Navigator News (tm) April 2009

Wondering when to schedule your 2009 visits to Door County? Try planning your itinerary around an art fair or community festival.

These events are usually outdoors, providing opportunity to see scenic areas throughout the Peninsula. Also, enjoy getting to know artists, craftspeople and business owners in a relaxed ambiance.

Read on to learn highlights of some of the many fairs scheduled May through October 2009.

Wool Gathering, Fine Art and Crafts Galore
The annual Shepherds Market takes place May 16 and 17 at Whitefish Bay Farm, Sturgeon Bay. Local sheep, goat and llama shepherds sell fibers as well

as one-of-a-kind handcrafted items. It's a don't-miss event, especially for people who knit, weave and love unique wearable art.

Another favorite is the Fine Art Fair on May 23 and 24 at Sunset Park along the Sturgeon Bay waterfront and close to shipbuilding businesses. Art is the main attraction at the juried show, where Midwestern artists exhibit their wares in watercolor, clay, wood, paper, photography, metal and other media.

There's a great silent auction, children's art activities, roaming musicians and a grill going near the water-a great place to eat.

Leave enough time to head over to Maifest, Jacksonport, also scheduled for May 23 and 24. Find garden accessories, handcrafted soap and lotions, wearable art and much more here.

Ban the Winter Witch
In Ephraim, celebrate a Scandinavian custom that bans the winter witch and welcomes summer. The village's 45th annual Fyr Ball Festival runs June 19 to 21 with the bewitching bonfire and most activities taking place Saturday, June 20, along the Eagle Harbor shoreline.

That's when the village crowns the new chieftain, a local resident chosen by the locals for his/her work in village arts, education or business. "The chieftain comes in as the sun is setting. It is quite dramatic. You can't see who it is, and there is always a lot of speculation," says Sally Jacobson of the Ephraim Historical Foundation.

Lakeside on the Fourth
Head to the lakeside July 4 to celebrate Independence Day in Baileys Harbor. Most activities take place near the beautiful marina on one day only. After the parade, walk through the outdoor art show.

Also, the shops along Hwy. 57 are open and sell antiques, clothing, furniture moccasins and more. The fantastic fireworks show, handled by the town's Fire Department volunteers, lights up the sky over the lake at dusk.

Later that month, businesses in Carlsville celebrate Carlsville Day on July 25. One of many activities on the special day is a pet contest, which will award prizes to dogs that do the best trick and who are the biggest, smallest and youngest, to name just a few of the categories.

"Sometimes it gets to be a tight race-with the length or size," says Verna Kreutz, owner of Pet Expressions in the Carlsville Marketplace.

Color at Fall Fests
Celebrate autumn's bounty during Sturgeon Bay's Harvest Festival and Harvest Moon Celebration Sept. 19.

Portions of the city will be transformed into a street fair, where arts, crafts and food vendors will sell their wares. Many will be area residents offering locally made and grown fare. Children's entertainment, autumn displays and music are part of the day, too.

Then, on Sept. 26, Baileys Harbor presents its intimate and appealing Autumn Fest with arts crafts, food and entertainment.

The popular Pumpkin Patch Festival is set for Oct.10 and 11 this year. Decorated scarecrows and

pumpkins are the main attractions throughout Egg Harbor during the festival as well as on days preceding the event. View displays, sponsored by businesses and created by volunteers, as you walk or drive. But really be certain to get around the entire village.

Also don't miss the Sister Bay Fall Fest, Oct. 16 to 18 this year. The artists and craftspeople now set up their exhibits along Mill St., providing more space

to see their displays and buy their wares. Your purchase of food and drink benefits non-profit organizations in Door County.

Learn more details about these and other Door County festivals and fairs at www.DoorCountyNavigator.com - visit our Calendar Now!