Last Updated: Friday, August 31, 2007 11:44 AM CDT
Goodbye summer vacation, hello school days!
by Julie Holperin - Special to the daily news
I can't believe it's Labor Day Weekend! I don't know whether to be happy or sad with summer coming to an end. I guess I'll be a little of both.
There are lots of happenings for the busy Labor Day weekend in our neck of the woods, starting with Rhinelander's Oktoberfest Celebration. The event will be held under the big tent in the parking lot next to Trig's, as has been the tradition. Everyone is invited to enjoy delicious German and American food, beverage, and music all weekend. I can't wait to taste the delicious German food prepared by the Harmony Lioness Club, the Knights of Columbus, and the Oneida County Tavern League.
Admission prices are $6 per day or $10 for a weekend wristband at the door. For a bargain, you can also stop at the Chamber office to buy an advance wristband for only $8. Tonight the Jim Pekol Polka Band and Goodtime Dutchmen Band will be performing from 5-11 p.m. Saturday features bands all day and into the night, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday admissions are free and will feature polka church service at 10:30 a.m. followed by a craft fair and performances by the Rhinelander Community Band and the Charley Rogers Good Time Band.
Check www.rhinelanderchamber.com for a complete schedule. I am happy to see this event moving up the calendar from chilly October as we had in previous years. I don't ever recall a year when we didn't get heavy rains at Oktoberfest, so perhaps the change of weekends can break the moisture spell and bring out large enthusiastic crowds to support this area event.
The Farmers' Market in Pioneer Park was really busy last weekend and we have been enjoying the fresh corn, tomatoes, and zucchini we bought there. I have included a recipe I got from food.com for chocolate chip zucchini muffins. I already tried it out when preparing a dish for our lake association party last weekend. This Saturday the Community Gardeners will be on hand at the Farmers' Market to collect food items for the Rhinelander area food pantry. The pantry is especially looking for items for back- to-school lunches such as peanut butter, jelly, cereal and snack items. I understand that if you bring food items as donations, you can receive a small bunch of herbs grown at the community garden to cook with your fresh produce. I go to food.com or recipes.com to find wonderful recipes for all the fresh produce I buy and the herbs I grow.
The 4th Annual Traditional Arts & Skills Festival will be Saturday at the Logging Camp Museum in Rhinelander. The festival starts at 10 a.m. and is free and open to the public. Northwoods artists will display, demonstrate and sell their work until 4 p.m. Starting at 11 a.m. a traditional Logger's Stew will be served in the logging camp dining room. Proceeds help support our free museum. There will be a music jam session starting at 1 p.m. so bring along your favorite instrument. Sounds like a fun day!
The Apple Harvest Craft Fest in Eagle River is a tradition for Labor Day weekend. The Saturday and Sunday event is free and features juried crafts and gifts as well as great food and family entertainment. The show is held at the fairgrounds and is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. Go to www.eagleriver.org for more information.
View the Lac du Flambeau Voyageur Rendezvous and Midwest Native American Arts Market on Saturday and Sunday in Lac du Flambeau. Bring your family to see this camp re-creation from the Fur Trade era; it includes a Trader's Row featuring arts, crafts and authentic food. There is also a juried Art Fair featuring traditional Native American arts. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Go to www.lacduflambeau.org for more details.
On Saturday you can be a part of the Nicolet Wheel-A-Way bike ride. The 35-40 mile non-competitive bike ride tours through the beautiful Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and is designed for riders of all abilities. Registration includes snacks, lunch, a T-shirt, and door prizes.
Downtown Three Lakes will also be celebrating Lunar Lunacy on Saturday. There will be special sales in all the downtown businesses. Go to www.threelakes.com for all the info.
Minocqua will host the Third Annual Pride & Joy Fun Car Show on Saturday. The show features cars, trucks, motorcycles as well as food and refreshments. Go to www.minocqua.com for more information.
Our local YMCA will host a most unusual event for all social-friendly neighborhood dogs. Bring your pet dog for a cool canine swim on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. (bring proof that they are up-to-date on their shots). The swim is for pets only, no humans allowed! The pool will be drained and closed for its yearly cleaning immediately after. A "no responsibility" waiver must be signed at the front desk. The new fall YMCA session starts September 10 so come in soon and register for all their great programs. Go to www.ymcaofthenorthwoods.com for more information.
On Labor Day there will be a huge parade in downtown Merrill starting at 10 a.m. Their Labor Day celebration starts at noon. There will be a car show, farmers' market, flea market, food and family entertainment at the fairgrounds. Go to www.merrillchamber.com for more information.
Remember, school starts next Tuesday so drive extra careful when in a school zone. According to the experts, children should start every day with a healthy breakfast to provide energy to begin their day, so be sure to stock up on cereal, oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, juice, fresh fruit, peanut butter, and jelly at the grocery store this weekend. Buy some extra for the food pantry too and avoid having to run to the store at 6:30 in the morning. Happy Labor Day! Happy First Day of School!
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cupcakes
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. oil
3 eggs
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
2 c. shredded zucchini
1 c. chopped nuts
1 c. mini chocolate chips
Mix first five ingredients for two minutes in a large bowl. Mix the next four dry ingredients together in a bowl. Add dry mixture to the big bowl along with the rest of the ingredients. Pour into 24 greased muffin cups. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes or until done. Frost if you like. These muffins freeze well in freezer bags for later.
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