What a great opportunity to get out of the house and enjoy some winter fun in Jefferson County this month! There are three major festivals going on - the Knickerbocker Ice Festival in Lake Mills on February 2, the Dip For Dozer festival in Cambridge on February 9, and the Freeze Fest in Whitewater the following weekend (February 16).

 

Knickerbocker Ice Festival - A full weekend of events in Lake Mills on February 1 & 2, including:

• Team Trivia Contest  
• Ice Fisheree
• 15 ice carvers in downtown Lake Mills
• Rock Lake Under Ice
• Iceberg Open (golfing on frozen Rock Lake!)
• Royal Coronation of our 2013 King & Queen - Pat & Boyd Forest
• Optimist Club Skating Party
• Thundering Acres wagon rides
• Fire & Ice Chili Cook-off
• Family Games in Commons Park
• 50/50 Raffle

Please click here for all of the details on the Knickerbocker Ice Festival!

 

 

Dip for Dozer - and more! - A wild day in Cambridge on February 9, including:

• Dip for Dozer at Lake Ripley
• Kites on Ice
• Turkey Bowling
• Dipping Costume Contest
• Kurt's Place Outhouse Races
• Cambridge Frosty Frolic (snowshoeing, skating, cross country skiing)

Please click here for more information on the Cambridge activities.

 

 

Freeze Fest - Whitewater, February 16

• Icy plunge to raise money for the Special Olympics
• Chicken bowling
• Chili Cook-off
• and more!

Please click here for more information on the Whitewater festival. 

 

 

 

 

Anyone who thinks they have to be in New York, or Chicago (or even Milwaukee or Madison) to see great theater, needs to come to Jefferson County and see what we have to offer! February is especially busy in the drama department - take a look at all of the great shows that you can take in. Additional information about each show is in our February calendar below.

• Sizzlin' 60's - Fort Atkinson - Fireside Theatre - through 2/24
• Gold 'n Blues - Jefferson - Council for the Performing Arts - 2/1 
• The Tortoise Versus the Hare - Whitewater - Young Auditorium - 2/2
• Rumplestiltskin - Whitewater - Young Auditorium - 2/10
• As You Like It - Whitewater - Young Auditorium - 2/14
• Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli de Veracruz - Whitewater - Young Auditorium - 2/18
• Masters of Motown - Whitewater - Young Auditorium - 2/23
• Martha Speaks - Whitewater - Young Auditorium - 2/24
• Footloose - Fort Atkinson - Fireside Theatre - 2/24 through 4/14  

 

 

This year, we begin a new feature in the Jefferson County Tourism Council newsletter - fish fry reviews from our wonderful and plentiful restaurants in Jefferson County!

The anonymous "Fish Dish Review Crew" will be spanning Jefferson County in search of the perfect Fish Dishes & Restaurants. Their motto: "Anytime is a good time for fish: fried, baked, boiled, sautéed, grilled...any way!"

 

 

 

 

 

First up: Donny's Girl in Pipersville

Classification?    "Classic Wisconsin Supper Club"

 

6:00PM

 

 

I begin to ask some neighbors about "Donny's Girl" and the bartender asks if I want to see a menu, mentioning that there is a history of the place on the front. Son and daughter now run the place mom and dad ran for years, and I am told that the friendly, menu slinging bartender is mom herself.

 

7:30PM

 

 

Rating Scale of 1-10

• Cleanliness: 8
  (Bathrooms were spotless as was the general dining areas)
• Bar/Waiting Area: 7
  (Friendly as all get out, but it was a long wait to get a table - meaning that this is a very popular place, folks!)
• Tables bussed in a timely manner: 9
  (Wait staff bussed their own...impressive)
• Menu: 8
  (Easy to read. Liked the history of Donny's Girl)
• Service: 8
  (We had to request water and drinks, but waitress made up for it with timely food, separate checks and a genuine manner. We never felt rushed.)
• Price vs Value: 9
  (Good, solid Friday Night fare for a reasonable price, served promptly. We all agreed that we would love to return to sample other nightly specials.)

A favorite spot in Jefferson County - try it the next time you're looking for good, solid Wisconsin food! 

 

 

 

 

Have you ever had an exemplary customer service experience in Jefferson County? Has someone gone above and beyond to help you? The Jefferson County Tourism Council (JCTC) bets you have had many such experiences and they want to hear about them.  

 

Reward your great service experience by nominating that person for the 3rd annual JCTC Golden Pineapple Award. Nominees should work or volunteer for a Jefferson County business or organization.  

 

"We are looking for a person who makes your day better, who does the unexpected. These front line people are the face of Jefferson County and help to make us a destination. And we don't think they get enough credit, that's why this award was created," said JCTC Board President Steve Cline.  

 

We will be presenting our Golden Pineapple Award to one of the nominated individuals at an awards ceremony in March of 2013 at a local restaurant (to be announced). The pineapple, especially in Colonial times, was felt to represent a sense of welcome, good cheer, and human warmth. We believe it is the perfect symbol for this award. The top nominees will be honored at a dinner with the winner receiving a cash award. Last year's winner was Teri Macejkovic at the B.E. Hive Hair Salon in Jefferson. DEADLINE TO NOMINATE SOMEONE IS APRIL 1, 2013.

 

Please check our website for additional information - www.enjoyjeffersoncounty.com/2013-golden-pineapple-award  

 

 

The 1960's was the most creative, the most turbulent, the most exciting, and the most entertaining decade of the last half of the 20th Century. It was an era of new styles, new ideas, and fabulous new music. It was the era of The Beatles; The Beach Boys; The Rolling Stones; The Association; The Doors; The Four Seasons; Crosby, Stills and Nash; Simon and Garfunkel; Peter, Paul and Mary; as well as the Motown sound of The Temptations, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, and Aretha Franklin and much, much more! This season we continue our tradition of spectacular live band shows with a tribute to that unforgettable decade! From the creator of VIVA VEGAS comes this all new production featuring audience favorite Steve Watts and The Fireside Band and a cast of talented singers and dancers in a dazzling, fast-moving, sizzlin' extravaganza.

Fort Atkinson - 1131 Janesville Ave.
(800) 477-9505 or (920) 563-9505 - www.firesidetheatre.com

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February 1, 2013 - GOLD 'n BLUES

The Gold 'n Blues became Marquette University's first recognized coed a cappella group in the spring of 2008. This is a 19-member group and has exploded in recognition on campus and city-wide. From singing at the "Best of the Midwest" a cappella concert, to the National Anthem at sporting events, this group has come a long way from Open Mic Night! 7pm Friday night. 

 

Jefferson - 700 W. Milwaukee Street - hosted by the Council for the Performing Arts

 

(920) 674-2179 - www.councilfortheperformingarts.org

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February 1, 2013 - Knickerbocker Ice Festival - Team Trivia 

The Team Trivia Contest is back! Kicking off the Knickerbocker Ice Festival weekend in Lake Mills, the Team Trivia is a great way to get your game on for the events following the next day!

Team Trivia is held in the Community Room at the Lake Mills City Hall, and begins at 7pm sharp. Download the registration form from the website below. Teams of 6-8 will compete against each other for cash prizes and the honor of winning the BRAIN PRIZE!

Food is available from The Grille Girl - a popular Lake Mills Farmers' Market vendor. Come hungry - to eat and to win!

 

Lake Mills - 200 Water Street - (920) 648-6721 
www.LegendaryLakeMills.com

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February 2, 2013 - Knickerbocker Ice Festival

The Knickerbocker Ice Festival in Lake Mills is everything you want a winter festival to be: 15 ice sculptors carving artistic masterpieces out of blocks of ice downtown; ice fishing and ICE GOLF on Rock Lake; a chili cook-off; horse & wagon rides; ice skating; ice wine; family games in the park, and much much more!

Read all of the details at the website and in the article that leads off this newsletter!

Lake Mills - all over downtown, and at Bartel's Beach on Ferry Drive
(920) 648-6721 - www.LegendaryLakeMills.com

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February 2, 2013 - The Tortoise Versus the Hare

The Missoula Children's Theatre is back again in Jefferson County for another great children's production!

It begins by auditioning local youth and ends in one amazing week with an hour-long musical adaptation of The Tortoise Versus The Hare. The annual race between the Reptiles and the Mammals is about to take place and we see there is more than sporting rivalry between the brown and green animals. Loyalties to the specific colors create a real animosity, until a tiny bummy is lost in the wilds of Tornado Gulch. Color is forgotten, as the mammals and reptiles join in the search together, and the wisdom of the old tortoise reminds the cocky hard that "color is just a color - it's just decorated skin." Catch this new twist on a classic tale!

 

Whitewater - Young Auditorium
930 West Main Street Whitewater, WI 53190 - (262) 472-2222
www.uww.edu/youngauditorium 

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February 9, 2013 - Dip for Dozer Plunge into Lake Ripley

The eighth annual Dip for Dozer is scheduled for Saturday, February 9 at Lake Ripley Park in Cambridge. This is a fundraiswer to benefit the Dozer 52 Scholarship Fund. Join in the fun by forming a team to take the ice cold plunge. Other fun activities: turkey bowling, Kites on Ice and Ice Sculpting at 11am and Dipping Costume Contest at 1pm. Awards, raffles, food and music at the Rockdale Bar at 4pm.

 

Sponsored by the Badger Bank. 

 

Cambridge - Ripley Park - (608) 423-3241
www.cambridgewi.com

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February 9, 2013 - Kurt's Place Outhouse Races

Come and participate in the First Annual Outhouse Race, held in honor of Kurt May, beloved barkeep and outhouse racer. Don't be a party-pooper...enter your team today!!

 

1. Build an outhouse of wood, cardboard, old car parts, etc.
2. Install a toilet seat and a roll of toilet paper.
3. Mount it on skis or runners - no metal allowed though!
4. Two team members push it to win!

Proceeds benefit the Dozer 52 Football Scholarship Fund.

 

Cambridge - Kurt's Place - 110 East Main Street
(608) 423-2217 - www.cambridgewi.com

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February 9, 2013 - Cambridge Frosty Frolic

Join Cambridge for their big winter festival celebration of winter fun! The day starts out with CAP's Get Out & Play Snow Day events, including FREE snow shoeing, cross country skiing, skating and sled rentals, plus cookies and cocoa at Westside Park.  

 

The fun continues at the annual Dip for Dozer plunge for charity, and the Outhouse Races at Kurt's Place.

 

See calendar entries above AND the first article in this newsletter for additional information.  

 

Cambridge - www.cambridgewi.com

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February 9, 2013 - Valentine's Day in Paradise

Join your friends for food, fun, exotic wines and beers! Win a vacation of a lifetime! Saturday, 2/9 from 4-7pm. A Jefferson Rotary event.

 

One ticket buys you:

• free island food
• Caribbean music
• sampling of exotic high quality wines and beers from around the world
• prize drawings made every half hour

See the website for additional information. 

 

Jefferson - Jefferson Area Business Center - 218 Wisconsin Drive

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February 10, 2013 - Rumpelstiltskin

Fun with fairytales is in store with this one! Is your name Harry or Sam? Or could it be Rumpelstiltskin? Help retell this classic tale of the miller's daughter, her boastful father, a handsome prince, and the ability to spin straw into gold. Discover the magic and wonder of one of the world's best loved fairytales. As audience members, you will have an opportunity to interact with the actors and explore the set.

Presented by ArtReach: The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati

 

 

Whitewater - Young Auditorium
930 West Main Street Whitewater, WI 53190 - (262) 472-2222
www.uww.edu/youngauditorium 

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February 10, 2013 - Watertown Rotary Club Annual Brunch

The Watertown Rotary Club invites the public to join them for brunch at the Watertown Country Club. The proceeds from the brunch support many community projects. The menu includes scrambled eggs, carved whole ham, sausage, roasted potatoes, pancakes, fruit, assorted coffee cakes, juice, coffee and milk. Tickets may be purchased for $10 from any Rotarian or at the Chamber office - 519 E. Main Street. Children's tickets are available on request.

 

Watertown - Watertown Country Club
1340 North Water Street
9am-1pm

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February 11, 2013 - Annual Meeting of the Fort Atkinson Historical Society

The annual dinner meeting for members of the Fort Atkinson Historical Society will be held at the Hoard Historical Museum.

 

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

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February 12, 2013 - Humane Society of Jefferson County Scoopie Night

Celebrate Valentine's Day just a little bit early this year and show your love for the shelter animals! Enjoy a delicious dinner and some yummy frozen custard on Tuesday, February 12th, anytime between the hours of 4pm and 8pm at the Fort Atkinson Culver's on Madison Avenue. You will be helping to support the Humane Society of Jefferson County. Ten percent of the proceeds during those time will be donated to the HSJC, whose mission is to care for the lost, homeless and abused animals of Jefferson County, and help place them in forever homes. 

 

Fort Atkinson - Culvers - 1551 Madison Avenue

 

www.hsjc-wis.com 

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February 14, 2013 - As You Like It

Do you find Shakespeare difficult to read or understand? Well, that's probably because it was meant to be on stage - the way to understand Shakespeare is to see it performed, by one of the most praised touring companies in America - The Acting Company. "All the world's a stage"...one of Shakespeare's most famous quotes comes from As You Like It, and it is a metaphor of love; it's power, madness, danger, humor and reflection. On one level, it is a diverting amusement. On a deeper level, it is a journey of discovery, in which the characters gain knowledge of themselves and the world. Come see Shakespeare the way it was meant to be seen - live - on stage! 

 

Whitewater - Young Auditorium
930 West Main Street Whitewater, WI 53190 - (262) 472-2222
www.uww.edu/youngauditorium 

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February 16, 2013 - Bowl for Kid's Sake - Big Brothers Big Sisters

Fundraising event for the Big Brothers Big Sisters. Call for additional details.

 

Watertown - Watertown Bowl North - 766 North Church Street
(920) 261-2315

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February 16, 2013 - Art Thrives Gallery and Gala Reception

The Cambridge Arts Council presents an invitation to a festive night out, in celebration of the arts. Come meet and mingle with over 10 Wisconsin artists, including Madison radio personality Kathryn Vaughn, and nationally known Oneida sculptor, Mark Fischer. A gala reception from 7-10pm will include a fine art gallery, chocolate making demonstration along with live jazz music. A silent auction will also be held as a fundraising event.

Semi-formal attire optional and a $10 donation requested for the Gala. Gallery will be open from 1pm-10pm for the public to view and purchase.

 

Cambridge - 210 West Main Street - www.cambridgewiarts.org

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February 16, 2013 - Winter Series Variety Show - Arts Alliance of Greater Lake Mills

Lake Mills - LD Fargo Library - 120 East Madison Street 

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February 16, 2013 - Freeze Fest

Shake off the winter doldrums and support the Special Olympics at Freeze Fest! Plunge into the icy waters to raise money. Many more details can be found here. 

 

 

 

 

Whitewater - 341 S. Fremont Street - (262) 473-0121
www.whitewater-wi.gov

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February 18, 2013 - Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli de Veracruz

Learn about our friends south of the border in Veracruz, Mexico through this colorful and exciting cultural exchange. Veracruz is the birthplace of the world famous La Bamba and this performance will bring together the dances, traditional costumes and live authentic music performed by Tien-Huicani.This music is performed on the "harpa jarocha" (folk harp) and other stringed instruments. Ballet Folklórico Quetzallli de Veracruz proves why they are one of Mexico's most popular exports!

"With a veteran company of dancers and musicians, Quetzalli offers up a "heady rush of tapping heals, dazzling costumes, and insistent rhythms!" - Kansas City Star

 

Whitewater - Young Auditorium

 

930 West Main Street Whitewater, WI 53190 - (262) 472-2222
www.uww.edu/youngauditorium 

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February 23, 2013 - Masters of Motown

If you love the soulful sounds of Motown this is the show for you! Hear your favorite hits from the Temptations, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Four Tops, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Jackson Five, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, Stevie Wonder, Commodores and more. Check out the smooth moves and incredible harmonies all backed by a live band. Masters of Motown will take you back to the sounds of the 60s.

 

Whitewater - Young Auditorium

 

930 West Main Street Whitewater, WI 53190 - (262) 472-2222

www.uww.edu/youngauditorium   

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February 23, 2013 - Calling All Families

The Calling All Families program series resumes on Saturday, February 23. Program topic to be announced. All families are welcome, as well as independent youth in grades 4 and older.

 

Fort Atkinson - Hoard Museum - 401 Whitewater Avenue
(920) 563-7769

www.hoardmuseum.org  

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February 24, 2013 - Horizon Family Series Presents: Martha Speaks

If your children or grandchildren are fans of the PBS Kids TV series Martha Speaks then they will love this performance. Martha is an amazing dog who ate some alphabet soup and suddenly was able to speak! This provides all sorts of fun for the family especially when Martha wins a radio trivia contest and an all-expense paid trip for everyone. But there is that rule about "no dogs allowed." See how this clever story turns out. Martha Speaks is the adorable musical based on the book series by Susan Meddaugh.

 

Whitewater - Young Auditorium
930 West Main Street Whitewater, WI 53190 - (262) 472-2222

www.uww.edu/youngauditorium  

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February 24, 2013 - Lake Mills Rotary Scholarship Brunch

The Rotary Club of Lake Mills' 40th Annual Scholarship Brunch is set for Sunday, February 24 at the Lake Mills High School (615 Catlin Drive). Brunch will be served from 7am to 12pm. The all-you-can-eat brunch menu is melt-in-your-mouth pancakes, special recipe Rotary eggs, golden hash browns, seasoned sausages, refreshing juice or milk, eye-opening coffee, and homemade desserts.  

 

Ticket price is $8 for adults and $3 for children 6-12 years old. Children under the age of 6 are free.

 

Advance tickets are available from any Lake Mills Rotarian member and locally from Countryside Jewelry (920-648-5755). Tickets are also available at the door.

 

All proceeds to towards college/university and technical college scholarships for Lake Mills area students.

 

Lake Mills - Lake Mills High School - 615 Catlin Drive

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February 27, 2013 - Customer Service: Bringing Fun to Life

The Jefferson County Tourism Council (that's us!) is partnering with the Wisconsin Department of Tourism to review the basic rules of Customer Service.

This 90-minute program is open to anyone in the service industry. Don't hesitate to send your entire staff, as this program will teach your employees how to effectively communicate and create a positive customer service experience for all of your customers.

A prospering business is dependent on first-class service. Great customer service allows us to bring fun to life.

More information can be found by contacting the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce - office@cambridgewi.com. Please register by Wednesday, 2/20. Two times are available to attend the workshop - 9:30am or 12:30pm. $10 per person includes breakfast (morning meeting) or lunch (afternoon meeting).

 

 

Cambridge - Amundson Center - 200 Spring Street

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February 28, 2013 - Cambridge Entrepreneur Cafe

Cambridge's monthly Entrepreneur Cafe will be held 8:00am, Thursday, February 28 at CamRock Cafe & Sport, Main Street Cambridge. Area home, small or micro business owners, emerging entrepreneurs, consultants, service providers, artists and rebels are encouraged to attend, share ideas, resources and dreams in an hour long discussion and networking session.

 

Approximately 30 professionals across the business spectrum attended the first session last November, resulting in a number of strategic alliances and cooperative ventures.

 

Just dipping your toe in the business pool and looking for a mentor? Do you have a wonderful idea you can't wait to share? Looking for potential partnerships, suppliers or products? Or, would you like to know how others have been navigating the tough economic waters? If you are interested in learning and connecting, we want you to join us. RSVP is appreciated, but not required. Email Linda Begley-Korth at lbKorth@ci.cambridge.wi.us or call the Village Hall 423-3712. Coffee will be provided.

 

Affordable breakfast options will also be available. Please join us.

 

Cambridge - CamRock Cafe & Sport - 217 W. Main Street
(608) 423-3712

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February 28 through April 14, 2013 - Footloose

When Chicago teenager Ren McCormack moves to the small town of Bomont he is shocked to find a gloomy place where dancing has been outlawed by the city fathers. He sets out to change the law and the minds of the town council and bring laughter and fun back to the town. His journey is the basis for one of the most exciting, vibrant, and entertaining musicals you'll ever see. First a popular film and then a fabulous Broadway show, FOOTLOOSE is filled with high energy singing, heart-pounding rhythms, and ultimately some of Broadway's most spectacular dancing. It is a show that will bring generations together and bring audiences to their feet in a dazzling production featuring such hit songs as "Let's Hear it For the Boy," "I Need a Hero" and the well known title song. You won't be able to contain your joy after you've seen FOOTLOOSE.

 

Fort Atkinson - 1131 Janesville Ave.
(800) 477-9505 or (920) 563-9505 - www.firesidetheatre.com 

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