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)

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 14 - Jan 15 Manitowoc/UW-Manitowoc Lakeshore Wind Ensemble: A Festival of Christmas Dec 3-4, 2004. The Biggest of the Big Bands, Ladies Sing the Blues Jan 14-15, 2005. The Winds of March March 12, 2005. An American Salute. From the New World May 7, 2005. All of the above are at the Capitol Civic Centre in downtown Manitowoc. Music Under the Stars-A Summer Serenade July 31, 2005 Two Rivers Band Shell. 913 S 8th St. 920/683-4733. (Manitowoc Co.)

January 14-15: World's Toughest Bulls and Broncs Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison There is no tougher or more entertaining rodeo on tour today than the Dodge World’s Toughest Bulls and Broncs. Major League Rodeo’s best riders compete for winner-take-all team and individual championships. Events include bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, and barrel racing.

Jan 14 - Jan 15 Onalaska/Onalaska Show Choir Invitational: 20-30 of the finest show choirs in the upper-midwest compete in the Grand Champion Sing-Off. Choirs from six states are represented. 800/873-1901. (La Crosse Co.)

Jan 14 - Jan 16 Eau Claire/Ragtime Benefit Festival: Ragtime piano players at six venues in the church and community building. Features Bob Milne, Tichenor Family Trio. Concerts, silent movies, sing-alongs, symposia, and concessions. Friday at 5pm spaghetti dinner and vaudeville show, tickets in advance. Period dress encouraged. First Congregational Church Fri: 3pm-11pm, Sat: 9am-11pm, Sun: 10am-2pm. 888/523-3866. (Eau Claire Co.)

January 15: Dane County Winter Farmers’ Market
Madison Senior Center, 330 W. Mifflin St., Madison
The Dane County Winter Farmers' Market returns to the Madison Senior Center! A breakfast featuring local food will also be served every Saturday ($6) from 8:30 to approximately 11:00 am.

Jan 15 Frederic/Frederic Sleigh & Cutter Parade: Horse-drawn sleighs and cutters, draft horses and ponies, and drivers in period costumes - all on parade. High School Athletic Field. 715/327-4955. (Polk Co.)

Jan 15 Medford/Perkinstown Tramp Snowshoe Race: 3-mile and 6-mile snowshoe races, plus kids' race and mountain man event. Refreshments. P-Town Inn Race begins at 9am. 715/785-7931. (Taylor Co.)

Jan 15 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. Reg by 11am, races at noon. 877/907-2757. (Lincoln Co.)

Jan 15 Manitowoc/The Color of War - Silent and Deep: Movie Presentation: This one hour documentary includes film footage from wartime submarines, including some of those built in Manitowoc. Hear quotes from submariners' letters home, see submariners in action, and find out what life was really like in the Silent Service. Before and after the show, make sure to take a tour of our World War II submarine, the U.S.S. Cobia. 75 Maritime Dr. Winter Hours (Nov 1-March 31) M-F 9am-5pm, Sat & Sun 9am-5pm. 866/724-2356. (Manitowoc Co.)

Jan 15 Manitowoc/Winter Storytelling Festival: Celebrate the season with stories from Manitowoc County's past. Mike Maker presents his Backwoods Buttercup Program along with storytellers from the Manitowoc Public Library. Manitowoc Co Heritage Center 1-3pm 920/684-4445. (Manitowoc Co.)

Jan 15 Oshkosh/Winter Dance Party: On a cold February night in Iowa, the 1959 edition of "Winter Dance Party" took the stage for what would be their final performance. This recreation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper's final tour features all their hit songs of the 50s. Critically acclaimed John Mueller will perform as Buddy Holly and Jay P. Richardson, Jr., son of the Big Bopper himself, will fill his legendary father's shoes. Ray Anthony, who stars in the Legends of Rock and Roll show at the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas, will perform the songs of Ritchie Valens. 100 High Ave. 7:30 p.m. 920/424-2350. (Winnebago Co.)

Jan 15 Sheboygan/Candlelight Ski/Hike: Cross-country ski or hike by candlelight. Almost 200 tiki torches will light your way. Warm up afterwards by the fireplace; refreshments available in the heated shelter building. Kohler-Andrae State Park 6-9pm. 920/451-4080. (Sheboygan Co.)

Jan 15 Two Rivers/Bluegrass Concert, Second Annual All Star Band: Bluegrass Concert featuring members from some of your favorite bands - Gerald Evans, Billy Rose, Joe Clark, Michael Cleveland, Brad Klabunde, Art and Stephanie Stevenson. Two Rivers High School 7:30pm 920/794-7258. (Manitowoc Co.)

Jan 15 Two Rivers/Woodland Dunes Folk Concert Series: Lee Murdock sings songs about the Great Lakes, sailors, fishermen, lighthouse keepers, ghosts, shipwrecks, outlaws and everyday heroes on Nov 6. Bryan Bowers is a Legendary Autoharp virtuoso, and folk singer on Jan 15. Five Buck Hootenanny offers an evening of local and regional musicians on Jan 29. Anne Hills is a songwriter and folksinger, Feb 12. Peggy Seeger is a Legendary folksinger and songwriter, March 6. Five Buck Hootenanny offers an evening of local and regional musicians, March 19. Cindy Mangsen & Steve Gillette are favorites that are returning to Woodland Dunes, April 9. 7pm concerts ,doors open at 6:30pm 920/793-4007. (Manitowoc Co.)

Jan 15 - Jan 16 Madison/Wedding Planner & Guide Bridal Show: The largest bridal show in the Midwest; a great place to see all the gowns and tuxedos from the finest local bridal shops and formal wear stores on one stage. The expansive exhibit floor will showcase the services and products of bakers, jewelers, florists, travel agents, music agencies, and realtors. Alliant Energy Center 800/466-5683. (Dane Co.)

Jan 15 - Jan 16 Prairie du Sac/Eagle Watching Days: Enjoy Birds of Prey shows, guided bus tours, live Bald Eagle releases, birdhouse making, wildlife photography seminar, and family activities. Headquartered in the River Arts Center of Sauk Prairie High School. Sauk Prairie High school Door open at 8am. 800/683-2453. (Dane Co.)

Jan 15 - Jan 16 West Allis/Speed Skating: Great Lakes Long Track Championships: Pettit National Ice Center. 414/266-0100. (Milwaukee Co.)

Jan 15 - Jan 16 West Bend/West Bend Antique Show: More than 50 quality dealers. Catered lunch. Admission $4, children free. Parking free. Washington County Fair Park Pavilion. Sat 9am-4pm, Sun 10am-3pm. 414/525-0820. (Washington Co.)

January 15-16: Capitol Square Sprints 2005
Capitol Square, Madison
Cross country skiing around Capitol Square?! You bet! This high caliber race will bring the best cross-country skiers from North America, including U.S. Ski Team, and top international athletes. This 1 km race, following the terrain around the Wisconsin State Capitol in the heart of downtown Madison, will be U.S. skiers first step on the way to the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Italy.

Jan 15 - Jan 16 Solon Springs/Empire Sled Dog Races:
Postponed until Jan. 22nd & 23rd
Eight-dog teams race 66 miles during the two-day race and the six-dog teams race 48 miles. Two-four dog recreation class race Sat afternoon. Concessions. Spectators invited. PO Box 61. 9am start. 715/466-4025. (Douglas Co.)

Jan 15 - Jan 16 Tomahawk/Snowshoe Weekend for Kids & Parents: Outdoor adventure for a fun-filled winter weekend of family snowshoeing learning the basic skills needed for the popular sport. Treehaven Saturday 9:30am - Sunday 3:30pm 715/453-4106. (Lincoln Co.)

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

January 17: 20th Anniversary City-County Observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Wisconsin Union Theatre, 800 Langdon St., Madison
Keynote Speaker, Reverend Walter Fauntroy, is a longtime activist in the Civil Rights Movement. Rev. Fauntroy was appointed by Dr. King to serve as Director of the Washington Bureau of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. He has been Washington D.C. delegate to Congress and was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus. The program also features the annual City and County Dr. King Awards, the MLK Community Choir, and “a call to action.” Free parking is available at Helen C. White Hall.

Plan Ahead!?

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

Jan 22 - Jan 23 Solon Springs/Empire Sled Dog Races:
Re scheduled from Jan. 15th & 16th
Eight-dog teams race 66 miles during the two-day race and the six-dog teams race 48 miles. Two-four dog recreation class race Sat afternoon. Concessions. Spectators invited. PO Box 61. 9am start. 715/466-4025. (Douglas Co.)

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.

Saturday, January 29, 2005

A Historical Post Card Tour of Pine, Beaver & North Lakes

Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital Conference Room 791 Summit Avenue, Oconomowoc, WI

Meeting Begins at 9:30 am

The Oconomowoc & Lake Country Museum is proud to present Don Weimer, a noted Oconomowoc post card and memorabilia collector. Mr. Weimer will apply his power point expertise to post cards depicting the Pine, Beaver and North Lake area. He will give his presentation in his usual entertaining fashion. His penchant for unearthing rare Oconomowoc & Lake Country lore has resulted in the discovery of sheet music for the Cooney Waltz of 1868, associated with the Oconomowoc Seminary, and he will coordinate it with his presentation. If you have seen his two previous presentations, you will not need to be urged to attend this one. Whether this will be your first exposure to his talent, or if it is a repeat privilege, be sure to attend this unique presentation opportunity. For additional information, contact the Oconomowoc & Lake Country Museum at 262-569-0740.

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 12 – Kohler - Free

WINTERFEST IN WINTER WONDERLAND

Ice carving contest, warm kettle cookoff, snowshoe clinic, dog sledding demo, wine sipping and chocolate tasting – Complimentary valentine carnation atr Art Novell (while supplies last)PH: 920-459-1713

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)

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4. NEW – The Heidel House Getaway Store –
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   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.

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   “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 -
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6. MADISON GUIDE – FREE 800-373-6376

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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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13. FREE – VISIT CALIFORNIA GUIDE - Visiting California has never been easier with the help of the California Travel and Tourism Commission's new 2005 Official State Visitor's Guide and Travel Planner. With its regional maps, fresh editorial format, photography, list of attractions and places to stay, visitors have all the information they need at their fingertips to book a California vacation. Guides are free and available by calling 877-CALIFORNIA or clicking to http://www.visitcalifornia.com/

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