# 9 in 2005 MARCH 11 and BEYOND !

S.S.F.W.

Something Special from Wisconsin

We’re proud to announce that GarysGetaways newsletter is now a certified member of the "Something Special from Wisconsin" marketing campaign.
To learn more about the other fine products and participants go to
http://datcp.state.wi.us/mktg/business/marketing/val-add/ssfw/

CONTENTS

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

Wisconsin, Life’s So Good! That’s the new Wisconsin tourism slogan and the message conveyed in a new theme song featured in Wisconsin TV spots. Of course you’ll get no argument from most people who live here, and the millions of outstate guests keep coming back too.

A study done several years ago showed that once you get an out of state visitor to come and spend a day or two in Wisconsin, they’re likely to come back about 8 times in the next 3-5 years. And if you get to the bottom of it, it’s clear that they agree: Life IS good here.

So to get some of that “good life” for yourself, be sure to check the listings of free things at the bottom of the newsletter. “Free” and “New” are words you’ll see often in the listings this week. I just returned from the 2005 Governor’s Tourism Conference and over the next few weeks will pass along the contact information for a batch of new and free 2005 getaway guides. They can be a big help in planning vacations and all of them are loaded with tidbits of trivia and I-didn’t-know-that facts you can toss out at the next party.

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

Ok see you soon!

# 9 in 2005 MARCH 11 and BEYOND !

NOW Thru MAY 15

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

SPEAKING OF MUSIC....

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

THRU END OF MARCH

Ice Castle - Eagle River
Every winter, community volunteers working with the local fire department of Eagle River build a magnificent ice castle. The frozen masterpiece, made from more than 3,000 ice blocks, is illuminated with dozens of colored floodlights. This spectacular palace is also lit every evening throughout the winter season (1-800-359-6315)

THROUGH 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:

• Terese Agnew, Sunday, March 13 at 2 pm

Mar 9 - Mar 12 Oshkosh/WI Decoy Collectors at the Hilton: Buy, Sell, Trade. Free Appraisals. Old and New Decoys, Duck Calls, Hunting Knives, Animal Traps, Wildlife Paintings, Prints and Related Arts, Cartridges, Fishing Tackle. Open to the public, Room to Room. Hilton Garden Inn Wednesday night, Thursday Afternoon & Night, Friday Afternoon & Night, Saturday from 8am-3pm. 920/233-0349. (Winnebago Co.)

Mar 10 - Mar 13 Appleton/Valley Home Builders Expo: More than 100 exhibitors in 260 booths will showcase their offerings. The expo will not only feature company products, but also educational seminars and how-to demonstrations. TDS Players Choice Sproting Complex Thur & Fri: 4-8pm; Sat: 9am-6pm; Sun: 9am-4pm. 920/731-7931. (Outagamie Co.)

March 10-12: WIAA State Girls Basketball Tournament
Kohl Center, 601 W. Dayton St., Madison
The WIAA (Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association) State Tournaments return to Madison! Catch all the excitement as the state’s best high school girls basketball teams compete for state honors at the Kohl Center.

Mar 11 Menomonie/Bonnie Rideout Scottish Trio: One of the finest and most fiery Scottish fiddlers of our time, Bonnie Rideout brings to her performances the evocative music of the Highlands. Mabel Tainter Theater 8pm. 715/235-0001 x13. (Dunn Co.)

Mar 11 Oshkosh/Winefeast: Silent Auction and Raffle. Wine and Beer Tasting of more than 250 wines, domestic and imported beers, non-alcoholic beverages and tasty cuisine from 22 area restaurants. Taste Special "Cellar Select" and "Premium" wines from 6 - 7 pm. Tickets will be available in advance and at the door. Purchase tickets at the Boys and Girls Club - 501 E Parkway Av, Pick 'n Save - 1900 Jackson and 1940 S Koeller Sunnyview Expo Center. 6-10 pm 920/233-1414. (Winnebago Co.)

Mar 11 Madison/Israel Contemporary Dance Theater: Also known to audiences around the world as the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company, this amazing troupe is comprised of 22 performers who react to the Middle East's political realities through innovative dance performance. It is one of Israel's leading dance companies, collaborating with the world's most admired choreographers and performing in prestigious festivals and events throughout the globe. Wisconsin Union Theater 8pm. 608/262-2202. (Dane Co.)

March 11-13: UW Men's WCHA Hockey Playoffs
Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison
WCHA #4 Seed Wisconsin Badgers will host #7 Alaska Anchorage in a best of three series. Catch all the action live at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum at the Alliant Energy Center! Mar 11 - Mar 13 Kenosha/"The Allergist's Wife" by Lakeside Players: By Charles Busch. Urban angst sets the stage in this vibrant comedy/drama for an examination into the marriage of a famous doctor and his wife, the nature of friendship, and ultimately the goal of life. By turns hilarious, thoughtful, and poignant, this look at modern living by a gifted and controversial playwright is recommended for mature audiences. Rhode Center for the Arts Fri.-Sat. 8pm, Sun. 2pm 262/657-7529. (Kenosha Co.)

Mar 11 - Mar 13 Kenosha/Let's Go Racing Motorsports Show: 28th annual show, held at The Original Outlet Mall. The Original Outlet Mall 262/857-7961. (Kenosha Co.)

Mar 11 - Mar 13 Madison/Bike-O-Rama: You can comparison shop, test ride, accessorize, and buy from all 2004 bicycle brands in one place! This is the 10th year the Arena Building comes alive with thousands of new bicycles. Arena Building Fri noon-9pm; Sat 8am-9pm; Sun 10am-6pm. 608/267-3976. (Dane Co.)

Mar 11 - Mar 13 Madison/Canoecopia: World's largest paddlesport exposition featuring more than 100,000 sq. ft. of canoeing and kayaking exhibits, outfitters and manufacturers. More than 75 slide shows, clinics, and demonstrations on all aspects of paddlesports. Alliant Energy Center Fri 4-9pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm. 800/472-3353. (Dane Co.)

Mar 11 - Mar 13 Madison/Madison Symphony Orchestra with Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg: Sensational and unmistakable, Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg returns to the MSO stage after an extraordinary 2001 performance of Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto that had the audience on its feet after the first movement. Her passionate and energetic approach is well-suited to Barber's brilliant concerto, with a finale that is one of the most demanding in the repertory. Overture Hall Mar 11 at 7:30pm, Mar 12 at 8pm, Mar 13 at 2:30pm. 608/258-4141. (Dane Co.)

Mar 11 - Mar 13 Milwaukee/Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra: Bugs Bunny on Broadway: A must-see event that brings that "Wascally Wabbit" to Uihlein Hall in such classics as "What's Opera, Doc?", "A Corny Concerto" and "Long-Haired Hare" projected on the big screen with the original scores performed by the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Uihlein Hall 800/291-7605. (Milwaukee Co.)

Mar 11 - Mar 13 West Bend/Home Improvement Expo: 80 exhibitors fill more than 120 booths. Ideas, how-to-seminars, demonstrations and helpful solutions for almost any home improvement project. Door prizes. Fairgrounds Fri 4-8pm, Sat & Sun 10am-5pm. 888/338-8666. (Washington Co.)

Mar 11 - Mar 20 West Allis/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show: Wisconsin's largest mid-winter sports & vacation show. Outdoor enthusiasts check out the latest gear, vehicles, destinations, art and more. Wisconsin Exposition Center, Wisconsin State Fair Park Weekdays 2-9pm, Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-6pm. 800/554-1448. (Milwaukee Co.)

Mar 11 - Mar 27 Milwaukee/The Last Five Years: A contemporary song-cycle musical that ingeniously chronicles the five-year life of a marriage, where the end is the beginning and the beginning is the end. With beautiful music and alternately humorous and heartfelt lyrics, The Last Five Years is one of the brightest, freshest scores of the new century. Contains adult language. Broadway Theatre Center 414/291-7800. (Milwaukee Co.)

Mar 11 - Mar 12 Eau Claire/There's A Boy in the Girls' Bathroom: A pop culture phenomenon comes to the musical stage! This musical review is based on the Emmy Award-winning 1970's Saturday morning cartoon series that taught history, grammar, math, science, and politics through clever, tuneful songs. The show is filled with over two dozen songs from the series including Lolly, Lolly, Lolly", "Conjunction Junction", "Elbow Room", and "I'm Just a Bill." Audiences will delight in this sure-fire entertainment that is simply good, clean, and educational fun! Eau Claire Childrens Theatre Fri 7:30 pm, Sat 1:30 pm 715/839-8877. (Eau Claire Co.)

Mar 11 - Mar 12 La Crosse/La Crosse Symphony Orchestra 2004-05: Performing six concerts for the 2004-05 season. Viterbo University Fine Arts Center Concert Preview: 6:45pm; Concert: 7:30pm; Reception: 9:30pm. 608/783-2121. (La Crosse Co.)

Mar 11 - Mar 12 Bayfield/Rittenhouse Spring Fling Martini Weekend: Lodging packages include martini reception, full breakfast each morning, and Saturday evening's Spring Fling dinner serving a special spring menu with martinis, beer and wine served throughout. Old Rittenhouse Inn. 800/779-2129. (Bayfield Co.)

Mar 11 - Mar 12 Cable/Lakewoods Hot Air Balloon Rally/Snowshoe Race: Hot air balloon rides, balloon glow, Snow shoe race/shuffle. 800/255-5937. (Bayfield Co.)

Mar 11 - Mar 13 Green Bay/Greater Green Bay Golf and Summer Sports Expo: This is the ultimate show for the golfer and summer sports enthusiast and it's for three days only! The golfer can visit premier golf courses and meet with golf pros, see custom-designed golf cars and golf products, get golf discounts and coupons, plan golf vacations, meet with personal trainers and more! If you love to golf, love the trails, or love adventure - you need to attend this show! Shopko Exposition Hall Fri: 2-8pm; Sat: 10am-8pm; Sun: 10am-4pm. 920/606-2280. (Brown Co.)

Mar 11 - Mar 13 La Crosse/La Crosse Tribune's Golf Expo: Everything for the golfer from putters to pro tips. 608/782-9710. (La Crosse Co.)

Mar 11 - Mar 13 La Crosse/Shrine Circus: La Crosse Center. 608/789-7400. (La Crosse Co.)

Mar 11 - Mar 13 Onalaska/Home & Garden Show: More than 130 booths of home improvement projects, garden and landscaping ideas. Onalaska Omni Center Call for times. 608/781-5242. (La Crosse Co.)

Mar 11 - Mar 13 Sheboygan/"The Sting": Delightful comedy about the honky tonk world of small-time hustlers and the art of conning. After a Chicago racket boss reacts murderously to being conned, a drifter seeks revenge with the aid of a master con artist. Their decision to spring "The Wire" on the mobster begins with "The Set Up," proceeds to "The Tale" and eventually leads to "The Shut Out." Having now completely hooked their victim, they move on to "The Sting," where one switch after another builds the tension to explosive heights. The intricate scenario of a complicated confidence game comes to life. (Non-musical) 2820 Union Ave.. Sundays at 2pm, all other days at 7:30pm 920/459-3779. (Sheboygan Co.)

Mar 12 Boscobel/The Red Balloon Collector's Event: General Collectors Show and Tell, Unique and Unusual Collections on Display. Blaine Gym 10 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Open to general public, no admission charged 608/375-2466. (Grant Co.)

Mar 12 Kansasville/National Association of Rocketeers Launch: Watch expert rocketeers from around the nation launch a variety of rockets. Richard Bong State Recreation Area 9am 262/878-5600. www.narcon2005.org (Kenosha Co.)

Mar 12 Madison/Wisconsin History - Family Style: Join us for a day of hands-on-history, music & crafts for the whole family at the Wisconsin Historical Museum. Programs: Why History Matters?, Ribbon Applique History Bag, Wiscon - Sing with David HB Drake. 9am-4pm. 608/264-6555. (Dane Co.)

Mar 12 Milwaukee/St. Patrick's Day Parade: Parade steps off at noon lasts about 1.5 hours. Party to follow featuring live Irish music, dance and food. New in 2005 the 1st Annual St. Patrick's Day 5K Run beginning at 11am outside Mo's Irish Pub and ending at Pere Marquette Park for a post-run party. Many post parade parties will take place at various locations featuring Irish entertainment. Downtown Parade begins at noon. 414/276-6696. (Milwaukee Co.)

Mar 12 Prairie du Chien/St Patrick's Day Parade: Big parade, corned beef & cabbage at area restaurants. Blackhawk Ave. 800/732-1673. (Crawford Co.)

Mar 12 Appleton/Art Garfunkel: The Neenah/Menasha Professional Firefighters are excited to announce the appearance of legendary artist, Art Garfunkel along with the Fox Valley Symphony. Although it has been 30 years since "Bridge Over Troubled Water" was recorded, Art Garfunkel's image and signature vocals remain among the most instantly recognizable in popular music. His "beautiful countertenor," as Neil Strauss described Art's voice in The New York Times, is clear and resonant, surely one of the finest instruments in all of popular music, and a time-honored friend to a world of listeners. Fox Cities Performing Arts Center 7:30 pm 920/730-3782. (Outagamie Co.)

Mar 12 Fond du Lac/Wisconsin Bird & Game Breeders Spring Swap: Unique sale featuring pheasants, peafowl, water fowel, poultry, cage birds, and small animals. Buy, sell, trade. Reservations for table required. FDL County Fairgrounds/Expo Center 6:30am-12pm 800/937-9123. (Fond du Lac Co.)

Mar 12 Green Lake/Thrasher Opera House: Alison Brown: Banjoist Alison Brown has been internationally acclaimed for both her virtuosity and her wide-ranging musical sensibilities, which encompass bluegrass, jazz, folk, and Celtic roots. 7:30pm. 888/441-0140. (Green Lake Co.)

Mar 12 Manitowoc/Harvesting the Inland Seas- Commercial Fishing on the Great Lakes: To coincide with Community Appreciation Day, the Museum will open this new temporary exhibit for 2005. Harvesting the Inland Seas- Commercial Fishing on the Great Lakes traces lake fishing from the 1830s to the present, focusing on Wisconsin and vividly illustrating how this once thriving industry contributed to the economy and flavor of the area. Admission to the Museum is free all day. 75 Maritime Drive. 1:00pm 866/724-2356. (Manitowoc Co.)

Mar 12 Manitowoc/St. Patrick's Day Celebration: All day downtown St. Patrick's festival. Parade at 5:30pm and fireworks to follow. Downtown Manitowoc Parade and fireworks. All day celebration. 920/684-5338. (Manitowoc Co.)

Mar 12 Manitowoc/UW-Manitowoc Lakeshore Wind Ensemble: The Winds of March - March 12, 2005. An American Salute. From the New World - May 7, 2005. All of the above are at the Capitol Civic Centre in downtown Manitowoc. Music Under the Stars-A Summer Serenade - July 31, 2005 Two Rivers Band Shell. 917 S 8th St. 920/683-4733. (Manitowoc Co.)

Mar 12 Neenah/Fox Valleyaires 61st Annual Barbershop Show: A Capella music in the barbershop style. Circus theme. Featuring two Society Barbershop quartets and the Fox Valleyaires Chorus and quartets. 1275 Tullar Rd.. 3pm & 7:30pm $ 920/734-9495. (Winnebago Co.)

Mar 12 Sparta/Community Expo/Chili Cook-Off: This event showcases Sparta and local area businesses, non-profit organizations, churches and clubs. It is open to the public, and gives people a great opportunity to see what Sparta businesses have to offer. The ever-popular Chili Cook-Off takes place in the school cafeteria. 506 N Black River St. 11am - 3pm 800/354-2453. (Monroe Co.)

Mar 12 Amery/The Chippewa Valley Pipes & Drums: Pipe & drum corps 113 Elm St. 7:30 p.m. 715/268-6811. (Polk Co.)

Mar 12 Boulder Junction/Cabin Fever Party: Please join the Boulder Junction Snowmobile Club for The Snowmobile Cabin Fever Party. There will be a cookout, live music with the sounds of Desperado (country & rock band), and door prizes. J.J.'s Pub & Grub 5-9pm. Dance begins at 9pm. 800/466-8759. (Vilas Co.)

Mar 12 Sturgeon Bay/St. Patrick's Day Celebration: Wear your green and watch the 7th Annual Irish Parade in Sturgeon Bay as Door County is proclaimed "County Door!" Downtown 11:00am. 920/743-6246. (Door Co.)

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

Mar 12 - Mar 13 Bayfield/Annual Spring Carnival: 43rd Annual Spring celebration at Mt. Ashwabay downhill ski and snowboard area. Competition, food and fun. Mt. Ashwabay. Noon-4:30p 715/779-3227. (Bayfield Co.)

Mar 12 - Mar 13 Phillips/Spring Sport, Home & Craft Show: Annual show with more than 40 exhibitors/crafters, plus daily seminars on topics including perennial gardening, scrapbooking, welcome signs, and long-term care. Phillips Municipal Building Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-3pm. 888/408-4800. (Price Co.)

Mar 12 - Mar 13 Tomahawk/Snowshoeing Techniques & Application: Designed for those interested in learning about: snowshoeing as a popular form of recreation; its development through history; basic snowshoeing skills; the multiple facets relative to showshoeing; appreciation of safe and healthy outdoor values; and doing snowshoeing hiking and recreational games. Treehaven Sat 9am-Sun 3pm. 715/453-4106. (Lincoln Co.)

Mar 12 - Mar 13 La Crosse/Model Train Show: The miniature world of model trains comes alive during this great weekend event. La Crosse Center Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 10am-4pm 608/789-7400. (La Crosse Co.)

Mar 12 - Mar 13 Kenosha/One-Act Festival-Carthage College Theatre: Multiple productions performed at indoor and outdoor venues, by student directors and invited community companies. Vision, variety and verve make this an energetic event! 2001 Alford Park Drive. Noon to 5pm; reservations through theatre ticket voice mail @ 262-551-6661 or e-mail TheatreTickets@carthage.edu 262/551-6661. (Kenosha Co.)

Mar 12 - Jun 5 Madison/Don Reitz: Clay, Fire, Salt and Wood: Born in 1929, Don Reitz is recognized as one of the most important and influential ceramic artists of this century. He has pursued a life-long investigation of salt and wood firing of his ceramic pieces in order to preserve the energy and freshness of his artistic marks and gestures. Finding that the texture and unpredictability of salt-firing suited his work, Reitz almost single-handedly revived this neglected technique, and through long experimentation developed a range of colors and surface effects previously unknown in salt-firing. Juggling and manipulating the variables in each firing, Reitz is a virtuoso who relishes knowing what he can control and what he cannot, and his work maintains a fine balance between technical mastery and improvisation. Elvehjem Museum of Art 608/263-2246. (Dane Co.)

March 13: St Patrick's Day Parade
Capitol Square
Each year a Committee of Volunteers stages a St. Patrick's Day Parade at 1:30 on the Sunday before St Patrick's Day. Don’t miss this favorite event held in conjunction with the Shamrock Shuffle and the raising of the Irish Flag inside of the State Capitol by the Dane County Shamrock Club.

Mar 13 Menomonie/Pro Arte Quartet: The Pro Arte Quartet maintains an 85-year tradition of dedication to classical and contemporary string chamber music. Mabel Tainter Theater 2pm. 715/235-0001 x13. (Dunn Co.)

Mar 13 Sheboygan/Maywood Flapjack Day: Celebrate the Wisconsin tradition of "maple sugaring" with a guided tour of the maple forest; observe the entire maple sugar process from tapping trees to boiling sap. Taste pure maple syrup on sample flapjacks. Featured activities include horse-drawn wagon rides, a petting zoo, live music, lumberjack olympics, and refreshments. No reservations are necessary. 10am-3pm. 920/459-3906. (Sheboygan Co.)

Mar 13 Beloit/St. Patrick's Day Parade: Celebrate the wearin' o' the green with a wonderful parade. Downtown Parade starts at 1pm. 608/365-0150. (Rock Co.)

Mar 13 Madison/St. Patrick's Day Parade: Over 100 musical acts, dance troops, families and other groups are expected to participate in this year's event. The Parade is the culmination of several festivities planned for that weekend to celebrate "All that is Irish." Capitol Square Parade at 1:30pm. 800/373-6376. (Dane Co.)

Mar 13 Milwaukee/Milwaukee Beer Festival: Witness the Blessing of the Bock, taste Bock and other specialty beers, buy brewery memorabilia, meet the brewery reps. (You must be 21 to attend.) Serb Hall Noon-4:30pm. 414/372-0749. (Milwaukee Co.)

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!

Mar 13 - Mar 27 Oregon/Lambing Time on the Farm: See newborn lambs and learn about these woolly creatures. It may be possible to witness the birth of a lamb. There will be other animals to see and touch. A great springtime experience for the kids. Sheep barn, A-Z Farm Sun only, 10am-4pm. 608/835-5553. (Dane Co.)

Mar 13 - Jun 5 Madison/Luminations: Sue Gilgen, a local fiber artist, will display her creations inspired by Wisconsin flora and fauna. Instead of paints and brushes, she uses fabric and thread to sew her art together in a quilt-like fashion. Olbrich Botanical Gardens Sundays, 11am-5pm. 608/246-4550. (Dane Co.)

THRU - Mar 20 Madison/Spring Flower Show: Welcome in spring a little early, with blooming tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocus, and forced branches of forsythia and other spring-blooming branches. Walk among English daisies, pansies, and lobelia as they offer a glimpse of what's to come. This exhibit will stimulate your imagination, and revive your memory of the beauty of spring. Olbrich Botanical Gardens 10am-4pm daily and 10am-5pm Sundays 608/246-4550. (Dane Co.)

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

March 31- April 1 Wisconsin Film Fest
The schedule for the next Wisconsin Film Festival (March 31–April 3) is now available! Featuring independent, experimental, foreign and documentary films, this popular event brings thousands of attendees to downtown Madison during the four days. Take a look at this year’s diverse line-up of films and other special events at www.wifilmfest.org.

FREE & SPECIAL !

1. FREE-WISCONSIN HARBOR TOWNS GUIDE
   A colorful 44 page guide to all of Wisconsin's Harbor Communities. Free -- call 1-800-627-4896

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

3. FREE 27 WISCONSIN COMMUNITY TRAVEL GUIDES - ONE STOP ORDERING -It's easy to get area guides for 27 major Wisconsin destinations...with just one request! The Wisconsin Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus has an easy to use order form. Go to http://www.escapetowisconsin.com/modules/city/visitorsguide.php

4. NEW – The Heidel House Getaway Store –
   GREEN LAKE, Wis. – Shopping for great getaways and “the person who has everything” just got easier thanks to a new On-Line Store set up by Heidel House Resort. SHOP IS OPEN OPEN 24/7
   The “shop” is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at www.heidelhouse.com/store.

5. NEW FREE CHEESE COUNTRY GUIDE -
   – Call for free guide at 1-888-222-9111

6. MADISON GUIDE – FREE 800-373-6376

7. BAYFIELD GUIDE – free- 800-447-4094

8. ASHLAND & BAYFIELD COUNTIES GUIDE 2005 – 800-264-9484 OR 800-472-6338

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

10. FREE – NEW 2004 SPRING SUMMER- WISCONSIN RECREATION & TRAVEL GUIDES – Phone 1-800-432-TRIP or surf on over to www.travelwisconsin.com

11. NEW FREE – WISCONSIN BIRDING GUIDE & NATURE TRAIL: Lake Superior/Northwoods Edition This is the first of five highway-based viewing guides that includes driving directions, maps, bird descriptions and contact numbers for 87 northern Wisconsin bird spotting hotspots. It’s 72 pages, 6 by 11 inches and full color. Phone 1-800-432-8747 or go to www.travelwisconsin.com.

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

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

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