Lake Mills has a LOT going on this weekend!

The first weekend in October is an especially busy one for Lake Mills this year, and a wide variety of events can be found both Saturday and Sunday - which means spending the entire weekend in the area at one of Jefferson County's great hotels or bed & breakfasts is a must! Saturday, October 2 is the Tyranena Oktoberfest Bike Ride, followed by the Painted Ladies' Annual Fundraiser that evening. Over 1700 bike riders converge on Lake Mills to take part in the ride. Three bands, lots of food and plenty of beer flow when the wheels return to home base at Tyranena Brewing Company. After a quick change of clothes (or maybe a dip in Rock Lake, temperature permitting), it's off to downtown Lake Mills for an evening of silent and live auctions, more beer (and wine), food, music and fun. It's the premiere fundraiser of the year in Lake Mills, and all proceeds from this evening event benefit the Lake Mills Main Street Program as well as the Arts Alliance of Greater Lake Mills. Be sure to get a little sleep before returning downtown on Sunday morning for the annual Fall Festival of Color on October 3. Held in Commons Park, you'll find crafts, antiques, and more food!

There are many other activities going on in Jefferson County this weekend as well - be sure to check out the blog posting "Jefferson County Events - September 27 - October 3, 2010" for additional events in neighboring communities to enjoy!

Jefferson County Events - September 27 through October 3

NWC - The Race Show - September 28-29, 2010
Can an Asian man, a Black man and a Hispanic man live harmoniously in middle class America? Not only can they, but they can do so with humor and rich irony. Be sure you don't miss this socially significant performance at the Young Auditorium in Whitewater.
(262) 472-2222 - Young Auditorium - NWC

Hollywood Halloween - October 1-3, 2010
Become Hollywood royalty by dressing as your favorite TV or movie star for a weekend at this fun Jellystone Park event in Fort Atkinson!!
(920) 568-4100 - Jellystone Park of Fort Atkinson

Tyranena Oktoberfest Bike Ride - October 2, 2010
Enjoy this annual ride sponsored by the Tyranena Brewing Company in Lake Mills. Ride starts at 11am, along with live music and food (and beer!).
(920) 648-3585 - Tyranena Brewing Company Oktoberfest Bike Ride

Fall Festival in Watertown - October 2, 2010
Craft Fair and Farmer's Market, along with music, a scarecrow contest and children's activities in downtown Watertown and The Market on South Water Street.
(920) 261-6320 - http://www.downtownwatertown.org

Painted Ladies' Annual Fundraiser - October 2, 2010
Enjoy food, live music, silent and live auctions, and a celebration of downtown Lake Mills at this annual fundraiser. Proceeds go to the Arts Alliance of Lake Mills and the Lake Mills Main Street Program.
(920) 648-2344 - Painted Ladies' Annual Fundraiser

World's Best Brat Festival - October 2, 2010
Get in the action as various brat makers compete for the Best Bratwurst. Enjoy wine and live music. Located at the Watertown Airport.
(920) 261-6320 - World's Best Brat Festival

Autumn Fest in Jefferson - October 2, 2010
Downtown Jefferson plays host to store sales, vendors on the street, children's activities, horse-drawn wagon rides and more.
(920) 674-4511 - Autumn Fest

Fall Festival of Color in Lake Mills - October 3, 2010
Enjoy over 120 vendors in Commons Park. Musical entertainment by Borderlands.
(920) 648-3585 - Fall Festival of Color

Alpin Hong - October 5, 2010
Be sure to reserve your ticket to see one of the most skilled piano players of our time at the Young Auditorium in Whitewater. Alpin Hong combines stunning technique, emotional range and rare humor to his performances.
(262) 472-2222 - Young Auditorium - Alpin Hong

Taste of Whitewater

What could be more fun on a beautiful autumn day than walking around and enjoying menu selections from local chefs and restaurants, along with artwork and music? Come to Whitewater on September 24 and 25 for Taste of Whitewater and experience autumn in one of Wisconsin's most picturesque communities.

Farmers' Markets in Jefferson County

Have you been to your local Farmers' Market lately? Many of the communities in Jefferson County host weekly outdoor markets, and you can purchase fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, flowers, ready-to-eat food and more. Check the list below and go to the Farmers' Market in your community - or one near by. Almost every day of the week through October, you can find a thriving Farmers' Market in Jefferson County!


Fort Atkinson
May through October; Saturdays; 8am - 12pm
Across from the Fort Atkinson Post Office; one block off South Main Street
Fort Farmers' Market

Jefferson
Markets same nights as concerts; Rotary
Park-Gardner Avenue
Jefferson Chamber of Commerce

Lake Mills
April through October; Wednesdays; 2pm - dusk
Commons Park downtown
Lake Mills Farmers' Market

Waterloo
May through October; Thursdays; 3pm - 7pm
Waterloo Fireman's Park
Waterloo Farmers' Market

Watertown
May to November; Tuesdays; 7am - 1pm
Riverside Park
(920) 261-6320

Whitewater
June to November; Saturdays; 8am
Walmart Parking lot
(414) 473-3221

Jefferson County Events - September 20-26, 2010

Witches & Warlocks Halloween and Chili Cook-Off
September 24-26, 2010
Good witches and evil warlocks will enchant Jellystone Park of Fort Atkinson this weekend. Make your reservations now and watch things heat up with the 4th annual Chili Cook-Off and Halloween festivities.
(920) 568-4100 - Jellystone Park of Fort Atkinson

Taste of Whitewater - September 24-25, 2010
Save your appetite for delicious items from local restaurants, then enjoy local artists and music during this great weekend. Cravath Lake Front Park - 341 S. Fremont Street
(262) 473-0121 - Taste of Whitewater

Family Farm Fest - September 25, 2010
Tour a working farm and enjoy pumpkin painting, face painting, food, a petting zoo and much more. All proceeds to benefit the Palmyra Eagle Scholarship and Education Fund.
Palmyra - Grotjan Farm - corner of Hwy N and Hwy ZZ Eagle
(262) 495-4617

Madison Classics Fall Car Show & Swap Meet
September 25-26, 2010
Enjoy cars, parts and so much more at the Jefferson County Fair Park in Jefferson.
(920) 674-4511 - Fall Car Show

Family Wellness Expo - September 25, 2010
Kick-start your family's health with a group walk, demonstrations, exhibits and healthy food at Veteran's Park in downtown Cambridge.
(608) 423-8108 - Family Wellness Expo

St. Wenceslaus Day - September 26, 2010
Follow the country roads that surround Waterloo and you'll discover Island Church, a Wisconsin registered landmark built in 1863. Relive history at this traditional annual festival.
Waterloo - Island Church Road & Blue Joint Road
St. Wenceslaus Day

Buy Two, Get One Free!

Jefferson County Goes Global!

Well, not exactly "global," but we are getting the word out far and wide about the wonderful opportunities that await visitors to our great county. The Jefferson County Tourism Council has partnered with the Wisconsin Department of Tourism to spread our message through their website, reaching all of Wisconsin and beyond. We are also advertising through banners on the Chicago Tribune website, enticing all of those Illinois license plates (and their carloads) to visit one or many of our great communities.

Our current advertising campaign involves the opportunity to book three nights' lodging for the price of two nights. Plan that long weekend getaway with this special, limited offer. See Packages and Deals on the Wisconsin Department of Tourism website for participating hotels and Bed & Breakfasts.

Even if you already live in Jefferson County, it's always fun to get away! Plan a weekend with the kids at one of our great hotels. Plan a romantic getaway with your partner at one of our beautiful Bed and Breakfasts. Whatever you want to do - you can count on Jefferson County to have the right place to stay - and right now, you can get one of those nights FREE!

Jefferson County Events - September 13-19, 2010

Ghost and Goblin Weekend - September 17-19, 2010
Plan to camp Jellystone Park of Fort Atkinson this weekend and enjoy Casper, Space Ghost and Wendy, along with other fun characters at the spook-tacular dance. Don't miss this ghostly experience!
(920) 568-4100 - Jellystone Park of Fort Atkinson

Halloween Family Fun by Day - - and Fear by Night
September 17 - October 31, 2010
Jellystone Park of Fort Atkinson offers affordable family rates for fall family fun. Stop by and paint a pumpkin, navigate through our corn maze and have lots of fun! And don't forget Dr. S. Cary's Haunted House - returning for its 4th year to scare you silly. Over 6300 square feet of terror awaits you...
(920) 568-4100 - Jellystone Park of Fort Atkinson
Dr. S. Cary's Haunted House

Gemuetlichkeit Days - September 17-19, 2010
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Jefferson County's premiere ethnic festival at the Jefferson County Fair Park in Jefferson! Check the website for a complete list of events, food, music and activities throughout the weekend.
(920) 674-4511 - Gemuetlichkeit Days

Gemuetlichkeit Days Celebrates 40 Years

Did you know that Jefferson County has royalty? Every year, a king and queen are chosen to reign over Gemuetlichkeit Days, a festival inspired by the German heritage of many of the residents who live in and near Jefferson. This year, the festival's 40th anniversary, Charlie and Deb Wedl have been crowned King and Queen and will lead the parade and festivities for the weekend-long celebration.

Come to Jefferson County Fair Park September 17-19, 2010 for a full three days of fun. From the "Ceremonial Tapping of the First Keg" to euchre tournaments; from the ethnic costume contests and craft fair to the road rally; from the German food contest to the live music that will have you dancing the night away, the weekend is full of frivolity, laughter and events that celebrate the exuberance Germans are known for.

Be sure to head to downtown Jefferson for the Bed Races on Sunday morning and the Giant Gemuetlichkeit Days Parade at noon. And for those who brag about their stellar balancing capabilities, entering the Stein Carrying Contest on Sunday afternoon after the parade is a must.

Between the food, the music, the fun events and the parade, there's something for everyone to enjoy in Jefferson at Gemuetlichkeit Days. And if that's not enough to get you to come - be advised that your King and Queen have declared that "Attendance is Mandatory!!"

For additional information and a full list of events each day, see www.gdays.org.

Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival

Be sure to attend the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival in Jefferson on September 10-12. People of all ages can enjoy exceptionally smart Border Collies bossing herds of sheep, sheep shearing contests, and several vendor buildings with everything from yarn to spinning wheels to animal supplies. Sign up for classes - whether you knit, spin, or want to raise your own sheep or Border Collies - and enjoy the quilt show (wonder if that quilt batting is made of wool?). Spend a day - or all three - and you will find something to enjoy.

September Events through 9/12/10

Fall Fashion Walkabout - September 9, 2010
The Garment Shop in Cambridge is sponsoring live fashion modeling at local restaurants during the lunch hour. The Garment Shop - 125 West Main Street - Cambridge
(608) 423-3740

Harvest Hoedown/Customer Appreciation Weekend/Grandparents Day - September 10-12, 2010
Make your reservations now at Jellystone Park of Fort Atkinson for a fun weekend of camping. Enjoy a scarecrow building contest, fall activities, and a country western dance. For those who love to ride bikes, join in on the Ride the Rock Bicycle Rally and Road Race on September 11.
(920) 568-4100 - Jellystone Park of Fort Atkinson
(920) 675-0500 - Ride the Rock Bicycle Rally

Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival - September 10-12, 2010
Where do sheep, yarn, Border Collies, knitters and weavers all converge on an annual basis? Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival at the Jefferson County Fair Park in Jefferson. Stock dog shows, shearing demos, vendor booths, educational sessions and a quilt show - there's something for the whole family to enjoy.
(608) 868-2505 - Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival

Fireman's Annual Dance & Poker Run - September 11, 2010
Show your support for the Cambridge Fire Department at their annual fundraising event. Fun, food and live music. Proceeds will be used to purchase extraction equipment.
(608) 423-3780 - Village of Cambridge

Waterloo Wiener and Kraut Day - September 11, 2010
Enjoy the 51st annual Wiener & Kraut Day at Fireman's Park, downtown Waterloo and throughout the community. Events include a citywide rummage sale, great food and drinks and a walk/run. Check out the website for many more details.
(920) 478-2500 - Waterloo Wiener & Kraut Day

Fall Annual Rummage-o-Rama - September 11, 2010
Pick up your rummage sale listings and maps at Veteran's Park in Johnson Creek and enjoy sales all over town.
(920) 699-4949 - Johnson Creek Fall Annual Rummage-o-Rama

Rock River Wine Festival & Craft Show - September 11, 2010
Enjoy wine samples from over 14 Wisconsin wineries, along with food, music, crafts and a cheesecake recipe contest at Riverside Park in Watertown.
(920) 261-9460 - Rock River Wine Festival & Craft Show

Pig Roast & Trail Ride Fundraiser - September 11, 2010
How can you have a fun day in Palmyra and support a worthy cause at the same time? Enjoy camping, trail riding, prizes and music with the Southern Kettle Moraine Horse Trail Association. $25 includes dinner.
(262) 495-8898 - Southern Kettle Moraine Horse Trail Association

Don't Miss These Events!

Governor Doyle Appreciation Event - September 1, 2010
September Events Through Labor Day

Governor Doyle Appreciation Event - September 1, 2010
Come to Buffalo Phil's in the Wisconsin Dells at 5pm for a casual but enthusiastic celebration of all of Governor Doyle's efforts to increase and promote tourism in Wisconsin. Thank you, Governor Doyle!!
(608) 254-7300 - Governor Doyle's Celebration at Buffalo Phil's

Jefferson Community Cruise Night - September 1, 2010 Community Cruise Night - September 1, 2010
Come to the north end of the Jefferson Wal-Mart parking lot from 5:30pm to 8:30pm to see great cars and enjoy great music and food!
(920) 723-9621 - Jefferson Cruise Night

Hairspray - September 2 - October 31, 2010
Reserve your tickets now to see one of the most popular musicals of the last decade at The Fireside Theatre in Fort Atkinson. Seven shows weekly through Sunday; youth packages available.
(800) 477-9505 - The Fireside Theatre

Labor Day Sidewalk Sale - September 3-6, 2010
Head over to the Johnson Creek Premium Outlets for great sales all Labor Day weekend!
(920) 699-4112 - Johnson Creek Premium Outlets

Get Messy Weekend with Boo Boo - September 3-6, 2010
Better than "laboring" at work - - how about getting messy on Labor Day weekend with mud volleyball, messy musical chairs, down and dirty softball and many other "messy" activities, along with a Teen Dance and karaoke. Make your reservations for Jellystone Park of Fort Atkinson soon, as this fun weekend is filling up fast!
(920) 568-4100 - Jellystone Park of Fort Atkinson