FIREWORKS & FUN
Chef Brings 5-Star Flair to 1878 on the Lake
How Faith Christian School Shapes Students
Cruising Through History on Lake Geneva
Modern Windows Offer Comfort, Efficiency
Fourth of July
Every year, the Fourth of July arrives with a familiar rhythm: flags waving on front porches, the scent of burgers on the grill, kids waving sparklers in the twilight and a collective glance skyward as the first firework bursts into bloom. It’s a day rooted in tradition.
It’s easy to reduce Independence Day to its aesthetics: red, white and blue cupcakes, parades with candy, lawn chairs lining Main Street. I’m a big fan of all of these things! And yet, beneath the festivities, this holiday carries a depth that can’t be fully captured in a well-timed grand finale.
We celebrate July 4th because of what happened in 1776… a declaration not only of independence, but of intent. A group of imperfect people dared to imagine a new kind of nation. Their vision was ambitious, flawed and evolving. And 249 years later, we’re still trying to live up to it.
For some, this holiday feels complicated. Freedom wasn’t, and still isn’t, granted equally or experienced the same by all. But perhaps that’s why it’s worth gathering every year to mark the date. Not just to commemorate what was, but to recommit to what could be. The promise of America isn’t static; it’s ongoing. It’s something we build, refine and protect together. (I’m a big fan of “Hamilton,” if it isn’t obvious).
So, whether you’re lighting a sparkler or reflecting on hard-won civil rights, whether you’re at a bustling lakeside celebration or enjoying a quiet evening with family, take a moment to really feel what this day can represent. Not just fireworks, but fire — the kind that ignites progress, that pushes us forward, that reminds us who we are and who we want to be.
Because even in a divided world, there’s still something powerful about a day where we all look up at the same sky, marveling together at the bursts of light and color.
Happy 4th,
Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor
Cruising Through History on Lake Geneva
By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor
For more than 150 years, Lake Geneva’s iconic excursion
boats have been a staple of the shoreline, thanks to the enduring presence of Gage Marine. Since 1958, Gage Marine has served the area’s boating needs, and in the 1990s, its excursion division took on the distinct name “Lake Geneva Cruise Line” to better reflect its role in local tourism.
Ellen Burling, general manager of Lake Geneva Cruise Line, says the team operates 15–17 daily tours and up to eight private charters a day.
“Even if the tour schedule is the same, everything else is different,” Burling says. “The crew, the passengers, the tour experience, the weather – we book and provide over 700 private parties (charters) each season and no two are the same.”
Among the most beloved offerings is the U.S. Mailboat Tour, a long-standing tradition that delivers real mail to lakefront homes – with a twist. Mail jumpers leap off the boat onto docks, deliver letters, and jump back aboard, all while the boat keeps moving.
“As far as tours go, the Mailboat is a favorite of mine because being a mail jumper was what drew me to the job at the cruise line when I was just 19,” Burling says.
She’s also proud of how the cruise line’s meal cruises have evolved into elevated dining experiences, with lunch, brunch and dinner on the water.
With a seasonal staff of about 140 and a dedicated yearround crew planning behind the scenes, Lake Geneva Cruise Line continues to blend tradition, tourism and thoughtful care for the lake it calls home. Preserving the natural beauty of Lake Geneva is central to the company’s mission.
“We, as a company, take great care to be good stewards of the lake,” Burling says. “We would not exist without it, and having the opportunity to responsibly show it and share it with others is a very important part of what we do.” ❚
For more information or to book a tour, visit cruiselakegeneva.com.
Gage Marine’s “Lake Geneva Cruise Line” operates 15-17 daily tours.
David or Solomon?
King
Solomon was the richest man of his day. The son of King David and Bathsheba, he ruled a vast empire and knew every pleasure in the world. He constructed the first Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem and is remembered for his wisdom, a gift he asked for and received from God when he was young.
Solomon told God, “I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties … So give your servant a discerning heart to govern Your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” – 1 Kings 3:7-9
God answered Solomon’s prayer, but Solomon eventually squandered this great gift. He forgot Whose people he governed and, over time, began treating them badly. He denied God the one thing God really wanted from Solomon: a loving and obedient relationship.
“For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father … And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice.” – I Kings 11:4-9
How many of us have longed to see God in person just once? Solomon saw God twice and still managed to put worldly things ahead of Him. For all his wisdom, Solomon was no David because his heart was not right with God.
David behaved very badly at times, but he desperately loved God and always returned to Him with humility. He spent time with God, dancing and singing for Him, and writing love poems to God, something frowned upon by the joyless religious class of the day. David experienced joy with God beyond anything Solomon ever knew and God called David “a man after my own heart.”
Solomon built an impressive Temple, but David built an unshakable place for God inside his heart. Who was the richer man? Who does God tell us to emulate?
Humility matters and God is not fooled by man’s hubris. ❚ – Janine Pumilia
Modern Windows Offer Comfort, Efficiency
By Steven Bonifazi, assistant editor
Window treatments often play second fiddle in home design, but more homeowners are giving them a second look — especially as energy efficiency, automation and safety become top of mind. Today’s window treatments enhance insulation, simplify daily routines and tie a room together with style.
To take full advantage of modern, high-tech features, it pays to plan ahead.
“In the home pre-planning stages, customers should think about their window treatments and how they’re going to use them,” says Megan Smith, sales and marketing expert with Budget Blinds. “If they have high-up windows, consider having an electrician bring power to those windows. That way, when we come in, we can connect to that power and eliminate the need to recharge or replace batteries.”
Even for existing homes, smart options abound. Most motorized shades
now offer rechargeable battery packs. They can sync with smart home systems for app-based control and also offer added convenience and security.
Modern shades deliver significant energy savings. Solar shades offer a dual benefit, cutting down on UV rays and glare while preserving outdoor views.
Cellular honeycomb shades actively insulate windows by trapping air and reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Manufacturers like Hunter Douglas offer fabrics that qualify for federal tax credits, says Smith.
Aesthetically, window treatments shape a room’s feel. For homes boasting expansive views, roller shades ensure a tight stack to the top of the windows, disappearing when open to maximize an unobstructed panorama. When lowered, they deliver a clean, contemporary look. Ultimately, smart window treatment selection involves tailoring choic-
es to each space’s purpose. Bedrooms often demand blackout layers for undisturbed sleep, while a living room might prioritize UV protection and view preservation. High-traffic areas may benefit from top-down/bottom-up options that balance privacy with natural light.
“Make sure you’re getting window treatments that not only look good, but that will be functional for your space,” Smith says. ❚ For a free in-home consultation, call (262) 723-7020.
Budget Blinds can install window treatments that prioritize energy efficiency, automation and safety as well as style.
Fireworks, Festivals & Family Fun This July
By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor
Our region is set to sparkle this July with a packed calendar of festivals, fireworks, live music and familyfriendly events, headlined by a full lineup of patriotic celebrations for the Fourth of July.
Whether you’re arriving by boat, car or bike, the Lake Geneva region offers plenty of ways to celebrate Independence Day with lakefront views, small-town charm and bigtime fun.
Fontana’s Fireworks Light Up the West End
The village of Fontana-on-Geneva Lake is one of the most popular places to watch fireworks, and for good reason. The Fontana Fireworks Display, organized by the Geneva Lake West Chamber of Commerce, is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Held the evening of July 4, the show draws large crowds to the west end of the lake and begins at dusk, around 9 p.m.
Spectators are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets and arrive early to secure a spot near the lakefront. Boats often anchor just offshore for a prime view.
Fireworks from the Water: Lake Geneva Cruise Line
For those looking to elevate their celebration, Lake Geneva Cruise Line is offering its Fireworks Jazz Dinner Cruise on July 4. The cruise features fine dining, cocktails and live
This month, the Lake Geneva region is sparkling with Fourth of July events plus a full slate of festivals, musical acts and more.
On July 4, the Fontana Fireworks Display lights up the west end of town.
entertainment, all capped off with stunning views of the fireworks over Geneva Lake. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Grand Geneva Resorts Pre-Independence Day Celebration
If you’re eager to start the celebration early, head to Grand Geneva Resort & Spa on Thursday, July 3, for its annual pre-Fourth of July event. Registration includes live entertainment, family activities, yard games and more. The resort’s private fireworks show begins at dusk and is open to resort, dining, golf and spa guests.
After July 4, there’s a full month of fun in the Lake Geneva region with events like Elkhorn Ribfest, Country Thunder Festival, Lake Geneva’s Concerts in the
Fourth of July Parades & Small Town Traditions
On the morning of July 4, families can enjoy the Children’s Fourth of July Parade starting at Eastview Elementary School, 535 Sage St., Lake Geneva, hosted by American Legion Post 24. Kids are encouraged to decorate their bikes, wagons and strollers in red, white and blue. The parade steps off at 10 a.m., and awards are later given at the end for the best decorations.
Some communities, like Delavan, get the party started even earlier. The annual Lakefest celebration takes place on June 28 starting at 1 p.m., offering live music, food vendors and fireworks – a great preview of the holiday weekend.
Delavan’s Fourth of July celebration continues on July 4 at the Phoenix Park Bandshell with an afternoon of free live music starting at 4 p.m., followed by the Marine Corps League’s Parade of Colors and the National Anthem at 5:45 p.m. Fireworks launch from Delavan Lake at dusk.
More July Fun Around the Region
These Independence Day festivities are just the beginning.
July brings a full slate of summer events across Walworth County.
Elkhorn Ribfest, held July 9-13 at the Walworth County Fairgrounds, draws food lovers from across the region with mouthwatering barbecue, a beer tent, carnival rides and a lineup of live music.
In Twin Lakes, the nationally known Country Thunder Festival returns July 17-20, featuring performances from country stars like Dierks Bentley, Cole Swindell and Jelly Roll. It’s one of the Midwest’s biggest country music festivals and a major draw for music fans.
Back in Lake Geneva, the Concerts in the Park series continues every Thursday evening at Flat Iron Park. Visitors can enjoy free performances by local and regional bands while taking in the lake views. The lineup includes The BriTins (July 3), Frank Martin Busch & the Names (July 10), the Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra (July 17), Wapatui (July 24), and EZFM (July 31). Concerts begin at 6 p.m.; bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Art, Music and More
Rounding out the month is the Williams Bay Fine Art Fest, happening July 26-27 at Edgewater Park. This juried art show features fine art, handmade crafts, live music and local food vendors in a scenic lakefront setting.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Big Foot Beach State Park, in Lake Geneva, remains a summer staple, offering hiking trails, picnic areas and beach access. Or, take a stroll along the Geneva Lake Shore Path, which winds through private estates and offers unmatched views of the water. From fireworks and food to festivals and family fun, the Lake Geneva region is the place to be this July. With celebrations on land and water, there’s no shortage of ways to make lasting memories on the Fourth – and beyond. ❚
Lake Geneva Cruise Line, Grand Geneva Resort, the Phoenix Park Bandshell and other local staples are hosting Fourth of July events.
Park and more.
Shaping Students for Life & Eternity
By Peggy Werner
What students learn at Faith Christian School in Williams Bay will last an eternity.
The school, which was established in 1981 for those in pre-kindergarten through high school, started out in a home basement and has now grown to include 250 students representing about 50 denominations.
The school has grown because of its strong Christian roots and core values of “Loving, Learning, and Leading,” says Jessica Viss, admissions and marketing director for the school.
“We are a Bible-based school and those values never change and we don’t apologize for that,” she says. “We are not perfect, but we honor Christ in all we do.”
Faith Christian School is all about academic and spiritual learning.
“It takes discipline to follow Christ and we build on that each year
a student is in school,” Viss says. “By the time they are seniors, they have an in-depth theology class three times a week to deeply understand their faith. We want our students to be leaders, but first they have to follow Christ.”
Not every student is collegebound.
“We offer multiple avenues to help our students grow spiritually and academically. Our graduates are ready to apply their knowledge and Christian ideals in college or wherever God leads them,” Viss adds.
For the first time, the school offered older secondary students an opportunity to go on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. In partnership with the country’s Mission Emanuel Church, students and adult chaperones finished a home’s foundation, delivered food, engaged with children and made life-changing connections.
“While the physical work was important, the heart of the mission focused on fostering relationships and sharing God’s love,” Viss says.
“Our students, too, realized what a privilege it is to go to school,” she adds. “Children in other places around the world may not have the opportunity to learn. As different as our lives are, we are similar when connected through Christ.” ❚ For more information, visit faithchristianschool.org.
Students at Faith Christian School completed a mission trip to the Dominican Republic.
Jaw-Dropping Finds at Historic Attractions
By Steven Bonifazi, assistant editor
Where can you see a piece of
JFK’s birthday cake, Houdini’s straitjacket and a Batmobile, all under one roof? Step into Historic Attractions and you’ll find the kinds of curiosities, icons and collectibles that most people only see in books or on screen.
It all started in the late ’80s when Wayne Lensing, a local entrepreneur with an eye for the extraordinary, began collecting historic vehicles. As his reputation on the auction circuit grew, so did his inventory. Private sellers, collectors and estates came knocking.
Lensing realized he had the makings of an incredible tourism destination, and in 2001, Historic Attractions was born.
“There’s more than 25 years of passion in this building,” says Museum Director Alex Merry.
Beyond the lobby and gift shop, an eclectic collection of extraordinary
items awaits, including a slice of
President John F. Kennedy’s 45th birthday cake, from the night Marilyn Monroe famously serenaded him on May 19, 1962. The exhibit also features Monroe’s event ticket and car rental slip from that evening.
The Lincoln exhibit includes relics like Mary Todd Lincoln’s black mourning veil, which her son, Robert Todd Lincoln, passed down, and one of the coins people placed over President Lincoln’s eyelids after his death. Nearby, the Gangsterland exhibit opens with the teller stand from a bank Jesse James robbed in New Hope, Ky., a prized acquisition Lensing long sought.
Harry Houdini’s authentic escape gear, including a floor-length burlap straitjacket, custom handcuffs and his travel trunk stops visitors in their tracks, much like the original promotional Batmobile from the 1989 “Batman” film.
Plans for a full Bat Cave exhibit around the car are underway.
“That’s Wayne’s style,” Merry says. “He never stops adding.”
Historic Attractions also hosts engaging events like Paranormal Investigations on July 26, where ghost hunters can spy for specters. Dinner at the Museum on Aug. 9 features Lensing sharing stories and answering questions about exhibits. A Cruise Night on Aug. 13 invites classic car lovers to display their vehicles. ❚
For more information, visit historicattractionsmuseum.com.
CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF LAKESIDE
Historic Attractions displays iconic items, such as Mary Todd Lincoln’s mourning veil.
Chef Brings 5-Star Flair to 1878 on the Lake
By Peggy Werner
Whether planning a romantic dinner for two or a large family gathering, 1878 on the Lake restaurant at Lake Lawn Resort offers an elegant setting, gourmet cuisine and breathtaking views of Delavan Lake.
Chef Domenico “Nico” Rossi has plans to take it to the next level. Having worked for many four- and five-star restaurants, he is preparing the resort to apply for a top five-star rating.
Since being hired just six months ago, he has introduced 23 new menu items; upgraded the steak and overall food quality; hired new chefs, cooks, prep cooks and kitchen staff; added a training program for cooks; improved customer service and more.
The new menu items for breakfast, lunch and dinner are among his “greatest hits” spanning a 20-year career, he says. One of the most popular items on the dinner menu is a Braised
Beef Short Rib, made from slowly braised meat and served over creamy sundried tomato polenta with grilled asparagus and a cabernet demi sauce.
Another favorite dish is a Walleye Piccata, consisting of pan-fried walleye fillets, tossed in lemon caper sauce and served over asparagus risotto. Other dinner entrees are a 14 oz. grilled New York Strip; Tomahawk Berkshire Pork Chop; dry-rubbed and slow-cooked Baby Back Ribs; Pesto Chicken Breast served over parmesan risotto; Marinated Vegetable Skewers; and the 1878 Signature Wagyu Burger.
Rossi is the executive chef for the entire resort, which includes three restaurants. He comes from a similar position in the Florida Keys. Having grown up on the west side of Chicago, he says it’s good to be back.
“I just love the Midwest,” he says. “People here are serious about learning
and doing a good job and I feel I’m at home.”
Rossi describes the restaurant atmosphere as “polished upscale” casual dining by the lake with rustic décor and beautiful lake views from every direction.
The restaurant name is in honor of the year Lake Lawn Resort was founded. ❚
Summer hours are from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. To make a reservation, visit lakelawnresort.com/dining/1878-onthe-lake.
Lake Lawn Resort’s 1878 on the Lake restaurant offers gourmet cuisine and breathtaking views.
How Pole Barns Are Reshaping Modern Living
By Chris Linden, executive editor
Think pole barns are just for the farm? Not anymore. These versatile structures are the starting point for all kinds of buildings – even single-family homes. If you can dream it, a pole barn can probably fit the bill.
FBi Buildings has been constructing pole barns since 1958, and although agriculture is still its biggest market, many people are finding this Remington, Ind., company can meet their needs in plenty of other applications. The company works across nine Midwestern states, including Illinois, Iowa, Indiana and Wisconsin.
What is a pole barn, exactly? Also known as a post-frame building, it’s constructed from prefabricated posts that carry weight from the roof trusses overhead. These structures don’t need a continuous concrete foundation and they don’t need load-bearing walls inside, either.
Post-frame is becoming a new trend in single-family homes. The buzzword is “barndominium,” a term that reflects this home’s rural appearance and its practical use of living space. With FBi Buildings, these structures are entirely customizable. Their open interiors leave plenty of room for open-concept spaces.
“People really like the low maintenance side of barndominiums, because they’re usually covered in steel,” says Angie Dobson, director of marketing for FBi Buildings. “We can dress it up with brick or stone – many people will do a designer wall where the stone rises 3 feet from the ground. It looks so classy on the outside, but then inside these homes are so open.”
FBi Buildings custom-designs every structure. In-house engineers take special precautions to make sure the structure fits every site and can handle the weight of heavy snowfall.
Prospective customers like to ask how much a pole barn will cost, but because it’s so customizable there’s no easy answer, says Dobson. When it comes to barndominiums and living spaces, FBi Buildings leave the finishing elements to trusted subcontractors. The end result is a structure that’s competitively priced.
“The demand is definitely there,” says Dobson. “People are really interested in this kind of building. So, we’re constantly innovating and improving on what we can do.” ❚ For more information, visit fbibuildings.com.
FBi Buildings can customize a “barndominium” dwelling for those who want to live in openconcept spaces.
Yin Yoga & Facials
Ongoing, Thurs. 11 a.m.-noon. In this recurring class, enjoy a yin yoga practice. After the last pose, move into Shavasana with facial masks and serums that repair and replenish skin. Healing Grounds Center, 7510 288th Ave., Salem, (262) 586-0199, healinggroundscenter.com.
Live Music Weekends at Studio Winery
Ongoing, Fri.-Sat. 5-9 p.m. Soak up blues and classic rock tunes, performed by local talent. Light bites available for munching. Studio Winery and Geneva Lake Distilling, 401 Sheridan Springs Road, Lake Geneva, (262) 348-9100, genevalakedistilling.com.
Lake Geneva Ghost Walks
Recurring daily at 7:30 p.m. Expert guides lead you through shadowy alleys and historic sites, sharing chilling tales of local legends, unsolved mysteries and ghostly encounters. Lake Geneva Ghost Walks, 515 Baker St., Lake Geneva, (833) 446-7813, americanghostwalks.com.
The Church Basement Ladies in The Last Potluck Supper
Recurring event thru July 20; see website for times. It is 1979, the day of the church’s Centennial Celebration, and past parishioners
Entertainment & Events
have gathered to share hotdish, bars, and stories from the last 100 years. Fireside Dinner Theater, 1131 Janesville Ave., Fort Atkinson , (920) 563-9505, firesidetheatre.com.
Lake Lawn Queen Boat Tours
Recurring event thru Sept. 27; see website for times. Climb aboard the Lake Lawn Queen, Delavan Lake’s iconic cruise boat, for a memorable experience on the water. Lake Lawn Resort Marina, 2400 E. Geneva St., Delavan, (262) 728-7950, lakelawnresort.com.
Lake Geneva Farmers Market
Thru Oct. 30, Thurs. 8 a.m-1 p.m. Farmers, artisans and vendors offer up some of the area’s very best foods and crafts. Horticultural Hall, 330 Broad St., Lake Geneva, (262) 248-4382, market@horticulturalhall.com.
Concerts in the Park Series
June 27-Aug. 8, Thurs. 6-8 p.m. Free outdoor concert series features various musical acts. Flat Iron Park, 201 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva, visitlakegeneva.com.
Huey Lewis & The News Tribute
July 2-3 p.m., doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m. This tribute act captivates with a show that covers Huey’s classics and more. Belfry Music
Lake Lawn Resort’s cruise boat, the Lake Lawn Queen, has recurring cruises all summer long.
Theatre, 3601 WI-67, Delavan, (262) 3946460, belfrymusictheatre.com.
Workshop: Spinning Wool
July 3, 17 & 31, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Learn how to wash, prepare and card wool before trying your hand at using a spinning wheel like those used in the 19th century. Old World Wisconsin, W372 S9727 Highway 67, Eagle, Williams Bay, oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org.
Y.O. Speaker Series: Architect Jeanne Gang
July 17, 4-5:15 p.m. Jeanne Gang, one of the most influential architects of our time, discusses her design approach. Yerkes Observatory, 373 W. Geneva Street, Williams Bay, yerkesobservatory.org. ❚
