It's the 161st Jefferson County Fair. You heard that right - 161 years!! Enjoy a long tradition of fun, food, music, animals and Jefferson hospitality. It's the party we wait for every summer - the Jefferson County Fair!

2013 is sure to have events to please everyone - from Main Stage entertainment to 4H contests, from tractor pulls to baking contests - the Fair is full of fun for people of all ages!

Check out the daily schedule at Jefferson County Fair.

Check out the Main Stage entertainment here!

Carp's Landing

103 S Main St

Downtown Lake Mills, Wisconsin

920-648-3005

Between Madison & Milwaukee

South off of I-94

www.carpslanding.com 

Your Fish Fry Review Crew landed in the middle of downtown Lake Mills on a recent Friday Night at Restaurateur Greg Carpenter's Carp's Landing. From the huge paper mache fish, which Greg refers to as "the largest fish ever caught in Rock Lake's Mill Pond," to Carp's continental cuisine with a Southwestern twist, Greg Carpenter, Kathy Bradt and their experienced team deliver their simple, savvy menu within an historic, tastefully decorated building, anchoring the Southwest corner of Lake Mills' beautiful Downtown Commons Park.

Carp's hostess station is perfectly located to assure guests a friendly welcome. (Providing a proper greeting is often overlooked by many restaurants. Having to dig your way through a crowd just to get your name in for a table is an immediate turn-off.) The spacious bar area is nicely lit and our order for drinks is quickly filled. We don't wait long until we are comfortably seated in Carp's main dining room. Huge windows afford a charming view of Commons Park, the heart of Lake Mills' historic cityscape.

We are warmly greeted by our waitress and get down to the business of ordering our Smoked Brisket. Wait! Did he just say Smoked Brisket? I thought this was a Fish Fry review? I know, I know. But no review of Carp's Landing would be complete without mentioning the tender, smoked specialty of the house which is served 7 days a week, including the Fish Fry. It is so popular that every fish selection on the menu suggests adding the Smoked Brisket for an additional charge. Do not deny yourself. Tangy, perfectly balanced sauce complements the slow smoked beef brisket that stands up to the best you will eat. Anywhere.

After ordering, we hit the salad bar. Everything was fresh and attractively displayed. Potato Salad, Cole Slaw and Rye Bread round out the Salad Bar. All were goof. But our favorite item was the pasta salad, with its delicious vinegarette base, fresh tomatoes, black olives and other fresh veggies. Perfection.

But what about the fish? We stuck to the Baked or Fried Cod and the Fried Perch entrees, which are served with choice of Baked, French Fries, Homemade Potato Pancake or Cowboy Beans. Lightly breaded and juicy inside, Carp's Cod is top-notch. The flaky fish stands up well to the tangy tartar sauce. The Lake Perch at Carp's is some of the best we have eaten. None of the "fishiness" sometimes evident elsewhere, we are told that Carp's serves only LAKE Perch, never resorting to its ocean-dwelling cousin. This insistence on quality shines through the entire meal, especially when we attack the surprise Homemade Potato Pancake. Carp's makes a limited number of potato pancakes every Friday. When they run out of the delectable treats, served with applesauce, try the Cowboy Beans, which include bits of the Smoked Brisket.

Other seafood entrees include Salmon (Char-Broiled or Bourbon Glazed), Grouper (Southern Fried or Blackened), Tilapia (Pesto Pan-Fried or Deep Fried) and Tempura Shrimp (with choice of Korean, Asian Garlic or Cocktail Sauce.)

Our crew was small this month, due to summer vacations. But if the delectable Cod and Perch are any indication, you can be assured of a fine dining experience at Carp's Landing - Downtown Lake Mills. Did I mention the brisket?

Through July 14, 2013 - LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS 

From the award winning composing team who brought us Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST; THE LITTLE MERMAID; and ALADDIN comes this high-spirited, rollicking musical comedy about a boy, a girl, and a plant. The original Off-Broadway production of LITTLE SHOP won the coveted Drama Desk Award for Best Musical as well as the Drama Critics Circle and Outer Critics Circle Awards.  Its recent triumphant Broadway revival was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Revival! It is a fun-filled, delightful spoof of all those great old 50's science fiction movies. Seymour, the nerdy clerk at a down-on-its-luck flower shop, loves the shop's beautiful cashier Audrey and sets out to impress her by growing the world's most unusual plant. Hilarity ensues when he discovers that the plant requires more than just water and sun to thrive. A tuneful musical score and a quirky, off-beat romance makes this show one of the last decade's most successful and entertaining shows.

Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday Matinee arrival 10:30am, Thursday & Saturday Evening arrival 5pm, Sunday midday 2:30pm.

Fort Atkinson - The Fireside Dinner Theatre

 www.firesidetheatre.com 

800-477-9505

July 4-7, 2013 - July 4th Summer Sale 

Shop your favorite stores and enjoy finding savings on the sidewalks and in the stores during this holiday sidewalk sale. Stores will be open until 9pm on July 4th for your shopping convenience. The event will run Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am-pm, and Sunday from 10am-7pm.

Johnson Creek Premium Outlets, 575 W. Linmar Lane, Johnson Creek   

www.premiumoutlets.com/johnsoncreek (920) 699-4112

July 5-7, 2013 - Thundercats Baseball Tournament 

Batter Up! Come and cheer for your favorite team, or just come and watch America's Favorite pastime at Centennial Park in Johnson Creek. Tournaments will feature a number of teams from the area and take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday July 5, 6, 7 from 8:00am - 9:00 pm. Tournament will be held rain or shine.

620 Midge Street, Johnson Creek, WI

July 6, 2013 - Free Live Music at Johnson Creek Premium Outlets - Hat Trick 

The Summer Music Series, presented by Coca Cola, will offer free live music throughout the summer at Johnson Creek Premium Outlets. On July 6, Hat Trick will perform from 12:30-4:30pm as part of the July 4 Summer Sale. This is a family fun, kid-friendly, free event for all.

www.premiumoutlets.com - (920) 699-4112

July 7, 2013: Cars & Coffee 

Welcome to 2shores Sunday "Cars and Coffee". You've probably either heard of it or have been to it. It is the fastest growing classic car meet in the Midwest. Our fourth season, 2012, was awesome, thanks to all of you bringing your rockin' cars out! The gathering is open to classic and collector car enthusiast from all makes and models. We'd like to invite everybody with a passion for exciting automobiles to come, bring a car and enjoy the meeting. Our store neighbor "Sweet Lips" is offering a full Italian coffee bar for a strong and delicious brew needed in the morning.

Our emphasis is to share the passion for cars, mingle with like-minded car nuts and enjoy our automobiles.The 2012 Super Cars & Coffee "Concours on the Green" has been a huge success again. Thank you all for bringing your wonderful cars and supporting the event!

We meet at our Showroom on 119 Church Street, Lake Mills, WI 53551. Lake Mills is conveniently located right off I-94, just a short 20 minutes East of Madison and about 45 minutes West of Milwaukee.  

8am - 11am

Lake Mills - www.2shores.com 

920-945-0450

Check out some hot cars at Kruise Nights in Cambridge.  See old cars in mint condition or new cars with all the bells and whistles.  Car enthusiasts gather at Kruise Night on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from May through September.  5pm

Keystone Grill, 206 W. Main Street, Cambridge - (608) 423-3730 

July 10-14, 2013 - 161st Jefferson County Fair 

Jefferson County Fair Park, Jefferson County Fair Grounds, 503 N. Jackson Ave., Jefferson, WI 53549

www.jeffersoncountyfairpark.com   

920-674-7148

July 10-14, 2013 - Vetro Winery at the County Fair 

Vetro Winery will have a tent at the Jefferson County Fair this year. Introducing Vetro Winecoolers and Vetro Wine Frappe's. Come visit us! 11am-4pm

Vetro Winery - www.vetrowine.com  

920-674-9650

July 10, 2013 - Pie Baking Contest! 

The Sixth Annual Lake Mills Main Street Pie Baking Contest will take place Wednesday, July 10 at the Farmers' Market.  

There are four pie categories, and each contestant may enter up to three pies. The categories are Fruit, Cream, Other and Youth (16 and under).

This is for amateur bakers only and all pastry/crusts and pie fillings are to be home made. Pies will be judged on appearance, texture and flavor. They will be judged by local experts and special guest judge and auctioneer radio and TV personality Gino Salamone. A copy of the recipe must accompany each entry. Recipes may be published at a future date, with proper credit given.

The rules and registration form will be posted in June at www.LakeMillsFarmersMarket.com.

Judging will begin at 5:15 pm at the gazebo. First place ribbons  will be awarded to the winners of each category; Grand Champion and Reserve Champion winners will be selected from the first place pies.   The pies will be auctioned off after the winners are chosen. Half of the proceeds from the pie auction will go to the Lake Mills Main Street Program to be used to promote and enhance the Farmers' Market. The other half will go to the baker.

Please bring your registration form, along with your pie and recipe to the band shell at Commons Park by 5pm on Wednesday, July 10.

www.LakeMillsFarmersMarket.com   

920-648-6721

July 12-14, 2013: Boo Boo's County Fair Weekend 

Come see Boo BooTM and the gang for their county fair. There will be a ring toss, bozo buckets, and more at Boo Boo's County Fair on Saturday afternoon. We will have enough cotton candy, popcorn, and candy on sale to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth. There will also be Bingo Bonanza with our Yogi BearTM Ball Special. This weekend is an old favorite that kids and adults of all ages will enjoy! All weekend!

Jellystone Park - N551 Wishing Well Lane, Fort Atkinson, Wi 53538

www.jellystonefort.com - 1-877-232-7386

July 12-14, 2013: Thundercats Baseball Tournament 

Batter Up! Come and cheer for your favorite team, or just come and watch America's Favorite pastime at Centennial Park in Johnson Creek. Tournaments will feature a number of teams from the area and take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday July 12, 13, 14 from 8:00am-9:00pm. Tournament will be held rain or shine.

620 Midge Street, Johnson Creek, WI

July 13, 2013 - Cambridge EMS Cannonball Run 

The Cambridge EMS Cannonball Run's 5k and 10k routes start in the same place with 5k doubling back part way down Highland Rd. The 10k run continues to Rockdale and heads back to Cambridge via the

CamRock Park Pedestrian Trail. There are water stations along a well marked route.

Registration begins at 7:30am with the run starting at 8:30am.

Proceeds benefit the Cambridge Area EMS

7:30am - 1pm

Cambridge - www.caemscannonballrun.com  

608-423-3511

July 16, 2013 - Fort Atkinson Cruise Night 

Music, food, old cars, and more!

5:30pm - 8:30pm

Jones Park, Fort Atkinson, WI

www.kentsbigbar.com 

920-563-7501

July 17-21, 2013 - The Witnesses 

Danny Hamilton and Gary Richardson return for one week only with Part 2 of The Rock & The Rabbi Trilogy.  Through the eyes of Peter and Paul, THE WITNESSES follows an adventure that began in Jerusalem, where a small group of disciples empowered by the Holy Spirit, traveled across the Roman empire, preaching, teaching and healing.  Wherever God sent them, lives and history were changed.  This is an inspiring account of the rapid spread of Christianity throughout the work and the wonders of life in the first century.  Portrayed with masterful storytelling, THE WITNESSES also features talented signers and musicians playing acoustic and percussion instruments - from guitars, accordions and cello to African and Irish drums.  This exciting 90 minutes musical is compelling theatre for the whole family.

Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday matinees; Thursday and Saturday evenings; Sunday midday

The Fireside Dinner Theatre, 1131 Janesville Avenue, Fort Atkinson 

www.firesidetheatre.com/Christian_Concerts/Witnesses.aspx 

800-477-9505

July 18-21, 2013: CD Players Presents Beauty and the Beast 

Enjoy the fabulous presentation of the 2013 Summer Musical "Beauty and the Beast" July 18, 19, 20 and 21. 

For more information, please call Judy Brandt at 608-423-4442 or Deanne Herrling at 608-212-0672.

213 South Street, Cambridge, WI 53523

www.cdplayerstheater.org - (608) 423-4442

July 18-20, 2013 - Maxwell Street Days 

Find deals and specials in many downtown locations from 9am-5pm everyday.

Main Street in Watertown 

www.watertownchamber.com - 920-261-6320

July 19-20, 2013 - Hope Fest 

Hope Fest is a community celebration of friends, family and neighbors. Hosted by Tomorrow's Hope, the area's hometown healthcare charity, Hope Fest includes family-friendly events, activities, food, beverages, entertainment, a health fair, skydivers, fireworks, and other special moments and memories in honor of everyone affected by a life-limiting illness. The festival itself is a powerfully healing and emotional time. It's also a lot of fun. An overnight walk anchors all activities. Things wrap up around noon on Sat. Admission is free. The festival is open to the public. It's a great place for a family/friends gathering. Free camping is available too, if you'd like to stay overnight. Money raised by teams, events, sponsors, etc., goes to fun local healthcare services, education and research for area residents touched by a life-limiting illness. It's a good time for a good cause!

4:30 pm

Tomorrow's Hope, 503 North Jackson Avenue, Jefferson, WI 53549

www.tomorrowshope.org/ - (920) 674-8967

July 20, 2013 - Backstage Vibe on the Rox Music Festival 

BackstageVibe.com and Rox Sports Bar are excited to announce the first annual Backstage Vibe on the Rox Music Festival. This all-day, 12 band, Rock, Metal, Alternative, and Blues Fest will be held on July 20th, 2013, from 11am to 12midnight at the Rox in Jefferson, Wisconsin. Original live music all day inside and outside! Beer tent. Vendors. Food. Raffles. FUN!

Featured Bands:
Headliner Show - Downplay / Reason One
Festival Shows - 3 Years Hollow, Mind Drop, Left with Tomorrow, Autumn Reverie, The Jake Paul Band, Falling from Fiction, Ultrea, Nate Moralez, Matt Meyer, Joseph Huber

Advance tickets are $20 per person and will be $25 at the door. Tickets are on sale now on www.backstagevibe.com. Commemorative event T-shirts are $15 in advance, $20 day of show.

11am - 12midnight

Rox Sport Bar - N3656 County Road K, Jefferson, WI 53549

www.backstagevibe.com - 920-675-9472

July 20-21, 2013 - Wisconsin Buckskin Horse Show 

Two day horse show. Food available on site.

Jefferson County Fair Park, Jefferson County Fair Grounds

503 N. Jackson Ave., Jefferson, WI 53549

www.jeffersoncountyfairpark.com - 920-988-9073

July 20, 2013 - Lions Club Chicken BBQ 

Enjoy food, softball tournament, and Lioness Pie Sale.  Many nice items to be raffled. 10am

955 Eighth Street Palmyra - 262-495-8137

July 20, 2013 - Lake Mills Arts Festival 

Join the fun at the annual Lake Mills Arts Festival in legendary Commons Park! Held the third Saturday of July each year, the 2013 Arts Festival will be on Saturday, July 20. This juried art show features a wonderful mix of artists and media, great food, music and kid's activities.

Brought to you by the Lake Mills Main Street Program.

Approximately 60 Wisconsin artists, representing multiple genres, will be set up in Commons Park from 10am to 4pm.

Lake Mills - Commons Park

www.LakeMillsArtsFestival.com - 920-648-6721

July 20, 2013 - Free Live Music at Johnson Creek Premium Outlets -Big Joe Kennedy 

The Summer Music Series, presented by Coca Cola, will offer free live music throughout the summer at Johnson Creek Premium Outlets. On July 20, Big Joe Kennedy will perform from 12:30-4:30pm. This is a family fun, kid-friendly, free event for all.

Johnson Creek Premium Outlets,

www.premiumoutlets.com/johnsoncreek - (920) 699-4112

July 25 - September 1, 2013 - RUN FOR YOUR WIFE 

This season The Fireside will be adding a comedy to its line-up - but not just any comedy - possibly the funniest comedy ever written! Unassuming cab driver John Smith is mugged one day and is taken home by a helpful policeman. Unfortunately the policemen takes him to the wrong home - because unassuming John Smith has two homes and two wives and according to his carefully laid out schedule on this particular day he is supposed to be with Wife #2 but he finds himself with Wife #1 while worried Wife #2 searches desperately for him. Confused? Don't worry because it will all come together in this hilarious collection of mistaken identities as Mr. Smith tries to juggle two wives, two apartments, and two very suspicious police detectives. You will laugh till it hurts and then laugh some more at this rollicking comic masterpiece.

Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday Matinee - arrival 10:30am; Thursday & Saturday Evening arrival 5:00pm; Sunday midday 2:30pm.

The Fireside Dinner Theatre, 1131 Janesville Avenue, Fort Atkinson

www.firesidetheatre.com - 800-477-9505

July 26-27, 2013 - Carnival Days 

Fort Atkinson retail merchants take to the streets with the biggest bargains and hottest deals of the summer during this annual sidewalk sale.  Bring the whole family for two days of fun and enjoy music and brats, burgers and hot dogs at the Chamber Brat Stand.

Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce

www.fortchamber.com - (920)563-3210

July 27-28, 2013 - Wisconsin Paint Horse Association-Horse Show 

Two day horse show. Food available on site.

Jefferson County Fair Park, Jefferson County Fair Grounds

503 N. Jackson Ave., Jefferson

www.jeffersoncountyfairpark.com - 608-558-7527