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

MARCH 2016 (and a few April events too!) by Gary Knowles ©

Gary Knowles is a freelance travel writer who is the author of the “Gary’s Getaways” feature for the Journal & Topics Newspapers serving 16 Chicago suburbs, a consultant to travel businesses, and the author of The Great Wisconsin Touring Book- 30 Spectacular Auto Tours. FOLLOW GARY’S TIPS ON TWITTER: @TravelWisconsin

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 – Feast On!

5 – Heat is ON! Chili and Spaghetti Cook-Off – Evansville Area chefs and wanna-be hot shots will create and name delectable concoctions of chili for the annual Heat is On! Chili Cook-Off & Spaghetti Dinner. This is an annual contest with "celebrity" judges and People's Choice awards. If chili isn't your thing, enjoy a spaghetti dinner, cash bar and live music. A silent auction and 50/50 raffle is sure to have a prize meant just for you. Bring the kids, too: special activities are waiting for them! Adult admission is $20; kids age 13 and younger eat free when accompanied by a paying adult. 608-882-0598 http://www.ecp-wi.org/ 13 – Top Chef Competition – Elkhart Lake Area chefs compete for the Top Chef Title at this lakeside resort. Join the Midwest Council for Children with Disabilities TOP CHEF competition at The Osthoff Resort on March 13, 2016. Cheer on area chefs and be a part of the hottest culinary competition in the county as they compete for Elkhart Lake’s TOP CHEF AWARD. Get together with your friends and neighbors for an exciting afternoon of sampling outstanding gourmet foods from 3-7 pm. For more information or to purchase your tickets today, visit http://mccdcares.com/topchef.html. 101 Osthoff Ave., Elkhart Lake, WI 53020 PH:920-876-3366 19 – Maple Syrup Saturday – Appleton Enjoy a delicious pancake and porkie breakfast in the Girl Scout Service Center. Reservations required for breakfast, space is limited. Breakfast 8:30am, 9am or 9:30am. 10am-3pm tours. Includes a tour of the sugarbush following breakfast. Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve, 4815 N Lynndale Dr., Appleton, WI 54913 PH:920-731-6041 http://www.travelwisconsin.com/events/science-and-nature-centers/maple-syrup-saturday-41352 19 – Wild Game Feed – Phillips Starts at 2pm til gone; sample a variety of wild game dishes plus try to guess the meat in the mystery entree; paddle wheel prizes; raffles; final drawing at 7pm; all of the wild game is donated; proceeds are donated to a local non-profit organization. Birch Island Resort, Bar & Grill, N8221 E Wilson Flowage Rd, Phillips, WI 54555 715-339-3151 http://www.birchislandresortllc.com/

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WISCONSIN – What the Heck? What’s Going on Out There?!

NOW through Spring 2016 - Intergalactic: Visit “The Force” Star Wars Toys Exhibit - Sparta The Monroe County Museum in Sparta, Wisconsin has always offered interesting looks back at history. Early phonographs, farm tools, military artifacts and kitchen gadgets keep visitors amused. And now, amidst the excitement over the latest Star Wars film release, the museum has scored an inter-galactic coup, of sorts, by arranging one of the largest exhibits of popular and collectible “Kenner” Star Wars toys from 1978-1985. When the Star Wars series hit the movie theaters in 1977, it instantly became a box office smash. Kenner manufactured hundreds of action figures, vehicles, and playsets based on the films. These toys today are as iconic as the movies themselves. More than 200, the treasured personal collection of Museum Director, Jarrod Roll, are on view now at the museum’s Local History Room in Sparta. Weekdays 9-4:30 and Saturdays 10-4:30 through spring 2016, at 200 West Main St., Sparta, Wisconsin. Contact 608-269-8680 or www.Facebook.com/MCLHR. And if you climb up a few stairs you can get even closer to outer space: don’t miss the historic NASA astronaut Deke Slayton museum (small admission charged.) NOW to Dec.31, 2016 The Rhinestone Cowboy Home – Sheboygan At the John Michael Kohler Art Center 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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2-6 Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel Sports Show – West Allis The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show features outdoor sports exhibits and interactive fun for the entire family. Be a part of this sporting tradition where people, from all over Wisconsin and northern Illinois, who love fishing, boating, hunting, and camping, come to try and buy the latest in outdoor equipment as well as book their summer vacation sporting adventure. Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park, 640 S 84th St., West Allis, WI 53214

888-488-4286 http://jssportsshow.com/ 4-5 First Vintage Shop Hop – Reedsburg, Loganville, LaValle and beyond! Several area businesses will be taking part in a Vintage Shop Hop Tour. The Shop Hop will include over 250 antique and vintage stores in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Local participants are Antiques On Main, Vintage Treasures Reloved and Touchdown Tavern in Reedsburg; Polka Dot Pullet in Loganville and The Cabin Shop in LaValle. This is the mother load of all road trips. It's a self-guided day of vintage shopping. Each shop will offer its own promotion--fun things like discounts, demonstrations, artists on site, prize drawings, treats, wine tastings, entertainment, punch cards, parking lot sales, discount balloon pops and more...whatever they want to offer to customers for your shopping enjoyment. Antiques On Main will be featuring specials, and will also host a wonderful indoor flea market in its large lobby. You will find re-purposed and up-cycled pieces and great vintage finds only available that weekend. 608-524-0000

Antiques On Main, 200 E. Main Street, Reedsburg, WI 53959 5- Bald Eagle Watching Day - Ferryville Bald Eagle programs, falcon, raptor and owl programs featuring birds of the University of MN Raptor Center. Chloris Lowe, Ho-chunk Nation program, U.S. Fish & Wildlife program about eagles in the region, children's activities, hooting contest with awards, build an eagle nest with Dr. Michael White, refreshments, student eagle art exhibit and awards. 608-734-9077 http://www.visitferryville.com/ 11-12 Villa Louis – Behind the Scenes Tour – Prairie du Chien See Villa Louis from top to bottom. The historic Villa Louis mansion is the centerpiece of a grand Victorian estate built by the family of Hercules Dousman, a frontier entrepreneur who amassed a fortune in the fur trade and other frontier investments. The mansion has just undergone a top-to-bottom documentary restoration that has returned the Dousman home to the splendor of its 1890s heyday, using British Arts and Crafts interior designs inspired by famed designer William Morris. These extended tours of the mansion will give visitors a glimpse into the life of a historic house museum and will highlight the care and keeping of a unique object from the Dousman collection. Tours include visits to the nooks and crannies of this restored mansion. Villa Louis, 521 N Villa Louis Rd., Prairie Du Chien, WI 53821 608-326-2721 http://villalouis.wisconsinhistory.org/ 11-13 Who Can Canoe? You Can! Canoecopia – Madison With thousands of lakes and miles of great river-ways, the Upper Great Lakes States are a paradise for canoe, paddleboard and kayak fans. They also have the world’s largest showcase of paddle sports exhibits, seminars and marketplace vendors at “Canoecopia” in Madison, March 11-13. Over 110 seminars and clinics make this the perfect place to get fitted for the right gear, to develop appropriate skills, and discover outstanding places to paddle. More than 100 exhibitors are leaders in their areas of expertise from sea kayaking with grey whales to expeditions above the Arctic Circle, these folks can help plan exceptional waterway adventures. Admission: $15 one-day or $25 weekend pass. PH: 608-267-3976 www.canoecopia.com

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11-13 Greater Milwaukee Golf Show – West Allis Trick shot artists, swing aids, balls, clubs, clothing, rain gear, bags, carts and lots of golf courses to meet! Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park, 640 S 84th St., West Allis, WI 53214 PH:608-843-0014 http://www.greatermilwaukeegolfshow.com/ 12-13 Delevan Model Train Show This show features operating layouts in multiple scales. This is a free show with raffle and door prizes. Come see some of the most exciting layouts from the "big" shows for free, plus some beautiful local layouts. This is a big train show with all the comforts of the small town atmosphere. Many great gift certificates and prizes from local businesses to be given away. Lots of interactive and child-friendly layouts. Layouts will be displayed at the Legion Hall and approximately 12 other downtown buildings. Ride the Trackless Train between the locations! American Legion Hall, 111 S 2nd St, Delavan, WI 53115 PH: 262-728-6052 http://delavantrainshow.com/ 12-13 Be Bold, Get Old! Antique Show & Sale – Middleton “Old is a good start,” an antique dealer once said, “but there’s more to it. It helps if your ‘old thing’ started out as a quality piece, was treated well over the years, and still looks good today!” That’s why the March 12-13 Antique Show and Sale in Middleton has earned a reputation among antique lovers. It’s vendors take pride in offering top quality items. Among the treasures, look for pottery, Mission Furniture, Victorian items, Deco, stoneware, cut glass, primitives, and printed material. The Wisconsin Historical Society will be on-site and an independent appraiser will be available to evaluate small items (except jewelry or coins) for $1.00 each item, limit 2. Admission is $7 for both days. Marriott West Hotel and Conference Center, 1313 John Q. Hammons Dr., Middleton, WI 53562 PH: 920-993-9817 http://www.madisonantiqueshow.com/ 12-13 Waukesha Spring Expo Market – Enjoy estate and attic treasures, antiques, collectibles, coins, jewelry, art, glass, and pottery, furniture & repair services, advertising, depression glass sports items old toys candles & soaps, Watkins, Avon, knick-knacks, unique gift items and more. Waukesha Expo Center, 1000 Northview Rd. Waukesha, WI 53188 PH: 262-896-8490 http://www.waukeshacounty.gov/expo/ 18 – 20 Hot Air For Hearts Balloon Rally – Cable People all over the Midwest flock to our area, for this annual hot air balloon rally for charity. Weather permitting, flights are schedule mornings and evenings Friday & Saturday and Sunday morning only. They will fly as often as the weather permits. When you get to fly, views are incredible and after dark a balloon glow is schedule with 3+ story high balloons lit up from the inside, like giant luminary candles, what a sight! Lakewoods Resort & Forest Ridge Golf Course,

21540 County Road M, Cable, WI 54821, 715-794-2561 http://www.lakewoodsresort.com/events/sponsored-events/hot-air-for-hearts 18-20 Wisconsin Sports Show – Eau Claire Features Fishing! Charters, Equipment, Retail, Demonstrations and Presentations Petting Zoo, •Canadian and North American Lodges, •Hunting Displays, Presentations, and Outfitters, •Fishing Seminars presented by Scheels, •Boats and Pontoons, •FREE Indoor Petting Zoo with reindeer, goats and sheep •ATVs, Motorcycles, RVs and other recreational vehicles •Docks and Lifts •Hunting Dog Demonstrations •Many retail opportunities •Live chainsaw carving demonstrations and sales •Conservation and Wildlife Organizations Menards Conference Center at Old Mill Plaza, 5150 Menard Drive, Eau Claire, WI 54703 715-579-7127 http://www.wisportshow.com/

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19-20 –Geek Expo Midwest – Madison GeekCraft Expo MIDWEST will be held at the Madison Masonic Center. This will be one of the most unusual expos you’ll find all year. Come enjoy the unique Midwestern friendliness Madison has to offer and the local progressive sensibility. GeekCraft Expo is unique. Unlike other craft fairs, GeekCraft Expo offers only handmade, “geek”-themed craft items. Check out the website to see the works that are coming. Madison Masonic Center, 301 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, WI 53703, PH:608-256-5734 http://www.geekcraftexpo.com/#!geekcraft-expo-midwest/c1z1f

WISCONSIN – A Bit O’Irish NOTE: There are dozens of fine St. Patricks Day events in virtually every corner of the state. These are just a few of them. Check the TravelWisconsin.com events listing for many more! 12 –Celtic Pub Crawl – Monroe A multi-pub self-guided tour celebrating Irish roots. A 1 mile walk around the square stops at eight pubs. Celtic Jams at Suisse Hall. Music and fun all along the way. Starts at Doyle's Irish Pub, 1301 - 15th Ave., Monroe, WI 53566 Bring a people or pet food donation, please. PH:608-328-4404 http://www.celticcrawl.com/info.html 12 – St. Pat’s Parade and Pub Parties – Prairie du Chien Parade along Prairie du Chien's downtown district, 10-11AM- celebrations at local restaurants following 608-326-8555 http://prairieduchien.org/ 12 – St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Milwaukee Parade steps off at noon and lasts about 1.5 hours. Party to follow featuring live Irish music, dance and food. Many post parade parties will take place at various locations featuring Irish entertainment. Downtown - 300 W Wisconsin Ave -Milwaukee, WI 53203 PH414-276-6696 13- St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Madison Welcome to Madison’s St Patrick's Day Parade 2016 celebration! It’s time for "the wearing of the green!” The St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee invites you to participate in the 2016 parade around Madison’s beautiful Capitol Square. We welcome all to participate as we celebrate the Irish culture. 608-259-9266 http://www.stpatsmadison.org/ 17 – Irishman’s Walk – Plymouth A celebration of St. Patrick's Day. Parade starts 11am, meeting at Family Video(10:30am) and traveling through downtown, ending at 52 Stafford, an Irish inn and guest house. All are invited to wear their best green and walk with the Irishmen! 52 Stafford, An Irish Guest House, 52 S Stafford St., Plymouth, WI 53073 PH: 920-893-0079 http://www.plymouthwisconsin.com/ 17 – St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Celebration – River Falls Follow the rainbow to downtown River Falls to celebrate St. Patty’s Day! Kick off the festivities with the Pot ‘O Gold Medallion Hunt as clues are revealed throughout the day. Partake in the Poker Walk and indulge in the Potato Soup Cook-off by sampling delicious, comforting soups from participating businesses. Cheer on favorite teams as beds race through historic River Falls. Downtown, 214 N Main St., River Falls , WI 54022 715-425-2533 http://www.rfchamber.com/

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17 – St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Monroe A festive parade led off by the Irish flag - and full of Irish charm, bag pipers, and plenty of green adorning the local Irish and "Irish for a Day." Downtown Historic Courthouse Square, 1016 - 16th Ave. Monroe, WI 53566 PH:608-328-40 http://www.mainstreetmonroe.org/ 23 19 – Ireland’s Folk Band of the Year – The High Kings – Cedarburg The High Kings, are coming to Cedarburg. Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy, Martin Furey and Daren Holden come from accomplished musical pedigrees and grew up in households steeped in the Irish musical tradition where each member of the band witnessed firsthand the power of well-crafted Irish music on an audience. Since The High Kings started in 2008, they have sold out hundreds of shows both in Ireland and the U.S., made numerous TV appearances, recorded three studio albums and one live album and achieved platinum status with their first two albums. The High Kings showcase their incredible versatility and skills as multi-instrumentalists, playing 13 instruments between them and bringing a rousing acoustic flavor to brand new songs as well as some old favorites. 7:30PM Cedarburg Performing Arts Center, W68 N611 Evergreen Blvd., Cedarburg, WI 53012 PH:262-376-6161 http://www.cedarburgpac.com/ 19 – St. Pat’s Parade – Racine Bands, dancers, bagpipers – even leprechauns! The Downtown Racine St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a fun celebration of the Irish. Wear your green and join the fun. The parade route runs down Main and Sixth streets. 262-634-6002 http://www.realracine.com/events/local/ 19 – St. Patrick’s Day Fest & Parade – “New Dublin”: AKA – New London Wisconsin's largest St. Patrick's Day Parade at 1pm includes; bagpipe bands, marching bands, festive clowns, specialty units, clans, Finnegan's Wake, and business floats. New Dublin Irish Fest is at 11am-6pm in a tent by Festival Foods, downtown. It features two Celtic bands, Irish food, beverages, and market booths. More weeknight events are; Irish caroling, Irish entertainment on stage, an Irish Céili gathering, and Finnegan’s Wake. Corned beef and cabbage is widely served in area restaurants and pubs. The Grand Parade typically has an extensive lineup of bagpipe bands, marching bands, festive clowns, specialty units, clans, an Irish wake parody, and business floats–up to 125 units or more. New London Downtown / Parade Route, W. North Water St. / S. Pearl Street, New London, WI 54961 PH:920-982-3891 http://www.newdublin.com/

WISCONSIN – Arts & Music!

4 – BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet – Stoughton Opera House For the past 37 years, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet has been making some of the most potent and popular Cajun music on the planet. Born out of the rich Acadian ancestry of its members, and created and driven by bandleader Michael Doucet’s spellbinding fiddle playing and soulful vocals, Grammy winners BeauSoleil are notorious for bringing even the most staid audience to its feet. Their distinctive sound derives from the distilled spirits of New Orleans jazz, blues rock, folk, swamp pop, Zydeco, country and bluegrass. Entertaining listeners everywhere from the Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans to Carnegie Hall, and all the way across the pond to Richard Thompson’s Meltdown Festival in England, BeauSoleil continues to captivate audiences the world over. 7:30PM 608-877-4400 http://www.stoughtonoperahouse.com/

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6-8 (Sun-Tue) Prairie Heritage - Quilt Show – Sun Prairie Come out and see all of the gorgeous quilts on display. All of the quilts are handmade and many are available to purchase. With winter seemingly longer this year, a good warm quilt on a cold winter night sounds pretty good. Sun Noon-5pm, Mon 9am-6pm, Tues 9am-3pm St. Albert’s Center - 2420 St. Albert Drive., Sun Prairie, WI 53590 PH: 608-837-2298http://www.sunprairiequiltshow.com/ 10-13 Tribute to Bix Fest - Racine Jazz Age enthusiasts will love this multi-day gathering and tribute to 1920s musical great Bix Beiderbecke. Includes lectures, films, record swaps and live jazz concerts. Featured Bands Include: Dave Greer's Classic Jazz Stompers; Tuba Skinny with Erika Lewis; Steve Torrico's Lakeshore Syncopators; Other Attractions: LECTURES: #1 - Sue Fischer with an updated "Leon Roppolo" presentation #2 - "mystery meat" Racine Architect Hotel and Conference Center, 7111 Washington Ave, Racine, WI 53406 PH:262-886-6100 http://www.bixfest.com/ 11-13 Big Band Weekend – Elkhart Lake A weekend dedicated to the Big Band era featuring luxurious accommodations, sumptuous dining, ballroom dancing, and professional dance instruction. Osthoff Resort, 101 Osthoff Ave, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020 PH:877-419-3534 http://www.osthoff.com/resort-events 12 - Got Pickin’ & Grinnin’? Yes! Jorgenson Blue Grass Band – Stoughton The Grammy-winning guitar and mandolin master, John Jorgenson is headed to the beautiful “jewel box venue” Stoughton Opera House March 12 to showcase his new ensemble. It includes his former “Desert Rose” bandmate Herb Pedersen, revered Nashville singer-songwriter and guitarist John Randall, and Ricky Skaggs cohort Mark Fain on bass. Jorgenson earned his reputation touring and performing with Elton John and led the group of country-guitar wizards known as “The Hellecasters.” He has collaborated with Earl Scruggs, Bonnie Raitt, Luciano Pavarotti, and Bob Dylan, among many others. Grab a seat, listen up and just try to stop your toes from tapping! 381 E Main St., Stoughton, WI 53589 PH: 608-877-4400 www.stoughtonoperahouse.com 12 – Art in the ‘Burg – Cedarburg Welcome to the 4th annual Art in the Burg! This fair features 75+ regional artists with a variety of mediums. Visit our student art display and silent auction. Proceeds benefits Cedarburg High School's fine arts programs. Field House at Cedarburg High School, W68N611 Evergreen Blvd., Cedarburg, WI 53012 PH 262-376-6343 http://artintheburg.tumblr.com/ 16 - Sounds like the Air Force! Free Concert - Milwaukee When the largest ensemble within the Air National Guard does a free concert, you want to be there! On March 16 at 7PM head for the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts in Milwaukee to enjoy the stunning talent of this 46 person unit s they cover the vast musical heritage of the United States Air Force. The diverse talent covers symphonic literature, marches, patriotic and popular selections. The Concert Band tours much of the Upper Great Lakes Region each year as well as Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Admission is free. 929 N Water St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 PH: 414-273-7121 http://www.marcuscenter.org/show/united-states-air-force-band-of-mid-america---concert-band/

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18-20 The Dairy State Steel Guitar Show – Wisconsin Rapids The Dairy State Steel Guitar Show is an annual event. The weekend is filled with local, regional and even world renowned steel guitar players - For the first time we will be providing our audiences with 3 individuals who have been induction into the International Steel Guitar Hall of Fame (Joe Wright, Lynn Owsley, and Billy Robinson) The Hotel Mead & Conference Center, 451 East Grand Avenue, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494 PH:715-423-1500 For ticket info, call 715-423-0793 or 715-213-3793 http://www.dairysteelshow.com/ 18 – April 3 International PEEPS Exhibition – Racine Artworks (2-D and 3-D) fashioned from PEEPS candies. Entries are selected by a panel and display through the Easter season. (Please don't eat the art!!) New in 2016: Live over 100 miles away? Send us a standard postcard with a PEEPS image on the picture side, and RAM will display your entry. Postcards must be 4 inches high x 6 inches wide, and will not be returned. No entry form needed for postcard entries as they will not be labeled individually. Racine Art Museum | 441 Main Street, Racine, WI 53403 | 262.638.8300 Each entry will receive two complimentary tickets to attend the Artist Reception and Awards Ceremony Thursday, March 17, 5:30 – 7:30 pm Awards presentation will be at 6:00 pm. Additional Artist Reception tickets may be purchased for $5 each. RAM members receive free admission. Racine Art Museum, 441 Main St, Racine, WI 53403 PH:262-638-8300 http://www.ramart.org/content/call-peep-artists-information-page 25 Cocktails in the Conservatory – Madison Step out of the cold and into the heat of Olbrich Gardens’ Cocktails in the Conservatory! Sip a cocktail and stroll through the Bolz Conservatory as DJs bring out some boogie fever in the heated tropical escape. Olbrich’s Conservatory features tropical plants, fragrant flowers, a rushing waterfall, free-flying birds and colorful koi fish. Professional landscape and architectural lighting illuminate the majesty of the plant collection while creating a nighttime atmosphere unseen anywhere else in Madison. Must be 21 or older to attend; $8 cover charge at the door. Admission is first-come first-served. Cocktails in the Conservatory is sponsored by The Great Dane Pub & Brewing. Media sponsor for Cocktails in the Conservatory is Isthmus. 7-11PM. Olbrich Botanical Gardens & Bolz Conservatory, 3330 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704 608-246-4550 http://www.olbrich.org/ 30 – The Kingston Trio at Stoughton Opera House In 1957, The Kingston Trio emerged from San Francisco’s North Beach club scene to take the country by storm, bringing the rich tradition of American folk music into the mainstream. Becoming the number one vocal group in the world, the Trio was a musical and cultural phenomenon whose record sales and concert draws were matched only by The Beatles. In a feat yet to be surpassed, Billboard magazine listed four Kingston Trio albums in their Top 10 at the same time. The group has also won two Grammy awards and numerous gold records. Today, Bill Zorn, George Grove, and Rick Dougherty continue the legacy. Through changing times, the Trio has remained popular for a simple reason: songs that sound as good today as the first time you heard them. Over forty years after the song "Tom Dooley" shot to the top of the charts, the Trio is still on the road, bringing back all the great memories and making new ones. 7:30 PM PH:608-877-4400 http://www.stoughtonoperahouse.com/

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WISCONSIN – That’s The Spirit! 5- Hops and Props – Oshkosh Hops N’ Props is an annual food and beverage-tasting event held at EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh where guests are invited to spend an evening sampling more than 300 beverages from around the world. Microbreweries are present to provide their personal brewing process and history, while entertainment from live bands provides a backdrop for this fun and exciting tasting event. $75 or $125 Dining experience PH:920-426-6541 EAA AirVenture Museum, 3000 Poberezny Rd., Oshkosh, WI 54902 http://www.eaa.org/en/eaa-museum/eaa-museum-events/eaa-hops-and-props-beer-festival-2016 11 – Door County Wine & Cheese Gala – Sturgeon Bay Enjoy an evening of fantastic wine and delicious cheese. From your old favorite to a fresh new bouquet, come and enjoy delicious wine handcrafted by local artisans. Sample many Wisconsin specialty cheeses provided along with fruits, nuts and Mini Desserts. Entertainment by Mike Raye. Live & silent auction. Mr. G's Logan Creek Grille, 5890 State Highway 57, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

PH: 920-743-9015 http://www.doorcountywineandcheese.com/ 19 – Bull Falls Bockfest – Wausau The Bull Falls Bock Fest will kick off at 1pm immediately following the 8th Annual Bull Falls Brewery Never Forgotten Honor Flight 5K Run/Walk with the ceremonial tapping of the 2015 Bull Falls Bock Lager, our traditional full-bodied dark bock lager beer. Beginning at 1pm there will be music in the Biergarten by Led West and great food provided by local American Legion Post 10. Our crack Karmel Kaiser staff will be assisting customers who want their beer caramelized with a red hot poker by the fire! This is an outdoor event. Dress for the weather: warm clothes and boots. This will be a well-attended event, snow or shine. Sign up for the 5K by March 1, 2016. All proceeds for this event will be donated to the Never Forgotten Honor Flight. Bull Falls Brewery, 901 E Thomas St., Wausau, WI 54403 715-842-2337 http://www.bullfallsbrewery.com/home.aspx 19 – Heidel House Brewfest – Green Lake Don't miss our fifth annual beer tasting event, where you'll mingle among representatives from numerous Wisconsin microbreweries and sample their seasonal and specialty flavors. Join us for an evening of Wisconsin craft beer tasting on the shores of Green Lake. Enjoy both new and classic microbrews in a souvenir tasting glass. Palate-cleansing appetizers and live entertainment will also be provided. Over 100 different beer flavors will be available at this crowd-favorite event! Brew Fest will be held throughout the Dartford Ballroom, Sandstone and BoatHouse Pub. Guests must be 21 or older to attend. Tickets are $40 per person. 3:30 – 7:30PM Typically, this event sells out, so we encourage you to purchase your tickets in advance. Heidel House Resort & Spa, 643 Illinois Avenue, Green Lake, WI 54941 PH: 920-294-3344 http://www.heidelhouse.com/events/Details/cdf254f6-66dc-4269-8690-a3be010e771f 19-20 Cedar Creek Winery Open House – Cedarburg Enjoy two festive and celebratory days, featuring barrel tasting 2015 vintages, live jazz, cooking-with-wine demonstrations & samplings, wine tastings, a live benefit auction, special events, food samplings, spring showcases and more in the shops at Cedar Creek Settlement. Cedar Creek Winery, N70W6340 Bridge Rd., Cedarburg, WI 53012 PH:262-377-5856 http://www.cedarcreekwinery.com/

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WISCONSIN – Competition Capital! 3-5 WIAA State High School Hockey Championships The WIAA Boys State Championships are back in town. Come cheer on your favorite high school team to victory! TICKETS: Tickets are available only upon arrival at Veterans Memorial Coliseum at the Alliant Energy Center. General admission is $8/session. A session is two games. Session 1 is games 1 and 2; Session 2 is games 3 & 4; Session 3 is games 5 & 6; Session 4 is games 7 & 8; Session 5 is games 9 & 10. Students 13 years old and younger, wearing a hockey sweater/jersey will be admitted for $5/session. Children under 6-years old may be admitted for $1. Ticket booths are located on the east and west entrances of the Coliseum. The doors open for ticket sales and admission one hour prior to the start of each session. All purchases at the Alliant Energy Center must by made in person with cash, check or money order made payable to WIAA. No credit cards or phone orders accepted. No tickets can be held. PARKING: Parking at the Alliant Energy Center is abundant around Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The parking fee is $7 for automobiles. 11 a.m.

THURS: Game 1: Eau Claire Memorial vs. Antigo Co-op; Game 2: Appleton East Co-op vs. University School; 5 p.m. Game 3: Hudson vs. Onalaska; Game 4: Edgewood vs. Waukesha North Co-op 608-267-3976 https://www.wiaawi.org/Sports/BoysHockey.aspx 5 – Fat Bike Birkie – Cable The Fat Bike Birkie provides a one-day-a-year chance to ride your fat bike on the groomed, snow-covered American Birkebeiner Ski Trail! Fat bikes and mountain bikes are otherwise not allowed on the snow covered, groomed trail system. This event is a one day exception to this rule and is for fat bikes only. No mountain bikes are permitted. Two event distances: 47K & 20K. Beginning and ending near Telemark Lodge in Cable, WI. Registration includes this post-race party of grilled Birkie Brats and craft beer on tap–right in the big heated tent at the finish line. PH: 715-634-5025 http://www.birkie.com/ 5 – Tim’s Hill Trudge – Ogema Annual snowshoe race/walk on a 3-mile or 7-mile course at Timm's Hill, Wisconsin's highest geographical point. The registration fee includes a long-sleeved shirt and lunch after you've completed the race. Medals will be awarded to the top 5 finishers in each age group. Trophies awarded to the top male and female finisher in each event. Registration is 8am-9:45am, 7-mile race begins 10am, 3-mile race begins 10:10am High Point Village, W3057 County Road RR Ogema, WI 54459 715-767-5287 http://www.highpointvillage.com/ 6-13 2016 USSA Cross Country Ski Junior National Championships – Cable The cream of the crop of American Junior Nordic Ski Racers are coming to Cable, WI for the 2016 USSA Cross Country Ski Junior National Championships. Fans will be treated to a glimpse of the future of Team USA as the best athletes from all around the United States (under the age of 20) face off at historic Telemark Trail System in Cable, WI Telemark, 15315 Nordmor Road, Cable, WI 54821 PH:715-798-3833 http://www.xcjuniornationals2016.com/index.html 10-12 Wisconsin Girls HS Basketball Tournament – Green Bay The top teams in Wisconsin meet for the WIAA State Girls Basketball Tournament to compete for the state title. The WIAA began sponsoring a girls basketball tournament program in 1976 and the tradition continues today. Check the WIAA website for Tournament details and a complete listing

of match ups. Resch Center, 1901 S Oneida St., Green Bay, WI 54304 715-344-8580 http://www.wiaawi.org/

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17-19 Wisconsin HS Boys Basketball Tournament – Madison At the Kohl Center – for the State Championship - Welcome WIAA Fans - we look forward to welcoming you when you come to Madison for your High School State Championships! Whether you are looking for tournament times and ticket information, special offers for WIAA fans or visitor information, we are able to help you with all of it. Good luck to your athletes and teams, and enjoy your time in the Madison area! Kohl Center, 601 W. Dayton St. Madison, WI 53715 PH:715-344-8580 http://www.wiaawi.org/ 18-19 US Speedskating National Age Group Short Track Championships- Verona Back for a second straight year, come out and watch the exciting and fast paced sport of short track speedskating as some of the top speed skaters from across the nation compete to be crowned champion of their individual age group divisions. Described as "Nascar on Ice" this is an event that is sure to thrill and feature some of the top up and coming Olympic stars of tomorrow! Verona Ice Arena, 451 E. Verona Ave., Verona, WI 53593 PH:608-845-7465 http://www.teamusa.org/US-Speedskating/Events/2016/March/18/US-Short-Track-Age-Group-Nationals

WISCONSIN – Still Some Winter! 4-6 Bayfield Winter Festival – Bayfield Visit Bayfield for an entire weekend dedicated to 'Celebrating Ice, Snow and Cabin Fever!' Special events throughout the weekend include: Run on Water, Bike on Water, a race across the famous ice road from Bayfield to Madeline Island. Mt. Ashwabay's WinterDASH, a wild and grueling winter obstacle course run; follow it up with WinterBASH, live music and dancing at the historic Lakeside Pavilion in downtown Bayfield; Polar Bear Plunge, watch brave and hardy souls jump through a hole in the ice to raise money - or better yet, do it yourself! Many other activities take place over the course of the weekend including; the Freeze Your Glass Off Party at the Creamery Bar, a candlelight walk on the Brownstone Trail, ice golf, pancake breakfast, chili cook off, children's activities at the Bayfield Area Recreation Center. 715-779-5408 http://www.bayfieldwinterfestival.com/ 4-6 Granite Peak Family Winter Fest – Wausau A weekend of festivities at Granite Peak Ski Area. Package includes: 2 nights lodging and 2 days of lift tickets for a family of four, two-day ski or board rental for the entire family, horse drawn wagon rides, brat cookout, Saturday night skiing, Saturday night on-hill firework display and bonfire. 715-845-2846 http://www.skigranitepeak.com/eventsSpecials/index.cfm?sub=familyFestivals 5- Take the Polar Plunge! – LaCrosse The Polar Plunge is a unique opportunity for individuals, organizations, and businesses to support local Special Olympics athletes by jumping or slowly crawling into the frigid and icy waters of The Mississippi River! Pettibone Park Beach - 8am-3pm. Registration 8am-2pm , Live entertainment 9-11am & 1-3pm, Freezin' for a Reason 5k 10am, Buffalo Wild Wings Challenge 11:15am, Plunging begins Noon. 608-789-7596 http://www.specialolympicswisconsin.org/

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WISCONSIN – Spring is Next!

Now-20 Smell Spring in the Air! Flower and Art Furniture Show – Madison As winter lays a few last gasps of snow, ice and cold over the Upper Great Lakes, many of us begin to dream of spring, warmth and flowers. Well, live the dream – at least for a few hours. Head for Olbrich Botanical Gardens Conservatory in Madison through March 20, 2016 where you’ll be surrounded by brightly colored tulips, radiant daffodils and fragrant hyacinths. This year the Spring Flower Show also features a remarkable display of innovative art furniture made by eight local and Midwest artists. Admission is $3. 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704 PH: 608-245-2719 www.olbrich.org

4-6 Wisconsin Musky Expo If musky fishing is your thing, then this is the place to be! Check out the latest equipment, tackle, seminars and instructional panels during this three day expo. Daily admission is $8 or $16 for a three day pass. The first 200 people through the door with paid admission on Friday will receive a free musky lure. On Sunday the first 100 kids 12 or under and accompanied by a paying adult will receive a free musky rod. Fri 2-9pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 9am-3pm. Central Wisconsin Convention & Expo Center, 10101 Market St., Rothschild, WI 54474 PH: 715-370-4170 http://wimuskyexpo.com/ 10-13 Head for Home! Home & Garden Show – Green Bay The calendar says it’s times to start thinking about projects around the home, so this major Home and Garden Showcase March 10-13 in Green Bay comes at a perfect time. Meet and get ideas from top professionals in all areas of home building, remodeling, interior design, pools & spas, and landscaping. Attend seminars and learn all about Geothermal Heating, Cooling, and Hot Water; When Should You Replace Your Windows; Fifteen and a half “Do It Yourself” Energy Saving Tips; and, Making Ordinary Landscapes Extraordinary. Your home will love you for it! Resch Center, 1901 S Oneida St., Green Bay, WI 54304 PH: 920-405-1135 http://homeandgardenshowgb.com/ 12-13 Mount Ashwabay Spring Carnival - Bayfield As we herald the coming thaw, we express our appreciation for the winter. The weekend is chock-full of fun and crazy events like Water Balloon Launch, Rail Jam Park Contest, Distance Jump, Speed Race, Costume Contest, Potluck, and the ever-popular Cardboard Races. Mt. Ashwabay Ski and Recreation Area 32525 Ski Hill Road, Bayfield, WI 54814 PH: 715-779-3227 http://www.mtashwabay.org/ 19-20 Shake Rag’s Annual Garden Getaway – Mineral Point Join us for Shake Rag’s annual Garden Getaway – a weekend chock full of fun hands-on workshops making Garden Art, and informative lectures on the Art of Gardening! If you’re itching to get out and dig in the dirt, then get your gardening juices flowing with some practical know-how and exciting garden art at Garden Getaway. Shake Rag Alley, Inc., 18 Shake Rag St., Mineral Point, WI 53565 PH:608-987-3292 http://www.shakeragalley.com/Home.htm

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APRIL 1-3 Wisconsin Deer and Turkey Expo – Madison The Field and Stream Deer & Turkey Expo offers a fun and educational experience for all attendees, featuring How-to Seminars, Shooting Ranges, Contests and hundreds of hunting products for sale. We are your Hands-On, Real-Gear, Hunting Information Headquarters! Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713 PH:608-267-3976 http://www.deerinfo.com/wisconsin 2 – Annual Tomah Antique Toy Farm Show - Old & New Scale replicas of farm tractors & trucks, replicas of antique combines & threshers, plus any farm-related equipment, past or present. $2 for Adults; $1 for Children 13-17; FREE for Children 12 & Under. Tomah Recreation Building - 1625 Butts Avenue -Tomah, WI 54660 PH 608-372-6907 Or 608-344-0150 2 – Gallery Night – Mineral Point You will always find a remarkable assortment of fine art and quality hand-made craft: ceramics, collage, furniture, glass, jewelry, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, fiber, and woodworking – much of it made right in town. Most of the galleries are located in the downtown business district filled with historic architecture, delicious dining venues, and engaging gallery owners. Walking from gallery to gallery on these evenings is one of the best ways to enjoy Mineral Point. All over town - Mineral Point Historic District -Mineral Point, WI 53565 PH608-330-3031 http://www.artsmp.org/gallery-night/ 2 – Maple Syrup Fest & Pancake Breakfast– Poynette Enjoy learning about the MacKenzie Center's sugar bush and how Native Americans, pioneers and today's volunteers make maple syrup. Enjoy a pancake breakfast (8am-12noon), horse drawn wagon rides and more! Event is free, concession stand, breakfast and raffles available at added cost. MacKenzie Environmental Education Center, W7303 County Road CS & Q, Poynette, WI 53955-9690 PH: 608-635-8105 http://dnr.wi.gov/education/Mackenzie/ 2 Spring Arts and Crafts Fair – Madison Over 80 artists from the Midwest (mostly Wisconsin) will be selling their handmade goods. You can expect to see a variety of jewelry, wreaths, ornaments, garden art, cards, pottery, woodwork, baby gifts, soaps, balms, lotions, knitwear, home décor and more! It’s the perfect place to find a unique gift for that special someone (or for yourself). Admission fee, free parking, live entertainment. Warner Park Community Recreation Center, 1625 Northport Dr., Madison, WI 53704 PH:608-245-3669 http://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/activities/ArtsandCraftsFairs.cfm 2-3 Crazy Quilters Quilt Show – Muckwanago Over 300 items on display from quilters with a passion for quilting as an art form. Special exhibits, bed turning presentation, demonstrations, two vendor malls and a quilt and sewing machine raffle. We also have cash & carry boutique with various homemade items for sale. Admission fee. Parkview Middle School, 930 N Rochester St, Mukwonago, WI 53149 PH 414-529-2593 http://www.mukwonagocrazyquilters.com/

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3 – Doktor Kaboom! –Sheboygan Doktor Kaboom! is an interactive one-man Science variety show suitable for all audiences. Creatively blending theatre arts with the wonders of scientific exploration, Doktor Kaboom's supercharged (and super safe!) science experiments will have you erupting with laughter and bubbling with curiosity. Nothing says science like KABOOM! Stefanie H Weill Center for the Performing Arts, 826 N 8th St.,Sheboygan, WI 53081 PH: 920-208-3243 http://www.weillcenter.com/ 3 Fondy Vintage Auto Club Swap Meet – Fond du Lac Vendors from a four-state area sell antique and specialty auto parts and memorabilia. Reservations are necessary for vendor swap spaces. Antique, classic, custom & performance parts, new and used plus other related automobile items - magazines, model cars, auto parts, signs, tools& food concessions available. FDL Co Fairgrounds Expo Center, State Highway 45 S Fond du Lac, WI 54935 PH: 920-579-8450 http://www.fdl.com/details/event/Fondy-Vintage-Auto-Club-Swap-Meet/april-3-2016/ XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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