Jefferson County Tourism Council
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JULY 2015
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Jefferson County 4th of July Fireworks
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July 4-5, 2015 - Watertown 4th of July Parade and Celebration - Two day family festival, parade, fireworks, live music. Annual 4th of July parade begins at 10am on Saturday the fourth.
Watertown Tourism Council, Watertown, WI
July 4 - Lake Mills 4th of July Fireworks - Display will go off in our Industrial Park area at dusk. Drive through downtown and then left/east on East Lake Street to the Industrial Park. A concession stand will be available.
Lake Mills Chamber of Commerce, Industrial Park, Lake Mills, WI 53551
www.lakemills.org
920-648-3585
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Jefferson County Restaurant Review Crew
by Randy Otto and the rest of the hungry crew
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Mangiami Italiano Restaurant
226 South Main Street
Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin
920-397-7790
www.mangiamiitaliano.com "Mangiami Italiano" literally translated: "Eat Italian." To gear up for the experience, your Jefferson County Restaurant Review Crew slipped on the Gucci sunglasses after watching endless episodes of The Sopranos, entering Mangiami Italiano with the appropriate swagger. Were we in Brooklyn? Chicago? Rome? Fugghetaboutit! Welcome to Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Chef Eric & his staff have created a perfect ambiance, featuring maroon walls that seem to rise forever, tasteful paintings of the Italian countryside, subdued lighting and clean, white table settings. We are greeted and seated. Our waitress begins with...
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July 8 -12, 2015 - Jefferson County Fair
The 163rd Annual Jefferson County Fair is right around the corner. And this year's theme? It's the Year of the Cheese! Yes, please!
Read more about the Fair >
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Rock River Water Trail in Jefferson County
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The Rock River Trail in Jefferson County, along with the other 17 National Water Trails, is featured in the current issue of Destinations Travel Magazine.
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Jefferson County Discounts
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Have you checked out all of the great discounts offered in Jefferson County? From restaurants to B&Bs, from hotels to theater, to shopping shopping shopping - we have it all!
Here is just a sample of what you will find on our discount page.
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Farmers' Markets in Jefferson County
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Watertown Tuesdays - Through November 10 (closed August 4)
7am - 1pm
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Ourdoor Concerts in Jefferson County
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Enjoy wonderful small-town outdoor concerts this summer!
Fort Atkinson - Summer Charity Concerts
July 15 - Jill & the Jax
July 29 - Satchel Paige Music Barrie Park in Fort Atkinson transforms into an outdoor music venue for the community, all for a charitable cause. All funds raised will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Fort Atkinson and applied to a newly founded Fort Atkinson Charity Concert scholarship - supporting students who have shown a commitment to their communities. Pack your picnic baskets and coolers! 6-9pm 210 Robert Street
Lake Mills
Stop by Commons Park to enjoy an old fashion City Band experience. Rain site is the City Building. 7pm - Commons Park downtown in the band shelter.
Wednesdays:
www.lakemills.org
920-648-3585
Watertown
The Watertown Municipal Band will play on select dates throughout the summer, as well as for the Lebanon Fireman's Park on Sunday, July 19. See the Watertown Municipal Band at the Riverside Park Bandshell at 7:30pm:
920-261-2908
Watertown Tourism Council - 850 Labaree Street
Jefferson - Rotary Park
All concerts are held in Rotary Park in the Rotary Waterfront Park Pavilion, and begin at 7pm. In case of inclement weather, the concerts will be held at the Jefferson area Business Center.
- July 16 - Country Girls' Night Out, featuring the Whiskey Belles
- July 23 - Jazz Night, featuring Warren Wiegratz in VIVO
- July 30 - Gemuetlichkeit Night, featuring Die Friewstadt Alte Kameraden Band
- August 6 - Swing Night, featuring Main Street Big Band
- August 13 - Irish Night, featuring Leahy's Luck
- August 20 - Classic Rock Night, featuring Ol' Style Skratch
- August 27 - Country Night, featuring Shotgun Jane
Cambridge
The Cambridge Arts Council presents Summer Concert Series 2015 at Veteran's Park Downtown Cambridge Friday evenings starts at 6:30pm.
- July 10 and 24
- August 7 and 21
Bring a picnic and make a night of it!
cambridgewiarts.org/concerts.html
608-423-3780
Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce - 100 E. Main Street
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July Events in Jefferson County (please double-check our website to verify dates and times)
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Through July 19 - Guys on Ice
You've seen them. Little wooden shanties sitting on lake ice. Puffs of smoke rising from chimney pipes. On a quiet day, maybe the static of a tinny radio filters through plywood walls, across the frozen tundra, back to shore. In a cold world, on a cold day, on a frozen lake, these little signs of life are all most people know of a secret culture that thrives right here amongst us. Well wonder no more as we bring you Fred Alley's wildly popular tale of the secret world of ice fishermen.
GUYS ON ICE spends a day in the life of Marvin and Lloyd - fishing buddies and home grown philosophers. And now this Wisconsin favorite gets the full Fireside treatment that will keep you laughing from start to finish. Don't miss this side-splitting musical comedy, guaranteed to thaw out your funny bone with songs like "The Wishing Hole," "Ode to the Snowmobile Suit," "Fish is a Miracle Food," and "The One That Got Away."
Fort Atkinson - Fireside Dinner Theatre - 1131 Janesville Ave 800-477-9505 www.firesidetheatre.com Seven shows weekly Wednesday through Sunday ___________________________________________________________________
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Through August 24, 2015 - Fort Atkinson Generals
Welcome to Fort Atkinson Generals Baseball!
The Fort Atkinson Generals are part of the largest adult amateur baseball organization called the Home Talent League. Originally founded in 1929 and continues to thrive today with approx. 45 teams in South Central Wisconsin.
Take time to visit our comments page as we value your ideas and comments, then join us at historic Jones Park for some exciting adult baseball while you munch on some popcorn, famous brats and a beverage.
Check out our Web Site for all activities at Jones Park
Fort Atkinson - Jones Park
www.fortgenerals.com
(920) 728-1997
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July 5, 2015 - 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 sixth season, 2014, 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 emphasis is to share the passion for cars, mingle with like-minded car nuts and enjoy our automobiles. 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.
DIRECTIONS: There is ample parking at and around our showroom. We never know if the weather will co-operate but the meetings take place "rain or shine", so please pay us a visit. If you want to be included on the 2shores Sunday "Cars and coffee" mailers, send us a quick email and we will include you on our list.
We meet monthly - on the first Sunday of the month, May through October, from 8am until 11am. Lake Mills - 119 Church Street
www.lakemillscarsandcoffee.com
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July 7, 2015 - Lights & Sirens Community Fair
This community safety fair is intended to teach kids and adults injury prevention through education. This event is the perfect opportunity for the public to have personal interaction with their local safety professionals. Lights n' Sirens has over 25 booths and displays for people to explore and over sixty emergency vehicles on hand for the children and "children at heart" to explore and draws an estimated 2,500 people annually.
6pm - 8pm
Watertown - Watertown Tourism Council, Labaree Street
watertownpolice.com/current-news/lights-and-sirens/
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July 8-12, 2015 - Jefferson County Fair
Jefferson County Fair at Jefferson County Fair Park
Jefferson - Jefferson County Fair Park - 503 North Jackson Avenue
Jefferson County Fair 2015
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July 11, 2015 - Finger Prickin' Good 5k - M2N Race Series
What a fantastic 1st year of the FPG5k! It's all about the causes...and the course!
Nestled in Watertown's beautiful Brandt/Quirk Park, the course has a beautiful mix of hills, flat land, shaded paths and open trails. It is the only 5k trail run in Watertown, and the course has been very well received!
We are proud to announce that in just our first year, we donated $1,650.00 to Watertown Area Cares Clinic and the money is earmarked for diabetic care. Also, we donated $400.00 to the Watertown Cross Country Program helping them buy necessary items to ensure a successful cross country season.
A tremendous THANK YOU to all of our sponsors, volunteers and participants. Also, a big thank you to those who donated to our causes but could not join us. We are truly thankful for all the support our event received in 2014.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 11, 2015! The race is on and it promises to be bigger and better than ever. If you are interested in volunteering, sponsoring or donating, please e-mail us.
Did you know?? The participant that came from the furthest place was Ian Nolan all the way from Ireland... We also had representation from Massachusetts, Illinois, South Dakota and New York!
Watertown Tourism Council, Watertown, WI
www.fingerprickingood5k.com/
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July 11, 2015 - Cambridge EMS Cannonball Run 5K and 10K
Run, jog or walk the wonderful family friendly Cannonball Run in Cambridge. There is a 5K and 10K option. The Cannonball Run winds through the pristine Dane County CamRock Park along the Cannonball Rail bed. The 10k run continues to Rockdale and heads back to Cambridge along the CamRock Park Pedestrian Trail and crosses the Koshkonong Creek over three bridges. There are water stations along a well marked route.
Proceeds benefit the Cambridge Area Emergency Medical Services, www.cambridgeems.org.
Registration begins at 6:30am with the run starting at 7:30am
Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce, 271 W Main St., Cambridge, WI
www.caemscannonballrun.com
608-423-3511
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July 14, 2015 - Keystone Kruise Night
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.
Sponsored by The Keystone Grill.
5:30pm to 8:00pm
Cambridge - Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce, 206 W. Main Street
608-423-3730
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uly 17-18, 2015 - Tomorrow's Hope 18th Annual Hope Fest
We are very excited about our 2015 Annual Hope Fest - there is a lot going on during these two days!
July 17, 2015 - Night Light Bicycle Ride
To end the night at Hope Fest 2015, get your friends, family and neighbors to join you on the Night Light Bicycle Ride. Decorate your bikes and bodies with glow sticks, reflectors, battery-operated lights, whatever suits your fancy. Enjoy a safe, escorted 10-mile bike ride in the dark on county trails. Bikers leave from Jefferson County Fair Park at 10:00 p.m. on July 17, 2015.
Ride Departure at 10 pm
Jefferson County Fair Park 503 N Jackson Avenue, Jefferson, WI 53549
July 17-18, 2015 - Tomorrow's Hope 18th Annual Hope Fest
The Walk is the core event of the entire Hope Fest weekend. This event is all about YOU! The event raises money for Tomorrow's Hope and brings people together to celebrate others. Tomorrow's Hope funds a variety of preventive research and treatment related projects for people touched by cancer, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and Nieman-Pick Disease.
The 2015 event takes place during Hope Fest starting at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17 and continues until noon on Saturday, July 18 at Jefferson County Fair Park.
- Walk around a designated track outlined with Candles of Hope luminaries dedicated to our loved ones.
- Enjoy festive music.
- Stay for a brief period or camp overnight.
- Watch your children or grandchildren enjoy a spectacular Children's Area.
- Slow down and reconnect with family and friends.
- Remember the loved ones we have lost at our Remember Ceremony.
- Participate and enjoy our other Hope Fest events!
The Walk creates a means for individuals to find hope and healing by raising money for Tomorrow's Hope and working with their family and friends to honor or remember loved ones touched by life-limiting illnesses. The emotional energy at The Walk is palpable. No matter what the illness, we all understand the pain, the loss, and the hope and healing that is in the hearts of everyone there. We know what is in your heart because it is in our hearts as well.
While Teams are a big part of The Walk, not everyone has to be on a team. Community members are invited to attend to walk, talk, and enjoy the festive atmosphere on the grounds.
During Hope Fest starting at 5pm on Friday and continues until 12 noon on Saturday.
Tomorrow's Hope, Jefferson County Fair Park, 503 N. Jackson Ave.
www.tomorrowshope.org/node/163
920-674-8967
July 17-18, 2015 - The Walk
The Walk, a signature Hope Fest event, will take place starting at 5 pm on Friday July 17th, go through the night and wrap up with the closing ceremony at Noon on Saturday July 18th.
The Walk is a time to bring friends and family together while taking a step back from the busy lives we lead. It gives you a chance to catch up while remembering and honoring loved ones who have been touched by life-limiting illnesses.
To motivate you while you walk for loved ones, Hope Fest offers food, beverages, live entertainment, music, a beer garden, 50/50 raffles and overnight camping!
Friday at 5 pm until Saturday at 12 pm
July 17, 2015 - Ride with a Buddy
Hope Fest, sponsored by Tomorrow's Hope, will kick off with Ride With a Buddy!
Ride With a Buddy "buddies up" drivers of motorcycles and classic cars with survivors or of life-limiting illnesses or their family members. This gives our survivors a chance to do something unique and create moments and memories.
Once the survivor and driver are "buddied up," they take a slow, leisurely 30 mile ride through Jefferson County. After the hour long ride, the participants will parade through Jefferson to the Jefferson County Fair Park and are greeted by an estimated 2,000 in attendance at Hope Fest.
Upon your return to the park, Hope Fest will offer food, beverages, live entertainment, a beer garden, a 50/50 raffle, Bike Corral, games for the kids and overnight camping!
5pm - 8pm
July 18, 2015 - Dirty Fit
The Dirty Fit is a Hope Fest event. The course is just a bit shy of 5K in length. There are various challenges and obstacles, including but not limited to: a wall climb, mud trenches, culvert crawls, belly crawls, high-step shuffles, tires and much more. Come prepared to get muddy! Outdoor showers are available afterwards to wash up. Bring a towel or two.
With professional assistance from our friends at Cross Fit and Sport & Spine, the Dirty Fit will be more fun and challenging than ever this year! Feel free to race your friends or go at your own pace. It's up to you.
If you have a group or team doing the Dirty Fit together, feel free to dress up or down to reflect your team's spirt! Make it fun (and muddy). A beer, soft drinks, snacks and fresh fruit stand will be available near the end of the race course.
8am - 10am
July 18, 2015 - Kid's Fit
The Kids Fit Fun Run is a Hope Fest event. As the name implies it's just for fun, and not a competition. Kids age 6-12 are welcome to participate. They will run, jump, climb, carry, slide, and get muddy! Most kids will complete the Fun Run course in 15-20 minutes, but longer or shorter times are fine too. Outdoor showers are available to wash away the mud afterwards (bring a towel) and bring some friends too!
UW-Whitewater Warhawks football team members are stationed at each challenge/obstacle to help the kids and encourage them. All proceeds from Hope Fest events and activities go to Tomorrow's Hope, the area's hometown healthcare charity, and fund enhanced health-related research, services and education for local residents (of all ages) who are affected by a life-limiting illness (of any kind). This event is all about making fitness fun! The Kid's Fit Fun Run starts at 10:30 a.m. on Sat. July 18, 2015, at Jefferson County Fair Park. See you there!
9:30am to 11:30am
All events:
Jefferson - Jefferson County Fair Park - 503 N Jackson Avenue
www.tomorrowshope.org
(920) 674-8967
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July 18, 2015 - 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 2015 Arts Festival will be on Saturday, July 18. This juried art show features a wonderful mix of artists and media, great food, music and kid's activities. Please check the Arts Festival
website for all of the details of this wonderful event.
Brought to you by the Lake Mills Main Street Program .
Over 60 Wisconsin artists, representing multiple genres, will be set up in Commons Park from 10am to 4pm.
10am - 4pm
Lake Mills - Commons Park - Downtown - Lake Mills Main Street Program
www.LakeMillsArtsFestival.com
920-648-6721
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July 23 - September 6, 2015 - Pump Boys and Dinettes at the Fireside Theatre
Travel with us down Highway 57 to the land of fishin' holes and homemade pie. To the Double Cupp diner for a double helping of fast-paced, good-natured, foot-stompin' hand-clapping fun. It may not be the most famous of shows but it might just possibly be the most fun. This Broadway hit is a mixture of country, rock, western-swing and folk music. The Cupp sisters will tempt you with a second cup of coffee and a song and the Pump Boys will serenade you with hits like "The Night Dolly Parton Was Almost Mine." With exciting live music, hilarious hi-jinks, down-home common sense, and featuring Steve Watts in the role that first brought him to The Fireside, PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES is sure to become one of your favorite all-time Fireside offerings!
Fort Atkinson - Fireside Dinner Theatre - 1131 Janesville Ave 800-477-9505 www.firesidetheatre.com
Seven shows weekly Wednesday through Sunday
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July 24-25, 2015 - Carnival Days Chamber Brat Stand
Fort Atkinson retail merchants take to the streets with the biggest bargains and hottest deals of the summer at the annual sidewalk sale. Bring the whole family for two days of fun! Visit the Chamber Brat Stand on South Water Street East for the best brats, burgers and hotdogs! (Remember the Chamber Brat Stand funds all of our main streets Christmas decorations for the holiday season. Buy a brat and support the beautification of your local community!)
9am - 4pm
Fort Atkinson - Main Street
www.fortchamber.com
(920) 563-3210
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July 25, 2015 - Lake Ripley Ride
It's the 3rd annual Lake Ripley Ride. Choose between three course distances, all of which started at Ripley Park: 22 miles, 40 miles, or a 62 mile metric century.
The Cambridge Lake Ripley Ride features three distances: a family friendly 22 mile (mostly flat) route, a longer and slightly hilly 40 mile route, and a more challenging 62 mile metric century route. You will ride quiet country roads and visit Cambridge, Rockdale, Deerfield, and Lake Mills. Registration includes a shirt, map/cue sheet, scenic rest stops, sag wagon, a sandy swimming beach, and a FANTASTIC post ride celebration featuring live music by Live at Nine, refreshments, and a tasty dinner provided by the Cambridge Lions Club. A vegetarian option is available. Proceeds benefit the Cambridge Community Activities Program and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Preregister online or at 7am the day of the ride. More than half of the riders choose the toughest route of 62 miles.
With over 200 riders participating in the event, there were cyclists seen all over town. The first rest stop was located at CamRock III. The local Girl Scouts, headed by Amanda Hollis, showered the riders with support and lots of goodies. Riders continuing on the 40 mile course took a tour through the countryside and headed to West Koshkonong church, where Cindy Brady and members of the CHS girls' basketball team were waiting to help the riders cool down and replenish. Ice cold towels were provided to all the riders to offer relief from the heat.
The ride continued to Marshall Fireman's park, where the CAP Body FIT crew was stationed to provide support. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches along with fruit, water, and Gatorade were available to nourish the cyclists.
After trekking their respective miles, riders headed back to Ripley Park for a superb chicken dinner provided by the Cambridge Lions Club.
The goal of the Lake Ripley Ride was to raise funds for JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) and the Cambridge CAP.
8am - 12pm
Cambridge - Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce, N4310 Park Road cambridgecap.net
608-423-8108
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July 31, 2015 - Brat Sale
Purchase a brat, hamburger, or hot dog!
Whitewater - Discover Whitewater Office - 150 W Main Street
whitewaterchamber.com
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JEFFERSON COUNTY TOURISM COUNCIL CONTACT INFO
Secretary: Katie Otto | [email protected] | 920-648-6721
Newsletter Editor: Katie Otto | [email protected] | 920-988-4458
Official Guide Representative: Jennifer Erdman | [email protected] | 414-213-4125
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