creek
07/23/2011	07/23/2011	Dog Days of Summer	Madison
07/19/2011	07/24/2011	Fond du Lac County Fair	Fond du Lac
07/20/2011	07/24/2011	Dane County Fair	Madison
07/20/2011	07/24/2011	Lincoln County 4H Free Fair	Merrill
07/21/2011	07/24/2011	Festa Italiana	Milwaukee
07/21/2011	07/24/2011	Pulaski Polka Days	Pulaski
07/21/2011	07/24/2011	Country Thunder USA	Twin Lakes
07/20/2011	07/24/2011	Waukesha County Fair	Waukesha
07/24/2011	07/24/2011	Beldenville Old Car Club Show	Ellsworth
07/20/2011	07/24/2011	Columbia County Fair	Portage
07/21/2011	07/24/2011	St. Croix County Fair	Glenwood City
07/21/2011	07/24/2011	Kewaunee County Fair	Luxemburg
07/21/2011	07/24/2011	Trempealeau County Fair	Galesville
07/22/2011	07/24/2011	Pepin County Jr Fair	Arkansaw
07/23/2011	07/24/2011	Indianhead Gem & Mineral Show	Frederic
07/20/2011	07/24/2011	Crawford County Fair	Gays Mills
07/21/2011	07/24/2011	Jamboree Days	New Auburn
07/23/2011	07/24/2011	Iron River Lions Blueberry Festival	Iron River
07/23/2011	07/24/2011	Juried Art & Craft Show	Ellison Bay
07/22/2011	07/24/2011	Lucky Days	Luck
07/21/2011	07/24/2011	Mishicot Riverfest	Mishicot
07/22/2011	07/24/2011	The Great Folle Avoine Fur Trade Rendezvous	Danbury
07/20/2011	07/24/2011	Green County Fair	Monroe
07/21/2011	07/24/2011	Healthy Weston Fest	Weston
07/23/2011	07/24/2011	Tired Iron Car Show and Swap Meet	Edgerton
07/23/2011	07/24/2011	Churning Dirt Nationals Truck & Tractor Pull	Richland Center
07/21/2011	07/24/2011	Falls Fest	Menomonee Falls
07/23/2011	07/24/2011	Shiocton Fly In	Shiocton
07/23/2011	07/24/2011	Prairie Family Days	Pleasant Prairie
07/23/2011	07/24/2011	Chinese Cultural Fest	Milwaukee

 

UPCOMING WEEK…

07/27/2011	07/27/2011	TLC Classic Car Show	Beaver Dam
07/28/2011	07/28/2011	Bazaar	Winchester
07/28/2011	07/28/2011	Sail through the Avenues Sidewalk Sale	Sturgeon Bay
07/28/2011	07/28/2011	Creative Arts Walk	Rhinelander
07/29/2011	07/29/2011	Mayor’s Breakfast	Oshkosh
07/29/2011	07/29/2011	Music on the Square	Lancaster
07/29/2011	07/30/2011	Holland Festival	Cedar Grove
07/29/2011	07/30/2011	Prairie Dog Blues Festival	Prairie du Chien
07/30/2011	07/30/2011	Kentuck Day Festival	Crandon
07/28/2011	07/30/2011	Door County Antique Show	Fish Creek
07/29/2011	07/30/2011	Community Sidewalk Sales	Burlington
07/30/2011	07/30/2011	Central Wisconsin Horse Sale	Neillsville
07/29/2011	07/30/2011	Carnival Days	Fort Atkinson
07/30/2011	07/30/2011	Carlsville Day	Carlsville
07/30/2011	07/30/2011	Prairie Fest	Fond Du Lac
07/29/2011	07/30/2011	Taste of Lake Country	Pewaukee
07/30/2011	07/30/2011	Brewfest	Minocqua
07/30/2011	07/30/2011	A Kenosha Homecoming: Great Cars on a Great Lake	Kenosha
07/27/2011	07/30/2011	Antique Outboard and Motor Show	Tomahawk
07/30/2011	07/30/2011	Tri County Rod Fest	Strum
07/30/2011	07/30/2011	Brady Street Festival	Milwaukee
07/30/2011	07/30/2011	Pig in the Park Summer Festival	Elkhart Lake
07/22/2011	07/30/2011	Hometown Festival Week	Platteville
07/30/2011	07/30/2011	Shawano Community Fly Out – Classic Wings & Wheels	Shawano
07/30/2011	07/30/2011	Amish Quilt and Consignment Auction	Albany
07/30/2011	07/30/2011	Joe Bucher Blues Fest	St. Germain
07/30/2011	07/30/2011	Polka on the Riverway	Sauk City
07/30/2011	07/30/2011	Heritage Parade	Hurley
07/30/2011	07/30/2011	JJO Band Camp	Madison
07/30/2011	07/30/2011	Hub City Days	Marshfield
07/30/2011	07/30/2011	Woodland Enchantment – A Northwoods Faerie Festival	Three Lakes
07/30/2011	07/30/2011	Crossroads Cruz-In	Johnson Creek
07/30/2011	07/30/2011	Harry Potter Adventure	Reedsburg
07/30/2011	07/30/2011	2011 Milwaukee BrewFest	Milwaukee
07/31/2011	07/31/2011	Art in the Park, Trout Museum Art’s	Appleton
07/30/2011	07/31/2011	Bayfield Festival of Arts	Bayfield
07/29/2011	07/31/2011	Pioneer Days	Butternut
07/28/2011	07/31/2011	Taylor County Fair	Medford
07/28/2011	07/31/2011	German Fest	Milwaukee
07/25/2011	07/31/2011	EAA AirVenture Oshkosh	Oshkosh
07/29/2011	07/31/2011	Lion’s Fest & Fish Derby	Port Washington
07/26/2011	07/31/2011	Outagamie County Fair	Seymour
07/31/2011	07/31/2011	43rd Annual Arts & Craft Fair	Shawano
07/28/2011	07/31/2011	Polk County Fair	St. Croix Falls
07/27/2011	07/31/2011	Monroe County Fair	Tomah
07/27/2011	07/31/2011	Racine County Fair	Union Grove
07/31/2011	07/31/2011	Car-a-Funda Charity Car Show	Fond du Lac
07/30/2011	07/31/2011	Art Fair on the Green	La Crosse
07/27/2011	07/31/2011	Eau Claire County Junior Fair	Eau Claire
07/27/2011	07/31/2011	Dunn County Fair	Menomonie

 

Waterford Hot Air Balloon Festival this weekend!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image via Wikipedia

A rainbow of colors is expected to fill the skies over Waterford this weekend when about 20 hot air balloons fly into the area for the village’s first Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Sponsored by the Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce, the free weekend festival is scheduled to open Friday evening, July 15, with balloons from throughout the Midwest flying into several locations. And whether you have always wanted to go “up, up and away,” or are strictly a feet-on-the-ground observer, chances are you’ll find something at the two-day event to pique your interest.

“This is a family style event,” said Jim Phillips, owner of River City Auto Body in Waterford, and the idea man behind the festival. “We’ll have plenty of kids activities, as well as stuff for Moms and Dads to do. There will be something everyone can enjoy.”

Just seeing hot air balloons floating through the air is entertainment in itself, said Phillips. “It’s really different than an airplane,” he said. “All of a sudden, a balloon will take off and there is no noise.”

Evening flights, when the balloons are illuminated, are an especially awesome sight, Phillips said.

“It’s breathtaking,” said Jennifer Thomas, executive director of the Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce.

Some of the festival’s events will be weather-dependent, Thomas explained, but organizers have planned a variety of activities so that there will be something to do, even if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

“If conditions aren’t right for flying, people can still come and see the balloons, talk to the pilots and learn about hot air ballooning,” she said.

Both she and Phillips are confident, though, that Mother Nature will be on their side.

“We’ve studied historical weather records for the month of July for the last 20 years, and it looks like we should have ideal flying conditions,” Thomas said.

Phillips, who is past president of Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce, said he and other business owners sponsoring the event see the festival as a way to add value and give back to the community. “All of the I-94 corridor will benefit from this,” he said.

The pilots of the balloons are also thrilled to have an event like this here, Phillips said, adding that this will be southeastern Wisconsin’s first such festival. The pilots are passionate about what they do, and they are excited about being able to share their passion with people in this area, he said.

“It is a great way to bring the community together and enjoy doing something without having to travel outside the area,” said Thomas.

Here are the weekend’s highlights. Events take place at Evergreen Elementary School grounds, unless otherwise noted.

Friday

6:30-8 p.m. — Hot Air Balloon Fly In/Out, behind Evergreen Elementary School, Fox River Middle School and Waterford High School.

8-9:30 p.m. — Evening Balloon Glow, welcome balloon pilots and enjoy the sights of balloons lighting the evening sky.

Saturday

6-7:30 a.m. — Colors in the sky, view the balloons at the launch field.

7-11 a.m. — Pancake Breakfast, hosted by the Kiwanis Club at the Evergreen School grounds.

8-10 a.m. — Elevation Station. Get a taste for hot air ballooning on a tethered trip 50-75 feet up (5-10 minutes) and see Waterford from a different perspective. $10 per person, ages 7-90 (pilot discretion), weather permitting.

8-11 a.m. — Fire Department Smokehouse, kids can learn about house fires and fire safety.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. — Lions Club of Waterford Car Show on the Fox River Middle School grounds, register and compete for awards (www.waterfordlionsclub.org).

9 a.m.-4 p.m. — Craft Show, kids activities (bounce house, face painting, etc.) and food vendors.

11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Pilot experience and educational presentation on launch field. Learn about ballooning, the experience of flight and how to become a pilot.

11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Burlington Blue Devils Semi Pro Football team hosts a relay race for kids.

1-3 p.m. — Zumba with Sherry Erikson. Wear workout clothes, loosen up and get ready to put a little salsa in your step.

1-3 p.m. — Gift of Wings, kite-flying demonstrations.

1 p.m. — NFL Punt, Pass and Kick competition, hosted Waterford Recreation Department. Must register online at http://www.nflppk.com/competitions/register/index/7109

4-8 p.m. — Waterford Brewfest. Adult event at Rivermoor Golf Club, featuring beer from a variety of breweries. Advance tickets are $30 for one, $50 for two, or $20 each for more than five, and can be purchased by calling (262) 534-5911. Designated driver program available. Parking at Evergreen Elementary School.

6-8 p.m. — Magic in the skies. Watch the balloons ascend into the evening sky for the final flight of the day (weather permitting). 6:30-8 p.m. — Elevation Station, tethered balloon trips. Fee Applies. 8:30-9:30 p.m. — After Glow Party. Balloons light up the night in this spectacle of color.

If You Go

WHAT: Waterford Hot Air Balloon Festival WHEN: Friday night, July 15, through Saturday, July 16.

WHERE: Events will take place on the Evergreen/Fox River School grounds, 817 W. Main St., in Waterford (see schedule for details). Parking will be available in the Waterford High School lot as well as at Evergreen and Woodfield schools.

COST: Admission is free. INFO: Call (262) 534-5911 or go to http://www.waterford-wi.org

Read more: http://www.journaltimes.com/lifestyles/leisure/article_53bb90ac-ace8-11e0-bdb3-001cc4c002e0.html#ixzz1SBkvDoSa

 

Do you have a favorite WI roadtrip?

Send in your favorite Wisconsin roadtrip routes with details about the directions and how long it takes to drive. Could be a couple hours or a couple days! Your roadtrip will be included on this website. Be sure to include any fun places to stop along the way!

Send your favorite roadtrips to badgerstateofmind@gmail.com

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Join the Badger State of Mind group on Flickr and submit your images of Wisconsin to be considered for the book! It’s easy!

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Thanks!

Wisconsin’s Best Towns – From Wisconsin Trails

Wisconsin’s 12 Best Towns

While there is no debate among Wisconsinites that our state is the nation’s best, it’s a tougher task to ID Wisconsin’s best towns. So we left that up to you, with the help of an online survey. Reader Carley Sauter of Shorewood summed it up this way: “The whole point of Wisconsin’s greatness lies in the fact that it is not dependent on any one town for anything. We are a state of great towns, rather than a state of one huge city.” With due respect to all of Wisconsin’s great towns, we highlight here the top vote-getters.

Madison

Best Green Town
When it comes to being environmentally conscious, few towns in Wisconsin can compete with Madison. A cab company that runs on clean propane? Madison’s got it. One of the best urban bicycle systems in the country? Check. A locavore restaurant with a nationally acclaimed chef? That’s here, too, along with countless other eco-friendly initiatives that help make Madison a hub for all things green in Wisconsin.
• “Madison, hands down. Milwaukee has the finest park system on Earth but has been resting on its laurels for decades. Madison has the most vibrantly green economy, the best new bicycle commuter infrastructure, plans for a new light rail system and a streetcar, plus progressive urban planner mayors.” – Carley Sauter, Shorewood
Runner-up: Bayfield

Wausau

Best Outdoor Activities Town 
Name an outdoor activity and it’s highly likely you can do it in Wausau. Skiing on Rib Mountain, kayaking on the Wisconsin River at Whitewater Park and hiking the Ice Age Trail are just the tip of the, ahem, iceberg when it comes to enjoying Wisconsin’s outdoors here.
• “Tons of parks, Rib Mountain, snowmobile trails, fishing in Lake Wausau and the Wisconsin River, kayaking championships. And, there are a lot more green areas than other cities.” – Mark Ninnemann, Ringle
• “I can paddle a kayak and catch a musky or a walleye in the same place!” – Andrew Plath, Wausau
• “From downhill skiing at Granite Peak in the winter to boating and kayaking the Wisconsin River in the summer, there is always something to do. The area also offers great whitetail hunting and fishing opportunities.” – Ryan Plamann, Mauston
Runner-up: Eagle River 

Bayfield

Best Harbor Town
Bayfield’s beauty and charm have long beckoned travelers to its Lake Superior shoreline. From the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and historic lighthouses to kayak tours of sea caves and sailing on the Great Lake, this harbor town is classically quaint.
• “The view is like none other in the state.” – Julie Thomas, Whiting, Indiana
• “It’s an unexpected little New England-style town. It’s close to the Apostle Islands, and Apple Fest is also great.” – Mark Fortin, Waukesha
Runner-up: Manitowoc–Two Rivers 

Milwaukee

Best Arts & Entertainment Town
Few cities can compete with the diversity of Milwaukee’s arts offerings. From hosting national acts at the Bradley Center and the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts to showcasing local and regional talent at intimate venues like the Riverside, plus world-renowned art collections at the Milwaukee Art Museum and Marquette’s Haggerty Museum, Milwaukee’s arts and entertainment scene packs a punch all year long.
• “Opera, rock, rockabilly, country, folk, rap. Milwaukee has everything. Biggest music festival in the world, at least a dozen great venues – Cathedral Park and Jazz Estate for jazz; the riverfront and Lakefront Brewery for polka and a fish fry; the Riverside, Rave and Shank Hall for rock, alternative, hip-hop, country … I could go on for days.” – Margaret York, Green Lake
• “Symphony, museums, restaurants … all within walking distance of each other. And oh yes, the overstuffed Renaissance Book Shop is worth many hours of browsing (take your GPS).” – Rachel Pearson, Florence, Oregon
Runner-up: Madison

Madison

Best Foodie Town
A diverse population plus a vibrant university culture equals an eclectic array of restaurants in our state’s capitol. Dig in to a bowl of authentic Pad Thai on State Street or head to the Capitol Square for high-end locavore dining. Stock up on produce from the nation’s largest producers-only farmers’ market or walk to Willy Street for organic fare. Whatever tickles your (food) fancy, Madison’s got it covered.
• “Madison is still the best place to get every food imaginable. The area offers flavors for all taste buds, from a hamburger stacked with onion straws, lettuce, bacon sauce and topped off with a fried egg at The Old Fashioned on the Square, to countless international restaurants along State Street and elegant spots like Johnny Delmonico’s, where the staff serves up quality food and entertainment.” – Shannon Paprock, Mount Horeb.
• “Madison is our favorite place in the state for a wide variety of palates.” – Sandee Beaman, Mineral Point
Runner-up: Milwaukee

Fish Creek

Best Picture-Taking Town
Perched on the picturesque Door County peninsula overlooking Green Bay, Fish Creek’s small-town charm and gleaming water views provide endless photo ops. Few sites can match the beauty of nearby Peninsula State Park in the fall, and spots like Sunset Beach Park speak for themselves when it comes to picture-worthiness.
• “The most beautiful town in the state of Wisconsin.” – Ann Breuer, Beaver Dam
• “Fish Creek is a vibrant town surrounded by the most diverse natural wildlife spot, Peninsula State Park, with an extraordinary shoreline and forest photo opportunities accessible to photographers of nearly any age and physical ability.” – Janet Mrazek
Runner-up: Bayfield   

Mineral Point

Best History Town
The first governor of the Territory of Wisconsin was inaugurated on July 4, 1836, in Mineral Point, making this town the birthplace of our state. This Driftless Region charmer was the first Wisconsin town to be listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, thanks to sites that honor the city’s mining past and Cornish roots.
• “It is one of the earliest settlements in the state and every nook and cranny is full of history. The town is a picture postcard of the past.” – Virginia Jones, Dodgeville
• “Mineral Point not only has wonderfully historic buildings, but the people are so incredibly cordial and welcoming. That warmth and friendliness make you feel like you have, indeed, stepped back in time.” – Lori Lane, Mineral Point
• Mineral Point residents don’t just talk about their history – they live in it! – Sharon Rowe, Mineral Point
Runner-up: Cedarburg

Appleton

Best Shopping Town
Appleton’s mega outlet center, the Fox River Mall, has made this city a shopping destination since the mid-’80s. With 180 retailers on site, plus many more shops in the surrounding area, Appleton has the highest concentration of retail outlets in the state. But the city is not just big-name chains; downtown Appleton offers a host of boutiques and shops for a more unique shopping experience.
Runner-up: Lake Geneva

Wisconsin Dells

Best Family Getaway Town
With the largest concentration of water parks in the world, plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities and scores of family-friendly restaurants, it’s not hard to see why Wisconsin Dells was a clear winner as the best town for a family getaway. And with a casino, world-class spa and top-tier golf courses, adults can have plenty of fun, too, while the kids are splashing away.
• “Wisconsin Dells still tops our family’s list for a great getaway. Our kids really enjoy the water park at Mt. Olympus and the food at the local pizza pub is a must every time we venture to Lake Delton.” – Shannon Paprocki, Mount Horeb
• “The resort town has everything for everyone. Families with kids love the water attractions and even seniors can enjoy the river rides and casino.” – David Yost, Williams Bay
Runner-up: Green Bay

Egg Harbor

Best Small Town
Population: 250. Small-town charm: endless. Egg Harbor has everything you seek in a small town: friendly people, unique shops, homey restaurants, and is situated on one of Wisconsin’s most treasured natural resources. Travelers across the nation have heaped praise on Egg Harbor – it was named one of the top ten “coolest small towns in America” by Budget Travel in 2010.
• “It’s a haven for artists with the performing arts, free live music in the summer, and so much more. It has a quaint, small-town flair, and a lot of personality. The shopping is tremendous, even without the big box stores. A new beach and marina optimize the sparkling waters of Green Bay.” – Jeff Larson, Green Bay
• “Right on the lake, beautiful scenery, and easy access to all of Door County‘s offerings, including theater, wineries, shopping, galleries. It’s a great vacation destination and the people are friendly. – Sue Johnston, Jackson
Runner-up: Spring Green 

Kohler

Best Weekend-Away Town
From luxurious resorts and world-class golf to rustic camping and a high-quality arts center, Kohler delights a varied crowd. While the town is known for its pampering services, nearby Kohler–Andrae State Park attracts the outdoor adventurers. Located just west of Sheboygan, the city is an easy drive from Madison, Milwaukee and the Fox Cities, making it the ideal weekend getaway.
• “No other resort compares with the American Club for a weekend full of fine service, food and pampering.” – Virginia Jones, Dodgeville
Runner-up: Kenosha 

Eagle River

Best Up-North Town
Towering pines, pristine lakes and charming towns characterize Wisconsin’s Northwoods, and there’s no better representation of that than Eagle River, which just edged out Minocqua for Wisconsin’s best up-north town. Surrounded by the largest chain of inland lakes in the world and situated near the Northern Highland–American Legion State Forest, the town certainly has mastered the natural beauty part. Add cute shops and restaurants and Eagle River brims with charm.
• “Eagle River is the best of the up-north towns in Wisconsin while keeping that small-town atmosphere.” – Dave Goggin, Cedarburg
• “Nothing says “up north” better to our family than Eagle River. We have an historic lake house a few miles outside of town and we try to get there as often as we can. From the towering pines and sparkling lakes to the historic downtown and seasonal festivals, Eagle River has it all.” – Virginia Jones, Dodgeville
Runner-up: Minocqua

Artists Or Crafters Wanted For Apple Harvest Festival

Submitted By Ginny Bocek, Waukesha County Park System

Retzer Nature Center is looking for art/craft exhibitors for the 25th Apple Harvest Festival sponsored by AppleTree Credit Union, Saturday, September 17, 2011 from 9 am to 5 p.m. at the Retzer Nature Center, S14W28167 Madison Street in Waukesha.

Over 4,000 people are expected to attend this large, family oriented, educational and social event. With a nature or agricultural theme, we encourage exhibitors to demonstrate their art/craft at their booth. Exhibitors must also follow two of the following criteria: theme or subject matter of the artwork or craft item must be nature/wildlife related; materials used must be natural materials (natural dyes, wood, clay, etc.); craft must utilize or reflect skills of our pioneer or Native American heritage (blacksmith, woodwright, spinner,etc). A $50 fee is required for exhibitors that will not be demonstrating their art/craft. A reduced fee of $25 is required for exhibitors who demonstrate their art/craft throughout the day.

To receive an application or if you have any questions, please call Retzer Nature Center at 262-896-8007 or go to our website http://www.waukeshacountyparks.com. Please note, there are no dogs are allowed on Retzer Nature Center grounds (Service Dogs allowed).

Retzer Nature Center is a part of the Waukesha County Park System, which is a natural resource based park system that demonstrates stewardship while providing recreational and education opportunities. For more information, visit our web site at http://www.waukeshacountyparks.com