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!

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!

​This Wednesday is Valentine's Day and, though many consider it a "Hallmark" holiday, the celebration actually dates back to Roman times; a fertility festival called "Lupercalia."  

Times have certainly changed.  Today, Valentine's Day is celebrated by friends, family, and lovers, alike, and whether you need a treat for your kids or a romantic gift for your significant other, there are plenty of great, local choices in Oz.

Chocolate Chisel in Port Washington has fresh, chocolate covered strawberries available for the occasion, as well as a wide variety of milk and dark chocolates to choose from.  Bring in your own bottle of wine, and they'll even help create a special gift basket for you.  CoCa LeNa, also in Port, can help you send a special Valentine Box all over the country!​

A beautiful caramel apple from Amy's Candy Kitchen in downtown Cedarburg makes a wonderful Valentine's gift and, while you're in town, make it a gift from Cedarburg with something from Ashley's Confectionery, too!

If you're in the Grafton area, stop into Sweet Trio for a delicious variety of chocolates, candy and caramel apples, or, if you're in the southern Ozaukee neck of the woods, Mequon has Get Happy.

It's hard to believe, but some people don't like chocolate and candy.  If flowers are what you're looking for, you're in luck - there are plenty to choose from!  In Saukville, try Lighthouse Florist; in Grafton, there's the Bloomin Olive.  Cedarburg has Rachel's Roses, while Mequon has A Floral Affair or Fantasy Flowers.

Perhaps the lovely lady in your life has jewelry in mind?  You can't go wrong with Armbruster Jewelers in Cedarburg or Sharbuno Jewelers in Port Washington; both family businesses who have been in their community for many years.

Looking for a special dinner out?  There's Twisted Willow or Newport Shores in Port, and Galioto's Twelve21 in Cedarburg.  Over Valentine's weekend, Shully's Cuisine in Thiensville is offering five course dinners inspired by romance movies (get your tickets here!).  No No's in Newburg is another consideration.

However you share the love, put some Oz into it!  Happy Valentine's Day, everyone.

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

After unveiling a brand new production last season, with record-breaking ticket sales, The Milwaukee Repertory Theater brings back many familiar faces, but also makes some important tweaks to this season's holiday tradition of A Christmas Carol at the Pabst Theater.

Now in its 42nd year, A Christmas Carol has undergone numerous changes over its lifetime, but perhaps none so dramatic as the amazing set design created by Todd Edwards Ivins, which was unveiled last season, and continues to inspire awe.  The streets of Victorian England actually move from Scrooge's Counting House to his dark, cold home, and even from the past to the future.  The costumes, by Alexander B. Tecoma, have also been given a beautiful update, and are more close to the time period and what is described in Charles Dickens' story.  Music Director, Dan Kazemi, who directed several of The Rep's musicals, including Guys & Dolls, I Love a Piano, and Man of La Mancha, brings his magic to A Christmas Carol, as well.   

Last season also saw a significant change in the way the story was told, involving quite a lot of audience participation; a British style of theatre known as "panto," which is quite common across the pond around the holiday season, but didn't go over quite as well here.  Clearly Director Mark Clements headed the reviews and, while there is still some audience participation involved, it is much improved from last season.  The dark parts of the story, such as the appearance of Marley, the Ghost of Christmas Future and Ignorance and Want, are still quite dark, scary, and sometimes loud, and may be a bit much for young children, though these parts were also toned down from last season.  Then again, Charles Dickens, who makes his appearance and begins the tale himself, does warn us that it is, in fact, a ghost story. 

Many of the actors from last year's production returned in their same roles this season: most notably, Jonathan Wainwright, who is wonderful as Dickens and Scrooge;  the amazing Angela Iannone, as Mrs. Fezziwig, Mrs. Dilber, and more; Reese Madigan as Bob Cratchit; the lovely Deborah Staples as the Ghost of Christmas Past; and, of course, the venerable Jonathan Smoots as the Ghost of Marley.  Jesse Bhamrah, who was in the ensemble last season as an Emerging Professional Artist at The Rep, takes his turn as Scrooge's nephew, Fred, and Annelyse Ahmad, who is an ERP this season at The Rep, plays Fred's wife, Ellen.  Milwaukee favorites, Rána Roman and Todd Denning, come on board as Mrs. Cratchit and a whole new Ghost of Christmas Present, and Michael J. Farina, who was recently Nicely-Nicely Johnson in Guys & Dolls, is a perfect Mr. Fezziwig.
New to The Rep are Arya Daire, as Belle, Brade Bradshaw as Dick Wilkins and the Ghost of Christmas Future, Kim Giddens as Alice, Kelsey Rodriguez as Nanny, Daniel Stock as Belle's Husband, and Christopher Peltier as a very believable Young Scrooge. Also new in the ensemble are Anthony Baldasare, Trachel Yvette Green, and Alex Morales.

There are a lot of children in A Christmas Carol who have also been in the cast before, including Ashley Bock, who returns for her third year and plays Tiny Tim this season; Teddy Anagnostopoulos as Sniffer, who returns for his third year; Amalia Cecsarini, who plays the Turkey Boy this season, but has played Tiny Tim twice; Gabe Smith as Young Scrooge, who returns for his seventh year; Tory Trettin as Fan, who returns for her fifth year; Jack Trettin as Boy Scrooge, who returns for his fifth year; Kai Liebenstein, ensemble, who returns for her third year; Liam Jeninga as Peter Cratchit, who returns for his second year; and Jack Burns, Tighe Leszczynski, and Ethan Sprague, who are all in the ensemble and return for their third, second, and second year, respectively.  New to The Rep this season are Olivia Vitrano as Want, Eloise Bejma as Emily Cratchit and Ignorance, Taylor Shanel Barnes as Martha Cratchit, Anthony Wells as Mathew Cratchit, Juliana Garcia-Malacara as Belinda Cratchit, Jakobie Jackson as Thomas, and Makayla Campbell in the ensemble.

Dickens' story never gets old, and a bit of snow falling in the historic Pabst theatre accompanied by some beautifully sung Christmas Carols does wonders to put one in the holiday spirit.  All in all, A Christmas Carol remains a memorable, magical holiday tradition.  

A Christmas Carol runs through December 24th at the Pabst Theater, located at 108 E. Wells St. in downtown Milwaukee.  Tickets can be purchased online at ​www.milwaukeerep.com, by phone at (414) 224-9490. or at the Box Office at 108 E. Wells Street.

About The Rep
In its 64th Season, Milwaukee Repertory Theater is dedicated to providing the highest level of professional theater to Milwaukee and Wisconsin, in addition to offering a wide range of educational and community programs.  Under the leadership of Artistic Director, Mark Clements, and Managing Director, Chad Bauman, Milwaukee Repertory Theater ignites positive change in the cultural, social, and economic vitality of its community by creating world-class theater experiences that entertain, provoke, and inspire meaningful dialogue among an audience representative of Milwaukee's rich diversity.

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.