By Mary Boyle

Growing up in Thiensville, Alex Uhan's parents exposed him to all kinds of music, but the stuff that really stuck was the Country.  His passion for the genre has brought him into close contact with some big name artists over the years, taking him on tour buses, and even on the stage.  Fast forward to 2014, when this Homestead High School graduate who had relocated to Cedarburg came up with an idea for a Country Music concert to be performed locally, and in a smaller, more intimate venue than the artist would normally play.  The Summer Sounds concert series at Cedar Creek Park introduced him to just the right location and, in 2017, Uhan ran the idea past the Cedarburg Common Council, who were in full support.  Country in the Burg was born.

"I wanted to organize a concert that would do two things: bring in a Country artist who wouldn't normally come to our little town and benefit a charity," Uhan explained.

​Three charities, actually.  The first was a no-brainer:  Mel's Charities has been raising money for Ozaukee causes for the past 20 years, donating over one million dollars locally through their "great times for great causes."  The second charity was Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, who have been providing healthcare solely for children for 125 years.  Finally, Uhan also chose the Wounded Warrior Project, in honor of family members and friends who have served in the military.  The WWP serves veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wounds while serving in the military on or after September 11, 2001.

Uhan knew he had the City behind him, and he already had artists on board, but he wanted to gauge the interest of the community.  This past March, he created a Facebook Event for the concert and, in just 2 months, over 2,000 people were interested.  Now, nearly a year later, the event is closing in on 9,000 - double the number of people than there are tickets to the event, which will take place on August 24th at Cedar Creek Park.

"There are a limited amount of General Admission tickets left, and I expect to sell out long before the concert — Kip Moore (the headliner) is huge," Uhan chuckled.  Huge, indeed; Moore incurred a fine for playing past curfew at Summerfest this past season because the adoring audience demanded more. 

​Opening for Moore are Cedarburg native, Josh Thompson, who has written songs for the likes of Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, and Darius Rucker, as well as having a successful Country Music career of his own, and David Nail, whose latest album, Only This And Nothing More, was included in the Rolling Stone Magazine list of "12 New Albums to Stream Now."  Originally, the band Love and Theft were scheduled to play, but then a scheduling conflict took them out of the line-up; however, Uhan is thrilled to have a Cedarburg hometown boy in their place.

Unlike the Summer Sounds concert, Cedar Creek Park will be completely fenced in for Country in the Burg.  Those with VIP tickets, at a cost of $89, will be center stage, with access to their own beer vendor and bathrooms.  General Admission tickets, which are $59, allows you to bring in a chair, but it's expected that most people will be standing for the entire event.  While there will be lots reserved for parking, Uhan doesn't expect it to be a problem, stating:  "Strawberry Festival brings far more people into town than this concert will, and there is no special parking lot for that."

Uhan hopes that the event will create an atmosphere similar to  "Country Thunder" — a music festival that takes place in Twin Lakes, WI — although much smaller.  More importantly, he hopes attendees will feel good that their ticket purchase will not only allow them to see three great artists in a great venue with a great view, it will also help three great charities.

Country in the Burg will take place on Saturday, August 24, 2019, from 5-11 p.m. at Cedar Creek Park in Cedarburg, WI.  A limited number of General Admission tickets are available, and may be purchased at: tickets.midwestix.com/event/country-in-the-burg-2019/.

By Mary Boyle

Do you knit, crochet, quilt, or sew?  Do you love to garden, bake, or can food?  Perhaps you're a woodworker, or a photographer.  Maybe you are a beekeeper, or you make your own wine or maple syrup.  Do you paint, make baskets or ceramics, or make things out of leather?  Are you a poet, a scrapbook or greeting card maker, or do you make your own soap or candles?  Possibly you just have a really cool collection of something?  If any of that, and more, applies to you, then the Ozaukee County Fair wants you for their Open Class Division.

The Ozaukee County Fair - one of the last free fairs in the Midwest - is organized each year by the Ozaukee County Agriculture Society.  Every first Sunday in August, the Fair comes to a close, but the planning for the next one begins. Anyone can become a member of the Society for a very little fee, and if you really want to be involved in the Fair, you can take a turn serving on the Board, like Jamie Nevins, who is hoping to bring a little more attention to the Open Class Division, an often overlooked opportunity at the Fair.

Most people are aware that various 4-H groups show their horses, chickens, pigs, cows, and other farm animals at the Fair to win ribbons, but they may not be aware that you do not need to be a part of 4-H to enter your animal.  Not only that, you don't need to have an animal - there are all kinds of things that can be entered in the Open Class Division at the Fair. 

"Open Class is for anyone in the County, and beyond," Nevins explained.  "It doesn't cost anything to enter, it's open to all ages, and you can enter everything from art to produce, and more.  With the explosion of the DIY movement, it seems like everyone is growing their own food or knitting their own sweaters - why not enter them at the Fair and get bragging rights?"

The deadline to enter items is June 30th, but Nevins hopes that letting people know before the Holidays will give them time to prepare (or at least make them think about saving one of their jars of pickles they canned this Fall).  "We hire knowledgeable judges, and you can get feedback from them to help you, so it's a learning experience, but it's also validation for something you're already doing," Nevins said.

Terry Schoessow has worked with a wide variety of categories within the Open Class Division over many years as the Open Class Superintendent, and has seen many a beautiful quilt, cake, and photograph.  She, too, is frustrated by the lack of awareness of this great opportunity.

"Many people don’t understand that the 'Open' Class means that it is open to anyone: little kids through adults.  A person does NOT have to be a member of a group.   We have people who enter from senior centers and group homes, homeschooling families, and couples who compete with each other in baking.  There are people who enter one photo, and others who enter 25 photos - one in almost every category.  One does NOT have to be a resident of Ozaukee County to enter any non-living class."

Schoessow said one of the greatest hurdles with the Open Class is the deadline, because the Fair is not on people's radar at the end of June.  The other problem is making sure to follow the instructions at the top of each department, as different items must arrive at the Fair at different times.  A list of available things to enter, called a Premium Book, is put online in late winter or early spring, with paper copies available at public libraries and various other places around the county.   The 2017 Premium Book is still available online, and the books don't change drastically from year to year, so it's a good way to see all of the different categories.  

"Commercial vegetable growers and florists have their own divisions to display their creations separately from the amateurs," Schoessow said, "And there is also Department 17, which is for anyone with a Special Need who lives in Ozaukee County.  Fun categories, such as 'Tallest Weed,' 'Most Unusual Vegetable,' and 'Heaviest Cabbage' get attention."

Entering your work at the Ozaukee County Fair can bring more than ribbons, or even validation: Nevins mentioned that she hired a cake decorator whose work she saw at the Fair, so it's an excellent way to market your skills, as well.  In any event, what better way to pass a long Wisconsin Winter than planning a project for a warm summer day at the Ozaukee County Fair? 

For more information about the Open Class Division, go to: ​www.ozaukeecountyfair.com/premium-books/.​

By Kathy Lanser

If you’ve ever dreamed of performing for a live audience, the monthly Blueburg Café Open Mic Night – is for you.  On Wednesday, September 6th, 2017 head to the Cedarburg Cultural Center’s Blueburg Café Open Mic Night and celebrate its five-year anniversary.
 
For the past five years, Steve Brill, Master of Ceremonies, and John Mueller, Master of Sound, have run the Blueburg Café Open Mic Night with the assistance of Chris Pope.  Guest emcee, Stephanie Erin Brill, was on board for the first three years of the Blueburg Café Open Mic Night, and Samantha Grady has acted as guest emcee for the past two years.  Both the Master of Ceremonies and guest emcee will be passing the baton to the new hosts, to be announced Sept 6th.  
 
All styles, talents, and formats are welcomed at the Open Mic. Talent on the stage may include poets, spoken word, comedians, singers, instrumentalists, singer-songwriters, etc.  One song per artist ensures that everybody gets a chance to play. Performers may be young, mature, experienced or first timers. Many acts see this is as an opportunity to improve their talent by performing live in front of a large captive audience.  Additionally, talent scouts representing area festivals, venues and businesses may be in attendance, and often reach out - offering opportunities on bigger stages. The Cedarburg Cultural Center (CCC) opens the doors at 6:15 p.m. every first Wednesday of the month from February thru December, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m..  
 
Crowd favorites at the monthly Blueburg Café  will be invited to compete in the Best of Blueburg Talent Competition showcase held in January.  Winners receive cash prizes, gift certificates, and an invitation to perform at the Cedarburg Cultural Center’s First Fridays concert series. 
 
Cornerstone Community Bank has been the Blueburg Café Open Mic Night Title Sponsor for four years, enabling free entry for all attendees. There is an opportunity to donate $2 and participate in a nightly drawing, with prizes donated by the Evening Sponsors: Bill Bauerband, Edward Jones Financial Advisor; Cedarburg Cultural Center; Nines American Bistro; Sprecher Brewing Co., Inc.; and, Write Stuff Resources.
 

Cedarburg Friends of the Library (CFoL), along with the Cedarburg Public Library (CPL), and Cedarburg Fire Department (CFD), have come together to launch the Cedarburg Reads 2017 community-wide reading-and-discussion program. DeWayna Cherrington, CFoL President; Robert Vasholtz, CFD Fire Chief; and Linda Prischalla, CPL Head Librarian, are inviting all citizens to participate in meeting your neighbor one conversation at a time by reading the same book: Population 485, by Wisconsin author Michael Perry.

“We considered many books for this year's Cedarburg Reads program,” says CFoL President DeWayna Cherrington, “but we couldn’t pass up on the charm, humor, and sense of place that we found in Population 485. We know that our neighbors will enjoy reading it just as much as we did, and will find much to talk about in its slices of small-
town life.”

In life, we can go for days at a time without connecting with others outside of our circle; by reading the same book, we hope to enrich everyone’s life. Local residents are invited to join Cedarburg Reads Population: 485, and attend group book discussions to “meet your neighbors one conversation at a time.”

Throughout the month of March, local businesses and organizations will host book discussions throughout the community that will be moderated by CFoL members and volunteers. Community members are invited to host their own private discussions and post pictures with the hashtag #CedarburgReads to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A calendar of discussions will be available at the CPL, CFoL page on the CPL website, and the CFoL Facebook page.

"There is something powerful in the shared experience of reading the same book,” says CPL Head Librarian Linda Prischalla.  “Discussions are an important — though often overlooked — part of reading. These community conversations create points of connection, which form the context for richer relationships and the ability to understand each other’s view points better.”

On Thursday, March 16, author Michael Perry will make a special appearance in Cedarburg for two special events. The first event will be a private meet-and-greet for members of the CFoL.   Shortly after, the author will appear at the Cedarburg Cultural Center to talk about the book and small-town life.

Of all his experiences, Perry says the single most meaningful thing he has ever done is serving 12 years beside his neighbors on the New Auburn Area Fire Department. CFD Fire Chief Vasholtz agrees with the author, saying, “We serve the community, but we are also made up of the community. Every volunteer in the CFD joins out of love and commitment for our friends, our neighbors, and our relatives. In turn, the fire department is a second family for many of us — a family of community.”

ABOUT THE BOOK
After a twelve-year absence, a real-life prodigal son returns to his hometown — New Auburn, Wisconsin, population: 485 — and joins the volunteer fire and rescue department. In this memoir, writer Michael Perry sets out “to meet my neighbors at the invitation of the fire siren.”  The emergencies are real, the settings are surreal, and with each foray into the boondocks, we piece together the history of a people and a place. By turns fiery and funny, violent and gentle, Population: 485 is the true account of a search for rootedness in a place from the past.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Perry is a New York Times bestselling author, humorist, and radio show host from New Auburn, Wisconsin. Perry's bestselling memoirs include Population 485, Truck: A Love Story, Coop, and Visiting Tom.  He lives with his wife and two daughters in rural Wisconsin, where he serves on the local volunteer fire and rescue service and is an intermittent pig farmer. Additional information about Michael Perry can be found online at www.sneezingcow.com.
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ABOUT CEDARBURG READS
Cedarburg Reads is a community-wide program with the singular goal of helping Cedarburg residents in meeting your neighbors one conversation at a time.  Designed to bring people together through the reading and discussion of a common book, programs like this one have been implemented throughout the country to create a shared experience of civic unity through the reading of literature.

ABOUT CEDARBURG FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
The Cedarburg Reads program is sponsored by the Cedarburg Friends of the Library, a vibrant, active group of citizens who are dedicated to supporting the Cedarburg Public Library (CPL) through fundraising, volunteer support, and community events. The Friends organize several major book sales, including the library’s permanent Book Nook installation, southeastern Wisconsin’s largest used-book sale (the Summer Book Sale), and the Winter Fiction Sale.  These sales raise funds for enhancements and programs including the 3D printer, the CPL website, the children’s summer reading program, additional bestseller novels, genealogy materials, Great Decisions programs, and more. More information about the Friends can be found online at http://www.cedarburglibrary.org/connect/cedarburg-friends-of-the-library/ or 
http://bit.ly/CedarburgFoL
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The 2017 Winter Festival promises to be a warm one, which can be a bit of a problem when it comes to such traditional events as ice carving along main street and bed races on a frozen creek, but it certainly won't be the first time warm temperatures have foiled some of the Festival's best laid plans; luckily, there is so much to do, the event is successful each year, regardless of what Mother Nature throws at it.

This year's theme is Mardi Gras, so masks and beads will abound.  The event kicks off at 8 a.m. on Saturday, February 18th, when the ice carvers will begin work on their blocks of ice, located along Washington Avenue, in front of participating businesses.  Stroll main street, where local businesses often have their own events and specials, and a host of artisans, food vendors, and other attractions, such as wagon and camel rides, are scattered from Cedar Creek Park to Cedar Creek Settlement.  Follow the Parade at 1 p.m. to the Bed and Barrel Races.  Make sure to stop in the Community Center for the Chili Contest from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and, while you're there, make and take a project with the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts and check out the Upstairs Marketplace.  If live music is your thing, stop into the Cedarburg Cultural Center for their Cool Notes Musical Talent Competition from 1:30-5 p.m. 

New this year is the grand opening of the Cedarburg History Museum, Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce & The Cedarburg Visitors Center during Winter Festival! Doors will be open Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday from 12- 4 p.m.  Cedarburg’s newest treasure houses the former General Store Museum, the Rappold-Dobberpuhl historic photograph collection, as well as a current exhibit on historic toys.  During Winter Festival, guests can enjoy complimentary, local Cedar Crest ice cream in the old-fashioned ice cream parlor.

On Saturday night, Cool Brew & Tunes returns from 7-9 p.m. at the Community Center with the Dueling Pianos, Craft Beer Tasting, and Appetizers from local restaurants.  Tickets are $30 per person, and you must be 21 to attend.

On Sunday, start the festival with a Pancake Breakfast from 8-11:30 at the Community Center, and then head off to the Egg Hunt at 10:30, Dog Weight Pull between 10 and 4, and the 2nd Annual Dodgeball Tournament in the Community Center from 2-4 p.m.

This will be the Winter Festival's 43rd year, and each year it seems to grow a little bit bigger; whether it's your first time to the Festival, or your 43rd, you're sure to experience something new.  For more information, call 262-377-9620 or 888-894-4001, or visit the Festivals of Cedarburg website at http://www.cedarburgfestival.org/winter-festival or their facebook page at ​https://www.facebook.com/FestivalsOfCedarburg/.

By Kathy Lanser

The much anticipated Cedarburg History Museum will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, Feb. 18, as it opens its doors to the public at 10 a.m. Located in the heart of historic downtown Cedarburg at N58 W6194 Columbia Road, the Museum is the culmination of the efforts of the Cedarburg Cultural Center, The Cedarburg Landmark Preservation Society, local benefactors, and donor collections.

“The new history museum will be a key destination for tourists and local residents to entertain, educate and engage people interested in the history of our community,” said Sarah Titus, curator of the CHM. “Not only will visitors see historic photographs and artifacts, but they will also experience history by hearing the stories of our ancestors through interactive technology.”

The beloved General Store Museum has been re-located to the CHM and will be one of four main galleries. There will also be a working ice cream parlor and penny candy store, as well as a rotating exhibit gallery that will display objects from a number of local collections, as well as a gallery to showcase the celebrated Harold Dobberpuhl and Edward Rappold photography collections. A highlight of the historic photography gallery is the large interactive touch screen which allows visitors to travel back in time to enjoy the experiences of Cedarburgers past and present. Two additional interactive screens are located throughout the museum.

The grand opening coincides with Cedarburg’s 43rd Annual Winter Festival on Saturday Feb. 18 and Sunday Feb. 19. This year is a “Mardi Gras” theme, complete with an ice carving contest, hay rides, a parade, Chili Cook-Off, pancake breakfast, music, refreshments, and much more.

The Cedarburg History Museum, curated and managed by the Cedarburg Cultural Center, is free and open to the public Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, please visit:  
https://www.Facebook.com/TheCedarburgHistoryMuseum or call (262) 375-3676


The CHM is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) Center to showcase the history of Ozaukee County.  All galleries and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sundays Noon to 4 p.m.

By Kathy Lanser

If you missed the opportunity to dance at The Peppermint Lounge discotheque, here is your change to “twist the night away!” On any given night in the early 1960’s the Peppermint Lounge was the “it” dance spot for The Beatles, Truman Capote, Greta Garbo, Judy Garland, Audrey Hepburn, Jacqueline Kennedy, Norman Mailer, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, and others.  The Twist wasn’t just a dance – it was the start of a social revolution.  Since couples danced apart, ladies no longer needed to follow the man’s lead, and the Peppermint Lounge was where it was all happening.  

On January 28th at 7 p.m., the Cedarburg Cultural Center has curated an evening of dance until you drop, rockin’ music that will recreate that era of dance with “Freddy’s Dance Party at the Peppermint Lounge!” featuring Freddy and the Blifftones and special guest, David “Bones” Boyles, plus other surprise, cameo performances.  

“Freddy’s style brings back the old days when we danced to The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, and Chubby Checker,” said David “Bones” Boyles, Producer of The Peppermint Lounge. “When Freddy plays you can’t sit down! His connection to music is so deep -- crooning, laughing, crying --all from the heart!”

The evening, which is a fundraiser for Music Programming at the CCC, includes a Cash Bar, Silent Auction, and 50/50 Raffle.  Costume or Cocktail attire is encouraged.  Tickets are $25/person, or reserve at VIP table for four for $200, which includes a bottle of wine.  RSVP by January 20th by callign (262) 375-3676, or in person at the Center Box Office, located at W62 N546 Washington Ave. in Cedarburg.  
The Peppermint Lounge is sponsored by Commerce State Bank, Newman Chevrolet, and Cedarburg Place.  The Non-Profit CCC is supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment of the Arts.  

For questions or more information, please contact the Cedarburg Cultural Center at 262-375-3676 or visit www.CedarburgCulturalCenter.org. ​

 
The well-known children's book author, Barbara Joosse, of Cedarburg was once a little girl.  Well, of course she was, but she was also one of those little, little girls, who dreamed of a big friend who could protect her.  This little girl idea became the inspiration for a series of books about Girl and her friend, Dragon, and their adventures together.  Now, the first three books in the series has inspired a World Premier Musical with First Stage in Milwaukee, which is named for the first book in the series, Lovabye Dragon.

"It's so out of the box and so full of energy," said Barbara, when describing the musical.  "It shimmers in magic."

For the past three years, First Stage Artistic Director, Jeff Frank, Nathan Meckel of the band Happy Racers, and Barbara have worked together to create the musical, which opens on January 21st at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center in Milwaukee.  Not only did Barbara write the books, but she also co-wrote the lyrics with Nathan, who she has worked with in the past.

"First Stage is really an incubator theater," Barbara explained.  "Jeff and I wanted to make it so anyone could do the play, with any budget.  After its premier here, it's going to travel."

Before the musical even opened, it won the 2017 Jim Henson Foundation Family Grant for the creation of Dragon, who is a 12 foot puppet, as well as tabletop and shadow puppets used in the musical, created by Brandon Kirkham, Scenic and Puppet Designer.  Since 1982, the Jim Henson Foundation has made over 850 grants for the development and presentation of new works of contemporary American puppet theater.

Barbara and the Happy Racers will be participating in a related event at the Cedarburg Performing Arts Center on Thursday, January 19th at 6 p.m.: A Beginning With No End.  The evening will feature book readings from Barbara, followed by a concert for families with The Happy Racers.  Tickets are just $5.

Lovabye Dragon runs through February 19th at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, located at 325 W. Walnut Street in Milwaukee.  The performance is geared towards children ages 3-7 years old.  Tickets are $14, and may be purchased at www.firststage.org or by calling (414) 267-2961.​

Although it has taken many months to gain traction on regular news media outlets, the general public is finally becoming aware of the construction of a massive oil pipeline being built to bring crude oil from North Dakota all the way to Illinois.  The controversial project has stalled where it is supposed to cross the Missouri River, on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, where over 100 Native American tribes, along with many supporters, have come together to protect the water, both for their own people, and the millions of people downstream who depend on this water source.  Among the supporters is Cedarburg native and CHS graduate, Alex Kubala, who has been "Standing with Standing Rock" since July at the Oceti Sakowin Camp.

Alex's relationship with the Native tribes began years ago with his interest in herbal medicine, which led him to study with Native healers throughout the US, as well as in Mexico.  "He was even adopted as a nephew into an Anishinaabe tribe in Wausau," said Alex's father, Tom Kubala, of Kubala Washatko Architects in Cedarburg. "He's a remarkable kid."  Tom and his wife, Patty, still reside in the house Alex and his father built on Columbia Road in Cedarburg.

The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL, as it is called) is being built by a company called Energy Transfer Partners, and was originally proposed to go through Bismarck, North Dakota; however, residents of the community did not want the possibility of their water being contaminated; a valid concern, considering there have been 5 massive pipeline leaks or explosions in our country in the past 6 years, and thousands of minor leaks, costing billions in cleanup and untold environmental damage.  Instead, the pipeline was rerouted through the Sioux's treaty land, without the consent of the tribe.  In response, Native tribes and supporters from across the country gathered at the construction site, forming a camp they've named the Sacred Stone Camp, in an attempt to block the construction, and causing friction between pipeline workers and water protectors.  Then, on Thursday, October 27th, a group of around 200 militarized police forced their way into the camp and began to arrest water protectors; Alex was among them.

"I was standing in a prayer circle," explained Alex, "and the police came through the front lines.  They struck me with a baton and pulled me behind their line; hog-tied me, stole my shoes and necklaces, and brought us in."  Alex's hand was broken during the arrest, but he was put in jail without treatment, along with about 140 others who are now facing felony charges of conspiracy to endanger by fire, engaging in a riot, and being a public nuisance.  Thankfully, an anonymous donor paid the bail for all 140 water protectors, and Alex was able to return to the camp.

"We feared something like that might happen," said Tom.  "We didn't hear about it until three days after he was released.  You can imagine how that felt, as his parents, to hear what had happened."

Alex insists that he will remain at the camp until the end.  "They need to be held accountable," Alex said of the police, government, and the company behind the project.  "They're basically acting like a police state.  This is treaty land, and they need to acknowledge that."

Earlier this week, President Obama put a halt to construction in order to give time to review the project, though water protectors fear that Energy Transfer Partners may continue the construction without permission, as they are contractually obligated to complete the pipeline by the end of the year.  The construction delays have cost the company millions, already; should it continue to be delayed into the new year, it is expected that the project will be abandoned.  In the meantime, the Sacred Stone Camp continues to grow, and protests are erupting across the country on a scale that can no longer be ignored.  Standing Rock has become a symbol of Native, environmental, and minority justice. 

Winter is descending on Standing Rock, and the water protectors could use items such as sleeping bags for extreme cold and wool hats, gloves, and blankets; see the Sacred Stone Camp Amazon Wish List for a full listing.  If you would like to make a monetary donation to Alex's camp, click here.

"Alex was a troublemaker when he was young," Tom said.  "He doesn't back down; he never has, but he's a become a very respectful, prayerful, and resourceful person.  I love my son."

  
There's nothing quite so magical as the holidays in downtown Cedarburg.  On Fridays, when the downtown is decked out in luminaries and sleigh bells jingle on the horse drawn carriage, courtesy of the Cedarburg Merchants Organization, it's hard to imagine a better place to be.

Fridays are also Festive Friday Eves from 5-9 p.m. at the Cedar Creek Settlement, when the shops stay open late, and activities and offerings abound with a different theme each week.  Complimentary Cider & Cookies are offered each Friday, or sample Cedar Creek Winery’s award-winning wines!

On Friday, November 18th, the Festivity begins with “Feliz Navidad.”  Celebrate the Christmas season with a Latin flavor!  Enjoy Live Music. Food Sampling, Holiday Crafts, Storytelling, and more. 

Friday, November 25 is "Home for the Holidays," when guests can enjoy Thanksgiving weekend with visiting friends and family.  Free Make It & Take It projects,  Live Music with Sinatra-style singer Ed Franks, and Easy Entertaining Tips for the Holidays. 

The first weekend in December is "The Settlement Showcase," which begins on Friday, December 2nd, from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m; continues on Saturday, December 3rd from 10 a.m .- 6 p.m.; and goes through Sunday, December 4th, from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.  Featuring beautiful handmade and artisan objects of desire, and live music Friday with Joey LaVie.  Festivals of Cedarburg also has other events planned during this weekend that you don't want to miss, such as free tours of historic Kuhefuss House, a Holiday Craft & Gift Sale with the Cedarburg Senior Center, The Little Show at the Cedarburg Cultural Center, and the Holiday Art Fair Show & Sale in the Community Gym. 

Friday, December 9th is the annual “Santa's Workshop."  Visit with Santa Claus in his winter wonderland!  Live music featuring “Songs of the Season” by everyone's favorite elf, David H.B. Drake, and children’s holiday ornament craft and cookie decorating make this a great evening for families.

Finally, Friday, December 16th is “A Taste of Christmas."  This is a night for grown-ups to leisurely shop in a festive atmosphere. Complimentary munchies and wine tasting, live holiday music with pianist/singer Kathy Fry, and the strolling Sweet Adeline quartet, Swizzle Chix, along with the Cedarburg High School Carolers are sure to put you in a festive mood.   

​Festivals of Cedarburg brings a variety of events over the season with           A Cedarburg Christmas, including a visit to Santa's Workshop!  

Plan to stay in shape for the holidays?  Don't miss Santa's Dash Away 5K on December 10th, and then enjoy McMann & Tate's return to the Cultural Center's stage to tickle yourholiday funny bone. After 16 years of holiday skit shows, the resident comedy troupe is putting a new spin on poking fun at this special time of year by presenting one of their popular improv shows.

When you get tired of shopping, the Rivoli, Cedarburg's beautifully restored movie theater, features a Holiday Film Festival from December 9th through the 23rd, with films such as Polar Express, White Christmas, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, A Christmas Story, and It's A Wonderful Life, among others.  You can't beat the ticket prices, or the nostalgic feel of a quieter time.

Happy Holidays!