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line from one of the public beaches, the lake is the heart of summer here. Even a sunset walk along the Shore Path never gets old.
• Browse a farmers’ market. There’s something special about fresh-picked produce, homemade baked goods and chatting with local artisans. The Lake Geneva Farmers Market is always worth a visit, and several neighboring communities offer wonderful markets throughout the week.
Whatever your favorite way to spend the season, now is the time to do it. Summer always seems to fly by, but the memories have a way of lasting much longer.
Have a wonderful July and August! ❚
Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor
Lori Gajdzik
Yari Esquivel
Forever Piers Keeps Lake Life Year-Round
By Stephanie N. Grimoldby
How does extending your summer sound?
That’s the goal of Forever Piers, 504 Nathan Ln., in Elkhorn, owned by Peter and Sally Wall. Their permanent piers – built to stay in the water all year – allow families to savor every moment they can on the water.
“We increase the use of a pier to all year,” Peter says. “[Our clients] can use it in wintertime for ice skating, and as soon as the ice goes out, they’re back on the water.”
Lakefront families consider themselves lucky if they can beat the spring rush and have their pier installed by Memorial Day, Peter adds. A few short months later, the same company is rushing to get the pier out after Labor Day hits.
If the pier stays in place, the rushing doesn’t exist, and family bonding time at the lake increases.
“Now, your family can be on the water from March through November instead of May through September,” Peter says.
The Walls’ year-round piers are fabricated in Elkhorn by trusted welders and craftsmen, who design each product for a specific lakeside property.
“The custom aspect is very important,” Sally says. “Peter goes to the lakefront, assesses it with the homeowner, and asks, ‘What do you need?’ It’s built based on how they really use their lakefront.”
Every product by Forever Piers is supported by steel pilings driven deep into the lakebed. Tubular steel framing welded to those pilings is cladded with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) decking. Because there’s no organic material involved, mold and mildew aren’t a problem.
“It’s super versatile and rugged,” Peter says. “The idea is you put it in, leave it there, and every now and then you power wash it.”
The Walls aim to provide the best service possible, including training a crew to follow their business motto of excellence. Their goal is not exponential growth but small business ownership done right, Sally says.
“We just want to provide excellence,” she adds. ❚
To learn more about permanent piers, visit foreverpiers.com.
At Forever Piers in Elkhorn, the dock doesn’t come out for winter. Every custom build is made to stay.
God Helps Those...
It surprises some people to learn that
“God helps those who help themselves” is not an idea found in the Bible. Neither is “Win at all costs,” or “Nice guys finish last,” or “He who has the most toys wins.”
In fact, many of the social norms and even religious ideas we routinely accept stand in sharp contrast to Christ’s teachings. Each Christian makes this choice every day: Do I conform to the world or do I conform to Jesus Christ? Do I love or hate? Do I forgive or exact revenge? Do I put myself below or above others? Do I help the poor or scorn them?
Unlike human tyrants, God doesn’t coerce us to do or think anything; He asks each of us to take time to know Him through scripture and to conform our thoughts to His ideas willingly and cheerfully out of love and gratitiude. Too often we do it backwards; we try to force God to fit into our social norms. It’s not easy, in our money-driven society, to keep a reasonable balance between serving God and serving our own greed. But we must try. Jesus said: No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon [money]. – Matthew 6:24
Apostle Paul said in Romans 12:2:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
It must be possible, then, to conform our thoughts and behavior to God’s will.
When he was asked what the greatest of all commandments are, Jesus answered in Matthew 22:37:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Every breath, every moment of life, every good thing under the sun comes from God. We owe Him everything.
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth,” Paul advises us in Colossians 3:2.
“God helps those who help others” has a nice ring to it, don’t you think? ❚ – Janine Pumilia
SATURDAYS ON THE SQUARE
May 23 - Sept 5, 2026
ELKHORN FIREWORKS
July 3, 2026
ELKHORN RIBFEST
July 15 - 19, 2026
STEAK COOK-OUT
July 22, 2026
ANTIQUE FLEA MARKETS
Aug 9, Sept 27
Events Events
WALWORTH COUNTY FAIR
Sept 2 - Sept 7, 2026
ELKHORN CRAFT BASH
October 3, 2026
ELKHORN OKTOBERFEST
October 17, 2026
ELKHORN TREE LIGHTING
December 4, 2026
45TH CHRISTMAS PARADE
December 5, 2026
Taking the Stress Out of Pool Ownership
By Peggy Werner
When it comes to pool maintenance, do-it-yourselfers need to take a break and let the professionals handle the problem solving.
“The biggest challenge we have is when people go on the internet and get varied answers to their questions and buy gimmicky products and then come to us to correct the damage,” says Dan Farmikis, co-owner with his wife, Angie, of Splashtime Pools & Spas in Elkhorn – the only full-service and retail pool store in Walworth County. “No computer or AI will take the place of our 30 years of experience.”
The business just added salt water hot tubs, “the hottest new thing,” Farmikis says. Saltwater pools have been around for about 25 years, but salt water hot tubs are now the latest rage. Saltwater systems offer softer water while reducing the need for chemicals.
“You do have more buoyancy, too,
but it’s not like the ocean,” Farmikis says.
Splashtime Pools & Spas specializes in above ground and inground pools, hot tubs, saunas and accessories and offers a full spectrum of pool and spa services, including new installation, routine maintenance, equipment repair and chemical balancing. The employees can repair, maintain and upgrade all pools and spa equipment for maximum efficiency and lifespan, including pool liner replacement and refurbishments, and can provide a weekly maintenance service to clean, balance chemicals and check equipment.
The owners take pride in providing premium products, trusted brands and exceptional customer service. They both had years of experience working for other pool companies before opening their own business in 2015. Farmikis’s lifelong friend, Robert Hinzpeter,
helped establish the business, train employees and establish the first service routes. Although he has since passed away, the couple give him credit for making the business what it is today. The number of service routes has doubled, and the business now operates out of a 9,000 square-foot space.
“The backyard should be a place where you can sit, unwind and relax. It’s not supposed to be a headache,” Farmikis adds. ❚
For a free consultation, call (262) 379-1347 or visit splashtimepoolsandspas.com.
Splashtime Pools & Spas, in Elkhorn, can repair, maintain and upgrade pool equipment.
Creating Beautiful Spaces, One Tile at a Time
By Peggy Werner
Twenty years ago, Dianne Fasano
built a home in Lake Geneva. When she couldn’t find the unique tile and stone she wanted, she took a leap of faith and opened her own business.
As the owner of Bella Tile & Stone, 201 Geneva National Ave. S, Lake Geneva, Fasano gets product from some of the finest manufacturers and artisans from the United States and around the world, mainly from Italy, Spain, Portugal and other areas known for their tile craftsmanship, she says.
“I fell in love with beautiful tile during visits to Italy with my father, who was born and raised there. My goal was to bring distinctive materials, exceptional design and a personal level of service to our community,” she says.
What makes the business even more special is the team of women who work for Fasano.
“We’re more like a family than coworkers,” she says. “Most of them have been with Bella 10 to 20 years, and I really feel that experience, loyalty and passion show in our projects. That longevity is rare and really speaks to the
relationship we have not only with our clients, but also with each other.”
In addition to the flagship showroom in Lake Geneva, Fasano launched a second location 12 years ago in Wilmette, Ill. and is a co-owner. She has also provided consulting and startup guidance to other Bellas in the industry. Looking ahead, she’s planning to open another location in Chattanooga, Tenn. this fall.
Customers wanting to keep pace with trends seek out the quality products at Bella Tile & Stone, Fasano says.
She has noticed that the latest trend in kitchens is a move away from all white and grey tones to warmer colors and the look of natural wood. In addition, natural stone is taking the place of porcelain tile.
White kitchen cabinets will always be in style, but other colors like sage, green olive, and mushroom are taking the place of grays.
Statement lighting in kitchens is a huge trend, Fasano continues. Designers are mixing metals and other
materials in their creations. High tech appliances, clean designs, induction cooktops with built-in ventilation and beverage stations are also popular, she says.
In bathrooms, larger tiles and full-slab tile walls are becoming more popular, partly to reduce the amount of grout to clean. Natural light and integrated mood lighting in showers and vanities are among today’s most popular bathroom design trends.
Also popular in the bath is recirculating showers, smart toilets, hydrotherapy tubs and full integrated shower systems, which are transforming baths into spa-like retreats, Fasano says.
“Helping clients achieve the look they want is really at the heart of Bella,” she says. “We help clients every step of the way and our goal is to make the process enjoyable and help customers achieve a look that feels uniquely theirs.” ❚
For a free consultation, call (262) 348-1600 or visit bellatileandstone. com.
Bella Tile & Stone, in Lake Geneva, carries product from the finest manufacturers and artisans from around the world, mainly from Italy, Spain and Portugal.
White cabinets are still in style, but other colors like sage are becoming popular.
Flower Show Brings Beauty to Lake Geneva
By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor
OnThursday, Aug. 6, the historic Riviera Ballroom, 812
Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva, transforms into a celebration of flowers, artistry and conservation as the Lake Geneva Garden Club hosts “Splash, Sparkle and Bloom,” a nationally recognized Garden Club of America flower show.
Open to the public free of charge from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the event promises much more than beautiful bouquets. Visitors can experience stunning floral designs, award-winning horticulture, artistic photography, botanical arts and educational exhibits, all inspired by the natural beauty and rich history of Geneva Lake.
“It’s going to be a stunning array of creativity, color and beauty,” says Tami Pringle, publicity chairman for the flower show and past president of the Lake Geneva Garden Club. “As this is a Garden Club of America flower show, exhibitors from across the nation follow strict and specific guidelines in floral design, horticulture, photography, conservation and botanical arts.”
More than 100 exhibitors from Garden Club of America clubs across the United States are expected to participate, bringing together some of the country’s finest amateur floral artists, horticultural enthusiasts and photographers.
While flower shows are held throughout the country, Garden Club of America flower shows are relatively rare. The Lake Geneva Garden Club is one of just 199 member
clubs nationwide, making this event a significant opportunity for both the club and the community.
“Anyone who knows anything about Lake Geneva wants to come here to be part of this show in this place,” Pringle says. “We’re proud to be among the Garden Club of America clubs, and we’re thrilled to welcome exhibitors from far and wide.”
The Lake Geneva Garden Club has a long history of serving the community. Founded in 1915, the organization’s roots stretch back even further to the Midsummer Fairs held in 1904 to raise money for Holiday Home Camp. Today, the nonprofit continues its philanthropic mission through educational programming, conservation efforts and fundraising events.
One of its signature events is the biennial House & Garden Cruise, which has welcomed hundreds of visitors for more than four decades.
“Every other year we host our House & Garden Cruise, where members create floral arrangements for beautiful lakeside homes, give tours and raise money for community organizations,” Pringle says. “Every three years we also join three other Wisconsin Garden Club of America clubs for Art en Fleurs. This is one of the years when we host our own Garden Club of America flower show.”
The title “Splash, Sparkle and Bloom” reflects the land-
The Lake Geneva Garden Club hosts “Splash, Sparkle and Bloom” on Aug. 6 at the historic Riviera Ballroom. The event, a nationally recognized Garden Club of America flower show, celebrates flowers, artistry and conservation from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is open to the public free of charge.
scapes and traditions that have made Geneva Lake one of Wisconsin’s most treasured destinations.
“The Lake Geneva Garden Club always ties our unique lake culture and astounding lakeshore beauty to any event we organize,” Pringle says. “Our theme reflects the stunning water, shorepath, flowers, farmlands and history of our Geneva Lake area.”
That inspiration can be found throughout the show. Floral design categories include imaginative titles such as “Shimmering Sunset,” “Kishwauketoe: Lake of the Sparkling Water,” “Cocktail Cruise,” “Venetian Night,” “Along the Shore” and “Cutting Garden.” Each category invites exhibitors to creatively interpret a theme while following detailed Garden Club of America standards.
“It’s up to the exhibitor to interpret the class they’ve entered,” says Chace Wolff, floral design division chair and an approved Garden Club of America floral design judge. “Floral designers research artwork and use colors, shapes and styles for inspiration and create a design that reflects the class description.”
Although floral arrangements often receive the most attention, organizers emphasize the show is much broader than that.
“This isn’t just about floral design,” Wolff says. “It’s about horticulture, photography, botanical arts, conservation and education.”
Photography entries capture the beauty of nature through carefully composed images. Botanical Arts competitors create jewelry, decorative accessories and other artistic pieces using dried plant materials. Horticulture entries celebrate expertly grown plants, while conservation exhibits educate visitors about environmental stewardship.
One of the featured educational displays will focus on “Keep It Blue,” a local initiative dedicated to protecting the beauty and water quality of Geneva Lake and its shoreline.
The Lake Geneva Garden Club is also partnering with the Geneva Lake Arts Foundation, which is lending four original works of art to inspire one of the floral design divisions. Designers interpret each painting through flowers and foliage, creating living works of art that reflect the original pieces.
Approximately 30 Garden Club of America-approved judges from around the country evaluate entries and award prestigious national honors.
“It takes six or seven years to become qualified to be a
Garden Club of America judge,” Pringle says. “They’re trained through educational and experiential opportunities across the country.”
Wolff understands that process firsthand.
“I entered the Garden Club of America Judging Program in 2008 and became an approved Floral Design judge in 2014,” she says.
Candidates spend years learning design principles, serving as clerks during competitions, participating in judging panels and receiving evaluations before becoming approved judges.
“It’s a fantastic learning experience,” Wolff says. Judging involves much more than deciding which arrangement is the prettiest.
“In Floral Design, judging is based on the principles and elements of design along with creativity, interpretation, distinction and conformance,” Wolff explains. “Horticulture, photography and botanical arts each have their own scoring criteria.”
Judges also provide written comments for every entry.
“These comments help educate both the exhibitor and the public about the reasoning behind the award,” Wolff says. Creating an award-worthy entry often takes months of planning and preparation.
Balancing creativity with technical excellence is one of the biggest challenges judges face.
“One entry may be outstanding in creativity while another is technically outstanding,” Wolff says. “Sometimes it can be difficult for a panel of judges to come to agreement. That’s why there is a scale of points.”
For both organizers and judges, the event is about much more than ribbons and awards.
“The purpose is threefold,” Wolff says. “To set standards of artistic and horticultural excellence, to broaden knowledge of horticulture, floral design, conservation, photography and related areas, and to share the beauty of the show with fellow club members and the public.”
Pringle hopes visitors leave inspired by both the artistry and the natural world.
“My hope is that patrons of the ‘Splash, Sparkle and Bloom’ flower show take away a renewed sense of awe and respect for our Geneva Lake area and a renewed wonder for the natural beauty of creation, both divine and human,” she says. ❚
For more information, go to visitlakegeneva.com.
The event aims to leave visitors inspired by artistry.
Newport 1875 Serves Global Flavors, History
By Steven Bonifazi, deputy editor
They say you can’t catch lightning in a bottle twice. For Michael Bertrand and Chef Joseph Volpe, the second strike was by design.
Newport 1875 is the duo’s second concept in Oconomowoc, building on the success of Lago Su Bella, their Italian flagship just steps away on Lac La Belle. The Fowler Lake steakhouse, located at 151 St. Paul St., shifts the focus from pasta to steaks, seafood, chops and a raw bar while drawing on the area’s opulent railroad-era history.
The glow of gas-lamp fixtures, heavy timber and period-inspired leather lend the space a warm, Old World feel. A zinc bar top and railroad-steel foot rail nod to the rail lines that brought wealthy visitors to Oconomowoc in the 19th century, transforming the lakeside town into a luxury summer destination known as the “Newport of the West.”
“I wanted to incorporate that history into the feel of the restaurant,” Bertrand says. “I designed and built the lounge to feel as if you’re walking into a lavish hotel lobby or perhaps a train station back in the 1800s.”
The space housed Coco’s Seafood & Steakhouse for nearly five years before Bertrand acquired the property in late 2025. To keep Newport distinct from Lago, Bertrand built what he calls an “imaginary brick wall” between them –separating cuisine, staff, atmosphere, decor and overall feel.
“It made sense for us to expand across the street and offer something entirely different,” he says.
Bertrand initially partnered with Volpe in 2019. The globally trained chef’s career spans kitchens in Paris, Rome and Barcelona, including a tenure alongside Emeril Lagasse at the famed Commander’s Palace in New Orleans.
“He has a unique grasp of comfort food from around the world,” Bertrand says.
That grasp translates into Newport’s star
dishes, like the earthy Madeira-porcini glazed 14-ounce tomahawk veal chop, served with charred asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes. The steak frites pairs a thick New York strip with savory herb compound butter, crispy pommes frites and garlic aioli.
Unique to Oconomowoc, Newport’s raw bar doubles as a classroom, where diners inspect the day’s catch and trace where their seafood is caught. Seafood towers let diners mix and match the sweet notes of West Coast royal Miyagi and the salty bite of East Coast Bevans. Sashimi and several sushi rolls unique to the restaurant are expected to be on full display in the near future, Bertrand says.
Beyond the plate, Newport’s spark isn’t in a recipe or locked in a safe. It’s in the room.
“Our people are our secret sauce,” Bertrand says. “I always say, ‘the rising tide raises all ships,’ and we move together as a team and as a family.” ❚ Newport 1875 is open Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m. For reservations, call (262) 587-1875 or visit newport1875.com.
Newport 1875 opened Feb. 16 in downtown Oconomowoc. The white-linen restaurant focuses on land and sea, with an emphasis on steaks, seafood, chops and a raw bar.
Diners learn where their entree comes from daily at Newport 1875’s claw bar.
Newport 1875’s seafood tower mixes Maine lobster and snow crab.
Navigating People Toward Stress-Free Boating
By Peggy Werner
At Reed’s Marine, 6140 Mound Road, Delavan, exceptional personal service is just as important as the boats and products sold.
Jason Shallcross, president and third generation owner of the 70-yearold company, says his goal is to always give customers the best price and the best care.
“We are locally owned, so we can deliver better service with a personal touch,” he says. “We greet our customers by name and want the boating season to be fun and as trouble free as possible.”
Reed’s Marine offers a full range of boating products and services, including new and pre-owned boat sales, marine accessories, apparel, expert service and maintenance, and secure boat storage. They employ trained and certified technicians to deliver expert services to customers throughout Walworth County.
The company’s newest line is Alera pontoon boats, an exceptional product at all levels, Shallcross says.
“Most entry-level pontoons are full of shortcuts like plywood decks, plastic helms and stripped-down features,” he adds. “However, Alera is changing the game. They have taken the features
customers actually want and made them standard, where other manufacturers would charge thousands.”
Alera’s entry-level Model A has no plywood, plastic or hidden upcharges. Model M is a premium triple pontoon for stability and buoyancy, with more spacious decks, seating and storage. Premium Model G is expected to come out next year.
Those who purchase and store a boat with Reed’s Marine can take advantage of all the services.
“If you ignore routine maintenance and something breaks, it’s always more expensive,” Shallcross warns.
The pre-season checklist includes getting an oil change and new filter, inspecting belts and hoses, checking gear lube, and looking for any leaks. It’s also important to test all electronics, including the battery, bilge pumps, blowers and lights, and make sure all safety equipment is on board and in working condition, such as life jackets, rescue cushions, fire extinguishers, flares and first aid kits.
Other tasks include washing and waxing the exterior and checking for cracks or damage. Today, fiberglass
boats are protected from the sun and water with a gel coat rather than paint.
“Also, inspect trailer wheel bearings, tire pressure and tread wear, tiedown straps, and brake lights before heading out,” Shallcross says. “To keep your boat looking its best, use a waterand-vinegar solution to remove water spots from the exterior. Most interior cleaning can be handled with soap and water. Don’t use bleach to remove mildew – it can damage the cloth and stitching on upholstery. Use a bleachfree mildew remover instead.”
Before every outing, it’s important to check all fluid levels and look for leaks. Refuel with ethanol-free gas to prevent engine damage and frequently check the bilge pump and all safety equipment, Shallcross adds. Last but not least, one of the biggest oversights is making sure the hull plug is inserted before getting on the water, he says.
While on the water, keep yourself hydrated and use sunscreen. Have extra towels and a change of clothes on hand and wear ultraviolet protective clothing, even during cloudy days. ❚
For service or to browse inventory, visit boatreeds.com.
Reed’s Marine, in Delavan, strives to give boaters a fun and stress-free season. Owner Jason Shallcross has a preseason checklist and offers mid-season tips for boaters to stay safe.
Reed’s Marine carries exceptional inventory.
care in the Rockford region for 60 years. We invite you to explore the maintenance-free and amenity-rich lifestyles available on our three campuses.
Make a Run for Whitewater this Summer
By Steven Bonifazi, deputy editor
Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in art, explore the great outdoors or simply unplug from the rush of everyday life, Whitewater, Wis., offers an ideal setting to fully embrace the excitement and beauty of the season.
The outdoor Whitewater City Market runs through October, every Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. This yearround staple moves from inside the Cravath Lakefront Park Community Center to the parking lot each summer, where visitors can enjoy fresh produce, baked goods and handcrafted items while listening to live music. Food trucks and local vendors add to the lively atmosphere.
Art lovers can explore rotating exhibits at the Whitewater Arts Alliance downtown and Roberta’s Art Gallery at the University of WisconsinWhitewater. The university’s Young
Auditorium hosts bigcity entertainment throughout the year, including everything from comedy and live music to spirited Broadway productions.
For those who love the great outdoors, Nature Land at Whitewater Lake provides hiking trails that wind through grasslands and pine forests. The wellmarked trails offer easy and moderate hikes, which means they’re accessible for all skill levels. Soak in the natural beauty of the area while kayaking and fishing on Whitewater Lake.
Summer is prime birding season in the Whitewater area’s parks and nature preserves, which become ideal
breeding and nesting grounds for everything from red-winged blackbirds and sandhill cranes to nesting songbirds including warblers and meadowlarks. Just remember to pack a trusty pair of hiking boots. ❚
For additional fun in Whitewater, visit discoverwhitewater.org.
The Ice Age Trail in Whitewater offers some of the best birdwatching as birds of all kinds breed and nest.
(Katy Daixon Photography photo)
A Saturday Morning in Oconomowoc
By Steven Bonifazi, deputy editor
Oconomowoc is a city that doesn’t sleep in, especially during summer. By 8 a.m. on a sunny Saturday, vendor tents line the Bank Five Nine campus lot at 155 W. Wisconsin Ave.
“We’re a morning town, so if you’re hanging out down here, you’re going to see folks at the farmers’ market,” says Paige Brunclik, marketing and communications specialist for the City of Oconomowoc and Visit Oconomowoc.
The market is a Saturday tradition since 1980. Run by the Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce, it’s open 8 a.m. to noon, May through October.
This is a true producer-only market: every vendor grows, sews, makes or bakes what they sell, all within 100 miles, and each is carefully vetted by the Chamber.
“It has to be something people are producing from their own being,” says Sara Ninmann, director of community
events for the Chamber. “It’s not a third-party vendor.”
Those standards still leave room for personality. Several vendors offer fresh honey, eggs, meats and even Tietz’s popcorn, while farm-grown produce includes everything from rhubarb and cucumbers to lettuce, tomatoes and plenty of flowers. Georgia peaches are the sole exception.
Early in the season, shoppers stock up on plants, seedlings, soaps and canned goods. By mid-summer, more than 60 vendors pack the lot alongside food trucks serving everything from tamales to waffles on a stick.
Twice a season, the market welcomes the Children’s Entrepreneur Market –Aug. 15 and Sept. 19 this year – with roughly 50 vendors ages 5 to 17. The kids take it seriously, handling their own pricing, branding, booth design, and even state and county food rules.
When the city’s triathlon takes over the market site in late July, the market moves to the Village Green, 104 E. Wisconsin Ave., for its once-a-year Friday Night Market. This year’s market is set for July 24 from 4 to 8 p.m., with live music planned.
“Hands down,” Brunclik says, “folks love to be together outside here in summer.” ❚
To start planning your summer in Oconomowoc, head to VisitOcon.com.
The Oconomowoc Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.
Lake Geneva Magic Show
Recurring event; see website for times. Enjoy magic, comedy and illusions in an entertaining performance. Tristan Crist Magic Theatre, 100 N. Edwards Blvd., Lake Geneva, (262) 2480505, lakegenevamagic.com.
‘Million Dollar Quartet’
Thru July 19, see website for times. On December 4, 1956, an extraordinary twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley together at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions of all time. “Million Dollar Quartet” brings that legendary night to life. Fireside Dinner Theater, 1131 Janesville Ave., Fort Atkinson, firesidetheatre. com/2026-season/million-dollar-quartet/.
Scenic Boat Tour on Delavan Lake
Thru Sept. 6, Fridays 1 p.m., Saturdays 3 p.m., Sundays noon. Embark on a 1.5-hour cruise aboard the Lake Lawn Queen, a double-decker tour boat. Spot Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes along the shoreline and enjoy a cash bar. Lake Lawn Resort Marina, 2400 E. Geneva St., Delavan, lakelawnresort.com.
Lake Geneva Farmers Market
Thru Oct. 29, Thursdays 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Farm-
Entertainment & Events
ers, artisans, craftsmen and vendors offer up some of the area’s very best products. Horticultural Hall, 330 Broad St., Lake Geneva, horticulturalhall.com.
Train Rides on the East Troy Railroad Thru Oct. 31, Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Take a 14-mile train ride on the only remaining electric interurban tracks in Wisconsin. East Troy Railroad Museum, 2002 Church St., East Troy, easttroyrr.org.
Summer Music: Phoenix Park Bandshell
July 18, 7 p.m., “The Chicago Experience” features a Chicago tribute. July 19, 4 p.m., The Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra performs classical music. July 25, 7 p.m., Kashmir performs a Led Zeppelin tribute. More performances in August. Bring chairs or a blanket; shows are free with food available for purchase. Phoenix Park Bandshell, 111 E. Wisconsin St., Delavan, phoenixparkbandshell.com.
Venetian Festival
Aug. 19-23, Wed.-Fri. 5 p.m.-midnight; Sat. & Sun. noon-midnight. The annual festival features family entertainment including an arts & craft fair, carnival, live music, water ski show, festival food including a brat stand and beer
tent, and a baggo tournament. Sunday features a traditional Venetian-style lighted boat parade followed by the area’s largest fireworks display above Geneva Lake. Flat Iron Park, Seminary Park & Library Park, downtown Lake Geneva, venetianfest.com.
Lakeside Literary Festival
Aug. 22, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. This celebration of books, creativity and community includes an author fair, kids’ writing workshop, and featured speakers including Hannah Morrissey, author of “The Black Harbor Suspense” series. Lake Geneva Public Library, 918 W. Main St., Lake Geneva, visitlakegeneva.com. ❚
The Lake Lawn Queen embarks on 1.5-hour cruises every weekend through Sept. 6.
