Kate Swan –who serves as Associate Choreographer for Disney’s Beauty & The Beast productions – is the Choreographer.

Fireside Dinner Theater 800/477-9505. (Jefferson Co.)
Fireside Dinner Theatre, 1131 Janesville Ave., Fort Atkinson 800.477.9505 The Fireside Dinner Theatre, 1131 Janesville Avenue (Business HWY 26 South), Fort Atkinson, WI PH 920-563-9505 Toll Free: 800-477-9505 Located on Bus Hwy 26 at the south edge of Fort Atkinson. (Jefferson Co.) www.firesidetheatre.com

SPEAKING OF MUSIC....

  John Chimes  

If you love New Orleans style 'natch'l blues you should go see John Chimes. On his way to becoming a Madison Music Legend....
He has brand new CD out “Fork in the Road"
every Fri-Sat @ Louisianne's 6:30-9:30p (New Orleans piano)
every Wednesday @ Fitch's Chophouse 5:30-8:30p (blues/jazz piano)
every Thursday @ Crescent City Grill 6:30-8:30p (New Orleans piano)

  TASTE THE AWARD WINNING BEERS  

AND NEW SODAS!
Thurs - Fri-Saturdays 11a.m., 1 and 3 PM
TOURS - TASTING - GIFT SHOP
The Joseph Huber Brewery - Monroe, WI
Huber Brewery Tours are Thurs. Friday & Saturdays at 11, 1 and 3 pm. Cost is just $2.00 for those over 14 and free to those 14 and under when touring with a paid parent or guardian. And, yes, you DO get to sample the product! 608-325-3191
www.HuberBrewery.com

THROUGH - Jan 22 Manitowoc/Get Real: Photorealist Prints from the James W. Hyams Collection: Photo Realism, New Realism, Super Realism, Hyper Realism are all terms that identify a genre in contemporary art that surfaced about 1970. The objective of the Photo realist is to offer as much information in an almost clinical manner. Also new realist, Marc Sijan has sculpture with this exhibit. His polymer resin cast figures are incredibly lifelike not only in their handling, but also in their demeanor. Rahr-West Art Museum Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri open 10am-4pm, Wed 10am-8pm, Sat and Sun open 11am-4pm. 920/683-4501. (Manitowoc Co.)

THROUGH - Jan 23 Wausau/Cabinets of Curiosity: A Renaissance concept, "cabinets of curiosities" refer to personal collections that often filled vast rooms and even entire buildings. Contemporary furniture makers and wood turners collaborated to create the 37 artworks in Cabinets of Curiosity, which expand upon traditional ideas of presenting collections of valued keepsakes. These cabinets are anything but ordinary and contain things as varied as tools and instruments, natural history specimens, spinning tops, chalices, and assorted wondrous doodads. Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum Tue-Fri 9am-4pm. Sat, Sun noon-5pm. Closed Mon and Holidays. 715/845-7010. (Marathon Co.)

THRU Jan 30 – Madison/The Phantom of the Opera: With some of the most lavish sets, costumes and special effects ever created for the stage, Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera traces the tragic love story of a beautiful opera singer and a young composer shamed into a shadowy existence beneath the majestic Paris Opera House by his frightening physical appearance. This award-winning musical has woven its magical spell over standing-room audiences in more than a hundred cities worldwide. Overture Center for the Arts 608/258-4141. (Dane Co.)

THRU MARCH 6 West Bend/The Graceful Envelope Exhibit: Organized by the Smithsonian, the exhibit features 135 stamped, canceled, and Postal Service delivered envelopes that not only combine calligraphy and philately, but are miniature works of art in their own right. 300 S 6th Ave. Wednesday-Saturday 10 am-4:30 pm, Sunday 1-4:30 pm. 262/334-9638. (Washington Co.)

THRU- Jun 30 Milwaukee/IMAX: "Roar: Lions of the Kalahari": Meet a real-life lion king-a 10-foot, 500-pound desert giant-and experience the drama as he defends his leadership against a young challenger. Learn how the lion king's rule affects a complex web of life thriving on a lonely oasis 100 miles from any other source of water. Humphrey IMAX Dome Theater 888/700-9069. (Milwaukee Co.)

THRU END OF MARCH

Ice Castle - Eagle River
Every winter, community volunteers working with the local fire department of Eagle River build a magnificent ice castle. The frozen masterpiece, made from more than 3,000 ice blocks, is illuminated with dozens of colored floodlights. This spectacular palace is also lit every evening throughout the winter season and is such a popular tourist spot that travelers plan their trips around its construction. Note: Construction of the ice castle is based on weather conditions and will take place sometime between Christmas and New Years based upon weather conditions. (1-800-359-6315)

/Disney on Ice: Beauty & the Beast: Your entire family will enjoy this charming production of colorful sets, lavish costumes, soaring musical numbers, and champion skaters. Join Belle, Baston, Lurniere, Cogsworth, Ms Potts, Chip the Beast himself in this timeless classical tale about true love. Dane County Veterans Coliseum 608/267-3976. (Dane Co.)

Jan 7 - Jan 9 West Allis

/Super Golf Show: WI Products Pavilion Fri: noon-8pm; Sat: 10am-6pm; Sun: 11am-4pm. 651/766-8870. (Milwaukee Co.)

Jan. 7-16, Eagle River

42nd Annual World Championship Snowmobile Derby
This annual event in northern Wisconsin is the most recognized professional snowmobile race and one of the largest gatherings of “sledders” in the world. More than 300 pro snowmobile racers, some from as far away as Japan, will compete for the world championship and prizes. In addition to the high-speed races, the expected 30,000 spectators can enjoy trail rides and carnival activities in town. (715/479-4424)

Jan 8 Ashland/Northwoods Harness Club Sleigh & Cutter Parade: A parade of old time horse drawn vehicles with drivers and their passengers attired in late 1800's costumes will take one back to a previous time in our country's history. Begins at 1pm 715/685-9983. (Ashland Co.)

Jan 8 Butternut/Butternut Winter Festival: Ice Fishing Contest, Sled Dog Rides, Sleigh Rides, Bon Fire & Fire Works 800/284-9484. (Ashland Co.)

Jan 8 Butternut/Winterfest: Ice fishing contest, winter games, sleigh rides, silly shanty contest, fireworks, prizes and more. Fun for all ages. Lew's Landing 9am-7pm. 800/269-4505. (Ashland Co.)

Jan 8 Merrill/Merrill Ice Drags: Dragsters, muscle cars and trucks race on an 1/8-mile strip of ice on Lake Alexander. 0-135 mph is reached in under 6 seconds! Council Grounds State Park Racing every Sat. Register by 11am, races at noon. 877/907-2757. (Lincoln Co.)

Jan 8 Fond du Lac/Foot of the Lake Synchronized Figure Skating Classic: See more than 40 teams compete in this annual competition. The teams compete with music and complex maneuvers. Blue Line Family Ice Center 11am-6pm. 800/937-9123. (Fond du Lac Co.)

Jan 8 Manitowoc/Scenes from the Shore: Maritime Life in our Lakeshore Communities: Our own museum education, Wendy Lutzke, will present archival photographs and recent pictures in a power point presentation that depicts the rich maritime history of our communities, from Port Washington all the way north to Algoma. This is a chance for you to share your memories of life along Lake Michigan! Wisconsin Maritime Museum 1:30pm- Riverview Room 866/724-2356. (Manitowoc Co.)

Jan 8 Menomonie/Dave Whitman Jazz Trio:

Jan 8 Oshkosh/Picket Steam Club Toy Show: Buy, Sell or Trade all types of farm toys and literature. New and Used toys. 18-20 vendors. Concessions available. Admission charged. Knights of Columbus - 1805 Jackson. 8am-3pm 920/379-5057. (Winnebago Co.)

Jan 8 Plymouth/Folk Concert Series: One Saturday evening a month, October through April (with the exception of December), the Plymouth Arts Foundation sponsors a Folk Concert, featuring singers/storytellers/instrumentalists in the folk tradition. The Plymouth Center Concerts begin at 7pm, and are always held on a Saturday evening. Please call to find out the specific dates for each concert. Guests are invited, in the tradition of folk music gatherings, to bring desserts, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to share. 920/892-8409. (Sheboygan Co.)

JAN 8 – SATURDAY - MADISON

Jan 8 - Jan 9 Plymouth/Budweiser Classic Race of Champions: USSA-sanctioned professional snowmobile racing on both oval and snow cross tracks. Sat - Kitty Cat Race at 11am, oval & snow cross at 3pm. Sun - oval & snow cross at 11am. Fairgrounds While Sheboygan County's snowfall was slight, the snow cover and cold temperatures will allow the races to be held as scheduled. The Snow Rangers snowmobile club has a snowmaking machine and are busy getting ready for this weekend. 888/693-8263. (Sheboygan Co.)

Jan 8 - Jan 9 West Allis/Wonderful World of Weddings: A showcase of products and services for weddings and special occasions. Wisconsin State Fair Park Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm. 262/367-5500. (Milwaukee Co.)

Jan 8 - Jan 9 Cable/24 Hours of Telemark: The ultimate personal challenge. Skiers form up to 6 member teams. There are 18 categories for all abilities, including solo, duo, 3, 6, 12, & 24 hour races! Telemark Resort Online registration available; Day of Registration. 7am-9am. 715/798-3571. (Bayfield Co.)

Jan 8 - Jan 9 Hurley/Stormy Kromer Pursuit: Two-day X-C ski race in two different locations. First day features 10k classic race on the Montreal trail system in northern Iron County; second day features a 15k free-style race on the Mecca trail system in southern Iron County. 100 Cary Rd. 715/561-2922. (Iron Co.)

Jan 9 Campbellsport/Nordic Heaven Winter Fest: Cross country ski trails will be groomed, heated shelter, ski lessons, ski waxing demonstrations, snowshoe tour and sledding. N Kettle Moraine State Forest 10am-3pm 800/937-9123. (Fond du Lac Co.)

Jan 9 Milwaukee/Champagne Brunch: Start off the new year with a delicious buffet and beverages including bottomless glasses of champagne or mimosas. Enjoy live musical entertainment. Milwaukee Art Museum 10:30am-2pm. 414/224-3200. (Milwaukee Co.)

Plan Ahead!?

...It has to be easier than planning BEHIND?

JAN 15 – 16

Pine River Run Sled Dog Races
Jan. 15-16, Merrill
The sound of barking dogs and cheering crowds fills the crisp winter air as top mushers from around the world take to the trails. More than 100 race teams compete for cash prizes in the exciting International Sled Dog Racing Association sanctioned races. The weekend includes family fun, kid and celebrity races and skijoring (cross-country skiers pulled by dogs). (1-877-907-2757)

JAN 15-16 - On the Square - MADISON

Special Hours and Free Hot Beverages at the Wisconsin Historical Museum

Coming downtown to see the Capitol Square Sprints? Take a break from the cold outside and stop into the Wisconsin Historical Museum to enjoy a cup of hot tea or chocolate. Want to get off your skis for a while? Take in the movie, Legends of American Skiing (60 min).

The Wisconsin Historical Museum, located on Capitol Square at 30 N Carroll St. in Madison. Call 608-264-6555 for more museum information, or visit our Web site at www.wisconsinhistory.org/museum

Jan. 22-23, Cedarburg

Cure for Cabin Fever Antique Show & Sale

Find great buys from more than 20 Midwest dealers. Furniture ranges from formal period and tall case clocks to country cupboards with a full spectrum of accessories. (262/377-9620, 1-800-237-2874)

Jan. 22-23, Wisconsin Dells

15th Annual Flake Out Festival

Now in its 14th year, the Flake Out Festival features Wisconsin’s only state-sanctioned snow-sculpting competition – the winner goes on to compete in the national competition. There’s also an ice-carving demonstration, snowmobile races, horse-drawn sleigh rides, hot air balloons, pony rides, a snowman competition, fireworks, open ice-skating, music and food. (1-800-22-DELLS)

Jan.23 – March 13 Madison - Overture Center

In Good Company: An Exhibition of Artworks by the 2004 Wisconsin Arts Board Visual Arts Fellows James Watrous Gallery of the Wisconsin Academy, Overture Center for the Arts, 201 State Street, Madison, WI

Opening Reception: Friday, January 28, 5-8 pm in the James Watrous Gallery. Opening remarks by Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton Gallery Talks by Participating Artists:

All gallery talks will be held in the James Watrous Gallery.
“In Good Company: An Exhibition of Artworks by the 2004 Wisconsin Arts Board Visual Arts Fellows” will show several artworks by each of the seven Wisconsin artists who were awarded visual arts fellowships from the Wisconsin Arts Board in 2004. Exhibition viewers will have the opportunity to assess how different artists develop a body of work through an exploration of thematic ideas and art techniques. They will also be able to meet several of the artists at a series of gallery talks scheduled during the run of the exhibition.
The seven artists included in the exhibition are:
-Terese Agnew, fiber artist (Milwaukee)
-John Balsley, sculptor (Brown Deer)
-Kim Cridler, sculptor (Sheboygan)
-Susan Dupor, painter (Lake Geneva)
-Briony Jean Foy, fiber artist (Madison)
-Nancy Mladenoff, painter (Madison)
-Mark Mulhern, painter (Milwaukee).
For more information, contact gallery co-director Martha Glowacki at 608/265-2500, mglowacki@wisconsinacademy.org.

Jan. 29-30, Cassville

Bald Eagle Days

Visitors to Cassville can view eagles most readily in the early morning when the birds dive for fish. Top viewing spots include areas just north of Cassville at Nelson Dewey State Park and the wildlife observation deck at Riverside Park. Watch eagles perch on tall trees along the river, soaring and feeding throughout the day. (608/725-5855)

Jan. 29-30, Cassville

Flambeau International Sled Dog Classic
Mushers from across the United States will take to Wisconsin’s famed Northwoods to take part in the Flambeau International Sled Dog Classic. This International Sled Dog Racing Association-sanctioned event will include a 4-6-dog class, 6-8 dog mid-distance class, 2-3 dog junior class and a kid & mutt race. Children will enjoy the dog sled rides and even a walk through the “barking lot.” The event will also include a three-dog skijoring race, a celebrity sled dog race and adult snowshoe races. (1-800-762-2709)

Feb. 4-6, Bayfield
Apostle Island Sled Dog Race

The crisp winter air fills with the sounds of barking sled dogs as nearly 100 teams of 6-8 dogs take to the scenic landscape of Bayfield’s Apostle Islands in pursuit of the $5,000 purse. Pro and Rec classes compete in four different two-day races. New for 2005, the Madeline Island Sprint takes mushers and there teams on a sprint from Bayfield to the Madeline Island and back. (1-800-447-4094)

Feb. 4-6, Wausau Area
Badger State Winter Games

Back for the 17th year is the Badger State Winter Games, the largest Olympic-style winter sports festival in the nation. This season’s games are expected to attract more than 6,000 amateur athletes of all ages participating in competitive downhill and cross-country skiing, ski jumping, hockey, curling, figure and speed skating snowshoe racing and snowboarding. (608/226-4780)

Christmas Mountain Village Winter Carnival
Feb. 5, Wisconsin Dells
The 22nd annual weight-pull and winter carnival at Christmas Mountain Ski Resort offers the nation’s largest sled-dog weight-pull purse and one ton of dog food, attracting teams from throughout the United States. Other highlights include live entertainment, fireworks, winter golf, sleigh rides, a wood-splitting contest and more. (608/254-3940)

Feb. 5-6, Cedarburg

Arti Gras
Feb. 5-6, Green Bay
More than 80-juried artists are expected to participate in northeastern Wisconsin’s largest indoor-juried art show of the season, which showcases a wide range of mediums from ceramics to photography. (920/435-2787)

Feb. 5-6, Cedarburg

Schnee Days
Feb. 5-6, Elkhart Lake
Downtown Elkhart Lake comes to life with a variety of winter indoor and outdoor fun during Schnee Days. Get things started with the outdoor excitement of classic and unique winter sports including winter golf, ice-skating and snow sculpting. When it’s time to warm up on Saturday attend the Schnee Ball or on Sunday head inside for the heat of the chili cook-off, delicious desserts and children’s entertainment. (1-877-ELK-HART)

Feb. 5-6, Cedarburg

31st Annual Winter Festival

Visit one of the oldest winter festivals in the state and enjoy bed and barrel races (a team of four skaters pushes a bed or barrel along with a passenger across the ice), ice carving, an Alaskan Malamute dog weight pull, hayrides and lots of food. More than 20,000 people attend this popular festival each year. (1-800-CDR-BURG)

Feb. 5-6, Madison

Kites on Ice

Winter gets a flurry of color as fliers from around the world fill the Madison sky with colorful kites of every shape and size. A winter family favorite, the brilliant display takes to the frozen waters of Lake Mendota in front of the University of Wisconsin Memorial Union for the 2005 event. Events include kite-flying demonstrations, giant mega-kites, displays depicting kites as art, family activities and workshops. (608/850-4900)

Feb. 5-6, EauClaire

Silvermine Invitational Ski Jumping Tournament
More than 60 top jumpers from the United States and Canada will fly off the 90-meter hill to compete for a piece of the $1,600 purse at this annual tournament now in its 113th year. More than 2,500 spectators attend this event each year. (715/831-8996)

February 11th and 12th, Friday and Saturday, Green Lake, WI.

Green Lake's Winterfest Celebration

A Fisheree starts on Friday at noon and ends Saturday at 3 p.m. Top off Friday night by dancing the night away at the annual Winterfest Dance at the Goose Blind. The crowning of the Winterfest Queen will also take place Friday Night.Visitors can also take advantage of special activities on Saturday in Deacon Mills park. Fun winter events include an ice carving competition, ice bowling, ice golf, a volleyball tournament, a medallion hunt, fishing seminars, helicopter and carriage rides. But don't forget to participate in the other games for the young and old alike, a baked bean contest and live entertainment. Food and refreshments will be available.

For more information please call 800-253-7354 or e-mail info@visitgreenlake.com.

Feb. 11-13, Wausau

Special Olympics Wisconsin Winter Games

This state championsship competition challenges eligible Special Olympic athletes in cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, speed skating, snowboarding and snowshoeing. Volunteers are welcome. (1-800-552-1324, 608/222-1324)

Feb. 18-20, North Freedom

Mid-Continent Railway Snow Train

Make tracks for North Freedom to enjoy the winter forest scenery aboard a historic train as it travels through the Sauk County countryside into the Baraboo bluffs. The Snow Train has been a popular February event since 1976. Passenger trains offer coach, first-class, caboose and dinner excursions. (1-800-930-1385)

Feb. 18-20, Westby

Snowflake International Ski Jumping Tournament

This ski jump championship attracts participants from more than 11 countries. World-class jumpers soar 300 feet through the air as they jump Timber Coulee, a 114-meter hill – the same size hill used for jumping events in the Winter Olympics and one of only four of its size in North America. More than 50 participants – young and old, novice as well as Olympic caliber – will compete. Spectators can park along the outrun and see ski jumpers on each of the hills from the warmth of their car and listen to jump results broadcast on a local radio station – loudspeakers announce the results of each jump as well. (608/634-3211)

February 19, 2005 (changed from January 8, 2005)
Lucky Lure, Butternut Lake

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Ice fishing contest, winter games, sleigh rides, shilly shanty contest, fireworks, prizes and more. Fun for all ages. E-mail: millerj@butternut.k12.wi.us 715-769-3434 / 3215

Feb. 19-20, Eagle River

Klondike Days

The 15th annual Klondike Days, the nation’s largest winter rendezvous, features dog and horse weight pulls, the Great Northern Lumberjack Competition, chain-saw log carvings and dog-sled rides for the kids. The entire rendezvous is held in an authentic 18th century voyager encampment erected by re-creators in authentic clothing reflecting the time period. More than 15,000 people attend this two-day event each year. (1-800-359-6315)

Feb. 24-26, Cable to Hayward

32nd Annual Subaru American Birkebeiner

Now in its 32nd year, the Subaru American Birkebeiner is the nation’s largest and most prestigious cross-country ski marathon – approximately 51 kilometers from Cable to the town of Hayward – and draws thousands of cross-country skiers from all over the world. The “Birkie” is also an International Ski Federation Marathon Cup event, one of only eight in the world. Skiers interested in a shorter course can register for the Kortelopet, the 23-kilometer sister race with a finish line at the Telemark Resort. Other events, including short distance sprints for both elite and citizen skiers, The Jr. Birkie, a competitive race for 10-15 year olds, a children's and a 10-kilometer noncompetitive ski events, begin Feb. 19. (1-800-USA-BRKE, 715/634-5025)

FREE & SPECIAL !

1. FREE-WISCONSIN HARBOR TOWNS GUIDE
   A colorful 44 page guide to all of Wisconsin's Harbor Communities. Free -- call 1-800-627-4896

2. WISCONSIN CENTRAL COAST - FREE GUIDE

   Bet you didn't know Wisconsin has a "Central Coast"! Complete with rare birds, great fishing, canoing, butterflys, camping, great golf courses, cranes and a variety of outstanding packages too good to resist. Visit the new website at www.wisconsincentralcoast.com or call The Wisconsin Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau 2507 8th Street South, Wisconsin Rapids, 54494. Phone toll-free 1-800-554-4484 for a free brochure. You can also get there by visiting the web at www.visitwisrapids.com

3. FREE 27 WISCONSIN COMMUNITY TRAVEL GUIDES - ONE STOP ORDERING -It's easy to get area guides for 27 major Wisconsin destinations...with just one request! The Wisconsin Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus has an easy to use order form. Go to http://www.escapetowisconsin.com/modules/city/visitorsguide.php

4. NEW – The Heidel House Getaway Store –
   GREEN LAKE, Wis. – Shopping for great getaways and “the person who has everything” just got easier thanks to a new On-Line Store set up by Heidel House Resort.

   SHOP IS OPEN OPEN 24/7

   The “shop” is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at www.heidelhouse.com/store . Customers can choose from a wide variety of Heidel House room options, dining venues, getaway packages, cruises on the catamaran Escapade, resort amenities, area golf and other gifts. There are several easy to buy pre-set getaway packages or shoppers can go ala carte to “Build Your Own” personalized gift certificates.

   Shoppers can build as many certificates as they like and make just one payment for their entire “shopping cart” of certificates as they check out. The secure site accepts payment by credit card.

   “As far as we can determine, this ‘immediate delivery resort store’ is the first of its kind,” said General Manager Scott Krause. “It’s a real convenience to many of our guests but beyond that will be a ‘life-saver’ for some of us who put things off too long or forget to get a gift for someone.”

5. NEW FREE CHEESE COUNTRY GUIDE -
   – Call for free guide at 1-888-222-9111

6. MADISON GUIDE – FREE 800-373-6376

7. BAYFIELD GUIDE – free- 800-447-4094

8. ASHLAND & BAYFIELD COUNTIES GUIDE – 800-264-9484 OR 800-472-6338

9. MADELINE ISLAND GUIDE – free 888-475-3386

10. FREE – NEW 2004 FALL-WINTER- WISCONSIN RECREATION & TRAVEL GUIDES – Phone 1-800-432-TRIP or surf on over to www.travelwisconsin.com

11. NEW FREE – WISCONSIN BIRDING GUIDE & NATURE TRAIL: Lake Superior/Northwoods Edition This is the first of five highway-based viewing guides that includes driving directions, maps, bird descriptions and contact numbers for 87 northern Wisconsin bird spotting hotspots. It’s 72 pages, 6 by 11 inches and full color. Phone 1-800-432-8747 or go to www.travelwisconsin.com.

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