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

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.

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)

THROUGH 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

Now - Jan 31 Cable/CXC NorAm International XC Ski Races: The premier cross country race series in North America. Winners qualify for the FIS World Cup through this NorAm Super Tour event. Telemark Resort. 877/798-4718. (Bayfield Co.)

THURSDAY January 27: Jim Gaffigan
Wisconsin Union Theater, 800 Langdon, Madison
Leave the winter blues behind and laugh with comedian Jim Gaffigan when he brings his hilarious act to the Wisconsin Union Theater! Jim Gaffigan has enjoyed enormous success in many forms. He has made 10 appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman, has appeared numerous times on Late Night with Conan O'Brien and has performed at countless universities across the nation. Tickets are available at the Union Theater Box Office: $20 for General public, $15 UW-Madison System students. For more information please call 608.262.2201. 8:00 p.m.

Jan 27 - Jan 28 Green Bay/Toby Keith with Ted Nugent: Country star Toby Keith in concert with special guest Ted Nugent 1901 South Oneida Street. 7:30pm both days. 800/895-0071. (Brown Co.)

Jan 28 De Forest/TS Monk Quintet in Concert: The gifted drummer son of the late great jazz composer pianist Thelonius Monk, TS Monk's group of excellent jazz musicians will be one of the best jazz sows in the Madison area this year. De Forest Area High School 608/846-2600. (Dane Co.)

Jan 28 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 28 Appleton/Tap Kids: Nine exceptional rhythm tap dancers ages 10 through 18 take to the stage in this must-see theatrical show that is hip, uplifting and inspirational for audiences of all ages. Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. 7:30pm 920/730-3760. (Outagamie Co.)

Jan 28 Hudson/Candlelight Ski: Tethered hot air balloon, bonfire, and goodies at the Nature Center. For skiers, about 2 miles of easy trails will be lit. For hikers, a half-mile trail will be lit. Willow River State Park. 715/386-5931. (St. Croix Co.)

January 28: Pro Arte Quartet and Gilbert Kalish (FREE!) Mills Hall, 455 N. Park St., Madison Lean back, relax and enjoy beautiful and soothing music for free at Mills Hall. The Pro Arte Quartet is joined by Gilbert Kalish for a performance of Ernö Dohnányi: Piano Quintet No. 2 in E-flat minor, Op. 26. 8:00 p.m.

Jan 28 - Jan 30 Eagle River/Women on Snow Weekend & Tour: Women meet new and old friends and ride the snowmobile trails of Vilas County. The separate tour leaves Eagle River early Monday morning for three full days of riding. Preregistration recommended. Eagle River Inn Weekend begins noon on Fri, includes 3pm ride, ends Sun; Tour is Mon thru Wed. 715/479-3301. (Vilas Co.)

Jan 28 - Jan 30 Superior/Great Lakes Classic Pond Hockey Tournament: First annual outdoor hockey tournament played by up to 80 four-person adult teams on 20 rinks on the ice at Barker's Island. Barker's Island, Superior 715/394-4899. (Douglas Co.)

January 28-30: Monster Nationals – Monster Truck & Thrill Show
Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison This show is action packed and sure to be a favorite! Bring the kids and bring the cameras for an unforgettable time!

January 28-30: Madison Boat and Water Sports Show
Exhibition Hall, Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison This show has doubled in size in the past three years! More then 26 dealers participate, and well over 50 different brands of watercraft will be on display. View firsthand over 275 boats—the largest selection of boats ever shown in Madison—presented by South Central Wisconsin's best and largest boat dealers! Those beckoned by the lakes will discover fishing boats, sport boats, ski boats, ski & wakeboard boats, pontoon & deck boats, personal watercraft & jet boats, water sports products & accessories and much, much more. 800/373-6376 (Dane Co.)

Jan 28 - Jan 30 Madison/Monster Truck Show: Bring the kids and bring the cameras! The action at this thrill show is exciting and family oriented. Visit www.monsternationals.com for more information. Alliant Energy Center 800/373-6376. (Dane Co.)

Jan 28 - Feb 6 Wausau/Badger State Winter Games: This Olympic-style winter sports festival is the largest in the nation. Held on two weekends: first weekend features youth hockey and bowling; second weekend features Alpine & Nordic skiing, freestyle snowboarding and skiing, ski jumping, hockey, curling, figure skating, speedskating, snowshoe racing, indoor archery, bowling and the quadrathlon. Held in Wausau and other cities in Wisconsin Fri, Sat & Sun only. 608/226-4780. (Marathon Co.)

Jan 29 Burlington/International Whip Top Game Contest/Demonstration: Whip top contest/demonstration on frozen Echo Lake. Native American tribes played this action game on the winter ice, and whip tops are used in many other cultures for fun, exercise and competition. Watch or participate, followed by a visit to the Spinning Top Museum. Children must be with an adult. 533 Milwaukee Ave. 2 pm 262/763-3946. (Racine Co.)

Jan 29 Jefferson/Steel Drums of Trinidad: The steel pan wizardry of Liam Teague is complimented by the multi-instrumental artistry of Robert Chappell on piano, marimba and tabla. The duo draws from wide range of classical and jazz works to show case the versatility of the steel pan. Sponsored by Jefferson Area Business Center, Andy Didion of RW Baird, Smiles by Turley and Knutson Jewelers. 700 W Milwaukee St. 7:30pm 920/674-2179. (Jefferson Co.)

Jan 29 Pewaukee/Fire & Ice Winter Festival: Scavenger hunt with Main Street Merchants, snowman building contest (bring your own props-weather permitting), refreshments or goodies, ice skating (bring own skates), hot air balloon demonstration, snowmobile rides, snowshoe trials, horse drawn wagon rides, hovercraft demonstration, & fireworks at 5:30pm. Lakefront Park 2pm-dusk. 262/695-9735. (Waukesha Co.)

Jan 29 Prairie du Sac

Wollersheim Port Release Celebration: Join us in the winery Great Room for the release of our Port. Taste the Port, listen to live music and enjoy the snow on the hillsides from the inside. Open to the public. Noon-5pm. 800/847-9463. (Dane Co.)

Jan 29 Crivitz/Torchlight Night Tour & Bonfire: A mile of torch-lit X-C trail with bonfire including hot dogs and refreshments. Ski free; open to the public, all ages. Kirby Hill Trail System. 715/854-7540. (Marinette Co.)

Jan 29 Mercer/Cross Country Candlelight Ski: Ski the MECCA Trail system lit by more than 100 luminaries. Your trek begins at the Little Turtle Flowage Trailhead (formerly trailhead A), located off Joe's Shack Road. Ski or snowshoe from the trailhead to the warming shack where you will be greeted by a crackling bonfire, hot chocolate, cider, cookies and friendly club members. Little Turtle Flowage Trailhead on Joe's Schack Rd. 6-9pm 715/476-2389. (Iron Co.)

Jan 29 Mercer/Sno-Goers Snowmobile Cookout: Annual fund raiser for the Mercer Sno-goers. Come for burgers, brats and refreshments at Dear Lodge. Raffles and a bonfire! Come by car or by snowmobile. it's just off trail 12 and It's all you can eat. Public is welcome! 4816W County FF 11am to 4pm 715/476-2389. (Iron Co.)

January 29: Kids in the Rotunda (FREE!)
Overture Center for the Arts, 201 State St., Madison
Every Saturday from fall through spring, the Overture Center offers free arts programs designed for children and families at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The 1:00 p.m. performances are sign language interpreted.

January 29: Coffee Talk and Tasting
Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
Learn about the subtle flavors in different coffees, coffee history, coffee roasting and fair trade issues for small coffee growers and around the world. Matt Early of Just Coffee will take you on a photo tour of the group's coffee buying trips to Mexico while Matthew Carlson of Dancing Grounds coffee shops demonstrates his unique coffee tasting techniques. The talk and tasting is from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.; cost is $7 for the general public and $5 for Olbrich Botanical Society members.

Jan 29 Bloomer/Bloomer Rope Jump Contest: 20-35 participating schools and approximately 240 jumpers try to break the records in the Jump Rope Capital of the World. Preliminaries at 12:30pm; finals at 7:30pm. 715/568-3339. (Chippewa Co.)

Jan 29 La Crosse/Great Tri-State Rail Sale: Model railroad show, flea market, swap meet. Buy, sell, trade. Model and toy trains, railroadiana, railroad exhibits and displays. La Crosse Center 9am-3pm. 608/582-4761. (La Crosse Co.)

Jan 29 Manitowoc/Boatbuilding for Kids: Paddlewheeler: Sand your 8-inch boat, decorate it with permanent marker, glue it together and watch it go when you launch it in the Children's Waterways Room! Cost is $8 for the boat, $5 admission per child, parents are free. Space is limited, so please call the Museum to register. Wisconsin Maritime Museum 1:30pm, Adventure Discovery Center 866/724-2356. (Manitowoc Co.)

Jan 29 Menomonie/Urban Hillbilly Quartet: The Urban Hillbilly Quartet is an award-winning Twin Cities based ensemble that delivers an eclectic mix of musical styles, blending fiddle, electric guitar, accordion, bass and other musical toys. Mabel Tainter Theater 8pm 715/235-0001 x13. (Dunn Co.)

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-- 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.

January 29: Candlelight Ski/Hike in Devil's Lake State Park
Devil's Lake State Park, S5975 Park Rd., Baraboo
Bring the kids too, and enjoy the winter weather, since this is not a rugged or difficult hike! Sponsored by Friends of Devil's Lake State Park. 6:00 p.m.

Jan 29 Boscobel/Midwinter Dog Sled Festival: Fun for the entire family. On Saturday enjoy the weight pull, ice carving & flea market/craft show, and grilled sandwiches - all at the elementary school. On Sunday enjoy the dog sled poker run & ice sculptures. Boscobel Elementary School Sat 9am-4pm, Sun 11am-3pm. 608/375-2672. (Grant Co.)

Jan. 29-30, Cassville/Bald Eagle Days: The Cassville area averages 100 to 250 bald eagles that winter here each year. Outdoor viewing of eagles possible daily at wildlife observation deck in Riverside Park in Cassville and at Nelson Dewey State Park. Knowledgeable volunteers from the Cassville area will be assisting birders with locating eagles at Cassville's Riverside Park and Nelson Dewey State Park. Programs at the Municipal Building on Jan 29 include the following presentations: 9am & 1:30pm: Herb Lange, photographer presenting slide show and his wildlife photography will be on sale. 10am & 1:30pm: Coulee Rehab presenting live raptors. 11am & 2:30pm: Art Shegonee, Native American presenting Eagle Program generating audience participation. 12:30pm: Brian 'Fox' Ellis, storyteller, presenting the Eagle story through folk songs and folktales. 608/725-5855. (Grant Co.)

Jan. 29-30, Parkfalls/Flambeau International Sled Dog Classic: 4-dog, 6-dog & 10-dog Pro Class Races, 2-dog & 3-dog Jr. Class Races, and Ski-jouring. There will be an international food court, sled dog rides, and other winter activities. Park Falls Airport 715/762-1306. (Price Co.)

Feb. 5-6, Elkhart Lake/ Schnee Days: Winter festival with many indoor and outdoor events including a chili cook-off, snow sculpture, downhill bowling, ice skating and children's entertainment. No admission. Held in Downtown Elkhart Lake. Downtown 877/355-4278. (Sheboygan Co.)

Jan 29 - Jan 30 Fond du Lac/Fond du Lac Sports and Recreation Show: See the latest in campers, RV's, ATV's, bikes, garden equipment, patio furniture, trucks, and trailers. Expo, Fairgrounds 10am-4pm 715/289-4632. (Fond du Lac Co.)

Jan. 29-30, Park Falls

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. (1-800-762-2709;)

Jan 30 Milwaukee/Orphans in the Attic Doll-Toy-Bear Show & Sale: Dealers from several states sell antique & collectible dolls, toys, bears, doll clothes, doll furniture, patterns, books, stands, shoes, wigs, eyes and more. Serb Hall 10am-3pm. 920/563-0046. (Milwaukee Co.)

January 30: Arboretum Walk
UW-Madison Arboretum, 1207 Seminole Highway, Madison
1:00–2:30 p.m.

January 30: The Kruger Brothers
Unitarian Meeting House, 900 University Bay Dr., Madison
Returning to Madison after a rave reviewed show in 2003, The Kruger Brothers -acoustic musicians. Advance tickets are $15 at Borders West, B-Side, and Spruce Tree Music in Madison. Tickets are $17.50 day of show- Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass Music Association, Inc. at 608.238.6863. 7:00 p.m.

Jan 30 - Mar 20 Neenah/Return to Route 66: Photographs of the Mother Road. Bergstrom-Mahler Museum Tues-Fri 10am-4:30pm, Sat 9am-4:30pm, Sun 1pm-4:30pm. 920/751-4658. (Winnebago Co.)

Plan Ahead!?

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)

FEBRUARY 5
Madison-Hilldale Shopping Center
Madison Area Piano Play-a-Thon
Tune in to a musical fundraiser when more than 400 children play all day Saturday, Feb. 5, (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) to raise funds for the U. W. Children’s Hospital. Madison’s largest and longest piano performance! Music to your ears as you stroll the main corridor for a “note”able cause. Drop a few dollars in the jars at the Grand Pianos along the corridor and enjoy the music. Telephone: 608-271-2626

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

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. (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)

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!

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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