# 7 in 2005 Feb 24 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...  

SOME WONDERFUL “DON’T MISS” opportunities pop out of today’s list: START COLLECTING ART by sitting in on tonight’s (Thurs. 2/24) Art Partner’s session with Stephen Milanowski, a Madison area photographer-artist at Café Montmartre, 127 E. Mifflin St., Madison. He’ll talk about one of today’s hottest and most accessible collecting areas, photographs. SWING ON A STAR ends a fabulous run this weekend at Fireside Theatre in Fort Atkinson. If you haven’t seen it you’d better get on the phone today as I hear it’s nearly sold out and it’s a one-of-a-kind show. OLYMPIANS IN YOUR BACKYARD could be the theme of the Speedskating at the Petit Ice Track in West Allis, The American Birkebeiner in Hayward and the Olympic Curling Trials in McFarland. Step up and cheer for some real neighborhood champs! OLD FARM BREWERIES 1830-1880 will be the focus of attention at the brown bag lunch on Tuesday, March 1 at the Wisconsin Historical Society Museum on the Capitol Square. For a $2 donation you’d be hard pressed to find a more interesting lunch date. ANTIQUE ROADSHOW WEEKEND is next week at the Old Rittenhouse in Bayfield, but space is limited so plan now. It’s going to be an extraordinary weekend.

Also, if your dog wants to “do Europe” with you be sure to scroll to the bottom to see about the new series of books for traveling Euro-pooches. (Thank St.Bernard, my dog is content to camp out at Camp K9 where she’s treated like a rock star!)

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.

Now out of the house. The land of fun awaits!

  Gary Knowles  

# 7 in 2005 Feb 24 and BEYOND !


  SWING SWING SWING!  

LAST CHANCE! Ends 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

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....

  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)

  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 – Est. 1845
Celebrating 160 Years of Brewing in 2005!
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 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.)

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)

THRU - Jun 5 Milwaukee/Degas Sculptures: You know his paintings, but there's another dimension to Degas - The Third. Degas Sculptures presents a rare opportunity to view in a single exhibition all 73 bronze sculptures by the great French Impressionist master, Edgar Degas (1834-1917). Milwaukee Art Museum 414/224-3200. (Milwaukee Co.)

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
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.

THROUGH - 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.)


FEB 24

February 24: The Reluctant Lieutenant Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W. Mifflin St., Madison
Learn what it was like to go through Officer Candidate School (OCS) during the Vietnam era with Dr. Jerry Morton as he recounts tales from his latest work, The Reluctant Lieutenant. With stories of bellowing drill instructors and their seemingly absurd tasks, Morton captures what it meant to survive in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. 7:00 p.m.

February 24:
"stART collecting" Forum: Stephen Milanowski
Café Montmartre, 127 E. Mifflin St., Madison
Art Partners, a volunteer group associated with the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, will join forces with MAGNET, the Madison Area Growth Network, for an upcoming forum about collecting photography. The "stART collecting" series explores practical issues related to collecting art on a limited budget. Photography—compelling and surprisingly affordable—is an attractive medium for both new and established collectors. Madison-based photographer Stephen Milanowski, whose large-format color photographs were included in MMoCA's most recent Wisconsin Triennial, will show examples of his work and discuss photography as a collector's medium. The museum's curator of exhibitions, Jane Simon, will also be on hand to join the discussion. 6:00 p.m.

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)

Feb 24 - Feb 26 Middleton/International Harvester Collectors Convention: Held in Madison 2005, attendees will enjoy a variety of events including: exhibits of antique IH tractors, farm implements, trucks, dairy equipment, household appliances and memorabilia - seminars on machinery maintenance, document preservation, farm equipment restoration and more - vendor display area and auction to benefit the McCormick Collection. Marriott Madison West 608/455-2700. (Dane Co.)

Feb 24 - Feb 26 Manitowoc/The Taffetas: Four Manitowoc divas present a journey through the fabulous fifties during an evening of musical fundraising for UW-Manitowoc Continuing Education's youth theater programs. UW-Manitowoc University Theater. All shows begin at 7 pm. 920/683-4702. (Manitowoc Co.)

FEB 24 -26: 2006 U.S. Olympic Team Trials—Curling
Madison Curling Club, 4802 Marsh Rd., McFarland
Madison’s long history with the sport of Curling will be highlighted as men and women’s teams will compete for spots at the 2005 World Curling Championships and the 2006 Winter Olympics. 2/19-2/24: $5/day at the door. 2/25-2/26 (Semi-finals and Finals): $8/day at the door. Discounted weekly pass available at the door.

Feb 24 - Feb 27 West Allis/US National Short Track Speedskating Championships: Pettit National Ice Center 414/266-0100. (Milwaukee Co.)

FEB 25
February 25:
Dinosaur Day Camp
Madison Children's Museum, 100 State St., Madison
Young dinosaur enthusiasts are invited spend their day off from school at MCM for a day of science activities in the Dig into Dinosaurs exhibit and science lab. Campers will become junior paleontologists, exploring the field of geology and learning techniques used by scientists to uncover and identify fossils. Ages 6-8. $30/member child; $35/nonmember. Registration is required: call 608.441.3453 or email registration@kidskiosk.org.

Feb 25 Whitewater/National Acrobats of Taiwan: Direct from Taiwan comes a company of 35 acrobats from the National Fu Hsing Dramatic Arts Academy. Since 206 B. C., the dynamic folk art of acrobatics has entertained the citizenry of China and the world. In their perilous act, contortionists, jugglers, and magicians perform amazing and nerve-wracking stunts. Bring the whole family and enjoy the awe-inspiring spectacle of the National Acrobats of Taiwan. Irvin L Young Auditorium 7:30pm 800/395-8687. (Walworth Co.)

Feb 25 - Feb 26 Dodgeville/Dodgeville Open Chess Tournament: Open Chess Tournament all day Saturday with a "Simul" on Friday. The Simul will feature an International Master playing many players at once. Prizes include: Cash, trophies and other prizes. Friday 7pm; Saturday 9am. 877/863-6343. (Iowa Co.)

Feb 25 - Feb 27 Neillsville/Neillsville Winter Carnival: Activities include a Fri night variety show, indoor and outdoor sports, queen contests. 888/252-7594. (Clark Co.)

February 25-27: Madison Fishing Expo
Exhibition Hall, Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison
It’s the largest fishing show in the Midwest, so it’s not surprising that more than 20,000 anglers are expected to attend this Exhibition Hall expo. Exhibits on tackle, equipment, boats and more, along with seminars by the sports top experts. Now in its 20th year, the organization has donated more than $450,000 to fund fishing habitat restorations, recreation projects, educational programs and scholarships.

FEB 26
Feb 26 Kohler/Teddy Bear & Doll Classic: The nation's top teddy bear makers assemble for an auction, show and sale. American Club-Ballroom 800/344-2838. (Sheboygan Co.)

Feb 26 Manitowoc/Model Boatbuilding for Kids: Sharpie: Sand your boat, decorate it with permanent marker, set your sail and watch it go when you launch it in the Children's Waterways Room! Cost is $10 for the boat, $5 admission per child, parents are free. Space is limited, so please call the Museum to register. 75 Maritime Drive. 1:30pm, Adventure-Discovery Center 866/724-2356. (Manitowoc Co.)

Feb 26 Manitowoc/Pinecrest Village Candlelight Ski and Hike: Ski or hike a trail around beautiful Pinecrest Historical Village by candlelight. Enjoy hot cider in the warming house. 7-9pm 920/684-4445. (Manitowoc Co.)

Feb 26 Mercer/Ice Fishing Jamboree-Turtle Flambo Flowage Assc: Prizes awarded for the largest walleye, northern, crappie, perch or rock bass. Fishing contest begins at 8am. Food & beverages under the big tent on the ice starting at 11am. Lots of Raffles, too! Purchase a raffle ticket for $1 and it takes care of your entry fee. Donner's Bay Resort Contest starts at 8am, food and raffles in the big tent starting at 11am. $1 raffle ticket purchased is your entry fee. 877/551-2204. (Iron Co.)

Feb 26 - Feb 27 Merrill/Pine River Run Sled Dog Races: ISDRA-sanctioned races with cash purse and trophies for the top six places. More than 100 mushers compete during the weekend event. Skijoring, kiddie and celebrity races too. Note new date. Original date of Jan 22 & 23 was postponed due to lack of a safe trail. 715/873-4787. (Lincoln Co.)

February 26-27: Madison Symphony Orchestra: A Night at the Oscars
Overture Center for the Arts, Overture Hall, 201 State Street, Madison Return to the Golden Age of Hollywood when the Madison Symphony Orchestra performs beloved original film scores accompanied by dazzling projections of Oscar-winning movie classics. You'll experience famous scenes from Adventures of Robin Hood, Gone With the Wind, Ben-Hur, Citizen Kane, An American in Paris, and the Wizard of Oz—straight from the vaults of the legendary Hollywood studios. John Goberman, creator of the Emmy award-winning PBS series, narrates while Constantine Kitsopoulos conducts. Saturday evening performance, 8:00 pm; Sunday matinee performance, 2:30 pm.

February 26-27: Badger Cheerleading & Gymnastics Competition Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison Last year's event attracted over 2000 competitors from throughout the Midwest, making this event a true nationals-caliber experience. Newly competitive teams or seasoned veterans all have a place at this event– every team leaves feeling like a champion!

Feb 26 - Feb 27 Oshkosh/Echoes of the Past Historic Muzzle Loaders Trade Fair: The Bradley Company of the Fox presents one of the Midwest's original and largest indoor trade fairs. This annual event features supplies for the historical re-enactor, muzzle loading enthusiast, and the general public. Merchants and craftsman, food, demos, fashion shows, music and entertainment. Sunnyview Expo Center 920/233-5332. (Winnebago Co.)

Feb 26 - Feb 27 Tomah/Western Wisconsin Antique Show: More than 25 dealers from the tri-state area come to display their wide range of quality antiques and collectables. Recreation Building Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 9am-4pm. 608/372-6690. (Monroe Co.)

Feb 26 - Feb 27 West Allis/Greater Milwaukee Antiques Show: 50 premier dealers of fine quality antiques featuring furniture, estate jewelry, fine china, pottery, advertising items, toys and much more! Tommy Thompson Youth Center Sat 9am-4pm; Sun 10am-3pm. 414/525-0820. (Milwaukee Co.)

Feb 26 - Mar 6 Milwaukee/Greater Milwaukee Auto Show: Check out the new car and truck models. An annual family event. Midwest Airlines Center Call or check website for hours. 414/908-6000. (Milwaukee Co.)

FEB 27

Feb 27 Manitowoc/Silver Lake College Music Series #4: Greenwood Tree: Folk music and instruments played by Stu Janis and Bill Cagley. 2406 Alverno Rd. 3pm 920/686-6173. (Manitowoc Co.)

Feb 27 Franksville/Coin and Collectible Show: Twenty-two dealers selling coins currency, silver, gold, stock, bonds, jewelry, tokens and many other numismatic items. South Hills Country Club 9am-4pm. 262/634-0833. (Racine Co.)

Feb 27 - Mar 12 Janesville/Budding Artists Exhibit/Opening Reception: This year the Historical Society will display a selection of works from middle and high school students throughout the county. The artwork consists of paintings, metalwork, ceramics, weaving, photography, drawings, mixed media, and computer generated art. The annual exhibition fosters interest in the arts and provides a venue for talented area youth. The opening ceremony will be held at UW-Rock County, Hyatt SMith HAll, 2909 Kellogg Ave from 1-3pm, February 29, 2004 Rock County Historical Society. 608/756-4509. (Rock Co.)

Plan Ahead!?

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


MARCH 1 – Tuesday - FREE
"Future Shock: Is Madison Ready for the New Economy?"
Rebecca Ryan on Creative Economy and Madison
Mar. 1, 7-9 p.m., Overture Center Richard Florida made the “creative class” a buzz phrase, and supposedly Madison has the cultural and recreational amenities young workers seek. But do we have enough jobs to keep them? How can partnerships with Milwaukee and Chicago turn this region into a bigger player? Nationally-renowned management consultant Rebecca Ryan will talk about our challenges and in a free presentation at the Overture Center for the Arts, 201 State Street in Madison. Ryan’s talk will take place in the Wisconsin Studio and is a presentation of the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters as part of its Academy Evening series. No tickets or registration are required, but seating is limited on a first-come, first-served basis. Rebecca Ryan, a nationally-renowned spokesperson for Gen X professionals, is the founder of Next Generation Consulting. She has been named a “Woman of Influence” by the Business Journal and a leading “change agent,” according to Fast Company Magazine. She is author of the “Hot Jobs Cool Communities” report. Contact: Barb Sanford, publicity and events manager, 608/263-1692 ext. 13, bsanford@wisconsinacademy.org OR Joan Fischer, associate director, 608/263-1692 ext. 16, jfischer@wisconsinacademy.org

Tuesday, March 1st 12:15 PM
"Wisconsin's Frontier Farm Breweries 1830's - 1880's"
Wisconsin State Historical Museum on the Square - Madison $2.00 suggested donation

When Wisconsin was still a territory, newly-arrived immigrants brought with them their customs and traditions. One important custom, especially for Germans, was how to brew beer. These early settlers soon discovered that Wisconsin's landscape provided frontier farmers with all the resources and ingredients needed to produce fine ale and lager beer. Join author Wayne Kroll in taking a close look at a part of Wisconsin history that has remained unknown until now. The presentation will mainly cover what has recently been found at many farm/brewery sites from the earliest settled areas of Wisconsin. The program promises to present many surprises! Call 608-264-6555 for more information, or visit our website at www.wisconsinhistory.org/museum

MARCH 4-5 Bayfield WI
TREASURE with Pleasure!
Antiques Weekend & Appraisal Fair

The Old Rittenhouse Inn in Bayfield, Wisconsin, gateway to the Apostle Islands of Lake Superior, is combining the excitement of an antiques treasure hunt with the pleasures of an exquisite Victorian gourmet getaway.

The Antiques Weekend and Appraisal Fair set for Friday and Saturday, March 4-5, 2005, will appeal to every person who loves poking through estate sales and antique stores looking for treasure, to those who want to learn the secrets of buying beautiful pieces that are likely to increase in value and to those who enjoy great wines, gourmet dining and spectacular surroundings.

Rittenhouse Innkeepers and lifetime antique collectors, Mary and Jerry Phillips will host the event. The Phillips’ will discuss the history of the historic inn and present exceptional examples from their extensive collection, including art glass, lamps, furniture, porcelain, silver and more!

The weekend begins with an introductory Friday night wine and appetizer reception at another of the Phillip’s restored Victorian Inns, Le Chateau Boutin. Following a full gourmet breakfast Saturday morning, participants will have the opportunity to share a personal antique or collectible. The “Show and Tell” will be both a fun and informative gathering as items will be identified, evaluated and appraised.

On Saturday evening guests will enjoy the Old Rittenhouse Inn’s famous five-course gourmet dinner. In addition to the fabulous food, the Phillips’ will reveal a box of “mystery” antiques from their private collection. They will also discuss how to fill your home and life with beautiful things that will significantly rise in value. Other topics include the next great collector values, how to care for your valuables, and insuring your keepsakes and heirlooms.

The Antiques Weekend and Appraisal Fair is a great way to meet new people who share an interest in antiques and collectibles. Weekend packages include Friday reception, lodging two nights, breakfast, antiques seminar and Saturday's dinner. Packages available starting at $425 per couple, plus tax and server gratuity. Space is limited. Visit www.rittenhouseinn.com or call 800-779-2129 for reservations.

For more information on this event or a free guide to the area please contact the Bayfield Chamber of Commerce toll-free at 800-447-4094 (or locally 715-779-3335) or e-mail the Chamber at bayfieldchamber@charter.net, and visit the web site at www.bayfield.org

March 5, 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. 715-769-3434

Saturday, March 12th
Wisconsin History - Family Style
Free admission!
Join us for a day of hands-on-history, music & crafts for the whole family! Drop in for one or all of these three programs: Why History Matters? 10am - 3pm
Join in a hands-on program for kindergarten age and up to explore a broad range of historical themes and the important connection between the past and present. The program lasts 60 minutes and visits multiple exhibit spaces. Ribbon Appliqué History Bag 10am - 4pm
Drop by the activity area and decorate your own ribbon appliqué bag to take home. Wiscon- Sing Performances at 1pm and 2pm
Enjoy a 50-minute multimedia program of songs and scenic slides of Wisconsin's vibrant history. The interactive program encourages audience participation with sing-along slides. Folk musician David HB Drake has received many awards, including Wisconsin Area Music Industry Award - Family Music Artist of the Year 2001. All events take place at the Wisconsin Historical Museum located at 30 N Carroll St, on Capitol Square in Madison. Call 608-264-6555 for more inofrmation, or visit our website at www.wisconsinhistory.org/museum

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!

MARCH 15
State Historical Society Museum
"The Culture of Irish Immigrants" A dinner lecture in the Taste of Wisconsin Traditions series. Time: 7:00 PM-9:00 PM Tuesday, March 15 Location: Wisconsin Historical Museum on Capitol Square- 30 N Carroll St., Madison, WI 53703 View "Immigrant State" exhibit and enjoy a meal of corned beef and cabbage. Hear Victor Greene speak about Irish Imigration and the resulting popular theatrical and musical works of the late 19th and early 20th century. Book signing to follow. Cost: $19 ($17 WHS members) - must register by March 9th CAll 608-264-6566, or email museum@whs.wisc.edu www.wisconsinhistory.org

March 19-20 - Plover, WI
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wisconsin River Woodcarvers 5th Woodcarving Show, Sale & Competition
Central Wisconsin's Largest Woodcarving Show. General public can view hand carved wood pieces created by carvers from the Midwest. Demonstrations through out the day. A special hands-on session on beginning carving available for youth. Wood carvings and food available for purchase. Raffle on site. Open to the public. Admission is $1.00 (12 and under free) Elizabeth Inn and Convention Center Hwy. 54 & I-39 - Plover, WI
Contact: Bill Kubisiak 715-344-2274 or Greg Wirtz 715-423-0471

THE WORLD OF TRAVEL --

European Travel Guidebooks for Dog Owners Are Introduced by Lillystravels – Newsletter
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 18 / A Guidebook to Taking Your Dog to Paris, the first in a series of European travel guidebooks written for dog owners, is now available for purchase at
www.lillystravels.com." Published by Lillystravels, the guidebooks provide dog owners with indispensable information for navigating a trip to Europe with dog in tow.
Written in the voice of Lilly, an English Toy Spaniel, the guides include relevant information for preparing to take your dog on a European trip, such as obtaining necessary health certificates, packing, and preparing for departure. Also provided is valuable location-specific information, such as dog-friendly restaurants and hotels, the name of a local veterinarian, and navigating public transportation.
Five additional guidebooks covering Rome, Florence, Milan and the Lakes, Tuscany, and Austria, will be available in early Spring 2005. Thirteen additional European guides are planned for 2005 and 2006.

An online newsletter, providing the latest information for dog travel and available by subscription, will also be available in 2005 at www.lillystravels.com.

For additional information , contact: Juli Feinberg, Lillystravels, 510-304-8665 or 925-296-0713 ext. 201, Fax: 925-296-0715, juli@lillystravels.com high resolution photo available at www.lillystravels.com. (press)


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