Celebrate De Pere May 25 – 27
Celebrate De Pere is almost here! The Memorial weekend festival at Voyageur Park is one of the biggest summer events in the area. This year, the fun starts on Saturday, May 25.
The big draw at Celebrate is usually the music, with two stages hosting bands all day long. This year, the headliner on Saturday night is Sammy Llanas (formerly of the BoDeans) and Sunday is Laura Bell Bundy.
Of course, there are lots of other activities. A car show, rides, the children’s area, the marketplace, and the redneck regatta will keep your family plenty occupied. If you’re feeling athletic, you can even run in Christy’s Race, a four miler, on Sunday morning.
Advance tickets are $5. Tickets remain $5 at the gate until 7pm each night, at which point they will cost $10. Kids 8 and under are free. Also, all veterans get in free with proof of service.
To find out more about Celebrate De Pere, click here.
Almost Free Fun: Be a Race Spectator!
In an uncomfortable coincidence, I added the idea for this post to my running list of post ideas about an hour before the Boston Marathon tragedy occurred this year. In my pre-kids days, I used to run quite a few races. I was remembering how much I loved hearing the spectators cheer and what a great motivator it was. Even though it was years ago, I can still remember specific people (strangers!) cheering me on and what they said!
Then the finish line of the Boston Marathon was bombed. And I immediately thought, “No one is going to want to go near a race finish line this year.” But in the weeks since, I’ve realized that I’m wrong. I think people really want to do something to show their support for Boston and for runners in general. I’m here to encourage you to get out and cheer!
One of the best things about watching a race is the positive atmosphere. I dare you to watch any part of race, not just the finish line, for five minutes and not be inspired. Runners are a happy bunch. It’s infectious!
The two biggest races in the area are coming up soon: the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon (click here for the spectator guide) events are this weekend, May 18-19, and the Bellin Run is Saturday, June 8. Both of those events have long enough courses that you should have no problem finding a place to stand and cheer. But there are oodles of smaller races all over our area: there’s a 5K at Shanty Days in Algoma, a duathlon in Kewanee, there is even a 5K in downtown Green Bay on the 4th of July!
So find a race this summer. Take your kids with you. Bring a cowbell or make a sign or just stand there and clap. I promise you, you will make a runner’s day. And maybe, they will make yours!
Door County Wine Trail Weekend May 17 – 19
Most of us are aware that Northeastern Wisconsin is home to many wineries producing a variety of fantastic wines, but did you know that there is actually a Door County Wine Trail? This weekend, starting Friday, May 17, is officially Wine Trail Weekend – time to jump in the car and explore all seven wineries along the trail!
Each winery is holding special events, from live music at Simon Creek and Harbor Ridge to a murder mystery dinner at Door Peninsula Winery. If you visit all seven wineries this weekend and collect a stamp at each one, you will receive a limited edition wine trail logo glass.
For more information on Wine Trail Weekend, click here.
Heritage Hill opens May 18th with Springtime on the Farm
Celebrate opening day for Heritage Hill this year on Saturday, May 18th with Springtime on the Farm!
Activities for Opening Day this year include the ever-popular Pancake and Porkie Breakfast (additional $2 per person), a petting zoo, children’s games, and a visit from Addie the Cow.
Admission Cost:
- $9 for adults
- $8 for seniors (over 62)
- $7 for children 4-17,
- FREE for children 3 and under.
- FREE with Park Membership
Opening day events run from 10am to 4:30pm.
For more information on all the day’s activities at Heritage Hill, click here.