There's nothing quite as Americana as the 4th of July in the small town communities of Oz.  Looking for a celebration near you?  Look no further!

Belgium  The celebration begins early in Belgium, with fireworks at 9:45 p.m. on Friday, June 28th at Heritage Park, following the baseball game.

Thiensville Family Fun Before the 4th is a nearly all-day event, and a great day for the whole family!  On Saturday, June 29th, the massive parade kicks off at 10:30 a.m. Follow it to the Village Park, where free ice-cream, live music, and a variety of events await, followed by fireworks at dusk.

​Grafton  Grafton has a brand new event to celebrate Independence Day called Holidaze Where The Music Plaze, which begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 29th, and runs through 10 p.m.  The morning starts healthy at the Lumberyard Plaza with Yoga from 8-9 followed by a Family Workout. The parade begins at 11 a.m. followed by a performance by the UW Madison Marching Band at Paramount Plaza, where the celebration continues from noon-6 p.m. with a beer tent, live music, and food and drink specials throughout downtown Grafton businesses.  The celebration then moves to Lime Kiln Park from 6:30-10 p.m., with more live music and fireworks at dusk! 

Rotary Music Festival in Cedarburg  The Drum Corps International Tour will return to Cedarburg on Wednesday, July 3, at 7 p.m. for the 20th Annual Rotary Music Festival. Cedarburg High School Stadium is set to play host to a lineup of 7 World and Open Class corps during this event that will take place on the eve of Independence Day.

Freistadt  It doesn't get any more Americana than Trinity Freistadt's 4th of July Parade and Picnic!  Spend your day enjoying one of Ozaukee County's best kept secrets, beginning with an outdoor worship service at 10 a.m. (weather permitting), an 11 a.m. picnic (complete with root beer floats), a tour of the Trinity Historical Grounds, and a  1 p.m. parade, followed by a flag raising, and the very German music of the Alte Kameraden Band and dancing by the Pommersche Tanzdeel Dancers.

Port Washington  Port's parade begins at 10 a.m. on the 4th; follow it to  Veteran's Park on the lakefront for an old fashioned ice cream social, bicycle judging, a watermelon seed spitting contest, and live music by The Verdict from noon-2. Head over to Pirates’ Hollow Waterpark from 1-4 p.m., where they will be having a Biggest Splash Contest and Family Relay Race at 3 p.m.  The only fireworks over the lakefront in Oz begin at dusk, and are best seen from Rotary Park or Coal Dock Park.

Saukville  Saukville's parade begins at 1 p.m. on the 4th, going through downtown and ending at Grady Park for a picnic from noon-5 and music from 2-4.   There will be music and food from 5 p.m. until dusk, and  fireworks are at dusk over Peninsula Park.

Cedarburg  Cedarburg's 4th of July Hometown Celebration boasts the largest parade in Ozaukee (roughly 2 hours long!), which begins at Fireman's Park at 10 a.m., and heads south along Washington Ave., making its way to Cedar Creek Park, where a picnic, music,  and activities can be found until 9:30 p.m., when the fireworks begin.

Happy Independence Day, Ozaukee!

 
Food: it's something we all have in common, seeing as everyone needs to eat.  Luckily, we have a plethora of Farmers Markets to get fresh, local food all over Ozaukee County; and, if you do it right, you can hit one almost every day of the week!  Here are the details:

Port Washington  Port's Farmers Market will be the first to open for the season on Saturday, June 2nd, during the Port Family Pirate Daze.  Main Street is closed between Franklin and Wisconsin Streets from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Saturday from June 2nd through October 27th, except July 14th (because of Fish Day), with fresh produce, honey, soaps, bakery, live music, and more.

Saukville  Located at Veterans Park in the center of downtown, Saukville's Farmers Market happens every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., beginning on June 24th and going through October (except September 3rd), with fresh produce, flowers, and arts and crafts.

Thiensville  Thiensville's Village Market opens Tuesday, June 12th at Village Park, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will continue every Tuesday through October 16th.  Live music and The Best "Dam" Chef Competition are some of the highlights of this market, aside from fresh food, flowers, and more.

Cedarburg  The Cedarburg Makers & Growers Market, which features a variety of artisans and locally grown produce, happening every Friday from June 8th through October 26th from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Cedarburg Cultural Center parking lot. located at the corner of Washington Ave. and Mill St.

Grafton  Grafton's Farmers Market happens Thursdays from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Veteran's Park beginning July 12th and through September.Vendors include many varieties of farm-fresh, home grown produce, flowers, honey, fresh-baked breads, Seasonings, Cheese Curds, Hand-made soaps, Balms, and sprays, popcorn, gourmet chocolates and more. Mel's Charities will be serving pulled pork sammys, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, brats and hot dogs, as well as food trucks selling cupcakes, crepes, tacos and more.  In addition, the Grafton Public Library will be joining the Market each Thursday for Story Time with songs, rhymes and stories for young children and their families, and Riveredge Nature Center will be doing Kayaking and Tree Climbing on certain dates.

Fredonia  A relative newbie on the Farmers Market scene, the Fredonia Farmers Market takes place at the Fredonia Government Center from 2-6 p.m. every Wednesday from June 13th through October 31st.

If you just can't make it to the market, there are other ways to get your local food! Outpost in Mequon is committed to local and regional produce and products, with several of their items coming from producers within 100 miles of the co-op.  There are also a number of farms in Oz that sell directly to consumers, including Witte's Vegetable Farm and Kay's Home Farm (which has pasture-raised beef) in Cedarburg, Rare Earth Farm in Belgium (which is a CSA, but also has an online store), Polzin Farms in Grafton (which has pick your own strawberries, and more!), The Victory Garden Farm (which is hoping to add CSA shares soon), Willoway Farm CSA (which even has flower shares) in Fredonia, and Wellspring CSA in Newburg.

Do you see something we've missed?  Contact us, and we'll add it to the article!  [email protected]

Memorial Day is a time to honor those who gave their lives in military service to our country, but it wasn't always that way.  The tradition began after the Civil War, for honoring soldiers of both sides who had died.  After World War I, the tradition was changed to honor all those Americans who died fighting in any war.  It was officially made a holiday in 1971, giving us the three day weekend that has come to be associated with the beginning of summer, store sales, and barbecues.  In recent years, communities have returned to the roots of this holiday, and it has regained some of the solemn feel of its origins.  Oz has several parades and ceremonies to attend -- here are the details:

Fredonia  The Warren Kane American Legion Post 410 will hold a ceremony at Veterans Park at 9 a.m., with a flag raising and the playing of taps by area students. This year's guest speaker will be Russ Saueressig, a member of Post 410, and the program will also include a performance by Matthew Baughman, NOSD bands, and other youth organizations.

Belgium  Memorial Day will begin with Mass at 8 a.m. at St. Mark's Lutheran Church at 200 Park St.  The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. on Main St. at East Lane, followed by a program at Community Park at 11 a.m., located at 106 Beech St.  A cookout will be held afterwards by the American Legion Melvin Wester Post 412, with free beer, soda and water.

Saukville  The Landt-Thiel American Legion Post 470 will have a prayer service at the Union Cemetery on South Main St. in Saukville at 8 a.m., and the parade begins at 9 a.m. from nearby Riverside Park and ends at Veterans Park on East Green Bay Ave.  for a ceremony.  Lunch will be served following the ceremony at the Legion Post at 601 S. Dekora St.  

Port Washington  The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. near City Hall, and continues to Veterans Park on the lakefront for a program, where the Port Washington High School Band will play patriotic songs.  The Van Ells-Schanen American Legion Post 82 will provide soft drinks and ice-cream to children following the program.

Grafton  The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at the Grafton American Legion Rose Harms Post 335 and continue to Veteran's Memorial Park for a ceremony. A free luncheon will be served at the Legion Hall following the ceremony.  

Cedarburg  The parade begins at 9 a.m. at the corner of Bridge St. and Washington Ave, followed by a ceremony and reception at the Peter Wollner Post 288 at 10 a.m., located at W57 N481 Hilbert Ave.  

Mequon/Thiensville  The parade begins at 10 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, and continues to Mequon City Hall for a ceremony.    An observance and free will lunch will follow at the Howard J. Schroeder American Legion Post 457's Clubhouse located at 6050 W. Mequon Road.

Happy Memorial Day, everyone.

Over 100 years ago (in 1914, to be exact), President Woodrow Wilson made Mother's Day an official holiday.  As one might guess, it didn't take long for restaurants, florists, and confectioners to get in on it.  In fact, the woman who campaigned for the holiday, Anna Jarvis, was so disgusted by the commercialization of the holiday that she spent the rest of her life fighting to remove it from the calendar.  Of course, Mother's Day is here to stay, so if you're going to spend your money, you may as well do it locally, and there are plenty of good restaurants, florists, and confectioners in Oz to choose from, as well as other special offers from local businesses and organizations!

Port Washington  
Twisted Willow is serving up a special brunch menu from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring a build your own Bloody Marys and Mimosas, as well as a special menu through 7 p.m. that any Mom would love, including a special menu for kids.  Eating gluten-free?  There are good options on all of the menus!  Reservations are suggested -- call (262) 268-7600.  
Newport Shores serves brunch from 9:30-2:30, with a special Mother's Day dinner Menu from 3:30-9 p.m. featuring lobster tail, prime rib, fresh seafood and more.  Brunch is $15.95 for adults, $7.95 for children under 12 and $4.95 for children under 6 (children under 2 are free).  Make your reservations by calling(262) 284-6838.

Seven Hills Pub & Grille's Lepanto Banquet Hall will serve Mother's Day Brunch from 9:30-2:30.  Located inside the Country Inn and Suites, and run by the same owners as the Prime Minister in Thiensville, they offer an All You Can Eat Brunch every Sunday.  Reservations are appreciated by calling (262) 284-4691.

If you're looking for chocolates in Port, Chocolate Chisel has a wide variety of milk and dark chocolates to choose from, as well as chocolate dipped strawberries (pre-ordering is recommended). You could also try CoCa LeNa for treats, cards and gifts. Jewelry can be found at Sharbuno Jewelers.  

Belgium
Kids can make a special gift for moms at Willoway Farm's Kids DIY on Saturday, May 11th.  Children 4 and up can paint a vase, go for a walk on the farm while it dries, then select blooms for a very special bouquet for mom!  $25/child.  Registration required.

Saukville/Newburg
Messina Italian Restaurant has Beef Wellington as their Mother's Day dinner special from 4-8 p.m.  Be sure to mention it when you make your dinner reservations at (262) 284-6764.   

No No's has brunch from 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.  For reservations, call (262)675-6960.

For flowers, try Lighthouse Florist in Saukville.

​~Tenneva Jordan


​Grafton 
Flannery's at Fire Ridge in Grafton has Brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Adults are $21.99, and kids 10 and under are $8.99, while children under 6 are free.  Reservations are required; call (262) 375-2977.  
​
The Bloomin Olive is where to go for flowers in the Grafton area, and Sweet Trio has all the sweet treats mom might want.

Mequon 
Mr. B's, A Bartolotta Steak House, has a Brunch Buffet from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for $41.95 adults, and $17.95 for kids 12 and under, and includes a glass of champagne, mimosa, or orange juice.  A Bloody Mary Bar is available, as well as gluten-free options.  Call (262) 518-5500 to make reservations.  

Cafe 1505 is serving brunch from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. , with each seating lasting an hour and 15 minutes. Bubbles and Bloodys are on the menu, along with a special menu for kids.  Reservations are required -- call (262) 241-7076).

​A Floral Affair is the place to go for blooms ​and Get Happy is the place to get chocolate or candy.

Cedarburg
Brandywine is serving a beautiful Mother's Day Brunch from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., as well as lunch favorites.  Reservations are accepted only by phone at (262) 618-4683.

The Stilt House in Cedarburg will be having specials all day, along with a free "mom"osa and flower for each mom. 

The Shops of Cedar Creek Settlement are having a special Mother's Day Weekend, the 11th and 12th, featuring treats, prizes, specials, samples, wine tastings and live entertainment just for mom!

There's always a special caramel apple from Amy's Candy Kitchen or classic candies from Ashley's Confectionery to make mom's day, and flowers from  Rachel's Roses.

If Mom is an outdoorsy type, she may prefer a hike at Lion's Den Gorge in Grafton, Sauk Creek Nature Preserve in Port, Harrington Beach in Belgium, or a special hike for Moms, such as the Mother's Day Wildflower Hike at Riveredge.  

Happy Mother's Day to all from Ozaukee Living Local!

Some people like to stay home on New Year's, but for those who are looking for a fun evening out, the land of Oz does not disappoint.  This is Wisconsin, of course, so if you're doing the tavern scene, the Ozaukee Taxi will run for free from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. anywhere in Oz -- just call 284-TAXI (8294).  

Here are the details, by community:

Cedarburg

The Roadhouse Bar & Grill kicks off their New Year's party with live music by Cherry Pie at 10 p.m.  Party favors, hors d'oeuvres, and a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight are part of the fun.   Designated drivers and rooms at the Hampton Inn in Grafton are available to keep everyone safe!

The Stilt House in Cedarburg is celebrating their 4 year anniversary on New Year's Eve.  Call for reservations at (262) 618-4889.

Port Washington

Twisted Willow has a special New Year's menu served from 2- 10 p.m.  Reservations are suggested at(262) 268-7600.  

The Pasta Shoppe is serving from 4 p.m. -9 p.m. New Years Eve, with special entrees.  Reservations strongly encouraged: 262.284.9311

Sir James Pub will have hats and party favors, a champagne toast at midnight, and snacks out all evening, and the new Rascal's pub will have complimentary party favors and champagne at midnight, as well.

Newport Shores is serving dinner from 2 p.m.-10 p.m. on New Year's Eve, with specials including South African Gold Water Lobster Tails, Alaskan King Crab Legs, and Prime Rib, along with a champagne toast at midnight.

Waubeka

The Islands at Waubeka Firehall will have a New Year's Eve Special of 10 oz New York strip or 10 oz boneless rib eye with four jumbo grilled shrimp, choice of potatoes and soup and salad bar for only $14.95 from 2 - 7 p.m.

Saukville

The Firehouse Restaurant has live music by Jim Bathke, as well as a special menu for the evening.  Make your reservations by calling 284-8886.

If you're looking for a brisk way to start your New Year's Day, you can always take a dip in Lake Michigan with the Polar Bears at 2 p.m.  in Port Washington's Harbor.  You won't find me there, but have at it.  If you want to get outside in a more normal way, try the First Day Hike at Harrington Beach State Park.  Much dryer.

Happy New Year, everyone!

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/.​

Halloween comes but once a year; a chance to be someone (or something) else, and a chance to get some free candy, of course.  For those who feel the need to grumble or refuse candy to teenagers participating, please refrain from saying, "Aren't you a little old to be trick-or-treating?"  Let them be young; it's better to be trick-or-treating than getting into trouble.  Just smile and reward them with candy.

Here are the details for Trick-or-Treating in Oz:

• Fredonia    Saturday, October 28th    3-6 p.m.
• Port Washington    Saturday, October 28th    4-8 p.m.
• Cedarburg    Saturday, October 28th 5-8 p.m.
• Grafton    Saturday, October 28th    5-8 p.m.
• Thiensville    Sunday, October 29th    3-6 p.m.                                                              Business to Business Trick-or-Treat on Main Street from Freistadt to Green Bay Rd. Thursday, October 26th 4-7 p.m. 
• Mequon     Sunday, October 29th    4-7 p.m.
• Belgium    Sunday, October 29th    4-7 p.m.
• Saukville    Sunday, October 29th    4-7 p.m.
• Newburg    Tuesday, October 31st    3-6 p.m.
• Pumpkin Walk in Cedarburg    Tuesday, October 31st    5-9 p.m.

By Mary Boyle

The mention of a Spelling Bee may bring back middle school memories, but the Adult Literacy Center of Ozaukee's Spelling Bee on Saturday, September 9th, from 6-10 p.m. promises to be a grown-up evening of fun.  

A fundraiser for ALC, the Bee is both a team competition between corporate and community teams and a spectator sport, with dinner catered by Out & Out of Cedarburg, dessert by Sugar Buns, a cash bar hosted by the Mequon Sunrise Rotary, and other activities in the mix.  The last team standing wins.

Mitch Teich, Executive Producer and co-host  of Milwaukee Public Radio's "Lake Effect" will serve as the master of ceremonies, as well as the Bee word pronouncer for the event, which takes place at the Reuter Pavilion in Mequon's Rotary Park, located at 4100 Highland Road.

Event organizers are still looking for teams of three, as well as two judges, and even has two pre-paid teams reserved for teachers, librarians, or area non-profits who are in need of support, thanks to a generous community member.  Spectators are also needed and welcome.  Early Bird registration has been extended to July 31st, and registration forms are available from the website: https://www.adultliteracyoz.org

The ALC Spelling Bee's Gold Presenting sponsor is the Nicholas Family Foundation; Bronze sponsors: Aurora Health Care, Inc; LaBudde Group; Coerper-Maurer Foundation; and Sommer's Automotive.  Additional sponsorship opportunities are available, and donations can be made at the ALC website.  For more information, contact Celeste Giunta, Interim Executive Director, at 262.546.0020, or by email at [email protected].