# 3 in 2005 Jan 20 and BEYOND !

S.S.F.W.

Something Special from Wisconsin


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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

Hello Again
EVENTS
FREE AND SPECIAL
  1. FREE - WISCONSIN PORTS GUIDE
  2. FREE WISCONSIN CENTRAL COAST
  3. FREE 27 WISCONSIN COMMUNITY GUIDES
  4. VISIT - NEW The Heidel House Getaway Store
  5. FREE – NEW - CHEESE COUNTRY GUIDE
  6. FREE – MADISON GUIDE
  7. FREE – BAYFIELD GUIDE
  8. FREE – ASHLAND & BAYFIELD COUNTY GUIDE
  9. FREE – MADELINE ISLAND GUIDE
  10. FREE – NEW - 2004 WISCONSIN FALL-WINTER GUIDE
  11. FREE - NEW - GREAT WIS BIRDING & NATURE TRAIL GUIDE
  12. NEW FREE – PLAY Place The State Game on-line
  13. NEW-FREE Visit California Guide Book
>> ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER (Sign On-Sign Off)


  Hello Again...  

The weather forecasters are predicting a big snow for Friday, so you cross-country lovers, snowshoe stompers and sled riders should be happy. If that isn’t enough, you have your choice of several winter walks and festivals.

Indoor adventures include the cutting edge comedy of Second City, a boat show and a vacation show.

Take a look and choose your cure for cabin fever. The cure is out there and calling your name. Now go enjoy it!

The weekly reminder—I suggest you REMEMBER...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.

See you on the other side of the snow drift!

Again this year I suggest you REMEMBER….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.

Have an outstanding year of travel and fun in Wisconsin!

  Gary Knowles  

# 3 in 2005 Jan 20 and BEYOND !

  SWING SWING SWING!  

NOW THRU FEB 27, 2005
Fort Atkinson


  The Fireside Theater

  "Swing on a Star"

Get back to the time of Greatness! The time of Sinatra, Crosby, the Andrews Sisters, Marx Brothers, Abbott & Costello, Jimmy Dorsey – Glenn Miller. SWING WAS KING! This is a new, original extravaganza that will thrill theater goers of all ages. Fireside has assembled its own Live BIG BAND for the show which includes outstanding professional Wisconsin musicians including:

  • Calude Cailliet – Trombone – professor of music UW-Baraboo;
  • John Dominguez – Bass – performs & lives in Milwaukee
  • Michael (Ding) Lorenz – Skylight Opera of Milwaukee
  • Jeff Pietrangelo – Trumpet – Graduate of Laurence University –recording artist
  • Tim Bell – Woodwinds- Prof. of Jazz Studies and performs with Milwaukee Symphony
  • Curt Hanrahan – Woodwinds – Prof. at UW Milwaukee- performed with Ray Charles, Tony Bennett, Harry Connick
  • John Hibler –Woodwinds – Milwaukee Artist – consultant with Leonard Publishing – retired from Milwaukee Rep and Broadway touring

    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 Wednesday: Fitch's Chophouse / Fitchburg 5:15-8:15p (blues/jazz piano)
    every Fri-Sat: Louisianne's / Middleton 6:30-9:30p (New Orleans piano)
    Saturday 1/29: w/ the Gumbo Ya-Yas @ Jo's Tazzina 2-4p (folk/blues)
    ***Don't miss Johnny Chimes and the Natch'l Blues Band performing Saturday February 5 @ the Harmony Bar. Showtime is 9:30pm

      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: 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. 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: 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.)

    January 29 - 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"
    When viewing William Morris's glass-blown sculptures, you may ask, "Is it bone? wood? stone? bronze? leather?" Using remarkable technical skills, 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. "Myth, Object, and the Animal" reflects Morris's fascination with ancient life and the relics and artifacts that tell ancient stories as well as his dexterity in manipulating glass far beyond the dazzle and sparkle associated with this fragile, seductive medium.

    March 13-20 Wausau, Wisconsin
    Leigh Yawkey Woodson ArtMuseum
    700 N. 12th Street PH-715-845-7010 Web: www.lywam.org
    Always FREE Admission
    "Fire & Ice: Glass Blowing @ the Woodson
    A weeklong residency featuring "Aunt Gladys," a portable glass-blowing studio from Southern Illinois University. Public demonstrations every day (call or e-mail museum@lywam.org for specific times) as well as interactive opportunities for children and adults. This program is so hot it's cool!

    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)

    January 21: Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra with David Shifrin

    Norman Mitby Theater, 3550 Anderson St., Madison
    Audience members will have a rare opportunity to hear clarinetist David Shifrin perform Mozart's Clarinet Concerto, a personal favorite of this acclaimed soloist. His authentic recording of this piece on a basset clarinet, for which Mozart originally wrote the piece, was nominated for a Grammy award and named Record of the Year by Stereo Review. Join the WCO and Maestro Sewell for an exciting musical journey through time.

    Jan 21 Wisconsin Rapids/Second City Comedy Troup: Established in 1959, Second City has established itself as a premier comedy institution in the world. Performing Arts Center of Wisconsin Rapids 7:30 PM 715/421-4552. (Wood Co.)

    Jan 21 Newburg/Night Skiing at Riveredge Nature Center: Ski a one and a half-mile trail, lighted by the soft glow of oil lanterns, or ski those trails lit only by the light of the moon and stars. A warm fire will await you at the end of the trail. Riveredge Nature Center 5-9pm. Trails open until 8:30pm; warm fire in Coop glows until 9pm. 800/287-8098. (Ozaukee Co.)

    Jan 21 - Jan 22 Brookfield/Love is a Simple Thing: Joan Curto takes an amusing and touching look at love in her latest show. Joan has appeared at the Wilson Center in The Leading Ladies of Chicago Cabaret and Chess - The Musical Concert, and most recently was awarded the Chicago After Dark Award for outstanding cabaret artist of 2003. Dawes Studio Theater 8pm. 262/781-9520. (Waukesha Co.)

    Jan 21 - Jan 22 Milwaukee/Gallery Night and Day: An evening of free gallery-hopping includes a Milwaukee Art Museum lecture. A brief talk on the Art Museums at the Turn of the Millennium exhibition will be held at 5p.m. in the Lubar Auditorium. Enjoy a cash bar and then hop on the trolley, walk or drive and experience all that Gallery Night has to offer! Downtown. 414/271-1416. (Milwaukee Co.)

    Jan 21 - Jan 22 Oshkosh/Guys on Ice: -long-time pals Marvin & Lloyd in their ice fishing shanty keeping warm with a mutual fondness for good bait, cold beer and the Green Bay Packers. GUYS ON ICE will charm your wool socks off with musical numbers like "De Fishing Hole," "Ode to a Snowmobile Suit" and "Fish is de Miracle Food." A huge success in Door County, the "guys" have since played all over Wisconsin and coast-to-coast! 100 High Ave. 7:30pm 920/424-2350. (Winnebago Co.)

    Jan 21 - Jan 22 Minocqua/Chill Out - A Northwoods Celebration: Friday night join us for a traditional Friday night Fish Fry, bonfire, smores and live music. Then on Saturday bring the whole family for a day of family fun on Big Arbor Vitae Lake! Ice fishing tournament, chocolate cookoff, kid's activities (inside and outside), food, sleigh rides, snow sculpting contest, turkey bowling, ice golf, kite making/flying, prizes and lots of fun! Registration in the tournament enters you to win an ATV! There's always something for everyone on Big Arbor Vitae! PO Box 1006. 800/446-6784. (Oneida Co.)

    Jan 21 - Jan 23 La Crosse/Shades of Blue Tattoo Show: Tattoos done during the show. La Crosse Center Opens Fri at 4pm, Sat & Sun at 10:30am. Judging at Noon Sat & Sun. 608/789-7400. (La Crosse Co.)

    January 21-23: Madison Auto Show

    Exhibition Hall, Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison Hundreds of makes and models of cars and trucks will be on display

    January 21-23: Travel & Vacation Show

    Exhibition Hall & Meeting Rooms, Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison

    If cabin fever has taken over you, the Travel & Vacation Show is your cure. At the show, you will experience a taste of destinations both near and far! This is your chance to shore up your spring break or summer vacation plans. Talk with travel professionals about where to go to see the best sights on a cruise or plan for a romantic or exotic honeymoon retreat. Did you know you can go whitewater rafting in Wisconsin? Speak with adventure travel outfitters that will expose you to exciting new adventure ideas!

    Jan 21 - Jan 30 West Allis/Milwaukee Marine Dealers Wisconsin Boat Show: Wisconsin's largest boat show: 200,000 sq. ft. of boats, marine accessories, boating lifestyle, workshops, and special features. Wisconsin's oldest boat show in Wisconsin's newest facility. Wisconsin State Fair Park, Exposition Center Mon-Fri 4pm-9pm, Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-6pm. 800/367-5520. (Milwaukee Co.)

    Jan 22 Manitowoc/Ron Stokes' Maritime Art Exhibit Opening in the Riverside Gallery: We welcome local artist and owner of The Gallery East, Ron Stokes, as our guest artist in the Riverside Gallery. The exhibit will officially open at 1:30, with a presentation by the artist to follow. Wisconsin Maritime Museum 1:30pm, Riverside Gallery 866/724-2356. (Manitowoc Co.)

    Jan 22 New Auburn/Snowshoeing by Moonlight: Join Naturalist Rod Gont on a one-hour nighttime snowshoe hike. Snowshoes available at no charge. Chippewa Moraine Ice Age Center Introduction to snowshoes at 6:30 pm; hike begins at 7pm. 715/967-2800. (Chippewa Co.)

    Jan 22 Waupaca/Candlelight Ski: Ski on 2.5 miles of tracked trails lighted by candles or hike on a 1-mile hiking trail lit by candles. Warming and food cooking fires/grills and hot water provided. Refreshments (bars, cookies, cider and hot chocolate) provided Sponsored by Friends of Hartman Creek. Hartman Lake Shelter Building. Hartman Creek State Park Sunset-9pm. 715/258-2372. (Waupaca Co.)

    Jan 22 Baraboo/Second City: Comedy sketches, songs and improvised scenes featuring the best and brightest comedic performers! Al Ringling Theatre 8pm. 608/356-8864. (Sauk Co.)

    Jan 22 Eagle/Candlelight Ski & Hike: Snowshoes and skis are available for rental at LaGrange General Store. Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit-Nordic Trail. 6-9pm. 262/594-6200. (Waukesha Co.)

    January 22: Children of the Rainforest

    Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison

    The Children of the Rainforest series offers performances for families to celebrate cultural differences in rainforest regions around the world. Tickets are $3 for adults and $2 for children ages 3 to 12, and are available at the door before each performance. Children ages 2 and under are free. Performance times: 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The series is generously sponsored by William and Joyce Wartmann.

    January 22: UW Women's Hockey vs. North Dakota and Skate with the Badgers
    Kohl Center, 601 W. Dayton St., Madison

    Lace up your skates and hit the ice after the Wisconsin/North Dakota game at the Kohl Center. This is your chance to meet the team and get autographs and photos with your favorite Badgers. Free parking is available in Lot 91. Kids 12 and under will receive limited edition player trading cards featuring Vicki Davis and Coach Mark Johnson, courtesy of Suttle Straus and Cold Stone Creamery, while supplies last. All youth hockey teams wearing their team jerseys will receive free admission to the game.

    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. Ice carving demonstrations, tricycle races, slap shot contest, kite flying, mitten football, snowman-making competition, totally tubular snow slide, turkey bowling, Eskimo pie-eating contest, fireworks, food, music, glowing hot air balloons on Sat. night, horse-drawn wagon rides and pony rides. La Crosse Street Parking Lot Downtown Sat 8am-9pm, Sun 8am-3pm. 800/223-3557 (1-800-22-DELLS)

    January 23: Arboretum Walk – Phenology

    UW-Madison Arboretum, 1207 Seminole Highway, Madison

    Aldo Leopold and his graduate students kept journals recording the timing of natural events (phenology). This practice is a good way to increase observational skills and learn about nature. Look for current natural events and discover what we have learned from records kept here since Leopold's time. 1:00-2:30 p.m.

    Jan 23 Stoughton/Lake Kegonsa Fisheree: Fishing from early morning until about 3pm. Kids' games start at 1:30. Prizes and raffles. Open to the public. 1st Prize $500, 2nd Prize $200 and 3rd Prize is $100. Additional prizes awarded. Storm date is January 30th. Starts in early morning. Prizes drawn about 3pm, Raffle drawing at Barber's Bay Inn at about 4:30pm. 888/873-7912. (Dane Co.)

    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:

    • Nancy Mladenoff, Friday, February 4 at 5:30 pm
    • Susan Dupor, Friday, February 11 at 5:30 pm (a sign interpreter will be present)
    • Terese Agnew, Sunday, March 13 at 2 pm
    All gallery talks will be held in the James Watrous Gallery. For more information, contact gallery co-director Martha Glowacki at 608/265-2500, mglowacki@wisconsinacademy.org.

    Plan Ahead!?
    ...It has to be easier than planning BEHIND?

    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 – Monroe

    Winter Masquerade Ball


    Habitat for Humanity of Green County is having a Winter Masquerade Ball at the Ludlow Mansion in Monroe, Wisconsin on January 29th, 2005. Music will be provided by "All That Jazz", a swing orchestra playing favorites from the 30's, 40's, 50's and beyond! Swing dance lessons will be available, and prizes will be awarded for the best dancers, costumes, and masks. Bring a partner and enjoy an evening of good music and good fun for a great cause! The cost is $25 per person in advance, $30 at the door. Tickets are available by calling 608/329-4024 or by visiting Anchor Bank in Monroe. Please contact Kath Kramer at 608/523-1540 for more information.

    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, Parkfalls

    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)


    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.

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