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EARLY AUTUMN

Family Fun at Richardson Farm A Pier That Stays Put All Year Local Chefs Bring the Heat to Faith Christian School For Durable Furniture, Seek Poly Lumber A Delicious Escape at The Commodore

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LOCATED IN SPRING GROVE, IL. JUST 60 MINUTES NW OF CHICAGO & FREE PARKING! Smart Living Lakeside

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In This Issue Right in Our Region..............................Cover & p. 26 Richardson Farm Greets Autumn Early

Inspiration & Worship....................................16 Servant Leadership

Your Dining .....................................................31 A Delicious Escape at The Commodore

Focus on Education ......................................35 Local Chefs Bring the Heat to Faith Christian

Your Outdoor Living ......................................39 For Durable Furniture, Seek Poly Lumber

Your Health ..................................................... 41 The Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

On the Water ...................................................47 A Pier That Stays Put Year-Round

Your Family Fun .............................................48 12 Upcoming Events

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Senior Editor Lindsey Lukas Managing Editor Jim Taylor Deputy Editor Steven Bonifazi Graphics Director Samantha Behling Graphic Designers Olivia Costello, Brandi Fier Contributing Writers Stephanie N. Grimoldby, Janine Pumilia, Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Jessica Greer, Brian Reinbold Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Director of Corporate Happiness Hana Hughes Published by Hughes Media Corp. 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (262) 467-3228, Fax: (815) 316-2301 smartlivinglakeside.com Smart Living. Copyright 2026 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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Farewell!

s another summer comes to a close, it’s time for us to say a temporary farewell. If you’re new to Smart Living Lakeside, here’s a little reminder: We are a seasonal publication, which means we take a break during the colder months before returning in the spring. And with that, you’ve reached our final issue of the year! But don’t worry, dear readers. This isn’t goodbye forever. We’ll be back in April, ready to shine a spotlight on the people, places and businesses that make our communities so special. Our goal has always been to bring you positive, informative and inspiring content, and we can’t wait to continue doing just that when we return. This magazine is about championing local businesses, which I’m super proud to be a part of. We share the stories behind the people who stand behind their work and talk to you face to face. We help our readers discover something new in their own backyard. Every issue is an opportunity to celebrate the multitude of cities in this lake-filled area we’re lucky to call home. Until then, we hope you’ll continue to support the local businesses, restaurants, shops and organizations featured throughout these pages. Shop local. Eat local. Explore local. There’s so much to appreciate in our realm of the world. Thank you for spending another season with us and for welcoming Smart Living Lakeside into your homes, businesses and lives. We’re grateful for every reader who picks up an issue and takes the time to read our stories. So, for now, we’ll say farewell, but only for a little while. Enjoy the fall and winter, stay warm, and we’ll see you again in April! Until then, keep living smart and keep loving local. ❚

Yari Esquivel

Lori Gajdzik Jennelle Olson

OUR NEW

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Coming Spring 2026 541 Kenosha St #1, Walworth, WI 53184

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Lori Gajdzik Jennelle Olson

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Inspiration & Worship

Servant Leadership

e know from scripture that God despises arrogance and exalts the humble. For the most part, our culture does just the opposite ... exhalts the noisy selfpromoters and ignores the humble. Most worldly leaders measure themselves by the money and power they wield, not the wellbeing of their people. This is nothing new and came as no surprise to Jesus in his day, either. When a few of his disciples began quibbling over their pecking order, Jesus quickly set them straight. Mark 10:42-45 (ESV): “And Jesus called them [the 12 disciples] to him and said, ‘You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’” In Luke 14:11 (ESV) Jesus said, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” And in Philippians 2:3 Paul instructs, “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” If anyone had the right to promote himself in large fashion, it was Jesus Christ. He chose instead to model the behavior he wishes us to follow. We are in the world but not of it. We follow the will of God. Our humility lies in knowing that everything we are and all that we have and every breath we take belongs to God. Our only greatness is the presence of God working through us. John 14:21-24: “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him." ❚ – Janine Pumilia

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CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF LAKESIDE LODGING | GOLF | WATERSPORTS | SPA

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Right in Our Region

(Tom Funk photos)

Richardson Farm Greets Autumn Early

An octagonal barn is the latest addition to Richardson Adventure Farm, in Spring Grove. The historic barn dates to the late 1800s and the inventor of the first vertical silo. Newly refurbished, it’s now a place to enjoy snacks and views of the farm.

By Chris Linden, executive editor

utumn just isn’t complete without a trip to the farm, and in the Chicago suburbs that usually means a pilgrimage to Richardson Adventure Farm, near Spring Grove. The sixth-generation family farm boasts more than 30 autumn activities that appeal to the entire family, from little ones all the way to Grandma and Grandpa. “I think it’s big enough that we have things to do for pretty much all ages,” says George Richardson, who owns the farm with his wife, Wendy; his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Carol; and his son and daughter-in-law, Ryan and Kristen. “And we also welcome dogs, so it’s a really nice day trip for everyone.” Among the farm’s many activities, some of the top attractions are the 150-foot slide, the zip line, the jumping pillows, and the wagon rides and train that ferry visitors around the grounds. Kids especially love the petting zoo, the goat feeding area and the Kiddie Play Area, which comes complete with a trike path. Richardson Farm is also home to the “World’s Largest Corn Maze.” This year, the 28-acre maze encompasses some 10 miles of pathway and an homage to America’s semiquincentennial. Of course, you can walk through the “1776” 26

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September 2026

etched into the corn, but you can also wander through the design of an eagle mid-flight, a colonial-era flag and three Founding Fathers reading the Declaration of Independence. “You can’t get lost in this maze,” says Ryan Richardson. “There are no dead ends. We make it easy to come in and get out, but we’ll also give you a map so you can find the checkpoints.” The maze includes several pathways within. One takes only left turns. Another, only right turns. There are also fun games to play within the maze, like a murder mystery where you have to solve the case of who murdered Farmer Joe. “The people who get 20 of the 24 checkpoints inside the maze can show their punch card and get a beautiful, full-color certificate,” says Wendy Richardson. “Some people have been coming every year and will not leave the farm until they get their certificate. Twice during the season, the maze stays open late for a special “Maze Til Midnight.” Lights stationed in the farm’s 50-foot observation tower help to light your way. This year’s dates are Sept. 26 and Oct. 24. Every year brings new attractions to Richardson Farm, and this year is no exception. The Kiddie Play Area now has

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Right in Our Region a low ropes course and spider webs that small children can crawl through. The adults can appreciate this year’s improvements at the barrel house, including a new wall of windows and glass garage doors. On nice days, the doors go up; on cool days you can still soak up the views of the nearby carousel and play areas. Every so often, the farm train toots on by. George Richardson is especially excited about the newest attraction: an octagon barn his family salvaged from a nearby farmstead. Restoration has been underway all year and is just about complete. The barn is notable not only for its unique shape, which allowed dairy farmers in the late 1800s The train at Richardson Adventure Farm takes families for a ride around the grounds to accommodate more animals and a more efficient every autumn. feeding system. The barn is also notable because it was constructed by Fred Hatch, a Spring Grove native who weekend, as a select group of squealers race around a small invented the first vertical silo. track. George and Wendy narrate the show and dub their pigs In salvaging the barn, the Richardsons dismantled it with clever names. This year, the racers all pay homage to our piece by piece, moved it to their farm, and reconstructed it. nation’s founding with names like George Washingham and Once the barn is open, the climate-controlled space will serve Benjamin Frankfurter. up beer, coffee, desserts and baked goods like Richardson The sunflower fields bloom especially late at Richardson Farm’s famous doughnuts, popcorn and apple tartlets. Even if Farm. Tour the 10-acre field and clip off a flower head while you don’t grab a bite, it’s still a feast for the senses. you’re at it. The flowers typically last into October. “They labeled the main beams and the rafters, so it might As dusk descends upon Richardson Farm, the campfires say ‘F1, F2, F3,’ like that,” says Robert Richardson. “You can begin to glow. There are more than 20 public fire pits scatstill see those numbers on each beam.” tered throughout. Another 100 reserved picnic areas encourFood is a big part of the experience, and several food age large groups to gather around a dinner and fire. You can trucks are on site to complement. Look for Your Sister’s Toreserve those sites for up to 4 hours; they book quickly. Outmato and a menu of fresh wood-fired pizzas; the lineup also side food is allowed, so sometimes people will bring hot dogs includes tacos and empanadas, as well as the local Rotary to roast. Club’s corn roast. Fresh beer is on draft from 9th Hour BrewRichardson Adventure Farm is open this fall from Sept. ing, a local craft brewer that’s co-owned by a Richardson 12 through Nov. 1. family member. In September, the gates are open Friday from 3 p.m. to It wouldn’t be fall at Richardson Farm without the classic 11 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday noon pig races. The show runs several times a day throughout the to 9 p.m. In October, gates are open Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 9 p.m. The farm is also open for Columbus Day and late-night maze runnings on Sept. 26 and Oct. 24. “It’s loads of fun, and I think our favorite thing is watching so many people have fun,” says Wendy Richardson. “If we have a second to stop and look at everyone having fun, we see people talking with friends, rushing off with their children to catch the train or an activity. Everyone is having a good time.” ❚ Richardson Adventure Farm is located at 909 English Prairie Road, in Spring Grove. This year’s corn maze at Richardson Adventure Farm pays homage to America’s Find the latest details at richardsonadventuresemiquincentennial. Its winding paths include left-turn-only routes, right-turn-only routes and fun games to play while you’re inside. farm.com. Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Lakeside

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Fall Sale Fall Sale!! 10% 10% Off Everything! Everything!

Our Fall Sale Starts September 1st! September 1st - December 4th Save 10% during the Pier of d'Nort Fall Sale, running September 1 through December 4! Plus, shop early and get rewarded during our Early Bird Bonus from September 1 through October 16. Orders over $1,000 receive a FREE Panel Handle and Panel Rack Pair, with additional FREE accessory rewards based on your total purchase. Choose from select accessories at $5,000+, $10,000+, and $15,000+ spending levels. The more you invest in your waterfront, the more you get back!

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Your Dining

Dinner is a Delicious Escape at The Commodore By Steven Bonifazi, deputy editor

inner doesn’t often feel like a getaway. At The Commodore – A Bartolotta Restaurant, 1807 Nagawicka Road, in Hartland, that’s the point. Nestled on the shores of Nagawicka Lake, the premier fine-dining and event destination invites guests to slow down, linger on the terrace and forget they’re only minutes from home. It feels less like a traditional dinner reservation than a lakeside retreat, where a relaxed evening at the bar is just as fitting as a celebratory Beef Wellington dish on the lake. “I walk out there sometimes, look around and think I’m on vacation,” says co-founder and owner Paul Bartolotta. “It’s transporting.” That feeling didn’t happen by accident. The building opened in 1902 as the Pleasant View Hotel and Resort before operating as everything from a sanitarium and summer lodge to The Commodore’s Beef Wellington features a center-cut filet wrapped in puff pastry with mushroom duxelles, finished with black truffle sauce alongside roasted carrots. the iconic Seven Seas restaurant. When Bartolotta and his late brother, Joe, first toured the property years ago, arugula, tomato, Parmesan and lemon in tribute to Seven they fell in love with its location but decided restoring it Seas owner Jack Weissgerber, while Beverly’s Curried would be too large a project. Shrimp & Crab Bisque preserves a childhood recipe honoring It wasn’t until after Joe’s death that Bartolotta returned. Bartolotta’s mother. A meeting with developers who purchased the property Lighter fare includes Alaskan halibut with green garlic changed everything. purée, spring onions and sugar snap peas, while those Together, they embarked on a renovation that spanned celebrating can splurge on Lobster Thermidor – broiled with more than two years, restoring the historic property while Cognac, cream and mustard. The signature Beef Wellington preparing it for another century on the lake. is served with a center-cut filet wrapped in puff pastry with “We view ourselves as custodians of this property,” mushroom duxelles and black truffle sauce. Wisconsin Bartolotta says. remains close at hand through an artisanal cheese program That philosophy featuring selections from Uplands, Marieke Gouda, Carr carries into the kitchen. Valley and Roelli Cheese Haus. Known for Italian “We wanted this to have a point of difference,” Bartolotta and Mediterranean says. “We wanted it to be upscale, but redefined, a more cuisine throughout casual take on fine dining.” much of his career, The formula has resonated. Alongside a busy dining Bartolotta took a room, weddings, private events and a members-only social different approach club, Club 1902, have quickly turned The Commodore into with The Commodore. one of Lake Country’s busiest gathering places. Rather than recreating Ultimately, Bartolotta believes restaurants succeed not a traditional Wisconsin because of what’s on the plate, but because of how they make supper club, he people feel. borrowed familiar “We’re in the people business,” he says. “We’re here to flavors while elevating care for people. We just happen to do it in restaurants.” ❚ them with refined The Commodore – A Bartolotta Restaurant is open Tuesday techniques and fresh, through Thursday from 4:30 to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday seasonal ingredients. from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4:30 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from A crisp Wiener 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4:30 to 9 p.m. For reservations, call Paul Bartolotta Schnitzel arrives with (262) 563-8070 or visit thecommodoredelafield.com. Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Lakeside

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(The Bartolotta Restaurants photos)

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EXTRAORDINARY SENIOR LIVING SINCE 1966

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Call 815-515-4760 or visit wesleywillows.org/explore-our-communities

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Focus on Education

Local Chefs Bring the Heat to Faith Christian By Peggy Werner

he fifth annual “Iron Faith Live Cookoff” takes place at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14 at Faith Christian School, W5525 Hwy 67, Williams Bay. Attendees can sample signature dishes from six local chefs and vote on their favorite for the “People’s Choice Award.” The top two winners move on to the next level of competition to create a dish out of mystery ingredients that’s judged by professional chefs. Participating chefs this year include Chef Abel Rosas from Elena Catering LLC, Chef Kyle Cary from Celebration on Wells, and the 2025 first place winner in the “People’s Choice Award” and “Mystery Box Challenge,” Chef Eric Feldbusch from Opus at The Belfry & Bistro 67. New this year is Chef Manuel Faith Christian School hosts its fifth annual “Iron Faith Live Cookoff” on Nov. 14 at 4 p.m. The event Saucedo from Madrez Café. Additional is the main fall fundraiser for the school, and proceeds help lower tuition costs for students. chefs are in the process of being selected. The event includes other food and drink available for The opportunity represents more than a professional pofree including two large charcuterie tables, an Italian soda sition for Finney. bar, a non-alcoholic mixed-drink bar, a coffee bar and des“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve at Faith Chrissert. A couple of high-priced items are raffled off, and a silent tian School,” he says. “My heart is to care for students, supauction includes about 50 items donated by local businesses. port families, and walk alongside our teachers as we help “Lake Geneva has lots of great restaurants and chefs and young people grow in wisdom, character and faith. My Christhis event is a great way to highlight them,” says Jason Gebtian faith has played a significant role in shaping my life and bink, advancement director of the school and creator of the leadership, and I count it a privilege to invest in a community event. “Attendees will get to know more about Faith Chriscommitted to honoring Christ in all things.” tian and dozens of our students will help set up, serve and Drew Popejoy, head of the school, says Finney also clear tables. It’s more of an experience than an event.” brings “a genuine heart for students and a desire to serve the The event serves as the school’s main fall fundraiser, Lord through Christian education.” and is modeled after the culinary television game shows “We believe his leadership will be a tremendous blessing “Chopped” and “Iron Chef,” where contestants must create to our high school and our entire school community,” Popedishes with surprise ingredients. joy adds. The goal is to raise $100,000 to help lower tuition costs At Faith Christian, education is more than just typical for 15 to 20 of the most financially needy students in grades academics. pre-K through 12 attending Faith Christian, which is not af“It’s about shaping hearts, minds and lives for Christ,” filiated with any one church or denomination. The staff and Gebbink says. “The mission is to teach them what Jesus calls 245 students represent about 55 area churches. us to do, which is to love the world and serve the people in it.” Those in attendance can meet Dr. Nile Finney, the Popejoy adds, “When you see the world through a life new principal and director of enrollment management at rooted in your faith, it really affects how you choose to live the school. Finney joins Faith Christian with a strong backyour life and treat others. We want our students to understand ground in curriculum development and education at all levtheir God-given gifts and how they can serve those in need els. He earned his Doctor of Education degree from National around the world.” ❚ University, most recently serving as vice principal at Skyline Tickets to attend the event are available at faithchristianHigh School in Mesa, Ariz. school.org. Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Lakeside

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Outdoor Living

For Durable Furniture, Seek Poly Lumber By Chris Linden, executive editor

oly lumber furniture is one of the hottest trends in outdoor living, and for good reason. “It’s not going to degrade, it’s not going to decompose, it’s not going to fade, it’s not going to crack, it’s not going to get splits,” says Jeff Brown, owner of Fire & Feast outdoor products. “It’s about as close to maintenance-free as outdoor furniture can get.” So, what exactly is poly lumber? Think of it like lumber, but it’s a longlasting material made from high-density polyethylene, a good portion of it from recycled materials like milk jugs. In Brown’s hands, poly lumber is a highly customizable material. He sets himself apart from big-box producers in one critical way: These aren’t mass produced. Every piece is made to order for decks, patios, fire pits and docks. The result is a collection of Adirondack chairs, gliders, dining tables,

chaise lounges and accents that can meet most any need. These pieces come in many colors and can even incorporate a tribute to your favorite sports teams. “We can tailor it to the individual user,” says Brown, a former teacher who started the business in 2016. “Sometimes, you might want some smaller chairs Outdoor furniture by Fire & Feast is made from durable polylumber that won’t rot, chip or fade. or something that isn’t quite as in winter are typically ready for the deep. To the naked eye you wouldn’t first good day of spring. He offers free notice the difference, but they sit a litdelivery anywhere between Madison, tle differently, and we want you to feel Milwaukee and Chicago. comfortable if you’re sitting around the “We encourage people to come to fire pit roasting marshmallows or enour showroom, put themselves in a seat joying a sunset from the dock.” and tell us what they need,” says Brown. Before rushing out to get your own “This is a product we can modify and furniture, it’s smart to plan ahead, says tweak so you get just the right fit.” ❚ Brown. Orders pile up quickly in the To learn more about Fire and summer, and although he carries sevFeast products, call (847) 478-3313 or eral stock items, custom orders might visit thefireandfeast.com. take a couple of weeks. Orders placed

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Your Health

The Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

There are many sexual medications available today, and most are safe, says Dr. Hariharan Ganapathi of Mercyhealth, but testosterone supplements should be taken with caution.

By Stephanie N. Grimoldby

exual health is a topic men tend to avoid, but the inability to have a full erection is surprisingly common. “It can be difficult to determine exactly what is causing a man to have erectile dysfunction (ED), but most commonly it’s either related to mood and stress or cardiovascular health,” says Dr. Jake Hamaker of Beloit Health System. “Signals released from properly functioning blood vessels initiate an erection, so a lot of times with ED, the first step is to take a close look at the cardiovascular system.” If the blood vessels are working right – often indicated by involuntary erections during the night or upon waking in the morning – then it’s more likely that mood and stress are causing the issue, Hamaker says. Sometimes, it could simply be low hormone levels, adds Dr. Hariharan Ganapathi, chief of urology and medical director of urologic oncology and robotic surgery at Mercyhealth. But it’s always important to check hormone levels before a man starts taking testosterone. “We see many men start on testosterone hoping to help their sexual function,” he says. “That’s not good a good idea without proper medical supervision. Testosterone therapy can increase red blood cell Dr. Jake Hamaker counts and may increase the

risk of complications in some patients. When anybody takes testosterone, their sperm production goes down. When testosterone comes from outside the body, the brain senses it and reduces the body’s own testosterone production. That process is important for sperm production, which is why testosterone therapy can reduce fertility. That’s very commonly misunderstood.” There are a lot of sexual medications available today, and they’re no longer as expensive as they once were, Ganapathi says. These medications are generally safe for most men and don’t increase the risk of heart attacks or other major cardiovascular events in appropriately selected patients. “That’s one of the main questions we get: ‘I heard it’s not good for my heart,’” Ganapathi says. “For most men, these medications are very safe. However, men taking nitrate medications or those with certain unstable cardiac conditions should discuss their situation with their physician before using them. “Young men who are taking testosterone should understand that it can significantly reduce sperm production,” he adds. “If they want to father a child, they should avoid testosterone unless it is prescribed Dr. Hariharan Ganapathi and carefully monitored.” ❚

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On the Water

A Pier That Stays Put Year-Round By Peggy Werner

n Lake Country, the season tends to end on a strict schedule: piers out after Labor Day, boats out soon after and nobody back on the water until Memorial Day. Engineered to stay in the water year-round through ice, wind and shifting water levels, permanent piers ditch the calendar. That’s why they’re a growing segment of business at Summerset Marine Construction, the Whitewater manufacturer behind the Lifetime pier line. Their permanent piers eliminate the twice-yearly install-and-remove cycle, along with the cost and weather delays that often accompany this cycle. “We want people to understand the advantages to having a permanent At Summerset Marine Construction, the furniture doesn’t come off the dock for winter. Piers are built to pier, not only to maximize their time stay, so when ice season ends, the only thing left to do is walk back out. The decking is made from a dense, weatherproof on the water, but also to remove the costs and stress of composite that carries the look of real wood without the seasonal installation and weather delays,” says Alivia Dufay, upkeep, meaning it won’t fade, splinter or warp with age. sales and marketing specialist at Summerset Marine. “Most There’s no sanding, staining or sealing to keep up with; a people put piers and boats in around Memorial Day and take rinse with the hose is the extent of maintenance. them out after Labor Day. Then, they end up on the lawn.” A permanent pier can also carry a permanent boat lift, Summerset’s permanent line comes in two models. The which means a boat can be winterized on the lake instead of All-Seasons pier is built for residential shorelines while the hauled and stored. From there, homeowners can add powered All-Seasons HD is reinforced for deeper water, bigger boats stairs, folding ladders, awnings, kayak racks, benches, cleats, and wave-prone conditions. Both are anchored on steel-frame bumpers and weather-resistant dock boxes. structures set on pilings driven deep into the lakebed. Summerset has designed, built and serviced its piers out of Whitewater since 1990 and now has six engineers who oversee everything from first sketch to installation. The company handles complex general contracting, custom barge manufacturing and professional dredge services while also offering consultations, installation, removal and turnkey solutions for lakefront properties. The operation is building a new, larger headquarters in the Whitewater University Technology Park to better accommodate its manufacturing footprint. The new facility is expected to open late this year or early 2027, Dufay says. “One customer described having a permanent pier as a “life changer,” being able to get together with the family more often and have a glass of wine on the pier when others have put everything away for the season,” she adds. ❚ Summerset Marine Construction is located at W3128 Wis. Hwy. 59, in Whitewater, with additional locations in Door County, Green Lake and Madison. To speak with a member of their team today, call (800) 816-9698 or visit Summerset Marine’s new Whitewater headquarters will more than double the company’s manufacturing space late this year or early 2027. summersetmarine.com. Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Lakeside

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Your Fun 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) 248-0505, lakegenevamagic.com.

Entertainment & Events

Harvest Fest @ The Elegant Farmer Thru Oct. 25, Saturdays & Sundays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Pick your own apples, shop the farm market, conquer a corn maze, and enjoy hayrides, train rides and pony rides. Elegant Farmer, 1545 Main St., Hwy. ES & J, Mukwonago, elegantfarmer.com/harvest-festival. Lake Geneva Farmers’ Market Thru Oct. 29, Thursdays 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Farmers, artisans, craftsmen and vendors sell 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. Trains depart hourly. East Troy Railroad Museum, 2002 Church St., East Troy, easttroyrr.org. ‘Come From Away’ Sept. 10-Oct. 25, seven shows weekly, see website for times. This Tony Award-winning musical was born out of the tragedy of September 11, 2001. What started as an average morning in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland turned into an international sleepover when 7,000 people from around the globe were diverted to their airstrip. Fireside Dinner Theater, 1131 Janesville Ave., Fort Atkinson, firesidetheatre.com. Monroe Cheese Days Sept. 18-20, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. This biennial

Royal Oak Farm Apple Orchard celebrates fall with U-Pick apples, an apple tree maze, fall treats, a petting zoo, mini golf and more.

Wisconsin festival celebrates Monroe’s Swiss heritage with cheese sampling, Swiss music and dancing, a yodeling contest, alp horn performances, a parade, ethnic food, craft vendors and family activities. Downtown Monroe, cheesedays.com. AppleFest Sept. 19-Oct. 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Celebrate fall with U-Pick apples, a one-of-a-kind apple tree maze, fall treats, hearty meals, a playground and petting zoo, Pick ‘N Putt mini golf, rides for kids (weekends only), scenic orchard tours (weekends only) and more. Royal Oak Farm Apple Orchard, 15908 Hebron Road, Harvard, royaloak.farm/events. Oktoberfest at The Abbey Resort Sept. 26-27, 10 a.m. daily. Join a celebration

of German food, beer and music. Enjoy live music from Alpine Blast and Big Al Wetzel while indulging in spaetzle, schnitzel and German sausages. The Abbey Resort, 269 Fontana Blvd, Fontana, visitlakegeneva.com. Antique & Classic Boat Show Sept. 26-27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. The show brings together the finest boats from collectors across the country. Many of these vessels are rarely seen outside private collections, making the show a unique opportunity to experience an impressive display of boating history, craftsmanship and design. The Abbey Resort, 269 Fontana Blvd, Fontana, genevalakesboatshow.com. Elkhorn Antique Flea Market Sept. 27, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Discover a vast array of unique and timeless treasures, with more than 550 indoor and outdoor antique and vintage dealers showcasing their finest offerings. Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn, elkhornantiquefleamarket.com. ‘Heart of Rock and Roll’ Oct. 2, 7 p.m. Celebrate the electrifying music of Hughie Lewis and the News with hits like “Hip to Be Square,” “Back in Time,” “Happy to be Stuck with You” and “The Power of Love.” Belfry Music Theatre, 3601 Wis. Rt. 67, Delavan, belfrymusictheatre.com.

The Abbey Resort’s Antique & Classic Boat Show brings the finest boats together Sept. 26-27.

Smart Living Lakeside

September 2026

To advertise call 262-467-3228

Elkhorn Holiday Craft Bash Oct. 3, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. More than 300 booths selling holiday crafts await. Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn, walworthcountyfairgrounds.com. ❚

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Lakeside

September 2026

Smart Living Lakeside

September 2026

To advertise call 262-467-3228

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Lakeside

May 2026

Smart Living Lakeside

May 2026

To advertise call 262-467-3228