# 12 in 2005 APRIL 1 and BEYOND !

By Gary Knowles

garysgetaways@aol.com

PASS IT ON....If you enjoy this newsletter, tell your friends to sign up! It's an easy way to get more out of Wisconsin. Catch the live report Friday mornings at about 6:12 AM (on 1-7 at 5:40AM!) on WMTV 15 Madison. Thanks and remember -- The Weekend Starts Today!

CONTENTS

1. FREE - WISCONSIN PORTS GUIDE
2. FREE NEW 2005 GREEN LAKE Visitor Guide
3. FREE 27 WISCONSIN COMMUNITY GUIDES
4. VISIT - NEW The Heidel House Getaway Store
5. FREE – NEW - CHEESE COUNTRY GUIDE
6. NEW FREE – MADISON GUIDE Spring & Summer 2005
7. NEW FREE – BAYFIELD GUIDE
8. NEW FREE – ASHLAND & BAYFIELD COUNTY GUIDE
9. NEW FREE – MADELINE ISLAND GUIDE
10. NEW FREE - 2005 WISCONSIN SPRING-SUMMER GUIDE
11. FREE - GREAT WIS BIRDING & NATURE TRAIL GUIDE
12. NEW FREE – PLAY Place The State Game on-line
13. NEW-FREE CANADA –Explore British Columbia’s Landscapes

Here are the events for the weekend. Sorry, but I don’t even have the time for an April Fool gag today!

NOW DON’T FORGET THIS ADVICE: I suggest you ALWAYS PHONE AHEAD BEFORE YOU GO. Reservations are a must if space is limited ...and often required. Don't assume anything! Event organizers change plans, times change, classes fill, and lots of things can conspire to get you to somewhere only to find something was canceled. Or everything. So if the event is important to the trip...--Call in advance.

Ok see you soon!

# 12 in 2005 APRIL 1 and BEYOND !

NOW Thru MAY 15

Fireside Dinner Theater 800/477-9505.
(Jefferson Co.)
1131 Janesville Ave., Fort Atkinson WI
Located on Bus Hwy 26 at the south edge of Fort Atkinson. (Jefferson Co.)
800.477.9505
www.firesidetheatre.com

SPEAKING OF MUSIC....

THROUGH- April 23 Wausau, Wisconsin
Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum
700 N. 12th Street PH-715-845-7010 Web: www.lywam.org
Always FREE Admission
"William Morris: Myth, Object, and the Animal"
Morris pushes the physical and chemical possibilities of glass to create life-size black ravens, handsome deer heads, and other objects that suggest themes of mythology, archaeology, and the animal kingdom

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 (1-800-359-6315)

THROUGH - Jun 5 Madison/Luminations: Sue Gilgen, a local fiber artist, will display her creations inspired by Wisconsin flora and fauna. Instead of paints and brushes, she uses fabric and thread to sew her art together in a quilt-like fashion. Olbrich Botanical Gardens Sundays, 11am-5pm. 608/246-4550. (Dane Co.)

THROUGH - Jun 5 Madison/Don Reitz: Clay, Fire, Salt and Wood: Born in 1929, Don Reitz is recognized as one of the most important and influential ceramic artists of this century. He has pursued a life-long investigation of salt and wood firing of his ceramic pieces in order to preserve the energy and freshness of his artistic marks and gestures. Finding that the texture and unpredictability of salt-firing suited his work, Reitz almost single-handedly revived this neglected technique, and through long experimentation developed a range of colors and surface effects previously unknown in salt-firing. Juggling and manipulating the variables in each firing, Reitz is a virtuoso who relishes knowing what he can control and what he cannot, and his work maintains a fine balance between technical mastery and improvisation. Elvehjem Museum of Art 608/263-2246. (Dane Co.)

THRU - Apr 27 Nekoosa/Nekoosa Walleye Days: Four-week walleye catch-and-release fishing tournament. Includes a one-day kid's tournament (4-16) and charity challenge (4-13). Wisconsin River between Nekoosa & Petenwell Dams 715/423-1830. (Wood Co.)

March 31: Overture After Work Series
Rotunda Stage, Overture Center for the Arts, 201 State St., Madison
Leave the office behind and join your friends one night a week on Overture’s Rotunda Stage, where local and regional music groups will be featured from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This week enjoy music by Jackie Allen, one of the most accomplished vocalists on the jazz scene today, and bassist Hans Sturm. Beverages and appetizers will also be available for purchase.

Mar 31 Whitewater/Kathy Mattea: Kathy Mattea has fused the musical elements that have made her a standout: spirituality, songs that speak directly from the heart, Celtic influences, and her beautiful voice. This fusion can be found on her latest release Roses. From the woman who has sold over seven million records, charted 20 Top Ten songs, garnered two Grammy awards, and three County Music Awards, including two awards for Best Female Vocalist, you'll hear, Eighteen Wheels and A Dozen Roses, Love At The Five & Dime, Lonesome Standard Time, and from her newest release Ashes in the Wind, I'm All Right, and They Are The Roses. This will be a concert long remembered! Irvin L Young Auditorium. 7:30pm. 800/395-8687. (Walworth Co.)

March 31- April 1 Wisconsin Film Fest
The schedule for the next Wisconsin Film Festival (March 31–April 3) is now available! Featuring independent, experimental, foreign and documentary films, this popular event brings thousands of attendees to downtown Madison during the four days. Take a look at this year’s diverse line-up of films and other special events at www.wifilmfest.org. Mar 31 - Apr 2 Milwaukee/Coin Show: Sponsored by the South Shore Coin Club. Buy-Sell-Trade, Coins-Stamps-Jewelry. Four Points Hotel Sheraton Milwaukee Airport Thurs 3pm-8pm, Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-4pm 414/384-7966. (Milwaukee Co.)

Apr 1 New Richmond/April Fool's Day Comedy at the Old Gem: The Old Gem Theater of New Richmond, Wisconsin celebrates April Fool's Day with riotous evening of stand-up comedy headlining Scott Novotny and featuring Mary Mack. Old Gem Theater. 7:30pm. 800/886-8035. (St. Croix Co.)

Apr 1 - Apr 2 Port Washington/Port Washington Smelt Fry: Community fun with diners bringing their own condiments to share and pass. Salt is provided. American Legion Hall Fri 5-10pm, Sat 5-9:30pm. 262/284-9069. (Ozaukee Co.)

Apr 1 - Apr 3 Oshkosh/Special Olympics Wisconsin Indoor Sports: State basketball and gymnastics competition for citizens with cognitive disabilities. UW-Oshkosh 800/552-1324. (Winnebago Co.)

Apr 1 - May 31 Port Edwards/Quilts by Janna Zimmerman of Green Bay: Alexander House. Opening on April 1st. 5-8pm 715/887-3442. (Wood Co.)

April 1–23: Charles Munch and Randall Berndt: Light & Shadow: Paintings and Drawings
Grace Chosy Gallery, 1825 Monroe St., Madison
Charles Munch lives in the hills of southwestern Wisconsin, in the middle of endless woods and un-farmed fields. His work explores how humans fit with the rest of nature, specifically their relationship to other animals. He uses luminous color and simplified forms to express the drama of nature. Randall Berndt continues to explore visual narratives related to our various attitudes toward nature. Weather, animals, trees, shelter and human figures conjecture in visual form without verbal explanations. He invites viewers to travel into these story pictures in their imaginations. Opening reception, April 1, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

April 1-3: Madison Symphony Orchestra: Carter Brey, Cello
Overture Hall, Overture Center for the Arts, 201 State Street, Madison
Whether he's performing as soloist with the world's great orchestras or as principal cellist with the legendary New York Philharmonic, Carter Brey inspires audiences around the globe with his warm, rich tone and technical finesse. This musician of probing intellect will deliver Dvorak's emotionally intense Cello Concerto in B minor, perhaps the most popular concerto ever written for the instrument. Under the direction of John DeMain, the concert opens with Theofandis's Rainbow Body and closes with Nielsen's Symphony No. 5. Friday evening performance, 7:30 pm; Saturday evening performance, 8:00 pm; Sunday matinee performance, 2:30 pm.

April 2: Science Expeditions 2005
Engineering Centers Building, 1550 Engineering Dr., Madison
Science and technology come alive at UW-Madison with an exciting afternoon of interactive examples of physical phenomena, cool chemistry and biological beauty. All events are free. Parking in Lot 17 just north of Camp Randall Stadium.

Apr 2 Manitowoc/Boat Slide Show- Wisconsin Maritime Museum: A variety of boat enthusiasts will be on hand to show slides of Great Lakes boats and ships. The public is welcome to participate by viewing or by bringing your own set of boat/ship slides to share with the group (25 slides-first round). Call Bob Peppard at (920) 684-4447 for more information. Come and go as you please! 75 Maritime Drive. 10am-5pm Riverview Room 866/724-2356. (Manitowoc Co.)

Apr 2 Oshkosh/Annual Barbershoppers Concert: Enjoy the distinctive sounds of Barbershop music. Featuring two quartets: Expanded Sound - An immense group from St Louis, Mo and Ham 'N Wry - Packerland Division Champions from Oshkosh and Appleton. Alberta Kimball Auditorium - 375 N Eagle St. Admission is $12 and the Afterglow is $3. 920/235-8146. (Winnebago Co.)

April 2 MADISON
SPRINGFEST Craft show
SpringFest Arts and Crafts Show on Saturday, April 2, 9am-3pm at the Warner Park Community Recreation Center (1625 Northport Dr, Madison WI 53704). Free parking. $1 admittance fee. Over 70 vendors featuring: jewelry, soaps, scrapbooks, designer knit scarves, stained glass, doll clothes, ceramics, nature photography, candy bouquets, quilts, candles and more. (608)245-3669

Apr 2 Stevens Point/AIRO Pow Wow: Experience the rich and colorful culture of Native American tribes from several states. Shop the jewelry, pottery and other booths. UW-Stevens Point Berg Gym. 715/346-3576. (Portage Co.)

Apr 2 Tomah/Antique Toy Show: 70 different booths displaying toys, toy tractors and trucks. Toy sale and auction at the end of show. Tomah Recreation Park 800/948-6624. (Monroe Co.)

Apr 2 - Apr 3 Manitowoc/Quilts Ahoy Quilt Show: Hand-made quilts and quilted items on display. Featured artists, a quilt raffle, special exhibits, vendors, food, refreshment and fun. Downtown quilt displays. Antique quilts at Historical Society site. Manitowoc Expo Center Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm. 920/684-3050. (Manitowoc Co.)

Apr 2 - Apr 3 Neenah/8th Annual Antiques Showcase & Sale: One of the larger antique shows in Wisconsin with 50 exhibitors. A variety of quality merchandise including a crystal and china repair service. 700 E Shady LN. Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm. 920/733-4089. (Winnebago Co.)

Apr 2 - Apr 3 Onalaska/Spring Gift and Craft Show: Annual event. Over 140 booths with great home and garden items. Free admission & free parking. Onalaska OmniCenter. Sat 9am-4pm, Sun 10am-4pm 800/873-1901. (La Crosse Co.)

April 2&3: Taliesin Pre-Season Tours
Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center, 5607 Cty. Hwy C, Spring Green
Weekends in April, experience a two-hour Shuttle/Walking Tour with a guide on the grounds of the Taliesin Estate. View the exteriors of architectural structures designed and utilized by Frank Lloyd Wright and get a brief glimpse into Mr. Wright's personal drafting studio. Tours depart from the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Apr 2 - Apr 3 Mukwonago/Crazy Quilters Quilt Guild: This show is a judged event with monetary and merchandise prizes awarded. There will be a vendor mall, ongoing demonstrations during the day, and a bed turning. Concessions available. Parkview Middle School. Sat: 9am-4pm; Sun: 11am-4pm. 262/392-9804. (Waukesha Co.)

Apr 3 Kenosha/Annual Memorial Ride: The first official ride of the year in honor of the founder of Uke's - Frank Ulicki. We will begin staging bikes at 10 a.m. and depart at 11a.m. The route will stay within Kenosha County and will take you by all of the old Uke's locations. The ride will return to Uke's followed with lunch. Uke's Harley-Davidson/Buell. Staging at 10am, departs at 11am 262/857-8537. (Kenosha Co.)

Apr 3 Madison/Orphans In The Attic Doll-Toy-Bear Show & Sale: Dealers from several states selling antique and collectible dolls & bears, doll clothes, doll furniture, wigs, shoes, eyes, stands, magazines, patterns, accessories and supplies. Approximately 140 tables. Crowne Plaza Hotel. 10am-3pm. 920/563-0046. (Dane Co.)

April 3: Brain Awareness Day
Madison Children’s Museum, 100 State St., Madison
Students and faculty from the UW Neuroscience Training Program return to kick off their annual celebration of Brain Awareness Week. Join guest experts for "If I Only Had a Brain," an afternoon of hands-on brain investigations served up with a sprinkling of Oz magic. Touch a human brain, put your senses to the test, map your brain, and more! Programming runs 12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.

Apr 3 Chilton/Maple Syrup Sunday: Visitors can tap maple trees, collect sap and see how it is converted into syrup. Then, enjoy a hearty pancake breakfast, complete with maple syrup. Many other hands-on activities for the whole family. Ledge View Nature Center. 9am-2pm. 920/849-7094. (Calumet Co.)

Apr 3 Wisconsin Rapids/Ethnic Arts Fest: A celebration of ethnic diversity in our area with music, arts, food and demonstrations. Rapids Mall 10am-3pm. 715/421-3507. (Wood Co.)

Mar 27 - May 15 Neenah/Bold Improvisation: 120 Years of African American Quilts. Bergstrom-Mahler Museum Open Tues-Fri 10am-4:30pm, Sat 9am-4:30pm, Sun 1pm-4:30pm. 920/751-4658. (Winnebago Co.)

April 8 - Stoughton, WI
Tempest: Celtic Rock, 7:30pm
Stoughton Opera House, 381 East Main Street, Downtown Stoughton
Tempest has a long standing reputation as a driving force in the modern folk-rock movement. By blending traditional material with their own high-energy intensity they create a definitive style that lends to a dynamic concert experience. Along with its decidedly Celtic flavor, Tempest also brings to the table Scottish and Scandinavian musical traditions. If you liked Gaelic Storm, Tempest will take you away!
Tickets: $19 reserved
608-877-4400
www.stoughtonoperahouse.com

APRIL 8 – 9 Madison Ballet
CINDERELLA!
April 8 (7:30 p.m.) and April 9 (3 p.m.): Madison Ballet presents its premier Cinderella at Overture Hall, Overture Center for the Arts. Guest artists include Genevieve Custer, Oakland Ballet and former Madison resident, as Cinderella and David Bier, San Francisco Opera as Prince Charming. Cast of more than 90 dancers, 150 spectacular costumes, rotating staircase, with Madison Symphony Orchestra performing under direction of John DeMain. Family-friendly experience for all ages. Tickets: (608) 258-4141. www.madisonballet.org

April 9 - June 12, 2005- Wausau
"Richard Thompson: Seasons of Light" and "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: Painting a Story"
Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum

Two painting exhibitions tell stories of cherished real places and of a make-believe world down a rabbit hole in the hands of artists Wisconsin artists Richard Thompson (1914-1991) and Diana Lakes. In "Seasons of Light" forty paintings by Impressionist Richard Thompson depict the glories of Wisconsin's lakes, fields, and forests. Each canvas creates a sense of place, whether it's early morning on a fishing stream, a barn peeking through sun-dappled, blossom-clad apple trees, or a flock of Canada geese making their way across a cornfield. "Seasons of Light" bears testimony to Thompson's fascination with nature's daily and seasonal cycles.

The eccentric characters from Lewis Carroll's children's classic inspired Madison artist Diana Lakes's "Painting a Story." Starting with Alice's first encounter with the tardy rabbit to her waking up from the dream that transports her to Wonderland, Lakes distorts the distinction between reality and dreams and even allows her painted scenes to overflow from the canvas onto the picture frame.

Franklin & 12th Street, Wausau, Wisconsin
Always Free Admission 715-845-7010 www.lywam.org

APRIL 23 DODGEVILLE
TRIVIA MARATHON!
The Dodgeville Trivia Contest will take place from 9am to 9pm on Saturday, April 23rd, 2005. One marathon day. There is a cash prize & trophies. Advance registration is required. For details visit dodgeville.com, Calendar of events. Or call toll-free 877 863-6343.

During the months of April and May, 2005, simply present a printout of this email to receive one regular adult ticket fare half price with another paid adult admission.

The rest of the year, the railway's standing offer to you is $5 off of a family fare and $2 off of an adult fare. Again, present a printout of this email to receive the discount.

These discounts are valid on regular weekend and holiday schedules only, no special events.

APRIL 22 - "Steamin' Along" returns to the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway's Jackson Street Roundhouse in downtown St. Paul, MN. It kicks off Friday April 22, 2005, with a fish fry in the evening, entertainment, train rides, and roundhouse tours.

Saturday April 23, enjoy a hobo lunch, train rides, music, stories, and roundhouse tours!

For more information and to purchase tickets, call 651.228.0263 x3104 or check out www.trainride.org -- information will be posted soon, but you may purchase tickets for the Friday Night Fish Fry or for the Saturday Hobo Lunch and Train Rides.

The Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway's season begins April 16 and runs until October 30, 2005. The railway's Jackson Street Roundhouse is open year-round.

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. NEW FREE – GREEN LAKE VISITORS GUIDE 2005
   –antiques, walking trails, fishing, golf, shopping, Boat tours. 1-800-253-7354 or info@greenlakecc.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.

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 2005 – 800-264-9484 OR 800-472-6338

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

10. FREE – NEW 2004 SPRING SUMMER- 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.

12. FREE – NEW “Place the State Game” On-line
    Everybody’s an expert! Here’s a fun test of your geo-knowledge. Place the 50 states where they belong on the map. Go ahead – TRY IT! http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/states_experiment_drag-drop_Intermed_State15s_500.html

13. NEW - FREE –Explore British Columbia’s Landscapes
    With a host of expansive ocean vistas, mountainous destinations, hip cities and charming towns, one might wonder where to begin when visiting the Canadian west coast this spring and summer. Well, ponder no longer. With two free 2005 BC Escapes guides shelling out the goods on packages and hotel offers; paired with Tourism British Columbia’s enlightening (and complimentary) Vacation Planner, Outdoor Adventure Guide and Approved Accommodation Guide, the sky and sea offer no limits when you call 1-800 HELLO BC (435-5622) or visit www.HelloBC.com

You're receiving this free e-mail newsletter because you asked to be added to the list. If you no longer wish to receive it, just drop me an e-mail note (garysgetaways@aol.com) and I'll remove your e-mail address from the mailing. Also, be assured, I value your trust and your e-mail address will NOT be given to others, sold or added to any other list.

S.S.F.W.

Something Special from Wisconsin

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Gary Knowles
487 Presidential Ln.
Madison, WI 53711
608-231-3884