Jefferson County Tourism Council
AUGUST 2016
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Glacial River Bike Trail Month
Celebrate August, 2016 as the Glacial River Bike Trail Month!
The Glacial River Trail first opened in Jefferson County in 1996.

Celebrating 20 years of the trail, the Jefferson County Parks Department hereby declares the month of August, 2016 as the month of the Glacial River Bike Trail. During the month of August, we encourage you to visit the Glacial River Trail and enjoy the many benefits it provides.

20 years later, the trail is now more than 52 miles in length! You can start your 52 mile adventure in Rock County, then travel the entire 35.5 miles north-south corridor of Jefferson County and finish your trip in Dodge County. Or, you can simply pick your favorite section of the trail and enjoy.

Jefferson County offers tremendous biking opportunities on the Glacial River Trail.
The Jefferson County section of the Glacial River Trail offers 15.9 miles of paved, off-road trail as well as 17 miles of on-road, marked sections.  The trail is located in the communities of Janesville, Milton, Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Johnson Creek and Watertown and is primarily located along Hwy 26, boasting the beautiful countryside which connects them.

Bikers, joggers, walkers, dog walkers, birders and in-line skaters make heavy use of the trail, with some sections w plowed during the winter months.  The trail passes by farmsteads, prairie flowers, wetlands, woods, over streams, and through an award winning covered bridge. 
Help spread the word about the Glacial River Trail through social media. Stop, take a picture in your favorite place along the trail and post it to Facebook or Instagram using#GRT

For additional information, please contact the Jefferson County Parks Department at 920-674-7260.

(Thanks to the Jefferson County Parks Department for this information!) 

Jefferson County Farmers' Markets
It's Fresh Produce time in Jefferson County!
Spring, summer and fall in Jefferson County is a reliably tasty time as many of our communities have wonderful Farmers' Markets. Almost any day of the week, you can find fresh produce, prepared foods, live music, crafts and more! Plan your visit to our local Farmers' Markets, and extend your day to shop, dine, and enjoy Jefferson County!

Whitewater - City Market
Tuesdays, 3:30pm-7:30pm
Carvath Lakefront Park
May through October
Facebook

Lake Mills - Artisan/Farmers' Market
Wednesdays, 2pm-6:30pm
Commons Park downtown
May through October

Jefferson Farmers' Market
Thursdays, 11am-6pm
Preview Day: May 12
Season: June 9 through October 13
Jefferson City Downtown Parking Lot (east of First Merit Bank)
Facebook

Cambridge - Open Air Market
Fridays - 2pm-6pm
Veteran Park on Main Street
June through September
(Note: Market stays open until 8:30pm on concert nights - June 10 & 24; July 8 & 15; August 12)
Facebook

Fort Atkinson - Fort Farmers' Market
Saturdays, 8am-noon
May through October
Market Square - South Water Street
An extended "Arts Saturday" takes place the last Saturday of each month with even more craft vendors and festivities
Facebook

Whitewater - Farmers' Market
Saturdays, 8am-noon
Winchester True Value - 1415 W. Main St
April 30 through November 5
Facebook



Jefferson County Restaurant Review Crew
by Randy Otto and the rest of the hungry review crew


  
Summer Vacation...
Your intrepid Jefferson County Tourism Council Restaurant Review Crew (whew - what a moniker!!) took an August break - look for a new review from a great pizza restaurant in Jefferson County in September!
Jefferson County Discounts
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.  







August Events in Jefferson County
(please double-check our website to verify dates and times)
Through September 4, 2016 - Fireside Dinner Theatre presents Singin' in the Rain

The greatest movie musical of all time is now live and on The Fireside stage in the lightning paced, toe-tapping, rib-tickling Broadway version of the Gene Kelly masterpiece. It's a fun-filled, high stepping spoof of the days when Hollywood first learned to talk. Featuring a stellar cast of some of the country's most talented young Broadway and regional singers and dancers, SINGIN' IN THE RAIN is filled with great songs, such as "Good Morning," "Make 'Em Laugh," "You Are My Lucky Star," "Fit As A Fiddle And Ready For Love," and "Broadway Melody." Of course, the unforgettable title song "Singin' in the Rain" is the featured number, complete with our hero dancing his way through a real rain storm!

Seven shows weekly Wednesday through Sunday  
 
Fort Atkinson - Fireside Dinner Theatre - 1131 Janesville Ave 
Seven shows weekly Wednesday through Sunday
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August 5-6, 2016 - American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Watertown/Johnson Creek

Part of a movement to end cancer.  We celebrate people that have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost and take action to finish the fight once and for all.

We invite everyone to come in and enjoy the comraderie that Relay For Life brings.

Watertown - Watertown High School Track -825 Endeavour Drive
920-261-0077
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August 5-7, 2016 - Riverbend Resort - Gilbert Brown Tailgate Weekend

Karaoke on Friday night at Benderz.  Gilbert Brown Foundation Fundraiser on Saturday night in the Pavilion.  Football games include punt, pass and kick competitions for all to enjoy on both Saturday and Sunday.

Watertown - Riverbend Resort, W6940 Rubidell Road
www.rbresort.com/  
920-261-7505
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August 5-6, 2016 - Brat Sale/Maxwell Street Days

Shop end of summer sales throughout the city! Hours will be posted by the various participating businesses.

Whitewater - Whitewater Tourism Council - 150 W. Main St.
262-473-4005
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August 5-6, 2016 - Cambridge Friends of the Library Used Book Sale

Great bargains on a large selection of used books at the Amundson Center. This event always takes place on first weekend in August.

Friday 9am-5pm; Saturday 9am-3pm

Cambridge - Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce - 200 Spring Street
608-423-3900
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August 5-6, 2016 - Cambridge Maxwell Street Days & Community Wide Garage Sale

Get the best deals of the year in Cambridge at the sidewalk sales overflowing with goodies at Maxwell Street Days on Friday and Saturday.  Find a treasure at the Community Wide Garage Sale and get a favorite book at the Friends of the Library Book Sale.

10am - 5pm

Cambridge - Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce - Downtown Cambridge,  
608-423-3780
 
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August 6, 2016 - Fireman's Festival - Johnson Creek   

 
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August 6, 2016 - Historic 1901 Water Tower Tours

1901 Water Tower Open Houses are held the first Saturday of the month (weather permitting). Other tours are by appointment. Please contact Tammy Doellstedt at 568-8069, or Doellstedt@sbcglobal.net to reserve your spot. Find more info at

Age and height restrictions apply, for those wishing to ascend the 120 steps to the viewing platform. The 1901 Water Tower is not wheelchair accessible. The tower is located at the corner of South High Street and South 4th Street. Parking available on the street or in the Fort Atkinson Middle School parking lot. Tours conducted by Fort Atkinson Historic Preservation Commission.

Scheduled water tours are:
Saturday, August 6 from 10am - noon
Saturday, September 3 from 10am - noon
Saturday, October 1 from 10am - noon
10am - Noon

Fort Atkinson - corner of South High Street and South 4th Street
920-568-8069
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August 7, 2016 - Cars & Coffee Lake Mills   

Enjoy a beautiful morning in Lake Mills - from 8-11am on the first Sunday of the month.

Great cars - bring yours and come to see what everyone else has brought. Don't have a car? Come anyway!

Lake Mills - Church Street
https://www.facebook.com/LakeMillsCarsAndCoffee  
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August 7, 2016 - Octagon House Ice Cream Social

Octagon House Enjoy the First Brigade Band concert as you enjoy a relaxing afternoon with ice cream and other goodies while touring the Historic Octagon House and beautiful grounds where you can see the first U.S. Kindergarten building.

10am - 4pm

Watertown - 919 Charles Street  
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August 8, 2016 - Fort Atkinson Cruise Nights

Join us for the 13th season of Fort Aktinson Cruise Nights for music, food, old cars, and more! Featuring over 400 vehicles including restored vintage trucks, tractors, and classic automobiles. The Fort Atkinson Generals will provide the food stand and Kent's Ice Cream will have their famous Big Bar available for purchase.

5:30pm - 8:30pm

Fort Atkinson - Jones Park
920-563-7501
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August 9-10, 2016 - Triumphant Quartet

Triumphant is the face of quality Gospel Music, Christian integrity, family values, friendship and dedication. The group has been that way since their beginnings in 2003, when the four friends first walked out on to the stage of the Louise Mandrell Theater, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee as a headlining talent. Each current Triumphant group member was there in that defining moment, and has continued together ever since. Triumphant Quartet has had three #1 songs with several more near the top of the charts. Their smooth harmonies and rich quartet sound quickly gained them national attention, recognition and concert demand. Gospel music fans agree that the Triumphant sound is distinctive, solid quartet singing. Audiences will find themselves smiling, laughing, encouraged and uplifted. Most of all, they will walk away having had the Gospel Message presented to them in a powerful way, with a hope that many will receive Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Tuesday matinee arrival at 10:30am.; Tuesday and Wednesday evening arrival at 5:00pm.

Fort Atkinson - The Fireside Dinner Theatre - 1131 Janesville Avenue
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August 10, 2016 - Lake Mills City Band Concert

Stop by Commons Park to enjoy an old fashioned City Band experience.  Last concert of the summer! Rain site is the City Building.

7pm
Lake Mills - Commons Park downtown
920-648-3585
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August 11-14, 2016 - Watertown Riverfest

Don't miss Riverfest 2016! Riverfest is celebrating it's 30th year of free music, fun and family entertainment that exemplifies our community's spirit.

Four-Day Festival featuring several national acts

Thursday, August 11
5:00PM - Problem of Interest
6:45PM - Ol' Style Skratch
8:45PM - VIXEN

Friday, August 12
11:45AM - Ian Gould (Food Court Location)
3PM - Andrus & The Mariners
5:30PM - The 5 Card Studs
8:10 - LIGHT UP/ A Tribute to Styx

Saturday, August 13
12PM - Extra Crispy Brass Band
3PM - NEW ODYSSEY...3 Guys/30 Instruments
6PM - The WhiskeyBelles
8:30PM - SAWYER BROWN

Sunday, August 14
12PM - The Ultimate Legends/The Hits of Elvis & Orbison
3PM - JAY AND THE AMERICANS
5:30PM - Chicago Tribute Anthology/The Music of Chicago

Carry-ins to Riverfest are not permitted, as per city ordinance. 

Watertown - Riverside Park - 850 Labaree Street
920-261-6320
 
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August 12, 2016 - Cambridge Summer Concert

The Cambridge Arts Council presents: Summer Concert Series 2016

Veteran's Park Downtown Cambridge
100 East Main Street

Friday evenings starts at 6:30 to 8:30pm
August 12, 2016 - concert headliner to be announced

Bring a picnic and make a night of it!

6:30pm - 8pm

Cambridge - Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce - Veterans Park - 100 E. Main Street
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August 17, 2016 - Fort Atkinson Summer Charity Concerts

Bring your lawn chair, pack a picnic basket, and enjoy an evening with friends for concerts in the park featuring Euphoria and Alter Boy Picnic.

Held Wednesday evening during the summer at Barrie Park Band Shell, an outdoor music venue for the community, for a total of six concerts all for a charitable cause.

Funds raised are donated to Boys & Girls Club of Fort Atkinson and applied to the Fort Atkinson Charity Concert scholarship which supports students who have shown a commitment to their communities. 

6pm-9pm

Fort Atkinson - 210 Robert Street
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August 20, 2016 - BUZZ FEST

This is a celebration for the agricultural industry of honey. This is Wisconsin's 1st honey festival in the state. Buzz Fest is hosted by Vetro Winery and the Beekeeper's Association of Wisconsin. Honey will be for sale and various honey related items. We will have bee hives (contained) on display. Beekeeping supplies and entertainment for all ages.

11am-5pm


Jefferson - Vetro Winery - 1414 Vino Lane
920-674-9650
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August 20, 2016 - Farmer-to-Table Harvest Dinner    
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August 21, 2016 - 30th Annual Tour de Fort Metric Century Bike Ride

Join us for the 30th Annual Tour de Fort Metric Century. New scenic route through Jefferson, Rock and Walworth Countries, featuring beautiful Whitewater Lake Loop.
Metric Century Course (63 mile) with a Half-Metric Century (36 mile) and Quarter-metric Century (18 mile) options. All on paved, scenic and enjoyable roads.
  • General Mass start at 8:30 a.m. for all bikers from Jones Park at the corner of Janesville Ave and Park Street on Fort's South side. Look for Lions Club Chicken Feed Tent!
  • "Breakfast Treats" before you start the ride.
  • Rest Stops with refreshments and a lot of good biking food! Please keep in mind that rest stops will have cut-off times.
  • Detailed maps and very well-marked routes. You'd have to try real hard to make a wrong turn.
  • One ticket to the Lions Club Chicken and Corn Feed. Boy, will all the corn you can eat taste good after all you've been biking! 
  • Great support!
Please Note: Helmets are required. No refunds! Ride will be held rain or shine, come "heck" or high water.

Corn and Chicken Dinner includes chicken, rolls & butter, coleslaw, beverage, ice cream, and ALL YOU CAN EAT CORN!

Starts at 8:30am

Fort Atkinson - Jones Park - 615 Janesville Avenue
(920) 222-9127
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August 21, 2016 - Try Cambridge Tri-Triathlon

This sprint-distance triathlon guides participants down the shores of Lake Ripley, along scenic country roads and through beautiful downtown Cambridge. The event will start and end at Ripley Park, an 18-acre, beachfront park complete with restrooms, showers, multiple shelters, disc golf course, playground, and much more! Athletes receive a medal and t-shirt for participation. Awards will be given for first, second, and third place in each race category.

Times to be decided.

Cambridge - Ripley Park - N4310 Park Road
www.cambridgecap.net
  
608-423-8108
 
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August 25, 2016 - Brew with a View

Enjoy a meal and a brew in beautiful Korth Park on Thursday, August 25. Music by Hearthfire. Food by Flying Cow Pizza, El Gritto Taqueria as well as melted grilled cheese sandwiches. 
 
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August 27, 2016 - Walking Tours of Historic Fort Atkinson

Join the Hoard Historical Museum as they host historic walking tours of downtown Fort Atkinson in conjunction with the downtown Saturday Farmer's Markets.

This walking tour will highlight the structures and people who helped build Fort Atkinson. Walking tours will explore the buildings and area around the downtown section of Fort Atkinson.  All of the walking tours will begin and end at the Saturday Farmer's Market in Fort Atkinson, and last 30-40 minutes.

Tours begin at 8am and run on the hour until the end of the market at noon. Participants should be prepared to walk approximately 1 mile over paved surfaces.

As an added bonus, walkers can get their walking tour card stamped and to receive $2 off a purchase from the Fort Farmer's Market, valid on the day of the tour.
Come to a walking tour to find out more!



Scheduled walking tours are:
Saturday, August 27 from 8am - noon
Saturday, September 24 from 8am - noon
Saturday, October 15 from 8am - noon

8am - 12pm

Fort Atkinson - 401 Whitewater Ave  
(920) 563-7769 
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August 27, 2016 - Rhythm on the River

Join us for an end-of-summer social celebration at the annual Rhythm on the River along the Rock River in downtown Fort Atkinson. Enjoy a "Taste of Fort" with good food by local food vendors, live musical entertainment by Mr. Burgundy and the Zac Matthews Band, dancing and fun. Free admission to the public.

5:00pm - midnight

Fort Atkinson - Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce
Located in the Fort Atkinson municipal parking lot across from the U.S. Post Service Office between South Water Street East and East Milwaukee Avenue along the river
(920) 563-3210
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August 31, 2016 - Summer Charity Concert

Bring your lawn chair, pack a picnic basket, and enjoy an evening with friends for concerts in the park featuring Three Thin Dimes and The Madpolecats.

Held Wednesday evening during the summer at Barrie Park Band Shell, an outdoor music venue for the community, for a total of six concerts all for a charitable cause. Funds raised are donated to Boys & Girls Club of Fort Atkinson and applied to the Fort Atkinson Charity Concert scholarship which supports students who have shown a commitment to their communities.

6pm-9pm

Fort Atkinson - 210 Robert Street  
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JEFFERSON COUNTY TOURISM COUNCIL CONTACT INFO  

 

President:  Kate Anderson  |  president@enjoyjeffersoncounty.com  |   920-648-3585
Vice President:  Marie Koch   |   vp@enjoyjeffersoncounty.com
Treasurer:  Janet Werner   |   treasurer@enjoyjeffersoncounty.com   |   920-674-4511

Secretary:  Katie Otto  |  secretary@enjoyjeffersoncounty.com  |  920-648-6721

Newsletter Editor: Katie Otto |  newsletter@enjoyjeffersoncounty.com  | 920-988-4458  

Official Guide Representative:  Jennifer Erdman   |   sales@enjoyjeffersoncounty.com   |   414-213-4125