Thursday, December 29, 2011

What's Happening in Jefferson County? Hospitality Awards!

JEFFERSON COUNTY HOSPITALITY AWARDS

It's not too soon to start thinking of nominations for the Second Annual Jefferson County Hospitality Awards, scheduled for March 22, 2012.

Who comes to mind when you think of hospitality in Jefferson County? The waitress who always has a smile for you at your favorite restaurant? The bank teller who greets you by name? Your mail deliverer who ignores your dog's daily barking and still has a treat to share? The hotel employee who goes above and beyond?

Our January newsletter will have additional details and a link to our nomination form. We can't wait to see the surprise and joy on the faces of those nominated this year - it is really quite an honor to get a nomination - and an even greater honor to receive the grand prize!

Hospitality Symbol

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Hollywood's David Zucker to Direct Wisconsin's 2012 Winter TV Commercial


Hollywood's David Zucker Will Direct Wisconsin's 2012 Winter TV Commercial


The Wisconsin Department of Tourism recently announced some pretty exciting news: Hollywood producer (and native son) David Zucker will be directing a Winter 2012 Wisconsin Tourism TV commercial.

The campaign revolves around "having fun in Wisconsin." And Zucker certainly knows how to create fun. He's had his name attached as writer, director and producer on some of the most hysterical and successful comedy films in the last three decades: "Airplane," "The Naked Gun" series, "Ruthless People" and the last two installments of "Scary Movie."

The commercial will highlight both indoor and outdoor winter fun in Wisconsin. Currently in production, it will begin airing the week of January 9, 2012 in various Midwest TV markets. We "Shirley" hope to see some of Jefferson County in that commercial!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

What's Happening in Jefferson County? New Year's Eve Edition

December 31, 2011 - Ring in the New 2012

Ring in the NewWelcome 2012 with a brand new edition of our crowd-pleasing New Year's Eve Revue. There will be music, comedy, and non-stop entertainment from the swinging sounds of the big bands to the pounding beat of rock and roll. Featuring a talented cast of Fireside favorites along with their own live band, RING IN THE NEW was created especially for New Year's Eve.

Just two show times, with a variety of dinner theatre packages to choose from starting at just $69.95. Arrival at noon for the matinee or 6:00 p.m. for the evening show. Guest DJ with dancing after the second show.

Fort Atkinson - The Fireside Dinner Theatre, 1131 Janesville Ave (800) 477-9505 - Fireside Theatre

Thursday, December 15, 2011

What's Happening in Jefferson County?

Have you ever noticed how much Wisconsin looks like the shape of a mitten? And, come to think of it, our neighboring state Michigan/Upper Michigan?

The Wisconsin Department of Tourism invites you to visit a Travel Wisconsin Welcome Center (listed below) or participating Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce or CVB (Convention and Visitors Bureau) during regular business hours through January 15, 2012, to donate new or gently used mittens. The mittens will then be donated to local charities.

Participating mitten drop-off sites include these Welcome Centers/Rest Stops:
  • Beloit Travel Wisconsin Welcome Center located at the I-39 Northbound/I-90 Westbound Rest Area in Beloit
  • Kenosha Area Visitor Information Center located at 10519 120th Ave. in Pleasant Prairie
  • La Crosse Area Travel Wisconsin Welcome Center located at French Island I-90 Eastbound Rest Area in La Crosse
  • Marinette Travel Wisconsin Welcome Center located at 1680 Bridge St. in Marinette
  • Platteville Area Chamber of Commerce and Travel Wisconsin Welcome Center located at 275 West Business Hwy 151 in Platteville
  • Prairie du Chien Regional Tourism Center located at 211 S. Main St. in Prairie du Chien
  • Superior-Douglas County Welcome Center located at 305 Harborview Pkwy. in Superior
“Our tourism partners around the state are very excited to jump in and lend a hand in this initiative,” said Wisconsin Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett. “We encourage all of our passionate residents to donate new or gently used mittens for this good cause at participating locations throughout the state.”

For more detailed information on the collection campaign, please visit TravelWisconsin.com. CVBs can be found in many larger communities; Chambers of Commerce exist in almost every community. If you are traveling for the holidays and into the first half of January, you may find yourself driving past one of the above-listed travel centers - please stop in and drop off mittens for this campaign!

Please watch for the Wisconsin Department of Tourism's full winter advertising campaign which includes TV, radio and print. Wisconsin native and Hollywood director, writer and producer David Zucker is returning to Wisconsin this month to shoot the TV spot. It is scheduled to begin airing in Chicago, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Milwaukee the week of Jan. 9.


Monday, December 12, 2011

What's Happening in Jefferson County? December 12-18

December 12 - 17, 2011 - Senior Show

Introductory reception is December 12th from 6-8pm. Students graduating from the UW-W Art Department present their creative work in these group shows. The exhibits typically feature works in all media including painting, drawing, printmaking, book arts, sculpture, metals, ceramics and computer assisted design.

Students Featured: Landin Fleres,Tia Fossen, Shelby Helmbrecht, Jeanne Holmes, Melissa Hurckman, Nicole MacMartin, Danielle Mill, Alexandra Pitsch, Evan Schmidt, Kala Schmitt and Christina Staskewich.

Gallery Hours: Monday through Friday from 10am-5pm; Monday through Thursday evening from 6-8 pm; Saturday from 1-4pm.

Whitewater - Crossman Gallery - 950 W. Main St.

(262) 472-1207

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December 17, 2011 - The Nutcracker

Tchaikovsky's most famous ballet is performed annually at YoungNutcracker Auditorium by the accomplished dancers from The Dance Factory. Each season the most talented local dancers create the magical dream world of giant mice, sugarplum fairies and more as they tell the story of Clara, Herr Drosslemeyer, the Nutcracker Prince and the delightful enchanting characters inhabiting the Kingdom of Sweets. Bring the family to this delightful holiday tradition.

Enjoy this classical performance at either 2pm or 7pm.

Ticket Prices: General Public - $18 - $16 - $14; Students - $14

Whitewater - Young Auditorium, 930 W. Main St. (262) 472-2222
Young Auditorium

Monday, December 5, 2011

What's Happening in Jefferson County - December 5-11, 2011

December 10, 2011 - Winter Market - 9am-4pm

If you're already counting the days until the Lake Mills Farmers' Market opens up in May of 2012, never fear - we have just the event to tide you over!

Winter MarketSome of our favorite Lake Mills Farmers' Market vendors will gather on Saturday, December 10 for the First Annual Winter Market. The hallways and Community Room of the Lake Mills City Hall will be bursting with food products, jewelry, scarves, rugs and other crafts. You'll be able to stock up on kettle corn, fudge, and honey. You'll marvel over hand-painted feathers, and of course, satisfy your java cravings at Glory Beans (they will have gift baskets too!). Hot food and more will be available.

Enjoy a cooking demonstration at 11am with Erica Sanders, Dietician at Watertown Regional Medical Center, on preparing Healthy Appetizers for Holiday Parties.

The Lake Mills City Band will be performing classic Christmas tunes from the second floor balcony at 1:30pm.

Lake Mills - City Hall Community Center - 200 Water Street

(920) 648-6721 - Lake Mills Main Street Program

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December 10, 2011 - Hoard Museum - Annual Holiday Open House

A celebration of local music and history topped off with seasonal decorations and refreshments, plus a chance to visit all of the museum's galleries and exhibits.

Fort Atkinson - 401 Whitewater Ave.

(920) 563-7769 - http://www.hoardmuseum.org

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December 10, 2011 - Church Basement Ladies - Away in the Basement

December 10, 2011 at 2pm

General Public - $33 - $26 - $20 Students - $16.50 - $13 - $10

Away in the BasementThe all-new holiday show, Away in the Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas, is the third installment in the highly successful production of the musical comedy Church Basement Ladies. Known for their hilarious antics and subtle charm, they are once again called upon to step in and save the day! In the midst of holiday preparations and sprinklings of love in the air, the ladies in their witty, down-to-earth style are creating their own memories from Christmases past and present. Content to do things the way they have always been done, yet pondering new ideas, the reality of everyday life hits home as they plan the Sunday School Christmas Program.

Whitewater - Young Auditorium, 930 W. Main St.

(262) 472-2222 - Young Auditorium

Thursday, December 1, 2011

What's Happening in Jefferson County - December 1-4, 2011

Christmas Comes to Jefferson County

Christmas in JeffCo


Prepare to have a whirlwind weekend in Jefferson County! The first weekend in December - 12/2 through 12/4 - presents an especially delightful menu of holiday opportunities in all of our charming communities. Parades, craft shows, home tours, concerts, baked goods - there are extraordinarily fun things to do for all ages!

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November 01 - December 22, 2011 - A Fireside Christmas

Fireside ChristmasThe number one choice for Christmas entertainment for hundreds of thousands of people around the nation, A Fireside Christmas resumes its long history of beautiful singing, breath-taking dancing, gorgeous costumes, rib-tickling fun, and a spiritual commitment to the real meaning of the holiday. Seven shows weekly, see web site for specific times, prices and menus. Group rates and youth packages available.

Fort Atkinson - The Fireside Dinner Theatre, 1131 Janesville Avenue (800) 477-9505 -

The Fireside Theatre

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December 01 - 12, 2011 - Classic Christmas in Lake Mills

Antique Boy

The annual Classic Christmas weekend begins Friday, December 2, with the Tree Lighting ceremony at 6:00pm in Commons Park. Kick off the holiday season with music, cookies, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa.

This year, the Lake Mills Main Street Program, the Lake Mills Chamber of Commerce and many area churches and civic organizations have activities to celebrate a full 12 Days of Christmas. A calendar of events can be found at our local businesses, and also at www.LegendaryLakeMills.com.

Enjoy craft shows, bake sales, holiday luncheons, a pottery fest, EMS Breakfast, Moravian Advent Concert, Tyranena Ladies' Club Breakfast with Santa, Trinity Luncheon, an Angel Fair, concerts, "It's a Wonderful Life," a Winston Churchill presentation, the First Annual Winter Market, and much more, including the return of the beloved Tour of Homes.

Our local businesses are excited to offer 12 Gifts - a collaboration between shoppers and retailers. Shop our local businesses from December 1 through 12, and you can fill out an entry form each time you make a purchase. Drop your completed entry form into the decorated gift box at participating merchants, and you'll be entered into a drawing for one of 12 gifts. Drawings will take place after December 12, and winners will be notified. Shop Local!

Lake Mills - City Wide (920) 648-3585

Lake Mills

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December 02, 2011 - Holiday Parade

Downtown Whitewater - Main St.

Whitewater (262) 473-2200

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December 02 - 25, 2011 - Holiday Lights in Ripley Park

Time: Sunday - Thursday 5pm - 8pm
Friday & Saturday - 5pm - 9pm

Fee: $3.00 per car Sunday - Thursday;$4.00 per car Friday & Saturday

Bring your family and friends through this quaint light display that will be sure to put you in the holiday spirit! Drive through the winter scenery in the comfort of your car. Receive a free hot cocoa or cider when you bring a non-perishable food item for the food pantry. Approximately a half mile of lights and displays will brighten up Ripley Park.

Cambridge - Ripley Park N4310 Park Rd.
(608) 423-8045 -
http://www.cambridgecap.net

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December 02 - 04, 2011 - Cambridge Country Christmas

Cambridge Country Christmas

Experience the original Country Christmas in the Victorian Village of Cambridge. Fabulous shopping in Victorian storefronts, free horse-drawn hayrides, take pictures with Santa's real live reindeer Comet and Dasher (Sun), Elf Shelf Kids Activities and Shopping, Caroling, Cookies and Cocoa, Strolling Madrigal Singers, "It's a Wonderful Life" Radio Play, "The Christmas Story" in song, Visits and photos with Santa, Holiday Lights Display at Lake Ripley Park , traditional tree lighting ceremony and more. Win a free Cambridge gift basket.

Download the complete Calendar of Events.

Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce

Cambridge (608) 423-3780 - Cambridge

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December 02 - 05, 2011 - Happy Holly Days Weekend

Enjoys lots of special holiday events planned just for you and your family to start the holidays out right! Some events include: The annual Holiday Parade, Breakfast with Santa, several open houses, a live Nativity scene and much, MUCH more!

Whitewater - Downtown (262) 473-4005

http://www.whitewaterchamber.com/

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December 03 & 04, 2011 - Fisher Family

Fisher

The Fisher Family shares their faith through vocal and instrumental selections. This concert uniquely utilizes a wide range of percussion instruments including marching drums, steel drums, drum sets, marimbas, vibraphones, xylophones, bells, chimes and timpani. Their voices blend into harmonious melody that brings joy to your heart and makes you wish you were one of their family members.

Dec 3rd is a 7:30pm performance; Dec 4th is a 3pm performance.

Jefferson - 700 W. Milwaukee Street

(920) 674-2179 - Council for the Performing Arts

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December 03, 2011 - 16th Annual Parade of Lights in Jefferson

Parade downtown Jefferson 5:30pm. Santa will be available to meet with the children after the parade in his house!

Jefferson - Downtown Jefferson

(920) 674-4511 - http://www.jeffersonchamberwi.com

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December 03, 2011 - Holiday Open House

Holiday Shopping Made Easy...Strolling Carollers

Find it in Fabulous Fort during the Merchants Holiday Open House in Fort Atkinson on Saturday, December 3. You'll find wonderful gift ideas while visiting many festive shops. Enjoy holiday songs by strolling carolers and take a hayride with Santa. Sign up for the Holiday Red Box at participating merchants and enjoy in-store specials and refreshments.

FREE to everyone! All day event

Fort Atkinson - Retail establishments in Fort Atkinson

(920) 563-3210 - http://www.fortchamber.com

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December 03, 2011 - Lioness Christmas Parade

Line up at 4pm; parade at 5pm.

Chili sale, free hot cocoa & coffee

Palmyra - Main St. Palmyra (262) 495-2503

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December 03, 2011 - It' a Wonderful Life Dinner Theater

An old time radio version of the popular Christmas movie.

Contact Duke or Mary Jane for all the details.

Cambridge - Keystone Grill (608) 423-4379

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December 03, 2011 - Waterloo Holiday Parade!

cookies and cocoaThe 2011 Waterloo Holiday Parade will be held on Dec. 3rd, 2011 at 4:30pm. The Parade will start out at Piggly Wiggly in Waterloo and head South on Monroe St. At the 4-corners, the Parade will take a right turn and end at F&M Bank. Immediately following the Parade a "Greet & Treat" will be held at the VFW building, located on South Monroe St. We will be serving cookies and warm beverages, free of charge. The trophies for first, second and third place in 3 categories: floats, vehicles and marchers/bands will be awarded. Santa will be anxiously waiting to meet all the little boys and girls and can't wait to have his picture taken with them-also free of charge. There will be a very exciting LIVE auction happening as well, with the proceeds going to our local food pantry. There is NO CHARGE to enter the Waterloo Holiday Parade. We'd love to see you there!

Waterloo - (920) 809-1755

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December 03 - 04, 2011 - Holiday Open House

Open during regular business hours throughout Whitewater.

Whitewater (262) 473-4005

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December 03, 2011 - Gala Holiday Concert

7:30pm

The holiday season begins with the UW-Whitewater MusicGala Holiday Concert Department's annual Gala Holiday Concert. A showcase of nearly all of the Department's ensembles and small groups - this concert benefits the music student scholarship fund. The program provides a variety of holiday sounds from Gospel to Jazz with popular classical favorites. Arrive early to enjoy the small student ensembles perform throughout the lobby and the Fern Young Terrace or to bid on items in the silent auction.


Enjoy the Silent Auction, which runs from 7pm until the end of the intermission. Tickets are $15/$10 (over 65/under 18 and UW-W students). Add $2/ticket the night of performance to benefit the UW-Whitewater Music Department.

Whitewater - Young Auditorium, 930 W. Main St.

(262) 472-2222 - Young Auditorium

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December 04, 2011 - Breakfast with Santa

Cambridge - Cambridge Elementary School, 802 Water Street (Hwy PQ)

(608) 423-8108 - http://www.cambridgecap.net

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December 04, 2011 - United Methodist Church Christmas Concert

7pm - Palmyra - 122 N. Fifth St. (262) 495-4006

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December 04, 2011 - Holiday Parade of Homes

Tour six homes that are decorated for Christmas.

Watertown - various locations in the city (920) 261-5185

downtownmain@sbcglobal.net