Christmas in the Country Craft & Art Show

November 10, 2012

Deerfield Elementary School

340 W Quarry St

Deerfield, WI 53531

Annual art and craft fair, featuring quality handcrafted items and raffle! Great gift shopping. Lunch, refreshments and child care available (for a small fee). Admission fee.

Wisconsin Heights Holiday Arts & Craft Fair

November 10, 2012

Wisconsin Heights High School & Middle School

10173 US Highway 14

Mazomanie, WI 53560

Annual, featuring quality arts & crafts, authors, door prizes, raffles, baked goods, refreshments and child-care available. Fundraising event, benefits scholarships, parent groups & school clubs of the district. Food pantry donations welcomed and encouraged.

www.wisheights.k12.wi.us

Holiday Craft Bonanza

November 10, 2012

Mount Horeb Middle School

900 E. Garfield Street

Mount Horeb, WI 53572

A unique holiday craft fair. Experience Norwegian culture, visit with Julenisse (Norwegian Santa) and Jorgen the Troll, quality crafters, wagon rides, door prizes, raffles, quilts, bake sales and refreshments, and the Good Fortune Origami Tree. $2 admission (donation to the Middle School).

www.trollway.com

LSRC Art & Craft Fair

November 10, 2012

Lodi Sports & Recreation Center

801 N Main St

Lodi, WI 53555

Art & craft fair featuring local crafters and homebased businesses.

www.lodisportscenter.com

Holiday Parade & Chili Cook-Off

November 10, 2012

Downtown

Main Street

Fort Atkinson, WI 53538

A lighted parade culminating with chili sampling in the Municipal Building and the arrival of Santa.

www.fortchamber.com

November 3, 2012

Cambridge High School

403 Church St

Cambridge, WI 53523

30th annual art and craft fair sponsored by Friends of the Cambridge Library. Shop over 100 vendors with quality handmade merchandise, a raffle with gifts donated by local & area friends and business owners, a luncheon, craft demonstrations, live music.

www.visitcambridgewi.com

Oregon Firefighter/EMT Craft Fair

November 3, 2012

Oregon Middle School

601 Pleasant Oak Dr

Oregon, WI 53575

Annual craft fair with proceeds used to enhance the Fire/EMS District. Many fine crafters from near and far with beautiful crafts. A “must attend” event! Admission fee.

www.oregonareafireems.org

Holiday Market in Madison

November 2 – 4, 2012

Fri 1pm-8pm, Sat 10am-5pm & Sun 10am-4pm.

Alliant Energy Center

1919 Alliant Energy Center Way

Madison, WI 53713

This will be your one- stop- shopping for the Holidays! Vendors will be on hand with the greatest gifts for even the hard to buy for person in your life. You can find hand-made crafts or that unique gift you just could not find anywhere else! So come on out and get your holiday shopping done here in a weekend (or maybe one day). Admission: $7 adults, $5 kids (7-12), Under 6 are free. Show your parking receipt and save $5. Strollers welcome all weekend! Group tickets available in quantities of 15 or more. www.madisonholidaymarket.com

WI Dog Fair

November 4, 2012

Alliant Energy Center

1919 Alliant Energy Center Way

Madison, WI 53713

This annual event geared for dog lovers everywhere will have all the latest products for your dog and seminars to help you with training and other information. Please check the website for updated information.

www.badgerkennelclub.com

Tantalize Your Tastebuds!

November 3, 2012

MacFarlane Pheasants, Inc.

2821 S US Highway 51

Janesville, WI 53546

Serving scrumptious samples of pheasant, ostrich, buffalo, and other exotic meats. Great gifts and treats for the outdoor enthusiast. Save 10% on your purchase!

www.pheasantfordinner.com

Armory Fall Wine Festival

November 2 – 3, 2012

The Armory

10 S High St

Janesville, WI 53548

The Armory celebrates fall with wine tastings, a gourmet dinner with wine pairings, and door prizes. Learn about food pairings and explore varietals with a certified wine specialist. Call for individual day details.

www.JanesvilleArmory.com

Market Mingle

November 2, 2012

Rotary Botanical Gardens

1455 Palmer Drive

Janesville, WI 53545

Find a treat for yourself, a special gift for a friend, start your holiday shopping early, or try a chair massage! Join local farmers, bakers and artisans as they showcase their unique products. Enjoy a glass of wine or beer as you stroll the market. No registration is required. Admission includes one beverage ticket for wine, beer or soda. Market Mingle is an introduction to Rotary Botanical Gardens’ Fall Garden Symposium.

Rotarybotanicalgardens.com

October 26 – 27, 2012 7:30pm

Stoughton Opera House

381 E Main St

Stoughton, WI 53589

A fast moving hybrid tale of the vampire Count Drakula. In a multi-disciplinary version, dance tells the tale, music envelopes the audience, lights focus far and Reinfield narrates the story of the count he so fervently follows.

eventful.com/stoughton_wi/events/stageworks-projects-drakula-/E0-001-032951799-0

Halloween Mystery Candlelight Hike

October 27, 2012  6-8pm

Mirror Lake State Park

E10320 Fern Dell Rd

Baraboo, WI 53913

Join the State Park Staff and the Friends of Mirror Lake for a fun family evening at the park. We will have an easy 1 mile trail lit with clue stations along to way to help discover our Mystery Guest. When you are not out on the trail you can enjoy stories and songs around the bonfires. The Friends will have food and beverages for sale as a fundraiser. **SPECIAL NOTE** Due to scheduling conflict with Devil’s Lake’s event we moved ours 1 week earlier then normal. Mirror Lake State Park Beach/Picnic Area.

Dodgeland Craft Show and Bake Sale

October 27, 2012

Dodgeland School

401 S Western Ave

Juneau, WI 53039

Craft show and bake sale. Handmade crafts for sale. We average 25-60 vendors from cards to quilts. Come see our variety of vendors. Hot food is available.

www.dodgeland.k12.wi.us

Haunted Hay Ride

October 26 – 27, 2012  6:30-9:30pm.

MacKenzie Environmental Education Center

W7303 County Road CS & Q

Poynette, WI 53955

Join us for a fun and spooky hay ride around the MacKenzie Center property. Zombies, Witches, Graveyards, Ghosts and more! $5 for adults, $3 children age 3-8; includes a campfire with s’mores and popcorn. Dress appropriately for the weather, costumes welcome.

www.mackenziecenter.com

Sun Prairie’s Most Haunted House

October 12 – 13, 2012

Downtown Sun Prairie

Sun Prairie, WI 53590

Prepare to be Scared! Ghouls! Ghosts! Ghoblins! Join us at Sun Priarie’s Most Haunted House. www.sunprairiesmosthaunted.com

“Come Sing With Us” Mamma Mia

October 27, 2012

Janesville Performing Art Center  7pm Costume Contest; 7:30pm movie.

408 S Main St

Janesville, WI 53545

Join Janesville Presents! for an evening of ABBA-themed fun! Come dressed in your favorite Mamma Mia costume, including all things 70’s! The costume contest will conclude with a spectacular view of Mamma Mia on a big screen in the restored theatre. We invite you to “Come Sing With Us” for this special fundraising event. $15 Tickets. Afterwards, sign up for the after-party at the Armory with all of your girlfriends. For only $14.95 per person you get TWO DRINKS and an appetizer buffet. Just mention you would like to attend the after-party while reserving your tickets from the JPAC Box Office. Winner of the costume party gets into the after-party FREE!

www.janesvillepac.org

Chamber of Horrors Haunted House

October 6, 2012

Wodill Farm

W1404 Heppe Rd

Fall River, WI 53932

Last year we were voted the #1 haunted attraction in S.W. Wisconsin! This year we are bigger and better, by adding a NEW second attraction … ZOMBIE HUNT … Where you will be able to shoot LIVE zombies with paintball guns! Great fun for ALL ages without the return fire. Visit us online or like us on Facebook.

www.fallriverhauntedhouse.com

FreakFest

October 27, 2012

Downtown Madison

State St

Madison, WI 53703

Freakfest 2012, the region’s biggest halloween bash. Several music stages featuring Mac Miller on the Capitol Stage and Big Gigantic on the Gilman Stage and others. The city’s biggest costume contest will once again take place at the event with amazing prizes from STA Travel, American TV. Regular tickets on sale, $8 in advance, $12 day of the event. VIP tickets are also available.

http://host.madison.com/freakfest/

Halloween at the Zoo

October 28, 2012

Henry Vilas Zoo

702 S Randall Ave

Madison, WI 53715

Dress up as your favorite goblin, ghoul or witch and head to the Zoo for a safe alternative to trick or treating. Halloween at the Zoo is a celebration for the entire community that includes free trick or treating, a Fun Activity Tent and live music. Walk to each treat stop location to fill up your bag with sustainable palm oil candy! Please check our website for updates.

www.vilaszoo.org/events/index.php?category_id=1994

Olbrich’s Crackle: Fire & Froth in the Gardens

October 19, 2012 7-10pm.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens & Bolz Conservatory

3330 Atwood Ave

Madison, WI 53704

Oct 9: Advance tickets are sold out. Day of event tickets may be available (weather dependent). Be inspired by the beauty of a crisp fall evening in Olbrich’s outdoor gardens. Watch the flames from bonfires dance on the Great Lawn, groove to live music, savor a variety of tasty foods from Food Fight restaurants, and sip frothy Wisconsin brews. Tickets are $20 for Olbrich members and $25 for the general public. A limited number of advance tickets are available. Food and beverages are an additional cost above ticket price. In case of inclement weather, CRACKLE will be held indoors

www.olbrich.org

An Evening with Bill Cosby

October 19, 2012

Overture Center for the Arts

201 State St

Madison, WI 53703

Bill Cosby’s career spans decades and virtually all media, from the “Hey, Hey, Hey” of Fat Albert to groundbreaking sit-coms and a multitude of Gold and Platinum records. In the 1960’s, his stand-up act was a coast-to-coast sensation, and his role on TV’s I Spy won him three Emmy Awards. In the 1980s, he again rocked the television world with The Cosby Show. With hit movies and best-selling books, Bill Cosby is a national treasure with the unique ability to touch people’s hearts.

www.overturecenter.com

Bethlehem Lutheran Craft Fair  9am-2pm.

October 20, 2012

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

W8267 State Road 33 E

Portage, WI 53901

Art and crafts; no commercial. All handmade items. Includes artist paintings, woodwork, needlework, quilts and much more. Also, a brat and bake sale www.bethlehemportage.org

Edgerton Quilt Show

October 20, 2012 9am-4pm.

Edgerton Middle School

300 Elm Dr

Edgerton, WI 53534

150+ Quilts on display that will be judged by viewer’s choice. Other activities include author presentations/demonstrations, book sales and signings, vendor sales, quilt raffle, and much more. Concessions available. There is a small admission fee.

www.edgertonchamber.com

Indoor Vintage & Antique Snowmobile Show; Outdoor Vintage Grass Drags & Swap Meet

October 20, 2012

Jefferson County Fair Park

503 N Jackson Ave

Jefferson, WI 53549

Can bring 1985 and older sleds to show and grass drags; Snowmobile Show back in the Activity Center; and improved racing track. Sponsored by the Jefferson County Snowmobile Alliance as a fundraiser to help maintain area snowmobile trails, etc. Food & beverages available. Free Parking. Gate fee: $5/person; children under 10 free.

www.jcsawi.com

Sun Prairie’s Most Haunted House  6:30pm -11pm

Downtown Sun Prairie

Sun Prairie, WI 53590

Prepare to be Scared! Ghouls! Ghosts! Ghoblins! Join us at Sun Priarie’s Most Haunted House. www.sunprairiesmosthaunted.co

All Hallows Eve Grand Costume Ball at Circus World

October 20, 2012

Circus World

550 Water Street

Baraboo, WI 53913

The evening begins in the new Tristan Crist Magic Theatre with social time, followed by a banquet at 7pm. On stage at 8pm will be a hair-raising, Halloween-themed magic show featuring the talents of master Illusionist Tristan Crist. A costume contest and ball will finish out the evening, complete with graveyard grooves by disc jockey Izzy Gone. All guest must be 18 years of age and we request you arrive in costume or formal dress for this magical night at Circus World. Call for reservations any time between 8:30am-4pm, any day before Sunday, October 14.

www.circusworld.wisconsinhistory.org

Dells On Tap

October 13, 2012 Noon-5pm

Wisconsin Dells Festivals Site

200 La Crosse St

Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

Once a year, Wisconsin Dells takes a moment and honors Wisconsin’s proud brewing heritage. We invite you to join us and sample a full spectrum of beer and speak to the brewmasters themselves. New for 2012 – VIP Admission Advance $55 | Day of Event $60. In addition to general admission, the VIP Admission includes entry into Dells On Tap tent at Noon, commemorative VIP Tasting Glass, pretzel necklace and light snacks from Noon-1pm. Only 200 VIP Admissions available, so get yours today!  www.wisdells.com/wisconsin-dells-attraction/wisconsin-dells-on-tap.cfm

Fort Wine & Stein

October 13, 2012 3-7pm

Koshkonong Mounds Country Club

W7670 Koshkonong Mounds Rd

Fort Atkinson, WI 53538

Join us for an exclusive tasting of premium wines and craft beers from Wisconsin and hors d’oeuvres at the 4th annual Fort Wine & Stein.

www.fortwineandstein.com

Sun Prairie’s Most Haunted House

October 12 – 13, 2012 6:30pm -11pm

Downtown Sun Prairie

Sun Prairie, WI 53590

Prepare to be Scared! Ghouls! Ghosts! Ghoblins! Join us at Sun Priarie’s Most Haunted House.  www.sunprairiesmosthaunted.com

Oktoberfest Brewery Bus Tour

October 13, 2012 Leave at 12pm.

Alchemy Café

1980 Atwood Ave

Madison, WI 53704

We will be visiting the Point Brewery, Central Waters Brewing and O’so Brewing!! Oktoberfest style beer tasting on the bus with Guest Host Page Buchanan from House of Brews of Madison. The trip includes motor coach transportation, guest host, samples and tours of Point, Central Waters, O’so and a stop at a cheese shop. Reservations can be made exclusively online.

www.hopheadbeertours.com

Fall Color Ice Age Hike

October 13, 2012 10am-noon.

Fox River Refuge

County Road F

Montello, WI 53949

Marquette County Ice Age Trail and Wisconsin Friends of John Muir are collaborating on this hike into the US Fish and Wildlife Fox River Refuge. Participants will meet in the parking lot of John Muir County Park and walk to the Refuge. The hike will be led by a knowledgeable refuge guide from US Fish and Wildlife . Take advantage of the rare opportunity to hike the Refuge which is not typically open to the public.

www.iceagetrail.org

Oktoberfest

October 13, 2012 6-10pm.

Creekside Place

102 Maple St.

Evansville, WI WI

When Evansville hosted its first Oktoberfest in 2011, it was popular beyond most imaginations. So get ready for an even bigger event this year! This is a beer festival with great flavor and themes. Featured are almost 80 different beers from more than 20 breweries around the world, with an emphasis on Midwest craft breweries. Patrons will receive a checklist enabling them to track favorites, and a souvenir beer tasting glass. And there’s more! Local restaurants and caterers present signature dishes, all with an Oktoberfest flavor. Door prizes, raffles and a silent auction will be included in the evening festivities with proceeds supporting local causes. The admission ticket cost covers beer, food and beer tasting glass. Tickets are available at the door.

www.creeksideplace.org

Autumn Harvest Fest

October 13 – 14, 2012 Saturday 9am-6pm; Sunday 10am-2pm

Wisconsin Dells Festivals Site

200 La Crosse St

Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

Stuff more fun into your fall weekend by celebrating the 15th Annual Autumn Harvest Fest in Wisconsin Dells. Activities include scarecrow stuffing, pumpkin decorating, an arts & crafts marketplace, hay and pony rides, live entertainment, Dells On Tap microbrew tasting and more. Free Spectator Admission & Parking. Select activities require fee.

www.wisdells.com/wisconsin-dells-attraction/autumn-harvest-fest.cfm

Barktoberfest

October 14, 2012 9:30am-3pm

Westside Park

Cambridge, WI 53523

Canine Festival in the park…a Howling good time for humans and their hounds. Start off the day with a dog walk to benefit Humane Society of Jefferson County then stay for dog sport demonstrations including lure coursing, plus costume and trick contests , vendors and more. Yappy hour from 3-5pm and more.

www.visitcambridgewi.com

Evil Hill Haunted House Returns

10/12/2012-10/14/2012

Fri & Sat 7-10pm, Sun 2-6pm.

Dekorra Elementary School

W8640 Bilkie Rd

Poynette, WI 53955

Evil Hill is a premiere haunted house. You will leave safety and security behind, not knowing what evil and horror lurks around the corner as you travel the murky halls of this old school building.  www.evilhillreturns.com

Fair on the Square

10/13/2012-10/13/2012

9am-4pm

BarabooSemi-annual arts and crafts show with food, farmer’s market, children’s activities, and entertainment. Spring and fall themes.

www.downtownbaraboo.com

http://rismedia.com/2012-10-09/knowing-the-score-on-mortgage-credit/

World Dairy Expo

October 2 – 6, 2012

10/2/2012-10/6/2012

Daily 9am-5pm.

Alliant Energy Center

1919 Alliant Energy Center Way

Madison, WI 53713

Market Fresh! That’s the theme of this year’s Annual World Dairy Expo. 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. Admission is $10 daily for 12 & over or $30 for a season pass.

www.worlddairyexpo.com

Autumn Fest

October 6, 2012

9am-2pm. Rummage sale 7am-4pm

Downtown Jefferson

Jefferson, WI 53549

Horse-drawn wagon rides and street vendors grace our downtown while guests enjoy shopping area retail stores and enjoying the fall colors along the scenic Rock River. Balloon artists, face painters, caricaturists, fun for the whole family, city wide rummage sale.

www.jeffersonchamberwi.com

Reedsburg Fire Department Arts and Craft Show

October 6, 2012 9am-3pm.

Reedsburg Fire Station

131 Park St

Reedsburg, WI 53959

Annual arts and craft fair. Area artists and crafters show and sell inside the station and adjacent tent.

Fall Festival

October 6, 2012

Downtown

Albany, WI 53502

Musical entertainment, games and activities for kids – kiddie tractor pull, food stands, arts and crafts fair, flea market.

www.albany-chamber.org

Cemetery Tour at Oakhill Cemetery

October 6, 2012 1-4pm

Oakhill Cemetery

1725 N. Washington

Janesville, WI 53545

Ghosts, gravestones, and more welcome you back to Oakhill Cemetery, Janesville’s historic final resting place. Join the Rock County Historical Society as they take guests through Oakhill to stop for a series of demonstrations: Local historian Pete Skelly and Val Crofts will lead tours to the gravestones of three Civil War veterans and the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) plot. Nellie Tallman, portrayed by Sherry Thurner will talk about her family life in Janesville. The Society of Anomalous Studies, who specializes in psychical and para-psychological experiences, will present their recent findings after investigating the Oakhill Cemetery chapel. RCHS curator Laurel Fant will demonstrate how to clean gravestones, preserving them for future generations. Explore and find unmarked graves through grave divining with Lynne Jacobsen. Each demonstration is 15-30 minutes long and visitors may attend them in any order. Walking shoes are suggested. Cemetery maps can be picked up at the event check-in booth in front of the cemetery chapel. The event is FREE to the public, donations are appreciated.

www.rchs.us

Dells Chili Cook Off

October 6, 2012 12pm-3pm

Downtown

Oak Street & Broadway

The Dells Chili Cookoff will feature a Texas Hold’em Tournament, live entertainment, pony rides, stage coach rides, bull ride, vendors and of course CHILI! Chili tasting open to public between 12pm-3pm. Awards presentation at 4pm.Chilis will be awarded by: People’s Choice, Judge’s Choice and Hottest Chili.

www.dellschili.com

Chamber of Horrors Haunted House

October 6, 2012 7-10pm.

Wodill Farm

W1404 Heppe Rd

Fall River, WI 53932

Last year we were voted the #1 haunted attraction in S.W. Wisconsin! This year we are bigger and better, by adding a NEW second attraction … ZOMBIE HUNT … Where you will be able to shoot LIVE zombies with paintball guns! Great fun for ALL ages without the return fire. Visit us online or like us on Facebook.

www.fallriverhauntedhouse.com

Evil Hill Haunted House Returns

October 5 – 6, 2012 7-10pm.

Dekorra Elementary School

W8640 Bilkie Rd

Poynette, WI 53955

Evil Hill is a premiere haunted house. You will leave safety and security behind, not knowing what evil and horror lurks around the corner as you travel the murky halls of this old school building.  www.evilhillreturns.com

Center Color Fest

October 5 – 7, 2012

Throughout Richland County & Richland Center

Richland Center, WI 53581

A celebration of Fall colors throughout Richland Center and Richland County. Visit our website for a detailed description of all the events. Downtown merchants will have various activities including food, sales, music and entertainment. The City Auditorium will be the host for the History Horns & Hornets band contest (1- 6:30pm). Tour our scenic country roads while stopping at the orchard and winery. The Wheels of Time Truck and Tractor Show will take place all weekend too. On Saturday evening the weekend’s events are highlighted by the spectacular Canyon of Lights Parade in downtown Richland Center at 7pm. Please come join us and ‘Center’ your weekend here!

www.richlandchamber.com

Autumn Color Train Rides

10/5/2012-10/7/2012

Fri departures 11:30am, 1 & 2:30pm; Sat/Sun departures 10:00, 11:30, 11:40, 1:00, 1:10, 2:30, 2:40 & 4:00.

Mid-Continent Railway Museum

E8948 Diamond Hill Rd

North Freedom, WI 53951

Enjoy Mid-Continent’s seven-mile, 50-minute round-trip ride on a former branch line of the Chicago & North Western Railroad through the autumnal beauty of the scenic Baraboo Hills. Dinner trains Fri & Sat only 6:30pm.

www.midcontinent.org

Cornish Festival Pub Night

September 28, 2012 7-10pm

Pendarvis

114 Shake Rag Street

Mineral Point, WI 53565

The quaint Kiddleywink Pub in the rowhouse at Pendarvis offers a special evening with live music, a cash bar, and a variety of pub games. The event is part of Mineral Point’s weekend celebration of Cornish culture.

www.pendarvishistoricsite.org

Quivey’s Grove Beer Fest

September 29, 2012 12pm-5pm

Quivey’s Grove

6261 Nesbitt Rd

Madison, WI 53719

Quivey’s Grove Annual Beerfest featuring over 75 beers on tap from 35 brewers, outside under the tent on Quivey’s five acres of landscaped grounds. Cold Beer, Hot Food, and music. For tickets, please visit our website!

www.quiveysgrove.com

Autumn Fest

September 29, 2012

Brodhead

Community celebration with farmers/craft market, food, chili contest, childrens’ activities and costume parade, live music, sidewalk sales with downtown merhants and other vendors.

www.brodheadchamber.org

Harvest Moon Festival

September 28, 2012

Lussier Family Heritage Center

3101 Lake Farm Road

Madison, WI 53711

Take a stroll down the illuminated Trails with interpretive presentations on WI’s owls, amphibians, trees, bears, bats and more! UW’s “Universe in the Park” and “Space Place” astronomers, bluegrass music and s’mores around a Campfire. Silent auction, Liliana’s Cajun chili, hot dogs and homemade pie.

Annual Grape Harvest Festival

September 29, 2012 11am-4pm.

Norway Grove Memorial Lutheran Church

820 River Rd

DeForest, WI 53532

Activities include a silent auction (we have a signed Green Bay Packer football); bouncy houses for the kids, pie sale, henna tattoos, games, live music! Meal Tickets are $5 each and feature pork roast sandwiches, potato salad, beans, and beverages. Fresh home-made pie slices with a scoop of ice cream are $3 each.

Full Moon Hike

September 29, 2012 @8pm.

Mirror Lake State Park

E10320 Fern Dell Road

Baraboo, WI 53913

Come and see what Mirror Lake State Park is like under the light of a full moon. Flashlights are not necessary.

dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/getoutdoors/events.html

Edgerton Sterling North Book and Film Festival

September 29, 2012 @9am-4pm.

Edgerton High School

300 Elm High Drive

Edgerton, WI 53534

Annual Edgerton Sterling North Book and Film Festival welcomes nationally and internationally known authors and film makers. Visitors are treated to a host of presentations and demonstrations at various locations at the Edgerton High School facility and Performing Ars Center. Activities author presentations and book signing, book fair, workshops, round tables, movies and refreshments. This year we will welcome to Edgeton Jill Eickenbury and Mike Tucker from L.A. Law; Lori Schneider – an author and mountain climber; Erin Falligant – an author with American Girl Dolls; Jill Geisler a business educator and author; and many more fantastic authors. Please visit our website for all the details. This is a FREE event.

www.edgertonbookfestival.com

New Glarus Oktoberfest

September 28 – 30, 2012

Downtown

New Glarus, WI 53574

Oktoberfest sponsored by the New Glarus Brewery. Live music in festival tent all weekend. Ceremonial tapping of a keg of New Glarus Brewery’s Staghonr Octoberfest on Friday evening. Wagon rides, activities for the kids, food stands by local restaurants, fondue demonstration and tasting on Sunday afternoon, antique tractor pull on Sunday.

Model Train Show & Swap Meet

September 29 – 30, 2012 @10am-4pm.

Stateline Ice Arena

1632 – 4th Ave. West

Monroe, WI 53566

34th annual train show with operating layouts, activities for kids, and a sale. Sponsored by the Green County Model Railroaders.

www.gcmrrinc.org

Old World Wisconsin Harvest Weekends

Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm.

Old World Wisconsin

W372 S9727 State Road 67

Eagle, WI 53119

Fall is the time to begin the work of the harvest and prepare for winter. Join us on these special September weekends as we cook and preserve, learn a little and enjoy the landscape: Labor and Libations September 1-2; Produce and Preserves September 8-9; Cookies and Kuchen September 15-16; In a Pickle September 22-23; and A Walk in the Woods September 29-30.

www.oldworldwisconsin.org

Fall Jefferson Car Show

September 28 – 30, 2012 @ Fri 10am-4pm, Sat & Sun 6am-4pm.

Jefferson County Fair Park

503 N Jackson Ave

Jefferson, WI 53549

Swap meet, car corral and car show for classics, collectibles, street rods and trucks. More than 3,100 vendor stalls and 1,200 cars for sale. Swap and car corral both days; car show Sunday only. Impalas featured. Huge event, cars for sale, this is where you want to be if you’re looking for parts for that special vintage car you own.

www.jeffersonswapmeet.com

Chamber Fall Fest

September 22, 2012

Downtown Edgerton

N. Henry Street

Edgerton, WI 53534

9/22/2012

9am-4pm.

Activities include an arts and crafts fair, seasonal produce sales such as pumpkins and apples, children’s activities, musical entertainment and a variety of food venues.

www.edgertonchamber.com

Family Wellness Expo

September 22, 2012  9am-3:30pm

Veterans Park – Village Square

Cambridge, WI 53523

Annual family wellness event for all. Family fitness walk through Cam-Rock Park, information booths from Cambridge area businesses and heath care providers, free blood pressure checks, karate, yogo and jazzercise demonstrations, lectures, kids games, and healthy refreshments.

cambridgewi.com

Fall Color Biking Festival

September 22, 2012

John Muir Trailhead

County Road H

Whitewater, WI 53190

Join us for a fun day filled with activities for the entire family. The Fall Color Festival is an annual mountain bike event held at the John Muir trails. There are more awards for more people. Top 3 (male and female) finishers in all events and the top finishers in each age group. There’s an exciting Children’s Ride and a Children’s Activity Tent. Women’s clinic addresses proper riding skills and trail fixes. This is the only event that raises money for trail maintenance and future trail development in the Southern Kettle Moraine.

www.fallcolorfestival.org

Green County Fall National Tractor and Truck Pull

September 22, 2012

Fairgrounds

2600 – 10th St.

Monroe, WI 53566

Badger State Tractor Pullers, with categories for: super farm, pro stock, light super stock, light limited super stock, unlimited super stock, two-wheel drive trucks, pro farm, and mini rod. Food stands by Green County Beef Producers and Monroe Lions. Evening band starts at 8 pm. Proceeds from ticket sales are donated back to various charitable causes in the Green County area.

www.greencountyfair.net

Cambridge Fall Fest

September 22, 2012

10am-4pm.

Cambridge

Enjoy fall in Cambridge with a cup of hot cider as you stroll thru the Antiques and Arts Market including demos from artisans in Veterans Park. We’ll have family fun in Westside Park with a petting zoo hosted by the FFA, a Family Wellness Expo by CAP from 10am-1pm, hot cider, caramel apples and other fall treats, scarecrow contest, face & pumpkin painting, family fun games, hayrides and farmers market . We will also have live music and a cloggers dance troop.

www.cambridgewi.net

Arts and Sparks in the Park – Loeb Lorman Welding Rodeo – Fine Arts Fair

September 22, 2012

8am-7pm

Ralph Park

Fort Atkinson, WI 53538

Loeb Lorman Metals Inc. and the Fort Arts Council presents “ARTS & SPARKS IN THE PARK” including the 2nd Annual Loeb-Lorman Welding Rodeo and 4th Annual Fine Arts Fair. A fun day of art for the entire family. Watch 8 teams of welders and artists putting their skills to the test in this competition to transform metal scrap into public sculpture. Participants will dive into the scrap metal piles at 8am and emerge with a finished sculpture at 4:30pm. Cash prizes, public viewing and a sculpture auction will place take afterwards with plenty of music and food to celebrate. Throughout the day, visitors are encouraged to watch the creations being made while also enjoying the Fine Arts Fair. The fair will have over 30 regional artists on hand with beautifully crafted paintings, textiles, and sculptures for purchase. Artists will be demonstrating pottery, weaving, woodcraft and metal work as well as offering free kids art activities. Rain date is Sunday September 23, 2012.

www.fortartscouncil.org

Henry Vilas Zoo Run Run

September 23, 2012

Henry Vilas Zoo

702 S. Randall Ave.

Madison

The Henry Vilas Zoo is hosting the 7th Annual “Zoo Run Run.” Hundreds of local runners and families will attend to run and walk for the zoo. There is a 5k and 10k run and a 5k walk for families. The event proceeds will go to benefit the major Zoo Century renovation plans.

www.vilaszoo.org

2012 Pig in the Park State Championship BBQ

9/21/2012-9/22/2012

Fri 6-10pm, Sat 10am-11pm.

Cravath Lake Park

312 Whitewater Street

Whitewater, WI 53190

Downtown Whitewater, Inc. presents the first annual KCBS sanctioned state championship cook-off. A BBQ competition featuring teams competing in four categories; chicken, pork, ribs & brisket. Along with the BBQ, Downtown Whitewater, Inc. has teamed up with the City of Whitewater and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater to bring you a wonderful festival with music, motorcycle show, burnout pit, mechanical bull, gladiator joust, bungee run, arts and crafts, civil war encampment, 5K, fit kids shuffle, local craft beer and wine and great regional food including Texas Roadhouse. Please join us for a wonderful family event where you will find something for everyone. Admission is free.

www.piginthepark.net/contact-us.html

Rockman Challenge

September 22, 2012

Bethesda Grounds

700 Hoffmann Dr

Watertown, WI 53094

Bike, paddle, run and complete a military style obstacle course at the RockMan Challenge, benefiting Bethesda Lutheran Communities. Solo, tandem and relay options are available. Registration is limited to 500 people. Entrants will paddle 3.5, bike, 13.5 and run 3 miles. Registration, which includes a long-sleeve t-shirt, food, beverage and entertainment is $60 for solo; $120 for tandem and $150 for a relay team.

www.rockmanchallenge.org

Olbrich Gardens: Thai Fest

September 23, 2012 10-4

Olbrich Botanical Gardens & Bolz Conservatory

3330 Atwood Ave

Madison, WI 53704

Celebrate Thai culture and the 10th Anniversary of Olbrich’s Thai Pavilion and Garden with music, dance, and food for sale. Admission is free.

www.olbrich.org

Well, we must be doing well in the process as August sales for Dane County are up a substantial 28.6% for the month and now stand 24.3% ahead of last year. Six of eight counties within the SCWMLS primary region are also ahead for the month and all counties continue to exceed in year-to-date numbers. The entire SCWMLS is ahead of 2011 by 23.2%.
Another bright sign for August is that the median price for Dane County sales is slightly ahead of last year. This is not totally unexpected as inventories of active listings have fallen by more than 20% over last year while sales have increased. In breaking this down further, the months supply of inventory for single family homes in Dane County stands at just 6.9 months, while condominiums have less than 12 months of supply. Six months of supply is generally regarded as representing a balanced market between buyers and sellers.
An additional benefit to having values rise is that more home owners are finding equity in their homes again, after being underwater on their mortgage for the past several years. This is important as we attempt to evaluate the impact of distressed sales (including REO and short sales) on the market. In Dane County, distressed sales reported for August represented 11% of single family sales and 22% of condominium sales. These figures have been fairly consistent since May when we first began collecting this information. Cash sales – which often represent investor activity-remained at 20% of the total sales.
As we enter into the fourth quarter, the market place continues to offer outstanding opportunities with respect to interest rates and affordability. More and more consumers appear to be regaining their confidence and are entering the home purchase area once again. So – are we there yet? Probably not but we are moving closer.

We will be examining these statistics in further detail over the next week in a series of blog posts. Until then, download our Market Update, our monthly examination of South Central Wisconsin’s residential real estate market. We believe this guide will be a useful tool for you, providing local statistics, industry insight, and buyer and seller tips.