JCTC Monthly Newsletter

JEFFERSON COUNTY TOURISM COUNCIL  �  SEPTEMBER 2011


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In This Issue
Farmers' Markets
September Festivals
Unparalleled Theater Events
Pulse-Pounding Activities
Calendar of Events

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dr. S. Cary's Haunted House 

 

Too scared to come out at night? Be sure to visit Dr. S. Cary's Haunted House at Jellystone Park in Fort Atkinson during the day when it's not so scary! Featured is a 4-acre corn maze, a Halloween inflatable maze, and a hedge maze based on Colonial Williamsburg, VA. And don't forget to visit the doctor's house!

Dr. S. Cary

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

There is still plenty of  Farmers' Market Season left!

 

From May through September or October, you can find fresh produce, baked goods, and lots more at our fabulous Jefferson County farmers' markets.

Lake Mills
Wednesdays from 2-7
Commons Park downtown
opens May 4

Waterloo
Thursdays from 3-7
Firemen's Park
opens May 19

Cambridge
Fridays from 2-7
opens June 3

Whitewater
Saturdays from 8-noon
Wal-Mart parking lot
opens May 7

Fort Atkinson
Saturdays from 8-noon
Milwaukee Ave parking lot
opens May 14
Wisconsin Sheep
Jellystone Park
WSLD
Kool 106.5
WFAW

Dear ,

 
The lazy days of summer are turning into the cool, crisp and colorful days of autumn. Jefferson County has so many ways to keep your September weekends full of fun!

 

September Festivals  

 

 

Every autumn, Wisconsin is brimming with festivals, and Jefferson County is no exception. If you love crafts, food, music and dancing - and much more - you'll want to mark your calendars to attend as many of these great festivals as your schedule can hold.
  • September 2-5 - Lake Mills - 175th Anniversary Celebration
    Four days of fun in downtown Lake Mills. Contests for all ages - Crystal Farms cheese cooking contest - cake baking contest - bands and dancing - vintage fashion show and contest - car show - and much more. Whether you live in Lake Mills or are just visiting, there's something for people of all ages.
    For a full schedule of events, click here.
  • September 9-11 - Jefferson - Sheep & Wool Festival
    This year marks the 10th anniversary for this popular festival. Three days of classes, vendors, sheep and dog trials, and much more. Find out all of the details on their website.
  • September 10 - Watertown - Rock River Wine Fest & Craft Fair
    Enjoy wine tastings from 15 Wisconsin wineries, an arts/crafts fair and wonderful food. This is an annual event that draws a loyal crowd. 
  • September 10 - Waterloo - Wiener and Kraut Day
    What goes best with wieners and kraut? You do! Don't miss the 52nd annual festival that celebrates this most German of food groups.
  • September 16-18 - Jefferson - Gemuetlichkeit Days
    41 years and counting for this beloved German festival. Enjoy three days of food, fun, dancing and music.
  • September 17 - Lake Mills - Paint the Town
    This annual fundraiser fills the town with music, food, silent and live auctions, and lots of fun. Don't miss it!
  • September 17 through October 30 - Fort Atkinson - Busy Barns Autumn Adventure Weekends
    Every weekend from September 17 through the end of October, find family fun and more at Busy Barns Adventure Farm.
  • September 24 - Fort Atkinson - Go with the Flow at the Market
    Mix a weekly farmers' market with living history, a bouncy house, petting zoo, hayride, rummage sale and craft show - along with live music and great food - and you have a morning to remember.   

Unparalleled Theater Events  

 
Jefferson County is proud to be the home of The Fireside Theatre in Fort Atkinson. Enjoy professional productions and lunch or dinner in their award-winning dining area. Currently, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is showing through October 23.

 

Ten years ago, "9/11" changed our lives forever in America. On September 11, 2011, the Council for the Performing Arts in Jefferson will present a tribute to the fallen of that historic day.

Gifts of Grace is a reverent, uplifting and triumphant message you won't want to miss. 

 

 

Pulse-Pounding Activities  

 
Want to burn the calories from all of those wonderful festivals? You'll have lots of choices this month!
  • September 17 - Whitewater - Kettle Moraine Optimist Ride
    Three ride levels through the gorgeous Kettle Moraine for all experience levels. Call 262-472-4943 for more information.
  • September 24 - Whitewater - 2011 Fall Color Biking Festival Enjoy mountain biking on the John Muir Trails in Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest. Click here for more details.
  • September 24 - Watertown - Rockman Challenge Sprint Triathlon
    This unique triathlon will test your skills. From paddling to biking to running to an obstacle course, you will certainly earn the title of "Rockman" (or "Rockwoman!")
  • September 25 - Whitewater - J-Hawks Late Bird Triathlon
    Adult and child triathlon, with courses unique to both ages.
Child on bike

 


 

September Events in Jefferson County 

 

7 brides for 7 brothersSeptember 01 - October 23, 2011 - Seven Brides For Seven Brothers

 

With its high-stepping athletic dancing, its exuberant high spirits, its side-splitting good humor, and its sweeping romantic escapades, SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS is as joyous a musical as you'll see anywhere. Don't miss this thrilling stage version of the MGM classic musical. Seven shows weekly, see web site for specific times, prices and menus. Group rates and youth packages available.

 

 

 

Fort Atkinson - The Fireside Dinner Theatre, 1131 Janesville Avenue - (800) 477-9505 - http://www.firesidetheatre.com 

 


September 02 - 05, 2011 - Celebration of the 175th Anniversary of the Founding of Lake Mills

 

A weekend full of music, food, fun, family activities, sports & a LM 175th Anniversary

parade! From a quilt show to a photo show; from a cake baking contest to a Rock Paper Scissors contest; from a vintage fashion show to a square dance - there's something for everyone in Lake Mills over Labor Day weekend! Go to our website for all the latest details.

 

Lake Mills - (920) 648-2344 - http://www.LakeMills.org   

Complete Schedule of Events 

 


September 02 - 05, 2011 - Johnson Creek Premium Outlets Labor Day Sidewalk Sale

 

Johnson Creek Premium Outlets invites you to enjoy the last sidewalk sale of the season where you will find extraordinary savings of 25% to 65% on your favorite brands like Banana Republic Factory Store, Calvin Klein, Coach, Eddie Bauer, Gap Outlet, Under Armour and more!

 

Johnson Creek - I94 & Hwy 26, Exit 267 - (920) 699-4111

http://www.premiumoutlets.com/johnsoncreek 

 


September 03, 2011 - CHILI COOK OFF

 

The Friends of the Library First Ever Chili Cook Off. 10am-2pm

 

Palmyra - 115 W. Main St. (262) 903-3782  

 


September 04, 2011 - Live Music at Johnson Creek Premium Outlets - 3's A Crowd

 

Coca Cola presents free live music throughout the summer at Johnson Creek Premium Outlets. On September 4, 3's A Crowd will perform from 12:30-4:30pm near the Information Center.

 

Johnson Creek - Johnson Creek Premium Outlets, 575 W. Linmar Lane (920) 699-4111 - http://www.premiumoutlets.com/johnsoncreek  

 


BBQSeptember 05, 2011 - United We Cook

 

Smell and taste the contest entries of this BBQ cooking contest.

 

Watertown - Glenn's Market and Catering, 722 W Main Street  

(920) 261-5185 http://www.downtownwatertown.org  

 


September 07, 2011 - Jefferson Community Cruise Night

 

Join us for this free public event, held from 5:30-8:30pm the first Wednesday of each month during the summer. View classic cars, motorcycles and trucks. Enjoy prizes and entertainment. Held rain or shine. Concessions available. Contact Raughn for more information.

 

Jefferson - Havill Auto Group, 1121 South Main Street  

(920) 723-9621 - http://www.jeffersoncruisenights.com  

 


September 10, 2011 - Johnson Creek Fall Rummage O Rama

 

The Johnson Creek Fall Rummage O Rama will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011. Rummage sales are held at various residences throughout the Village from 7am-1pm. Rummage sale listings and maps will be available Friday, September 9th after 4pm at: Premier Bank, Badger Bank, Pernat's, Linmar BP, Pine Cone, Kwik Trip, Dan's Washboard, Tapper's Bar, JC Mobile, Fiesta Garibaldi, Bases Loaded, Culvers, and on the Chamber website.

Johnson Creek - Village of Johnson Creek and the surrounding area  

(920) 699-4949 - http://www.johnsoncreekchamber.com  

 


September 09-11, 2011 - Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival

 

Sheep & Wool festival plus stock dog shows, shearing demos,Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival sheep shows. The Country Store, quilt show, educational sessions for producers and more. For additional information, including vendors, classes and more, check the Sheep and Wool website.

 

 

 

Jefferson - Jefferson County Fair Park (608) 868-2505

    


September 10, 2011 - Annual Firemen's Dance & Poker Run

 

Fun, food and live music. All proceeds benefit Cambridge Fire Department to purchase extraction equipment.

 

Cambridge - Cambridge Fire Station (608) 576-7403

http://www.cambridgewi.com 

 


September 10, 2011 - FREE MEDICAL CLINIC Living Out Love  

 

Free medical services from 10am-2pm includes: 

  • Chiropractic Care Ask-A-Nurse Consults
  • Blood Pressure and Blood Glucose Screenings
  • School Physicals  
  • Pregnancy Help provided by the Pregnancy Hotline of Walworth County
  • Dental Care FREE Food and Clothing
  • FREE Lunch Haircuts
  • Auto and Bike Maintenance Family Portraits
  • Tax Services Legal Assistance
  • Career Counseling and Job Search Assistance
  • Community Resources Prayer and Spiritual Counseling 

Clinic services donated by medical and dental professionals and volunteers living and working in our community.

Clinic is organized by volunteers based on the model of Touched Twice United, a national non-profit organization based in Chippewa Falls, WI. Learn more at www.touchedtwiceunited.org

Clinic Coordinator: Lori Sura - [email protected]

Whitewater - CrossPointe Community Church (262) 473-7777

   


September 10, 2011 - Rock River Wine Fest & Craft Fair

 

Featuring:

  • 15 Wisconsin wineries for tasting
  • Over 100 craft and artist vendors
  • Great food
  • Contests with prizes - and more!
  • Over 4,000 attendees last year  
WineQuestions can be referred to Edna de Witt at 920-261-9460, or [email protected].

This event, held from 10am-5pm, is sponsored by Calico Cottage Winery, Rock River Winery, Watertown Kiwanis and Watertown Relay for Life.

 

 

Watertown - Riverside Park http://www.calicocottagewinery.com 

 


September 10, 2011 - Waterloo Wiener and Kraut Day

 

Join in the fun during the 52nd Annual Wiener & Kraut Day. Events include a citywide rummage sale, plenty of good food, drink and fun, a walk/run to benefit Friends of Autism, the Waterloo City Band and High School Band, Wiener Dog Parade, Waterloo Idol Karaoke Contest, Hot Dog Eating Contest, Texas Hold 'Em, Family Fun Area, and bands on the Main Stage till 10:00pm.

 

Waterloo - Citywide event, including downtown and Fireman's Park (920) 478-2500 - http://www.waterloowi.us/chamber/chamber_wiener.php?page=home  

 


September 11, 2011 - Gifts of Grace/Heroes of 9/11

10th Anniversay of 9/11! Time of this performance is 3pm. No tribute will ever match the glory of the men and women who found the grace to give their lives for their country. Pianist and arranger Mac Frampton has created an insprirational program to dignify and to commemorate the lives of all who died on that tragic day 10 years ago. GIFTS OF GRACE salutes these brave Americans by revisiting the hills of Pennsylvania, the streets of New York City and the sites of the nations' capital. Our songs and words seek only to dignify the priceless sacrifices made on Sept.11, 2001. Gifts of Grace is a reverent, uplifting and triumphant message, one that honors America's capacity for renewal and greatness.

 

Jefferson - 700 W. Milwaukee Ave. (920) 674-2179 http://www.councilfortheperformingarts.org  

 


September 11, 2011 - Sunday Serenade: Good Grounds and Soothing Sounds

 

10:30am-12:30pm - Live music provided by Guzzo Pinc and Steve Tesmer. Come and enjoy a lovely morning of music and a great cup of Alterra coffee, espresso drink, tea or a smoothie. Anyone attending this event will be entered into a drawing for two tickets to that afternoon's 3:00pm performance of "Gifts of Grace," donated by the CPA.

 

Jefferson - Rock River Gallery and Coffeehouse

205 S. Main Street (920) 541-3322

http://www.rockrivergallery.com  

 


September 16 - 18, 2011 - Gemuetlichkeit DaysG Days 2011

 

Festival held at the Jefferson County Fair Park celebrating 41 years in 2011. Theme is Autumn Harvest. Join the fun, great music all weekend and food. Parade downtown at noon on Sunday.

 

Jefferson - Jefferson County Fair Park (920) 674-4511

http://www.gdays.org


September 17 - October 14, 2011 - Visionary Artists Show & Sale

 

"Visions of Wisconsin" is the theme of this exhibit by the Visionary Artists: Barbara Grant, Marilyn Fuerstenberg, Karolyn Alexander, Thomas Jewell, and Roberta Juckett.

 

Fort Atkinson - 401 Whitewater Avenue (920) 563-7769  http://www.hoardmuseum.org  

 


PtTSeptember 17, 2011 - Painted Ladies "Paint the Town" Annual Fundraiser

 

A community event celebrating the renaissance of downtown Lake Mills. Get all of the event details here

 

 

Lake Mills - (920) 648-2344  http://www.legendarylakemills.com   

 


September 17, 2011 - City Wide Rummage Sale

 

Stop by the Watertown Daily Times and pick up your map to savings.

 

Watertown - various locations in town - (920) 261-5185

http://www.downtownwatertown.org
 

September 17 - October 30, 2011 - Autumn Adventure Weekends

 

The Autumn Adventure weekends at Busy Barns Adventure FarmBusy Barns offer a unique farm experience for your family to enjoy this fall. Your family will get the opportunity to visit the farm animals, travel through the corn shock cavern, pick pumpkins, play in a corn box, travel go down the 20' tunnel slides, ride the pony swings, enjoy a puppet show, climb on the tractor tire trail, milk "Holly the Holstein", tackle the obstacle course, test your farm knowledge in the trivia corn maze, sit on antique tractors and much more. Purchase our farm grown mums, pumpkins and unique fall decor. The farm is open Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 17th thru Oct. 23rd and Halloween weekend Oct. 27, 28, 29, and 30 from 10:00am-6:00pm. Busy Barns Adventure Farm offers fall family fun for the whole family!

 

Fort Atkinson - W7675 US Hwy 12 (920) 691-6742  http://www.busybarnsfarm.com  

 


September 17, 2011 - Kettle Moraine Optimist Ride

 

64 Mile Figure 8:
The 64 mile riders riders can start anytime between 8:00 and 10:00am. We expect that the riders who are choosing this longer ride are experienced with longer rides and can plan their start time so that they are able to return to our tailgate party by 3:00pm. Please keep in mind that you must include your stop time when computing your average speed.

18 Mile and 35 Mile Rides:
For the 18 and 35 mile riders there will be a mass start at 10:30am. With this start time, we expect that very few riders will return before we are ready to serve lunch. A 35 mile rider who averages 8 or more miles an hour will return by 3:00pm. If a rider does not expect to average 8 miles an hour they can leave prior to 10:30am.

Road Markings:
Where possible, roads will be marked with paint markings (link to markers) with two marks before each turn and one mark after each turn. Where necessary, signs will warn riders of busy roads and stop signs at the bottom of a hill. Some townships do not allow road markings. Signs will be used in these areas.

 

Whitewater - Kettle Moraine State Forest  

(262) 472-4943      

 


September 19, 2011 - Spaghetti Dinner/ Band Concert

 

Spaghetti dinner is from 5-6:30pm at the Palmyra United Methodist Church. Concert @ 7pm.

 

Palmyra - 122 N. Fifth St. (262) 495-4406

 


September 23 - 25, 2011 - Madison Classics Fall Car Show & Swap Meet

 

Need a part for your car? This is the place to be!

 

Jefferson - Jefferson County Fair Park (608) 244-8416  

http://www.jeffersonswapmeet.com  

 


Kettle Moraine Fall Color FestivalSeptember 24, 2011 - 2011 Fall Color Biking Festival

 

On a picturesque Wisconsin Fall Saturday, more than 650 mountain bicyclists assembled on the John Muir Trails in the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest to participate in the Annual Fall Color Festival sponsored by Trek, Wheel and Sprocket, and the LaGrange General Store/Backyard Bike Shop. The event raises money for the ever-popular John Muir trails and is hosted by WORBA. The Southern Kettle Moraine Forest DNR receives all of the proceeds after expenses for maintenance on the mountain bike trails.

 

Whitewater - John Muir Trail (262) 495-8600

http://www.backyardbikes.com/Events.asp  

 


September 24, 2011 - Family Wellness Expo

 

The day starts off with a group walk. Then enjoy demonstrations, talks, and exhibits throughout the day. Healthy refreshments and food will be available.

 

Cambridge - Downtown Veterans Park (608) 423-8108  

http://www.cambridgecap.net  

 


September 24 - 25, 2011 - Fort Atkinson's City-Wide Rummage Sale

 

City-wide rummage sale 8am-5pm on Saturday and 8am-noon on Sunday. Maps and listings available at Chamber office located at 244 N. Main Street, and at Pick 'n Save and Sentry.

 

Fort Atkinson - city-wide (920) 563-3210  

http://www.fortchamber.com  

 


September 24, 2011 - Go With The Flow at the Market

 

Celebrate the living history of the Rock River at the Fort Farmers'Fort FM Market Saturday September 24 8am-12pm. Learn about the history of the Rock River as well as ways you and your family can enjoy and conserve this beautiful waterway. In addition, kids will enjoy plenty of fun activities including a Bouncy House, petting zoo and a hayride around downtown Fort Atkinson. Over 40+ regular market producers will be on hand in addition to our 15+ Arts Saturdays Artists and Artisans. Enjoy live music, delicious treats and the City Wide Rummage Sale.

 

Fort Atkinson - Milwaukee Avenue Municipal Parking Lot near Rock River - 1 block off of Main Street across from the Post Office and Dwight Foster Library  

(920) 563-3210 - http://www.fortfarmersmarket.com  

 


September 24, 2011 - Rockman Challenge Sprint Triathlon

 

RACE DETAILS

 

Rockman Challenge�PADDLE:

Start the race with a paddle on the Rock River beginning at Tivoli Island. This first three mile leg will take you through Watertown on the water. Make sure you check out the three large city parks and businesses along the paddle. Also, make sure you read the river properly. Go too far out of the channel and you will add significant distance and time to your race. Cut a corner too sharp, you may have to push pole. Just above the dam, exit the water, river left, and carry your gear 75 yards. Re-enter the water below the dam and paddle to the boat launch next to Bethesda Lutheran Communities - about a mile. Did you notice the historic bridges? How about the geese?

 

�BIKE: This is a challenging but still a reasonable 13.5 mile route. Some hills and some flats, sure to please every level rider. You may notice how quickly you get into the country, another small town treat. The rolling glacial terrain of Jefferson County offers remarkable views on this route. Was that the same goose flying overhead that you saw during your paddle?

 

�RUN: Now begin your three mile trail run. Certainly not as hilly as the bike ride but equally as challenging. Take notice of Bethesda's grounds...you're helping support them right now! The wooded portion - Camp Matz - offers the chance to observe deer, squirrels or other wildlife. Get to the edge of the woods and look for the ducks, cranes and other nesting birds. Was that the same goose over your head?

 

�OBSTACLE: A short run with a twist. It is only a quarter mile but it contains a military style obstacle course complete with Drill Sergeants and a swing over a water trap. Lastly, grab your RockMan Challenge Burlap Bag, put both feet in and holding the bag above your knee line, get to the finish line. Congratulations, you just completed the RockMan Challenge!

 

Watertown - Jefferson County (414) 704-9969

http://www.rockmanchallenge.org/Home.html  

 


September 25, 2011 - J-Hawks Late Bird Triathlon

 

Adult Triathlon: 500 yd swim, 13.7 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run 

Child Triathlon: 200 yd swim, 4 mile bike, 1 mile run
Team Triathlons: Can be co-ed or single sex teams, 2 or 3 person

 

Whitewater - UW-Whitewater Williams Center  

(608) 449-5150 - http://www.j-hawks.org/Tri/Tri.aspx  

   


September 25, 2011 - Taste of Whitewater

 

The Taste showcases Whitewater's local delicious foods for all to try, along with many other fun things to do and bands to listen to while enjoying our food!  

[email protected] 

 

Whitewater - Cravath Lakefront (262) 473-2200  

http://www.tasteofwhitewater.com  

 


September 25, 2011 - St. Wenceslaus Day

 

Follow the country roads that surround Waterloo, and you'll come across Island Church, a Wisconsin registered landmark built in 1863. Early settlers to this area from Bohemia and Germany called this St. Wenceslaus Church, after the king of Bohemia, and you can relive history on St. Wenceslaus Day through an authentic Catholic mass in the tradition of the early 19th century and other historical activities on church grounds.

 

Waterloo - Island Church Rd & Blue Joint Rd, Waterloo  http://www.waterloowi.us/comm/community_icf.php?page=home 


September 25, 2011 - American Legion Pancake Breakfast

 

7am-noon

 

Palmyra - 115 N. Third St. (262) 495-2632    

 

 

JEFFERSON COUNTY TOURISM COUNCIL CONTACT INFO  

 

JCTC Logo

President:  Steven Cline  |  [email protected]  |   920-728-2267

Vice President: Kate Anderson   |   [email protected]   |   920-648-3585

Treasurer:  Janet Werner   |   [email protected]   |   920-674-4511

Secretary:  Connie Oestreich  |  [email protected]  |  920-563-3210

Newsletter Editor: Katie Otto |  [email protected]  | 920-945-0152

Official Guide Representative:  Jennifer Erdman   |   [email protected]  
                                                  |   414-213-4125