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Gary Knowles’ - Getaway Sampler A selection of events loaded with Real Wisconsin Fun!

October 2016 by Gary Knowles ©

Gary Knowles is the President of the Midwest Travel Writers Association, the oldest professional travel journalist organization in the world. He is a freelance travel writer, author of the “Gary’s Getaways” feature for the Journal & Topics Newspapers serving 16 Chicago suburbs, and the author of The Great Wisconsin Touring Book- 30 Spectacular Auto Tours. FOLLOW GARY’S TIPS ON TWITTER: @TravelWisconsin or Instagram @OpenAir93

BEFORE YOU GO: Avoid disappointment. Always check for schedule changes before heading to events. For more events-

good sources: www.Wisconline.com, www.TravelWisconsin.com or http://hwy23events.wordpress.com

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WISCONSIN – On-Going but Catch it While it’s Here! NOW to Dec.31, 2016 The Rhinestone Cowboy Home – Sheboygan Aiming to style himself as a singing “rhinestone cowboy” modeled after Glen Campbell’s song, Loy Bowlin of McComb, Mississippi, became the maker of a remarkable art environment. He embellished his small home with glitter, cut paper, magazine pictures, ornaments, and spangles, and people came from miles around to visit the “Holy Jewel Home,” and the Rhinestone Cowboy who lived there. Today, the art environment and his fancy suits, hats, and furniture, stands as the only comprehensively relocated environment in the JMK Arts Center's Permanent Collection. In 2016, the Arts Center will provide unprecedented access to our visitors as staff, preservation professionals, and historians put the house back together again in our galleries. Mon, Wed, Fri 10am-5pm; Tues, Thurs 10am-8pm; Sat, Sun 10am-4pm John Michael Kohler Arts Center, 608 New York Ave, Sheboygan, WI 53081 PH:920-458-6144 http://www.jmkac.org/ NOW – 2016 “The Nose has it!” at special WWII Warbird Art Exhibit – Oshkosh With the smoke barely cleared at Pearl Harbor, brave, young US servicemen took to the air to take the war to the enemy. Many of the aircraft carried artist painted images and messages on their noses. Now one of the finest collections of authentic, preserved, WWII “nose art” is on display for the first time outside their Commemorative Air Force home museum in Dallas, Texas. The collection honors the people and aircraft of World War II. The artifacts have been designated by the National Trust for Historical Preservation as an official project of Save America’s Treasures, which seeks to preserve historic structures, art and published works throughout the nation. It will be on display at EAA throughout 2016. “This collection is simply incredible; there’s no other way to put it,” said Bob Campbell, director of the EAA AirVenture Museum. “It tells a unique story of the common soldier and airman during World War II, how this artwork was created, what it meant to these young men mostly between 18 and 25 years old, and the individual tales of these aircraft that returned along with those that didn’t.” As was the custom during World War II, some of the nose art depicts slogans or places, but many of them included drawings of young women in poses from chaste to extremely provocative. The EAA AirVenture Museum is located just off Interstate 41 at the Highway 44 exit in Oshkosh. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call the EAA AirVenture Museum at (920) 426-6108 or visit www.eaa.org/museum.

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WISCONSIN – Set the Restless Spirits Loose!

7, 12-14, Chill at Oak Hill Cemetery - Janesville Gravestones and ghoulish tales await you at Janesville’s largest city of the dead, Oak Hill Cemetery. Come along on a tour of the cemetery and learn some interesting stories about people from Rock County’s past. Led by local expert Sherry Thurner, you will hear stories of mystery and mayhem all while enjoying a lovely evening stroll through the cemetery. Guests are strongly encouraged to dress for the weather as October can be rainy, cold, or both. Tours are limited to 35 people per date, and will be held rain or shine. PH: 608-756-4509 http://www.rchs.us/ 7, 14, 21, 28 – Haunted Hearthstone – Appleton Haunted Hearthstone explores the Victorian customs with death, the supernatural, and mysticism. Glimpses of Hearthstone's ghostly past will be revealed. This is a special tour for Friday night only. On October 28, 2016 - Extended hours Glimpses of Hearthstone's ghostly past will be revealed (8:30-10:30pm). 625 W Prospect Ave, Appleton - 920-730-8204 http://www.focol.org/hearthstone/ 14-15, 21-22, 28-29 Walking Ghost Tour – Downtown Racine This guided, three-hour tour takes visitors to the places of real legends and into some buildings that are said to be haunted. Admission per person (ages 10 and older) is $25 in advance and $30 on tour day. Meet at Divino Gelato, 245 Main St. at 6 p.m. The tours are fundraiser for the Volunteer Council of Racine. Advance tickets at 262-886-9612 or www.racineghosttour.com 20-23 Kohler Food and Wine Experience Mark your calendar for the 16th annual Kohler Food & Wine Experience - a four-day extravaganza of food, wine and fun. This interactive culinary event features celebrity chefs, libations specialists, wine experts and epicurean enthusiasts from around the world for dynamic culinary seminars, tastings and signature festivities. The American Club Resort - 920-457-8000 ext 55687 http://www.americanclubresort.com/calendar/2016/10/kohler-food-wine-experience 28-29 Zombie Days – Washburn On the last full weekend of October, Washburn is going to be officially taken over by Zombies! Come join the fun and mayhem! Some of the activities planned are a Zombie walk/run, haunted house, dance, parade and various Zombie performances that range from Zombie Zumba and belly dancing to Zombie show choir performances. There will also be a Zombie pub crawl at night. Most of the activities will take place on Saturday. There will also be contests including pumpkin carving contests, spooky yard contest, and the best float in the parade. 715-373-5017 http://washburnchamber.com/events/washburn/washburn-events/zombie-days/ 29 – Freakfest – Madison Come celebrate Halloween in Madison at Freakfest 2016! Live music: Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, St. Paul And The Broken Bones, Har Mar Superstar, Diane Coffee, Sweet Spirit, Kip Moore, Jon Pardi, The Kickback, Trapo, Mic Kellogg, Lucien Parker, Rich Robbins Visit us online for ticket information. Don't forget to wear your best costume! State Street. 800-373-6376 http://www.madfreakfest.com/ 29 – UFO Day – Belleville Come out for a fun-packed day that has something for everyone! Craft Fair,

Fun Run, Parade, Kids Costume Contest, Monster Costume Ball and Kids' Games. 608-438-4472 http://www.belleville-wi.com/

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WISCONSIN – That’s the Spirit – and Brew! ! 7 Beer Cruises on Green Lake Cruise around beautiful Green Lake on Heidel House Resort's 60-foot catamaran-style yacht, the Escapade. Take in the panoramic views as you sample a variety of great beer from a featured brewery and enjoy light appetizers. Reservations required. Bill and Michelle Tressler started Hinterland Brewery in 1995 in an old cheese factory outside of Green Bay. Today, they have added another location Milwaukee and will be soon be expanding to the Titletown District in spring of 2017. Hinterland Brewery prides itself on great ingredients and a great tasting experience. Cruises set sail at 6 p.m. and dock at 7:30 p.m.Please visit website for more information or call to reserve your spot today. Heidel House Resort & Spa, 643 Illinois Avenue, Green Lake, WI 54941 PH:920-294-3344 http://www.heidelhouse.com/events/ 7-8 Fest of Ale – Fond du Lac 350 folks will be Fond du Lucky enough to join us at the Downtown Fest-of-Ale! Downtown businesses, restaurants, and pubs will offer tastes of at least one type of beer and one type of hard soda/cider/radler. Nearly all locations will also have alcohol-free options to sample such as non-alcoholic beers or specialty sodas. Each ticket includes a souvenir Fest-of-Ale glass and up to 10 3-ounce tastes through the afternoon. Tickets may be redeemed for glasses and wristbands beginning at 8 a.m. near Downtown Deli to Go at 74 S. Main on the day of the event. PH: 920-322-2006 http://www.downtownfdl.com/festofale.html

8 Northeast Wisconsin Craft Beer Fest – Green Bay Craft beer lovers 21 years of age or older can enjoy unlimited sampling in their 2 oz. souvenir glass while enjoying music, light fare hors d' oeuvres, seminars and interactive games. First Call is $55 advance, $60 at the door; general admission is $40 advance, $45 at the door. Shopko Hall - 1901 S. Oneida St., PH:920-494-3401 http://craftbeerfestivalgb.com/ 22- Downtown Appleton Craft Beer Walk Enjoy a tasting tour of WI brewed beers at Downtown bars! Register at your favorite watering hole for just $20 now. Then get ready to taste 2 beers at each location. Brewery reps at each stop to educate participants about the styles & attributes of their beers. Commemorative glass included! 920-954-9112 PH: https://appletondowntown.org/downtown-craft-beer-walk/

WISCONSIN – Feast On! 7-8 Monona Fall Fest - Chili Cookoff and Pie Party This event features the chili cook-off, Hoot Hoot Hustle (5K run/1 mile walk), an art and craft fair, live music, and the Monona Pie Party. The chili cook-off features more than 25 chili champs providing samples to festival attendees on Saturday, October 8. The Monona Pie Party features over 100 sweet and savory pies where you get to taste and vote for your favorites! Live music starts in the beer tent at 5pm. Hay wagon rides, Friends of Monona Library Book Sale, hay bale maze - See you there! Winnequah Park, 5301 Healy Lane, Monona, WI 53716 Information:608-222-4167 http://mononaeastside.com/monona-fall-festival-chili-cookoff-on-107-109/

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8 – The Great Chili Cookoff – Oshkosh With over thirty different amateur chili cook-off teams, we invite you to explore the many options for a fun fall favorite – a traditional dish for many, chili! Taste a wide variety of chili samples and vote for your favorites. Last year this event was host to an array of surprisingly, yet tasty offerings such as: a pineapple chili, vegan chili, meat lovin' chili and MANY more chili samples! Amateur Judges will be on site awarding in categories of the "Best Traditional Chili", "Specialty Chili", and a "5 Alarm Chili". The judge tasting takes place at 10:45 am JUST before sampling is open to the public at 11am. Other activities include a beer tent with micro brews & brews as well as a live DJ. Opera House Square, 300 Block Of N Main St., Oshkosh, WI 54901, Information:920-231-4540 8 Nov 5 & 12 - Breakfast in a Victorian Kitchen – Villa Louis - Prairie du Chien This is a hands-on cooking workshop for adults. Participants take a culinary tour of the late 19th century through the preparation and consumption of a Victorian breakfast using the foods, utensils and technology of the time. A family style breakfast will be followed by a tour of the estate. Reservations are required for this event, please call. 608-326-2721 http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/calendar/event/4423/breakfast-in-a-victorian-kitchen 15 – Lutefisk Dinner & Norwegian Bake & Craft Sale – Iola Served family style, attendees can sample lutefisk, lefse, meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy, buttered carrots, cole slaw, cranberries and Norwegian pastries. Tickets are $14 for adults, $4 for children ages 6 to 12, and free for those 5 and under. Baked goods and craft items will be for sale. The homemade Norwegian pastries and pies are usually the best sellers, especially the rosette, sandbakkel, krumkake, and fattigmann cookies. 12:30-6:30PM Northland Lutheran Church, N9880 State Road 49, Iola, WI 54945, PH:715-445-2956

WISCONSIN – Celebrates Autumn! 7-9 Bayfield Apple Fest - Bushels of Fun Called “one of the 10 Best Fall Harvest Festivals in the nation” by USATODAY, Apple Fest in Bayfield Oct. 7-9 brings in foodies, art and autumn lovers to the sparkling shore of Lake Superior. More than sixty orchards truck in tons of tasty apples. Expect apple pies, caramel apples, apple baked goods, apple t-shirts and even apple-brats. More than 140 art, craft and vendor booths line the streets. Enter the apple peeling contest, hear Big Top Chautauqua's Blue Canvas Orchestra throughout the weekend on the Grandstand, and don’t miss the 400 player “Mass Band” Grand Parade on Sunday. For a scenic, relaxing boat trip, catch the Madeline Island Ferry to La Pointe. http://bayfield.org/bayfield-activities/bayfield-apple-festival/ PH:715-779-3335 7-9 Fermentation Fest – Reedsburg & Area Fermentation may not be the first thing on your autumn fun list, but this fest may put it there! It’s an annual celebration of “live culture in all its forms” from dance to yogurt, poetry to sauerkraut choreographed by the Reedsburg, WI-based Wormfarm Institute. The October 1-9 Fest brings together farmers, chefs, artists, poets and performers in Sauk County for nine days of tastings, demonstrations, cooking classes, art events, performances and food carts. The signature feature of Fermentation Fest is the “Farm/ Art DTour” – a 50 + mile drive through scenic working farmland where artists display stunning, unusual temporary art works that explore the timeless connection between land and people. Roadside farm stands dot the Sauk County highways making this a superb autumn tour. Railroad Depot, Railroad St., Reedsburg, http://fermentationfest.com/ Toll Free: 800-844-3507

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7-9 (Re-Scheduled) Applefest – Gays Mils Festival includes arts & crafts fair, huge flea market, 2K & 5K run and walk, horseshoe tournament, numerous food stands, music, parade 1:30pm Sunday. Check Website for full schedule. Highway 171 is now open from Richland Center to Mount Sterling. However, caution should be used on Highway 171 east of Gays Mills due to damage caused by the heavy rains and flooding. A sign posted by the Wisconsin DOT east of Richland Center on Highway 14 that indicates that Highway 14 is closed (at Readstown) is causing confusion with travelers trying to navigate their way to the orchards. If you are traveling from MADISON, please take Highway 14 from Richland Center to Boaz and then connect with Highway 171 west. This route will take you along the Orchard Ridge to Gays Mills. If you are traveling from Prairie du Chien, please take Highway 27 north to Mount Sterling and connect with Highway 141 east into Gays Mills. Check Website for full schedule PH:608-735-4341 http://www.gaysmills.org/applefest.html 8-9 Fall Colors Comet Sky Ride – Wausau Experience the fall colors as you are whisked to the top of Rib Mountain State Park on the Comet Sky Ride at Granite Peak Ski Area, in a six-seat chair lift that encloses its passengers with a safety bar. The chairs move slowly for easy loading and unloading. You can get off at the top of Rib Mountain and walk around, then resume the ride back to the base village. Round trip tickets are available at Granite Peak Ski Area. Children 5 and under are free. Granite Peak Ski Area, Mountain Road, Wausau, WI 54401 Information:715-845-2846 http://www.travelwisconsin.com/events/tours/fall-colors-comet-sky-ride-43600 8 & 15 Great Pumpkin Train – Green Bay Great Halloween fun at the National Railroad Museum. Patrons will ride the Museum's train to the pumpkin patch, where everyone is welcome to select a pumpkin of their own. The weekend also features an exciting slate of entertainers. 9-5PM 2285 S Broadway – PH: 920-437-7623 http://www.nationalrrmuseum.org/ 8 & 9 Oktoberfest Cedarburg Delicious German foods, specialty beers, Cedar Creek wines and fabulous desserts will be available this weekend behind the Community Center during Cedarburg's 9th Oktoberfest. Visit the Marketplace to find artisans, retail vendors, AG vendors and a Farmers Market, as well as fun activities and wacky contests. Echte Deutsche Musik from many German bands as well as dancing by the Pommersche Tanzdeel Freistadt. Sunday Sheepshead Tournament and lots more. 262-377-9620

http://www.cedarburgfestival.org/ 8 & 9 Oktoberfest in Lake Geneva Join us for Lake Geneva Oktoberfest as we celebrate another great season in Lake Geneva! Bring your entire family downtown to enjoy pony rides, bouncy houses, German music, children's performances, brats, potato pancakes, and cider donuts, Scootoberfest games, the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-in, and Sprechtoberfest's beer tent! Stroll through the lovely shops and see the lovely colors around the lake. PH:262-248-4416 http://www.visitlakegeneva.com/events/lake-geneva-oktoberfest-sat-october-8-and-sun-october-9/

8-9, 15-16 Autumn on the Farm at Old World Wisconsin - Eagle Celebrate the 19th-century harvest season and help our farm families and villagers bring in their crops, stock the larder and put up the produce for winter. There is so much to do that we've given each weekend a different seasonal theme, packed with harvest activities, from plowing the fields to tasting tempting foods, to meat processing and putting up preserves. 262-594-6300

http://oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org/

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8-9, 15-16 Fall Fest at The Wade House with Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride – Greenbush See this authentic 1850s stagecoach inn and learn about the origins of American Halloween customs. Play seasonal games of the period, sip hot cider in the inn, and take a two-mile, open-air, horse-drawn wagon ride. We'll also carve pumpkins and turnips, and listen to classic renditions of scary (but family friendly) stories in the candlelit Herrling Sawmill. 920-526-3271 http://wadehouse.wisconsinhistory.org/ 14-16 Sparta Fall Fest Walk through historic Sparta for Sidewalk Sales, kids games, pie baking contest, Farmers Market, live entertainment, softball tournaments, and much more! The Sparta Fall Fest Pie Judging Contest will be held at Coach’s Kitchen on Saturday October 15. Judging will be in 2 categories: Fruit & non fruit. Pies need to be dropped off at Coach’s Kitchen by 10am, judging will take place at 11am and slices of pie can be purchased by 12 noon. There will be 1st & 2nd place for both categories.Take a trip and enjoy the beautiful Sparta community in the fall for one of our biggest events of the year! Downtown Sparta - 800-354-2453 http://business.bikesparta.org/events/details/sparta-fall-fest-10-14-2016-1079 15 – Oktoberfest – Shell Lake The Shell Lake Chamber of Commerce and the Shell Lake Arts Center invite you to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of autumn at the Fourth Annual Oktoberfest. Fantastic food and beverage samples, with nods to the local Bavarian and German heritage, will be offered by area businesses. This year, you can dance the night away to the sounds of the Porch Dogs playing your favorites country, blues, honkytonk, and rockabilly songs. Porch Dogs feature Bob Berg and Tim Sears on guitar and vocals, and Gary Neilsen on keyboard and vocals. Tickets are $10 at the door, and proceeds from this event go to support the Shell Lake Chamber of Commerce and the Shell Lake Arts Center. PH: 715-468-2414 15 Oktoberfest – Green Lake At Heidel House Resort - You'll raise your glasses and celebrate the German spirit with traditional food, beer and live music. Take in the festive atmosphere as you indulge in a mouth-watering schnitzel and allow the beer maidens to fill up your stein or commemorative boot in the Beer Tent. Activities throughout the afternoon and night will add to the excitement including Klement’s Sausage Races, a polka dancing contest and the ever-popular Das Boot Relay. Don't forget your lederhosen! Before the night ends, someone will be crowned "best dressed" for their traditional outfit. PH: 800-444-2812 http://www.heidelhouse.com/wisconsin-weekend-getaway/resort-events 15-16 Ride the MidContinent Railway “Pumpkin Special”-North Freedom Findi your Halloween pumpkin at Mid-Continent RailwayMuseum. Climb aboard the Pumpkin Special and make your way to Quartzite Lake where pumpkins from a local grower await your arrival. The conductor will help you load your pumpkin for the return to North Freedom. Purchase of pumpkins is optional and not included in train fare. 608-522-4261

http://www.midcontinent.org/

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22-23 Great Pumpkin Chuckin Fest & BBQ Cookoff – The Great Pumpkin Fest is a community event celebrating the fall season with a focus on youth and the development of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) skills in local schools. The event highlights a Pumpkin Chuckin competition where teams will build either a catapult, trebuchet or slingshot to launch an 8 to 10 lb. pumpkin for distance, accuracy, and creativity. New this year is the addition of “The Best of the Midwest BBQ Cook-Off”, this is a sanctioned Kansas City Barbecue Society event. The Fest includes an abundance of family-friendly activities including: free kids games, rides, kids’ activities, pie eating contest, pie auction, and pumpkin baking contest, people’s choice chili cook-off and costume contests for both adults and youth. There will be live music on Saturday night and a youth costume contest and parade on

Sunday. Racine County Fairgrounds, 19805 Durand Ave, Union Grove, WI 53182 Information: 262-878-4606 http://pumpkinchuckin.com/

WISCONSIN – What the Heck? What’s Going on Out There?! 7 - Drive Road America – Sunset Cruise Experience Road America October 7, in your own vehicle as you drive around the legendary 4-mile circuit and see the track from a racer's perspective. This opportunity showcases the track with three-guided, slow-speed laps of the entire race course. The evening kicks off with a driver's meeting and an opportunity to visit the 4-Mile Merchant for great Road America souvenirs. Limited space available, please register in advance. Driver must possess valid driver's license. Price: $20 per car. Enter gate 6. Rain or shine. Space is limited. Register at 4:30PM - Event begins promptly at 5:30pm. Highway 67 Elkhart Lake, WI 53020 PH: 920-892-4576 www.roadamerica.com 7-8 Wisconsin Antique Dealers 65th Annual Show & Sale – Waukesha The oldest state antiques organization in America produces this well-established antiques show with over 50 quality dealers selling furniture, collectibles, home décor, toys and more; authenticity guaranteed. 414-510-4441 http://www.wisconsinantiquesdealers.com/ 7-8 50th Anniversary World Dairy Expo – Madison No dairy event in the world compares to this event, a showcase for elite dairy cattle, cutting edge research and modern technologies. Among the many products, demonstrations, seminars and cattle judging, you can also find some great food, and don’t forget to stop at the Purple Cow Gift Shop to buy a dairy souvenir for those at home. It truly is the international meeting place for the dairy industry, so make sure you mark your calendars for this event. Alliant Energy Center PH: 608-267-3976 http://worlddairyexpo.com/ 8 – Hybrid Redneck Rally - Tuff Trucks & Mud – Richland Center Mud, Tuff Trucks, Pulling, Grass Drags, ATV Drags. Inexpensive fun for the entire family!! Only $10 for adults, children 12 and under admitted Free! Richland County Fairgrounds - 23630 County Road AA - 608-604-5068 - http://hybridredneck.com/ 8-15 Mid-Continent Railway Dinner Trains – North Freedom Enjoy an evening of fine dining and elegance aboard vintage First Class cars built in 1914 and 1929. Begin with cocktails, followed by a multi-course meal prepared using authentic railroad recipes and served on real china by uniformed friendly staff. Trip lasts three hours. Seating is limited; reservations are required. Patrons are asked to board 15 minutes before 5:30PM scheduled departure time. E8948 Museum Rd, PH: 608-522-4261 http://www.midcontinent.org/

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8, 15, 22 – East Troy Electric Railway Dinner Train Experience the romance of dining aboard award-winning Art Deco railroad cars for a gourmet dining excursion. Meticulously restored coaches of the Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad serve as your dining room as the East Troy Electric Railroad presents the last remaining electric interurban dining car train in North America, Seating is limited and reservations are required. Cash bar available. East Troy Electric Railroad Museum, 2002 Church Street, East Troy, WI 53120 Information:262-642-3263, http://www.easttroyrr.org/ 8-9 Visit Indian Museum & Mounds and Pumpkin Patch – Elkhart Lake Fall family weekend. Indian museum tours, wagon rides to the effigy mounds, pumpkin patch, corn maze, fall snacks, fall decorations, kids activities, trout feeding and fishing. The museum is full of both artifacts found on the Henschel site and the surrounding area, as well as collections on loan. The ancient springs that feed the trout ponds no doubt was a source of fresh water for the indigenous peoples of the area. Since the first Henschel homesteader settled in Sheboygan County in 1849, the family's land has yielded evidence of 10,000 years of human occupation. Today the Henschel collection is one of the most complete in Wisconsin. These items - chipped stone tools, projectile points, ground stone tools, bone tools, copper implements, and pottery - trace the lives and times of the original culture inhabiting the area. Henschel's Indian Museum, N8661 Holstein Road, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020 Information:920-876-3193 http://henschelsindianmuseumandtroutfarm.com/ 8 & 9 Gathering of Rogues and Ruffians – New Glarus Performers of all kinds waiting to entertain you - singers, musicians, jugglers, thespians and others that defy description. Crafters, artisans, food merchants, and other purveyors of baubles and trinkets (all dressed in period garb) are happily willing to trade with you; their wares for your gold. Military and other re-enactors will show off their great weaponry and the joys of living during the enlightened Renaissance times. Sponsored by Shakespeare on the Edge Inc. Wilhelm Tell Grounds W5199 County Road “W” New Glarus, WI 53574 PH: 608-558-6582 http://www.agatheringofroguesandruffians.com/ 9 – Maribel Cave Tours - Maribel Guided, underground walking cave tours of Maribel New Hope Cave. The cave is electrically floodlighted, and is suitable for all ages. See water worn river passageways, stalactites, flowstone, a giant rock column, and unique geologic rock formations. It is the largest cave in Manitowoc County. Donations only. Cherney Maribel Caves County Park, County Road R, Maribel, WI 54227 PH:920-683-4189 http://www.maribelcaves.com/ 10-20 Chippewa Valley Book Festival – Eau Claire The 17th Annual Festival brings a variety of authors to the Chippewa Valley to celebrate the written word. Come meet a favorite author and have your book signed, or listen to authors talk about their works. We hope to see you at one of our many events for children, teens, and adults during the eight-day festival. All events, other than meals and writing workshops, are free and are held in handicap-accessible locations around the area. For details 715-839-5004 or http://www.cvbookfest.org/

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12 – International Top Spinning Day – Worldwide/Burlington The world is a big spinning Top! Celebrate and recognize this scientific fact today wherever you are on the earth by spinning a top or tops! An unusual worldwide celebration! Free to take part wherever you are! Join in, by spinning a top or tops at your work place, school, center, business, or club meeting and help to get 10,000 (or more) tops spinning around the world all on this one day. National Public Radio has talked about this event! People have taken part from England, France, Poland, Malta, Switzerland, South Africa, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Iowa, Illinois, Texas, and many other places. Celebration originated by Wisconsin’s Spinning Top &Yo-Yo Museum. Then email us your group photo & how many tops/spins, city, state, country. Full details on the website. You can also join us in front of the Top Museum in downtown Burlington to spin tops here, to add to the total. Free and fun to take part. PH: 262-763-3946 http://www.topmuseum.org/20.html 14-16 Fall Snowmobile Show – West Allis See the latest in sleds, gear, clothing, accessories, performance products, trailers and equipment for the new season. Check out scores of different lodging facilities and even book your reservations. Expo Center at State Fair Park - 608-223-6550 http://www.snowmobileusa.com/ 15-16 Pickers’ Delight! Rummage-A-Rama – West Bend Ahhh, the great delight of discovering treasure amid piles of junk! Let the hunt begin October 15-16 at the huge fall Rummage-A-Rama sale in West Bend. No one can predict what you’ll find at this indoor flea-market-rummage-sale. There are usually hobby items, crafts, antiques, art, furnishings, collectables from local dealers, overstock and close-out bargains, cleaned-out attic discoveries, estate remnants and boxes of old-stuff grandma has been trying to get rid of for years. More than 100 different sellers are waiting to give you a deal you can’t refuse. Washington County Fair Park & Conference Center, 3000 Highway PV, West Bend, WI PH: 262-677-5060 http://rummage-a-rama.com/about/

16 – Ice Age Trail – Full Hunter’s Moon Hike – Lodi Some Native American tribes referred to October’s Moon as the Full Hunter’s Moon as it was the time to go hunting in preparation for winter. This full Moon is also called the “Travel Moon” and the “Dying Grass Moon.” Join the Lodi Valley Chapter on a gorgeous fall hike under an October sky. The moon hangs in the sky all night long; it rises just after sunset and sets around sunrise. This is the type of full moon night that will have you humming strains of Van Morrisson's famous song, Moondance. "Well it's a marvelous night for a moondance, With the stars up above in your eyes..." The hike begins 7:00 p.m. from the Slack Road Trailhead of the Gibraltar Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. https://goo.gl/maps/f5TIJ Dress for the weather and it's always a good idea to bring a headlamp. 608-843-3926

http://www.iceagetrail.org/event/lodi-valley-chapter-full-moon-hike-12/ 20-23 Wisconsin Book Festival – Madison The festival will incorporate literature, spoken word, art, and performance. We will feature local literary talents alongside national voices to create a unique event full of free community programs in keeping with our library's mission to learn, share and create. Festival activities will be hosted at library facilities, particularly the new Central Library, and select other venues. With an anticipated audience of 10,000 people, the Library and Foundation, along with a growing list of collaborative partners, are poised for the next chapter. 608-772-9565 http://www.wisconsinbookfestival.org/

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20-23 Wisconsin Science Festival – Madison New ways of thinking, probing, working, learning, living—the Wisconsin Science Festival explores science from every possible angle. The festival welcomes people of all ages to look, listen, feel, touch, taste and discover the wonders of all aspects of the sciences, arts and more. 608-316-4382 https://www.wisconsinsciencefest.org/program-guide.wsf

WISCONSIN – History 7-9 Reenanactors Archiology Weekend - Horicon Buckskinners encampment with Dirty Kettle and friends will both fascinate and educate young and old about the customs of the Native Americans. Walk into the tepee, sit around the fire, and listen to the drums as Dirty Kettle and friends share information, and answer questions. Sample fry bread. Tomahawk throwing, flag display of Wisconsin's 11 Sovereign Nations, Atl-atl demonstrations – test your skills in hitting the target, local collectors with museum quality artifacts, corn grinding,fire starting techniques, face painting, corn husk doll making and much more. Horicon Marsh International Education Center, N7725 State Road 28, Horicon, WI 53032 Information:920-387-7893 http://rockriverarch.blogspot.com/ 8 - Blastoff for Space Week with Apollo Astronaut Frank Borman – Oshkosh Frank Borman, who as commander of the Apollo 8 mission in 1968 led the first humans to orbit the moon, will be the featured guest at the EAA AirVenture Museum’s Space Day on Oct. 8 at 5 p.m. in the Founders’ Wing. He will share his experiences as a pioneer in space including Gemini 7 in 1965 and the Apollo 8 flight with James Lovell and William Anders in 1968. On that mission the astronauts captured the iconic “Earthrise” photo that has become one of the world’s most recognized images. Space Day activities included with museum admission include: Space Discovery for Kids; opening of the new Space Shuttle photo exhibit; Star and Sun Gazing with professional sun telescopes from 10 a.m. until noon (weather permitting), allowing visitors to see stars and planets in daylight; and the film When We Left Earth: Landing The Eagle which highlights achievements of the American space program during the 1960s. EAA Space Day activities are scheduled in conjunction with the observance of World Space Week Oct. 4-10, featuring more than 1,800 events in 73 countries.

WISCONSIN – Competition! 7-8 Fly Fishing World Championships - Hayward Fly fishing enthusiasts will hit some of the finest musky waters in the world at the Chippewa Flowage in this competitive 3-day event. Treeland Resorts, 9630 N Treeland Rd, Hayward, WI 54843 Information:715-462-3874 http://www.treelandresorts.com/ 7-9 OKTOBERFEST Race Weekend – West Salem Annual short-track races in 19 divisions over four days. Stars & cars of the NASCAR Re/Max Challenge Series. Food & refreshments. Thur: Late Models, Sportsmen, Thunderstox, Futures Super Late Models, Hornets, World-Famous Double-O Race. Fri: Super Late Models Dick Trickle 99, Great Northern Sportsmen, Midwest Truck Series, Midwest Dash, Super Late. Sat: Big-8 Late Model Series, Mid-American Stock Car Series, plus ARCA Midwest Tour heat races and qualifying races. Sun: ARCA Midwest Tour Oktoberfest Championship race, JMCK 63 Invitational for Big-8 Late Models, Outlawz, Vintage Cars, Bandits, Late Model Challenge on two different tracks! La Crosse County Fairgrounds – West Salem 608-786-1525 http://lacrossespeedway.com/

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14-15 Musky Madness Team Tournament – Mercer Two day, two person team tournament on 10 lakes within the Turtle Flambeau Flowage River that have legal access. Those lakes include: Fisher Lake, Spider Lake, Oxbow Lake, Echo Lake, Grand Portage Lake, Pike Lake, Mercer Lake, Lake of the Falls, Trude Lake, and the Turtle Flambeau Flowage. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place along with many other prizes, raffles, awards, food, and most importantly....FUN! Awards Ceremony will take place on Saturday night at Gateway Lodge. For more information 715-476-7878 or http://thegatewaylodge.com/area-attractions/

WISCONSIN – Arts! Now-16 Audubon’s Birds of America Prints – Oshkosh This exhibition will feature the renowned large-format prints (also called the “Elephant folio” prints) of American artist John James Audubon and his Birds of America series. The most celebrated work of American ornithology, these exceptional prints date from the 1820s and 1830s and are among the most beloved wildlife imagery in the world. The exhibition is curated by a leading expert in American wildlife art, David Wagner, a distinguished scholar and exhibition organizer based in Milwaukee. Visit the glorious gardens at the Paine while you enjoy this beautiful exhibit. Tue-Sun 11am-4pm Paine Art Center and Gardens, 1410 Algoma Blvd PH: 920-235-6903 http://www.thepaine.org/

Now – Oct 16 Geniuses of Oshkosh As a tribute to mark one hundred years since the unfortunate passing of this talented Oshkosh artist, considered one of the nation's most promising artists and hailed as a hometown genius, the Museum devotes a gallery to not only the artistry of Mears, but also to other geniuses of her generation whose inspiration helped transform Sawdust City. The exhibition promises to reveal why Mears, after one hundred years, still retains such esteem. Helen showed artistic ability at an early age. Family friends recalled that as early as three or four years old Helen would sit in her highchair and bite her bread into animal shapes, like cats and dogs. At eight years old Helen won first place at the Winnebago County Fair for a small head of Apollo that she fashioned out of clay. Helen's sculptures gained national recognition and today she is still considered one of Wisconsin's premier sculptors. While studying under Lorado Taft at the Chicago Art Institute, Helen was commissioned to do a figure, entitled Genius of Wisconsin, to represent Wisconsin at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The nine-foot marble sculpture now stands in the Wisconsin State Capitol. Artifacts and images from the Museum's collections, and on loan from museums and collectors, will introduce visitors to Mears and other geniuses who found Oshkosh the perfect location to foster their creativity. To give visitors better insight into the meaning behind Mears' sculptures, letters and drawings concerning their creation will also accompany the artwork. Tue-Sun 11am-4pm Paine Art Center and Gardens, 1410 Algoma Blvd PH: 920-235-6903http://www.thepaine.org/

7 -– Gallery Night Art – Madison Showcasing the city's vibrant arts community, Gallery Night is a long-time Madison tradition. Organized each spring and fall by MMoCA, Gallery Night offers art lovers and art novices alike, an opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of exhibitions, opening receptions, special events, demonstrations, and refreshments at venues throughout the city. After touring Madison's vibrant arts scene, swing by the MMoCA Lobby for an After Party from 9-11 pm. With a full night of music from DJ VPS, complimentary snacks, a cash bar by Fresco, and hands-on art activities, this party is not to be missed. MMoCA galleries will be open late so that attendees can enjoy our latest exhibitions. Gallery Night is a free event. Gallery Night After Party is free for MMoCA members, $5 for non-members. 608-257-0158 http://www.mmoca.org/programs-events/events/gallery-night

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7-9 Audubon Days – Mayville Audubon Days Festival kicks off with the Friday Bed Races downtown and Beer & Wine tasting. The weekend event line-up includes: a run & walk, a Bike Tour, the Audubon Arts & Crafts Gallery, a car show, a gigantic parade, food court, Kid's events, fabulous entertainment and much fun.FRI: RunAway- Bon Jovi/ 80s Tribute Band – City Parking lot tent on 100 Block of South Main (behind the businesses) SAT: Saving Savannah- City Parking tent lot on 100 block of S Main (behind the businesses) PH: 920-387-5776 http://www.audubondays.com/ 7-9 Northwoods Fall Art Tour - Boulder Junction Area artisans open their studios and galleries for artist demonstrations, door prize drawings, and works for sale. Media includes paintings, ceramics, fiber art, wood, prints, and more. 715-385-3334 http://northwoodsarttour.com/ 7-9 Rural Arts - Fall Art Tour - Embark on a self-guided road trip to bask in the fall colors on rural roads and scenic small towns. See the artists at work in their studios, enjoy adventures from hay rides to corn mazes, and savor delectable local, organic foods and brew! Eleven host sites with 33 artists located at various sites.Abler Art Glass Gallery16205 Little Elkhart Lake Rd Kiel, WI

53042 Information:920-286-0971 http://ruralartsroadtrip.com/index.html 7-9 Fresh Art Tour – NW WI A self-guided tour of the Artists' studios and eclectic galleries near beautiful Lake Pepin and the Chippewa Valley of Wisconsin. Timed for the colorful hardwood tree display. Each site will feature demonstrations and discussions about the artist's methods and ideas. The art ranges from textiles to pottery, painting, mixed media and much more. Look for signs to this self-guided tour. 715-672-8188 http://www.freshart.org/ 8- Fall Fair on the Square – Baraboo Semi-annual arts and crafts show with food, farmer's market, children's activities, live music and family entertainment. Spring and fall themes. Includes 150+ artists and crafters from the Midwest. On the Courthouse Square - 608-448-3490 http://www.downtownbaraboo.com/ 14-16 The 22nd Fall Art Tour – Hit the Back Roads – Southwest Wisconsin Meet 45 area artists and watch them at work on this self-guided driving tour through the stunning fall country roads of southwest Wisconsin linking Baraboo, Spring Green, Dodgeville, Reedsburg and Mineral Point. Hours are 10AM to 6PM daily, October 14-16. Meet potters, weavers, glassblowers, woodworkers, painters, jewelers, quilters, photographers & sculptors in their studios and galleries. Watch them create unique works of art and maybe pick up a masterpiece! PH: 608-356-9048 www.fallarttour.com 19-22 Flyway Film Festival – Pepin-Stockholm-Maiden Rock The ninth annual Flyway Film Festival - Over 50 national and international independent films will be shown in four venues, with many filmmakers and industry professionals in attendance to interact with audiences via Q&A and networking events. The festival venues are approximately a 60-minute drive from Rochester, Minnesota or Eau Claire, Wisconsin and 85 minutes from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. 855-800-8008 http://flywayfilmfestival.org/

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WISCONSIN –Music!

7 – Yesterday and Today: Interactive Beatles Event – Janesville Rock to the music of the Beatles in an all new interactive concert experience where the audience creates the playlist for the night. There’s no denying that everyone has a Beatles song attached to an event in their life. Through laughter and personal stories, Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience connects the audience and performers in a way like none other. Each performance becomes a unique and remarkable event – Janesville Performing Arts Center - 608-758-0297 http://www.janesvillepac.org/jpac/

8 – Sons of the Pioneers – Monroe This premier singing group is proud to perform the music of the American West. The performers musically tell stories of tall timbers, horses, canyons, prairies, and the American Cowboy. Their signature songs include Tumbling Tumbleweed, Cool Water, Red River Valley, and Ghost Riders in the Sky. Their superb harmonies, high quality musicianship, and brilliant arrangements give life to the legendary classics which have set the standard for country western music. They have accumulated more honors and awards than anyone else in western music: Country Music Association, Academy of Country Music, Western Music Association, National Cowboy Hall of Fame, and many others. Don't miss this opportunity to see these western music icons. Monroe High School Performing Arts Center - 1600 26th St -Monroe, WI 53566 PH: 608-325-5700 http://www.monroeartscenter.com/

14 Riders in the Sky – Hartford Returning to the Schauer for the 5th time, Riders In The Sky is taking you back on a Western musical adventure that will encourage you to live life “The Cowboy Way!” For more than 30 years, they have carried the flame of the singing cowboys like Gene Autry, Sons of the Pioneers and Roy Rogers, and while remaining true to the integrity of Western music, they have become modern-day icons of the genre with their own legendary wacky humor and way out Western wit. Round up the family, circle the wagons, and head on over to see them pay tribute to the King of the Cowboys —— Roy Rogers. Schauer Arts Center, 147 N Rural St, Hartford, WI 53027 Information: 262-670-0560 ext 3 http://www.schauercenter.org/

21 – Leo Kottke at Eau Claire Regional Center for the Arts Tickets $40. Leo Kottke, an acoustic guitarist, is known for his fingerpicking style draws on blues, jazz, and folk music, and for syncopated, polyphonic melodies 715-832-2787 http://www.eauclairearts.com/

22 – Lou and Peter Berryman in Concert- Weyauwega Lou and Peter Berryman, authors of sixteen recordings and three songbooks of original material, have performed together for more than thirty-five years. Their whimsical and wonderfully accessible performances of their hilarious, quirky, yet oddly profound songs leave audiences with cheeks aching from smiling. Special guests Cindy Mangsen & Steve Gillette. Grand Opera House – 8PM - 715-412-3368 http://www.wegaarts.org/

27 – Moody Blues – Appleton The Moody Blues will bring their "The Voyage Continues - Highway 45" Tour to the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center! This past November marked the 45th anniversary of the legendary album Days Of Future Passed featuring “Nights in White Satin.” This tour is an anniversary celebration of that album. The Moody Blues have generated a legendary list of hit songs (“Nights In White Satin,” “Tuesday Afternoon,” “Question,”) The Moody Blues – Justin Hayward, John Lodge, and Graeme Edge – carry on their magical musical legacy. 8PM - Fox Cities Performing Arts Center PH: 920-730-3760 http://foxcitiespac.com/

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28 – An Evening with Tony Bennett – Madison Discovered by Bob Hope in 1949 and world-famous by the 1950s, he’s sold more than 10 million records in just the last ten years. This is no revival tour—he’s been putting out chart-topping records and selling out the world’s top venues for sixty years straight. Come for a memorable night of American standards, pop hits from every decade and even a few surprises. The Overture Center - 608-258-4141 http://www.overture.org/events/an-evening-with-tony-bennett XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX FREE TRAVEL GUIDES: WISCONSIN DEPT. OF TOURISM- Free: 800-432-8747 (TRIP) http://www.travelwisconsin.com FREE GUIDES: “Activity Guide” Campground Directory, Lodging Directory, Highway Map, Golf, Birding, Attractions

OTHERS IN WISCONSIN: (all free) Calumet County Guide – 920-849-1442 www.travelcalumet.com Chippewa County Travel Guide – 866-723-0331 www.ChippewaCounty.com Door County Visitors Guide – 800-527-3529 http://www.doorcounty.com/web/contact.asp Fox Cities Area Guide – 800-223-6667 www.foxcities.org Grant County Travel Guide – 608-348-8888 www.Platteville.com Green Bay Visitor’s Guide – 888-867-3342 www.GreenBay.com Green County Travel Guide – 888-222-9111 www.GreenCounty.com Kenosha Area Visitors Guide – 800-654-7309 www.KenoshaCVB.com Kewaunee County Guide – 800-290-4299 www.VisitKewauneeCounty.com Madison Area Visitor Guide – 800-373-6376 http://www.visitmadison.com Mineral Point Travel Guide – 888-764-6894 www.MineralPoint.com Minocqua Area Destination Guide – 800-44-NORTH www.minocqua.org Racine – Real Racine Guide - 800-272-2463 www.realracine.com Sauk Prairie Visitors Packet – 800- 683-2453 http://www.saukprairie.com/visitorspacket.html St. Croix Valley & Polk County Guides (ask Sue for both) 800-222-7655 www.VisitrSCF.com Superior & Douglas Country Travel Guide - 800-942-5313 www.VisitSuperior.com

OTHERS – NEIGHBORING STATES, REGIONAL, ETC Chicago Office of Tourism: Free Guide & App - http://www.choosechicago.com Illinois Travel – http://www.enjoyillinois.com/brochures/ Iowa Tourism – http://www.traveliowa.com/ 888.472.6035 or 515.725.3084 Lake Michigan Circle Tour and Lighthouse Map – 1-800-442-2084 or at www.WMTA.org Lanesboro, Minnesota Visitor Guide 800-657-4972 Michigan – http://www.michigan.org/ Minnesota Tourism Travel Counselors at explore@state.mn.us, or 1-888-TOURISM (1-888-868-7476). Minnesota – Mississippi Valley Bluff Country (on-line) http://www.ExploreMississippiBluffs.com Mississippi Valley Partners (WI-MN) www.mississippi-river.org 1-888-999-2619 Red Wing, Minnesota www.redwing.org 1-651-385-5934 800-498-3444 Wabasha-Kellogg, Minnesota – www.wabashamn.org 1-800-565-4158 West Michigan Travel Guide - 616-245-2217 www.wmta.org/publications-24/ Winona, Minnesota Visitor Guide – (800) 657-4972 www.VisitWinona.com BEFORE YOU GO: Avoid disappointment. Always check for schedule changes before heading to events. For more events- good sources: www.Wisconline .com, www.TravelWisconsin.com XXXXX