FALL FUN INTO
AUTUMN-WINTER ACTIVITY GUIDE 2021
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Assisi Homes of Kenosha BEAUTIFUL ONE BEDROOM APARTMENTS
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Tel: (262) 551-9821 Fax: (262) 551-9843 TTY Relay Center 1860 - 27th Avenue • Kenosha, WI
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St. Charles 62nd Fall Festival September 25th & 26th 2021 We’re back - LIVE!!! Saturday, Sept. 25th: • The fun begins Saturday, Sept. 25th, 6:00 - 10:30 under the beer tent! • “The Gravity of Youth” will kick off the festival with live music (7:00 10:30). AMAZING band playing favorites from REO Speedwagon to Beatles to Coldplay. (Featured at The Waterfront and LG Cruise line!) • Food trucks on hand to satisfy your appetite. Wine and spirits available for purchase to quench your thirst! • Raffles and prizes throughout the night! Don’t miss it!!!
for Every Occasion...
Sunday, Sept. 26th:
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ROYAL TREAT 50¢ OFF ANY ROYAL TREAT WITH THIS COUPON
Throughout weekend: • Our famous Auto & Cash Raffle (1 in 32 WIN) tickets available until SOLD OUT. GRAND PRIZE $16,500 towards NEW vehicle or $15,000 cash. 1250 tickets sold, $50.00 each. 39 cash prizes. Call 262-763-2260 for tickets. • Online silent auction starting Wednesday, Sept. 22nd. • Register at scfallfest@givesmart.com to bid and view items. • $1.00 Sweepstakes Tickets Available, 6 for $5! Check website for details: https://www.mystcharles.org.
Limit one Royal Treat Offer good at Burlington Dairy Queen Offer good through September 30, 2021
Burlington Dairy Queen 324 S. Pine St., Burlington • 763-9385
401938
FUN GUIDE - FALL 2021
• SUNDAY, SEPT. 26th will feature our FABULOUS TURKEY DINNER, served 11:00 - 4:00. $12.00 per carryout container (only option due to Covid), limited seating available in dining room and outside. • Hispanic Community food tent also available. • Games and outdoor fun for the kids! • Music provided by “Twin Rivers Band”, 2:00 - 5:45, under the beer tent!
For more information or to purchase raffle tickets, call Mary @262-206-5569 or Parish office @262-763-2260 or visit www.mystcharles.org. 401482
Fun Guide
By Tracy Ouellette EDITOR
The temperatures might be cooling, but Wisconsinites are hardy and the outdoor activities continue through the fall and winter, providing adventure and fun. With the miles of hiking and bike trails throughout the Southern Lakes Area, families can enjoy the autumn splendor while getting in some exercise. September brings the fall harvest and the local apple orchards are open for businesses. Take a trip out and stock up on
locally grown fruits and vegetables. The pumpkin harvest begins in October and you don’t have to travel far to find a pumpkin patch. Kids love picking out their own pumpkins and some of the area pumpkin farms offer corn mazes, food and other activities. Make it a day on the farm this fall. Listings of the local apple orchards and pumpkin farms can be found on Page 5. Fall festivals are also popular in the area, with Oktoberfest celebrations, fall fun and plenty of food and, of course, beer.
STOCK PHOTO
Enjoy the great outdoors this fall and winter Before you know it, the winter sports season will be here and it’s time to break out the snowboards and skis. The area hosts several ski hills; see Page 12 for a listing. From skiing and snowboarding to snowmobiling to ice skating, there’s always something to do when the snow flies. We’re gathered some of the area’s attractions in this guide for you, so check out the area’s offerings and start making plans!
2021 FALL Fun Guide 1102 Ann St., Delavan, WI 53115 • (262) 728-3411
Editor in Chief: Ed Nadolski Special Sections Editor: Tracy Ouellette Creative Director: Heidi Schulz Advertising Director: Vicki Vanderwerff Page Design: Jen DeGroot
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FUN GUIDE - FALL 2021
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Ripe and ready
FUN GUIDE - FALL 2021
A FEW APPLE-PICKING POINTERS
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Apple picking is a beloved autumn tradition. While many traditions had to be put on the back burner as the world dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic, apple picking seems like one activity that can endure in a world dominated by social distancing. Apple picking season tends to begin in mid- to late-September and ends sometime in early October. That makes apple picking a perfect social distancing activity, as it’s both outdoors and at a time of year when the weather is generally pleasant no matter where you live. Individuals interested in apple picking this fall can take heed of these tips to ensure their trip is fun, safe and successful.
so call ahead to learn about new protocols and if the operating hours are the same. If the farm is open several days per week, ask which days are the least busy and schedule your trip when foot traffic figures to be minimal.
Contact the farm in advance Apple picking is a wildly popular activity, so expect a crowd to be there on a typical autumn weekend. That can be tricky to navigate while social distancing,
Gently place picked apples into your basket Pickyourown.org recommends gently placing apples into your basket after picking them. Tossing them into the basket
Choose firm apples without bruises According to Pickyourown.org, apples should be crisp and firm. Don’t worry about the color of the apple, as color is not an indicator of ripeness. Instead, Pickyourown.org advises people to ask the farmers which apples are ripe, which is determined by how long it’s been since the trees flowered.
may cause bruising, which can lead to the apples spoiling prematurely. While it depends on the variety, many apples that are not bruised tend to last a long time, especially when stored in a cool place. So taking care of them when picking them can mean you get to enjoy apples for several weeks. Clean apples before eating them The Food and Drug Administration notes that produce can be contaminated even after it’s been picked and brought home. The FDA advises consumers to wash their hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap before and after preparing fresh produce. Produce should be rinsed before it’s peeled so any lingering dirt and bacteria are not transferred from the knife onto the fruit or vegetable. If bruising has occurred, cut away the damaged or bruised areas before preparing or eating it.
Apple picking is a beloved autumn tradition that can be even more fun when employing a few strategies designed to make it more safe and fruitful. STOCK PHOTO Fun Guide
(METRO CREATIVE)
Pick your own apples and pumpkins RACINE COUNTY Apple Holler 5006 S. Sylvania Avenue Sturtevant • (262) 886-8500 Apples, pumpkin patch, hayrides, corn maze and more. Bear Den Petting Zoo & Farm 6831 Big Bend Road (Highway 164) Waterford • (262) 895-6430 Tour exotic farm and wildlife animals, take a hayride to the pumpkin patch, and see the farm decorated at its Halloween best. Hayrides, pumpkins, pony rides, haunted woods. Borzynski’s Farm & Floral Market 11600 Washington Ave. (Highway 20)
Racine • (262) 886-2235 Eight-acre Corn Maze, Hay rides, Pick your own pumpkin, petting zoo, Child’s play area, make your own caramel apple, birthday parties, school tours, corporate outings, Corn stocks, pumpkins, fresh produce, deli, bakery, gift ware, and much, much more. Open all year around.
Green Meadows Petting Farm 33603 High Dr. (Highway 20) Waterford • (262) 534-2891 Pumpkin patch and fun family activities. Jacobson Orchards 25911 Malchine Road Waterford • (414) 303-6083 Apple orchard with more than 2,000 trees and bakery. Lange’s Country Market 24840 W. Loomis Road Wind Lake • (262) 895-2339 Swan’s Pumpkin Farm 5930 Highway H Franksville • (262) 835-4885 During October, the celebration of Harvest Time spreads over a large area at
Swan’s Pumpkin Farm. Visitors of all ages are welcome, with something for everyone. The entire yard is filled with thousands of pumpkins of all sizes for carving and cooking. WALWORTH COUNTY
Apple Barn Orchard and Winery W. 6384 Sugar Creek Road Elkhorn • (262) 728-3266 Open in September and October, the Apple Barn is a unique country store housed in a remodeled barn. There is a variety of fresh-picked and pick-your-own apples, apple pies, apple cider, cider donuts, caramel apples and pumpkins. In the fall, take a walk through the tree maze or ride the tractor-train through the orchard. Bower’s Produce W490 Highway 20 East Troy • (262) 642-5244 Family owned 180-acre vegetable farm locally famous for their Super SweetCorn. Pumpkins small to extra large. Fresh• CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
left: Visitors pick apples last year at Jacobson Orchards, 25911 Malchine Road in Waterford. The orchard is open for the season. For more information, visit jacobsonorchards.com. right: Seven-month-old Isla Myrick, of Franklin, enjoys her first trip to the orchard last year with parents Tyler and Brooke. MAUREEN VANDER SANDEN Fun Guide
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Southeastern Wisconsin offers many pumpkin farms and apple orchards to enjoy in the fall. Many outlets hold weekend harvest specials and events for the whole family. With the COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing, we recommend checking the hours of operation at the farm you want to visit.
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PICK YOUR OWN pressed Apple Cider, caramel apples, Indian corn and gourds. Beautiful fall decorations including hearty mums Large variety of apples. Hafs Road Orchard W. 632 Hafs Road Genoa City • (262) 279-3638 Grows 50 varieties of apples, specialize in Honeycrisp, along with pumpkins and gourds. No pick your own. WAUKESHA COUNTY Basse’s Country Delight S70 W16050 Janesville Road Muskego • (262) 422-0315 Sweet corn, apples, pumpkins and petting zoo. Schuett Farms W299 S6370 Highway 83 Mukwonago • (262) 968-4348 Pumpkins, cornstalks bundles, straw, Indian corn, squash, gourds and many other fall decorations. Corn maze, pick-your-own pumpkin patch and hayrides on the weekends.
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The Elegant Farmer 1545 Main St. (Highway ES) Mukwonago • (262) 363-6770 Hayrides to pick apples, pumpkins & squash. Make your own caramel apples. Cider baked ham. Farm kitchen deli and bakery. KENOSHA COUNTY Brightonwood’s Orchard 1072 288th Avenue Burlington • (262) 878-3000 Apples, pumpkins, squash and gourds, home-made apple cider (unpasteurized, but cultured), asters, mums, caramel apples, apple-related kitchen items, jellies, jams. foods. Pumpkins, straw, cornstalks, colorful gourds and indian corn. Oriole Springs Orchard 35032 128th Street Twin Lakes • (262) 877-2436 Pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, homemade donuts and apple cider.
Jennifer Dix directs families to the varieties of apples ready for picking last year at Jacobson Orchard in Waterford. Early varieties available include zester, ginger gold and wealthy. MAUREEN VANDER SANDEN Fun Guide
ww
262-473-4900 • Open Family Swim • Land and Water Fitness Classes • Swim Lessons
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Please check our website for up to date information and our COVID-19 protocols Visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whitewateraquaticfitnesscenter
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FUN GUIDE - FALL 2021
FACILITY HOURS Monday-Friday 6:00 am-9:00 pm Saturday 7:00 am - 2:00 pm
See our website for info on Family Open Swim
www.whitewaterafc.com
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interactive experience
“This started out as a small mom-andpop thing and it just grew from there,” she continued. “The kids and I worked on it all day long and Tom, who worked at the railroad, would come home and help with By Tracy Ouellette the chores and the building. We just wanted STAFF WRITER to create something nice and clean and fun For nearly 40 years, the Rausch family to spend time with your family.” in Waterford has welcomed the public onto Yes, the Bear Den still has bears along their farm to enjoy the animals at the Bear with a slew of other animals, including Den Zoo and Petting Farm. The farm has kangaroos, lemurs, capybaras, peacocks, exotic, farm and wildlife animals on display turtles, deer, bobcats, farm animals and along with interactive family friendly much more. activities. “We had a tiger at one point, but we had Susan and Thomas Rausch bought the to put her down when she was about 25 farm back in 1985 and opened the familyyears old,” Susan said. “She had a long, run business shortly after. Their son, Matt good life with us here.” Rausch, has taken over the day-to-day The farm/zoo is licensed with the operations of running the farm/zoo, but Wisconsin Department of Natural Susan and Thomas are still there helping Resources and the United States out on a daily basis. Department of Agriculture, Susan said. “When we bought this land we had a few “Everything is inspected and approved animals from where we used to rent, but on a regular basis,” she said. we decided we wanted more exotic animals The farm opened on Mother’s Day when we moved here,” Susan recalled. weekend, which is their usual opening “Our youngest son was gifted a bear before weekend. he was even born and from there, each year “Last year, because of COVID, we didn’t we got something new. We added wildlife open until June, but we still had a pretty and farm animals to the exotic ones over good year, even with the pandemic,” Susan the years, too. said. “People were looking for safe, outdoor
Bear Den Zoo has farm stock and exotic animals
activities for their families, so we saw pretty good crowds.” This year has been looking like it will be pretty close to normal, Susan said. “We have new things every year – we’re always expanding – so even if you came out last year, there’s new things to see and do this year,” she said. The farm offers walk-thru tours, hayrides (weather permitting), petting zoo, picnic tables for a bring-your-own lunch and room to play. Education on conservation and preservation is one of the focuses on the farm and families and groups can learn about the animals housed at the facility. “We raise many of these animals ourselves, so we love to talk about them. The exotic babies I start in the house, I have a baby kangaroo right now and a lemur, they’re in diapers in the house but they go out during the day when the people are here. I have been changing a lot of diapers this year, though,” Susan said with a laugh. The Bear Den is open Wednesday through Sunday and admission is $10 per person, kids younger than 1 are admitted free. • CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
The Bear Den and Petting Farm in Waterford offers interactive activities along with education on conservation and preservation. The farm, which has been around since 1985, has exotic, farm and wildlife animals.
FUN GUIDE - FALL 2021
AN
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BEAR DEN Fun Guide
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BEAR DEN ZOO
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Admission includes entry to the zoo, a hayride through the woods (weather permitting), children’s play area and baby animal petting areas. Fall on the farm The Bear Den offers an autumn destination for families. Visitors can enjoy a hayride through the changing trees, pumpkin patch, hot apple cider or hot chocolate and fall favorites like caramel apples. Pumpkins start at $3 for basketball size or smaller. The Bear Den Zoo and Petting Farm is at 6831 Big Bend Road (Highway 164) Waterford. For more information, visit www. beardenzoo.com and find it on Facebook.
Fall fun abounds at the Bear Den and Petting Farm in Waterford. With hayrides, a pumpkin patch, photo stations (pictured) and more, the farm is a great place to spend an autumn day.
FUN GUIDE - FALL 2021
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BEAR DEN Fun Guide
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Safari Lake Geneva has a mission DRIVE-THRU PARK IS DEDICATED TO ANIMAL PRESERVATION
STAFF WRITER
“Jungle” Jay Christie seemed to always possess an affinity for animals. “I have been in zoos since I was very small, in fact, zoo was the first word I ever learned how to read,” Christie said. With his love of animals, as well as early exposure to zoos, it was only fitting for Christie to enter the zoological field. But he wanted more, and decided to open Safari Lake Geneva in 2016, which offers visitors an experience unlike a zoo or theme park would. Safari Lake Geneva, a conservation park, allows animals to interact with other animals oftentimes in herds much like they would in their ancestral homelands. “I wanted the animals to roam the entire property, which is the opposite of the normal zoo,” he said. “The animals have much more space to express their natural behaviors. There are dozens of different animals roaming
harmoniously.” Christie said Safari Lake Geneva carries a distinct mission. The goal, he said, is to create a refuge for the world’s diminishing breeds allowing animals to explore multiple acres and confining people to “cages,” specifically their cars. “It is a conservation park, meaning that it was established with its primary mission being to halt extinction of animals in the wild,” he said. Additionally, according to Christie, the park opened to raise awareness and educate visitors on each animal on the safari. “We do that by providing what I would call an interactive experience,” said Christie, a licensed exhibitor through the United States Department of Agriculture. “We are committed to education and also conservation, so a certain percentage of proceeds here go to save animals.” Animals on the safari include, but are not limited to, alpacas, Arabian camels,
Bactrian camels, Brahman cattle, emus, Grant’s Zebras, water buffalo, llamas, a miniature mule, ostrich, plains bison, yak and, most recently, two giraffes. Typically, Christie acquires animals in multiple categories, ranging from rescues, loans from other institutions and donations. Most, if not all, of the animals at Safari Lake Geneva were born in the United States. Safari Lake Geneva, about five miles from downtown Lake Geneva, encompasses 75 total acres. Currently, the safari takes up about 33% of the total acreage, with room for future expansion.
A safari first
The safari adventure park most recently acquisition of giraffes was done as a way to highlight the alarming decline in giraffe populations across Africa, according to • CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
Intern Ellie Fix (far right) feeds one of two giraffes at Safari Lake Geneva as park ranger Drew Lindner watches. JASON ARNDT Fun Guide
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By Jason Arndt
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SAFARI
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Safari staff. Maggie Madden, the park’s director of science and education, said in a news release having giraffes at the safari is a privilege and she believes the newest additions will raise awareness of the animals’ plight. “It’s such a privilege to be able to share these amazing animals with our guests. Wild giraffes have suffered a 40% reduction in their population in the past three decades,” Madden said. “Visitors to the conservation park will not only get to learn about the importance of giraffes to the ecology of the African savanna, but their visit also directly supports the conservation of giraffes in the wild. Not to mention it’s quite humbling to see one so close to you.” Christie has experience with the world’s tallest land animal dating back to 1990 and developed the first interactive giraffe exhibit in Wisconsin at the Racine Zoo almost 20 years ago.
“Since that time, a number of zoos have added interactive public giraffe feeding experiences,” Christie said in a news release. Christie, however, went one step further and allows guests to view the animals as part of their drive-thru experience. The giraffes are both male and younger than 2 years old. Guests, meanwhile, can feed the pair for a nominal fee.
Animal care
The animals are cared for every single day of the year by qualified and experienced staff, according to Christie. Christie added the safari has partnerships with local and state veterinarians for additional care and support. “We also have access to a team of veterinarians 24/7, specifically Elkhorn Veterinary Clinic, (where) there is some expertise in both small and large animals,”
he said. “We have occasionally taken cases all of the way to the veterinary school in Madison.”
Guest experience
Safari Lake Geneva requires online reservations to visit the conservation park. Christie states the requirement mitigates long lines allowing guests a better experience on the property. Safari Lake Geneva, W1612 Litchfield Road, Lake Geneva operates 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily from May 1 through Oct. 31. The cost of tickets is $19.95 per adult, $12.95 for children and infants are admitted free of charge. Christie, who said guests can drive through multiple times, encourages visitors to budget up to two hours for an ideal experience. For more information, including how to purchase tickets, visit safarilakegeneva. com.
Safari Lake Geneva founder Jay Christie receives a visit from a camel, one of many animals at the conservation park during a trail tour. JASON ARNDT Fun Guide
Skiing safety tips to keep in mind
Responsibility code
• Always stay in control. • People ahead of you have the right of way. • Stop in a safe place for you and others. • Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield. • Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment. • Observe signs and warnings, and keep off closed trails. • Know how to use the lifts safely.
Other safety tips
The National Ski Areas Association suggests prior to hitting the slopes, skiers should: • Get in shape. Don’t try to ski yourself into shape. You’ll enjoy skiing more if you’re physically fit. • Obtain proper equipment. Be sure to have your ski or snowboard bindings adjusted correctly at a local ski shop. You can rent good ski or snowboarding equipment at resorts. • When buying skiwear, look for fabric that is water and wind-resistant. Look for wind flaps to shield zippers, snug cuffs at wrists and ankles, collars that can be snuggled up to the chin and drawstrings that can be adjusted for comfort and keep wind out. Be sure to buy quality clothing and products. • Dress in layers. Layering allows you to accommodate your body’s constantly changing temperature. For example, dress • CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
Taking a ski class is one of the best ways to stay safe on the slopes this winter. STOCK PHOTO Fun Guide
FUN GUIDE - FALL 2021
Skiing can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas you may see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country and other specialized ski equipment, such as that used by disabled or other skiers. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Observe the code listed below and share with other skiers the responsibility for a great skiing experience.
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Area ski resorts Alpine Valley Resort
W2501 Highway D East Troy (262) 642-7374 (800) 227-9395 www.alpinevalleyresort.com Alpine features 20 slopes that range from beginner to expert mogul runs with 388 feet of vertical skiing. The hill also includes the Mohawk Terrain Park, which offers snowboarders and freestyle skiers a variety of rails, boxes and snow features.
Big Foot State Park
1550 S. Lake Shore Drive Lake Geneva Cross country skiing and snowshoeing allowed. Bring own equipment. Vehicle admission sticker is required.
Duck Pond Recreation Area Wild Duck Road
Fontana (262) 275-6136 Cross country skiing allowed on the trails. Bring own skis; weather permitting.
Geneva National
1221 Geneva National Ave. South Lake Geneva (262) 245-7000 Complimentary ski rental available to Geneva National Resort guests. Register for equipment in Geneva National Golf Club’s Pro Shop, call (262) 245.7000, Press 1.
Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit
S91 W39091 Highway 59 Eagle (262) 594-6200 The Nordic, McMiller, and Scuppernong trails are open for skiing when there is enough snow. A state trail
SAXONY MANOR BEAUTIFUL ONE BEDROOM APARTMENTS
• Rent based on 30% of income • On site resident services coordinator • Serving 62 & older • Heat, electric & water included in rent
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• Laundry Facilities • Outdoor Patio • 24 Hour Emergency Maintenance • Community Room For Clubs, Social Activities & Recreation • Intercom Access Into Building Hours of operation: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Tel: (262) 551-9005 • TTY 1-800-947-35293
1850 22nd Avenue Kenosha, WI
401934
FUN GUIDE - FALL 2021
NG ACCEPTI TIONS APPLICA
pass is required for skiers 16 years of age and older.
Rock Snow Parks
7900 Crystal Ridge Road Franklin (414) 529-7676 www.rockcomplex.com Skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing.
The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva Resort 7036 Grand Geneva Way Lake Geneva (800) 558-3417 www.grandgeneva.com Downhill skiing, snowboarding and 10
kilometers of trails for a cross country skiing or snow shoeing.
White River County Park
6503 Sheridan Springs Road Lake Geneva (262) 741-3114 Cross country skiing and snow shoeing.
Wilmot Mountain Ski Resort
11931 Fox River Rd Wilmot (262) 862-2301 www.wilmotmountain.com Varied terrain for all skiers and snowboarders on 25 runs.
SKIING SAFETY TIPS • CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11
in polypropylene underwear (top and bottoms), which feels good next to the skin, dries quickly, absorbs sweat and keeps you warm. Wear a turtleneck, sweater and jacket. • Be prepared. Mother Nature has a mind of her own. Bring a headband or hat with you to the slopes, 60 percent of heat-loss is through the head. Wear gloves or mittens (mittens are usually better for those susceptible to cold hands). • Wear sun protection. The sun reflects off the snow and is stronger than you think, even on cloudy days! • Always wear eye protection. Have sunglasses and goggles with you. Skiing and snowboarding are a lot more fun when you can see. And while on the slopes, the NSAA suggests skiers: • Take a lesson. Like anything, you’ll improve the most when you receive some guidance. The best way to become a good skier or snowboarder is to take a lesson from a qualified instructor. • The key to successful skiing/snowboarding is control. To have it, you must be aware of your technique, the terrain and the skiers/snowboarders around you. Be aware of the snow conditions and how they
can change. As conditions turn firm, the skiing gets hard and fast. Begin a run slowly. • Skiing and snowboarding require a mental and physical presence. • If you find yourself on a slope that exceeds your ability level, always leave your skis/ snowboard on and side step down the slope. • The all-important warm-up run prepares you mentally and physically for the day ahead. • Drink plenty of water. Be careful not to become dehydrated. • Curb alcohol consumption. Skiing and snowboarding do not mix well with alcohol or drugs. • Know your limits. Learn to ski and snowboard smoothlyand in control. Stop before you become fatigued and, most of all have fun. • If you’re tired, stop skiing. In this day and age of multipassenger gondolas and highspeed chairlifts, you can get a lot more time on the slopes compared to the days of the past when guests were limited to fixed grip chairlifts. • Follow the “Your Responsibility Code,” the seven safety rules of the slopes: For more information, visit ww.nsaa.org.
Stay safe Sled on your
Snowmobiling can be an exhilarating experience and a fun past time for the winter season, but it can also be very dangerous if the proper safety precautions are not taken. To help keep you safe, we’ve compiled a list of important snowmobile safety tips.
Take a snowmobile safety course
Many states require a snowmobile certificate and each state has its own rules and regulations. A snowmobile safety course will instruct you on how to ride safely and responsibly and teach you the rules. It is especially essential for first time drivers or riders. You will learn riding techniques to help you operate the snowmobile and avoid hazards
Wear appropriate clothes, gear
Staying warm and dry during your ride will make it more enjoyable and safer.
Wear a snowmobile suit, which commonly consists of a jacket and insulated bibs. Under your snowmobile suit, dress in layers. Stay away from cotton because if it gets wet, it will freeze. Choose polyester blends to wick moisture away from your body. In addition, wear goggles or a face shield if you do not have a full-face helmet, socks (no cotton), waterproof gloves, winter hat, facemask and winter boots. Always wear a DOT-approved helmet, not only to keep you warm but to also protect your head from injury. Make sure children have a helmet that properly fits.
Check forecast, trail conditions
It is always a good idea to check the weather and trail conditions to plan ahead. If the trail is frozen, the wind chill is too low, or a blizzard with white out conditions is in the forecast, you will want to plan your ride for another day. Checking the weather also helps you select the proper clothing for the day.
Inspect your snowmobile
Make sure your snowmobile is running
properly before heading out on the trail. Having your owner’s manual handy on your ride is a good idea for extra safety. It is important to follow the recommended service schedule to keep it maintained and running smoothly. Before each ride, check fuel and oil levels, battery, brakes, drive belt, skis, throttle, handlebars, headlights and taillights. Also, make sure you allow your snowmobile time to run for at least a minute to warm up before taking off.
Bring a buddy
Riding with a friend or in a group is fun and also safer, especially on trails you have never taken before. Someone else can help you if your snowmobile breaks down or if you get into an accident. It is also recommended to tell a friend or family member your plans and route for your ride in case you do get stranded. Keep in mind that cell phones don’t always work in remote areas. • CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
Dressing appropriately when snowmobiling out on the trails will keep you warm and comfortable. Choose polyester blends to keep moisture away from you skin and make sure to check the weather conditions before heading out. STOCK PHOTO Fun Guide
FUN GUIDE - FALL 2021
Snowmobile safety tips to keep in mind
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SNOWMOBILE SAFETY
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Be prepared
Keep a basic first-aid kit in the snowmobile in case of injury. It should include: disinfecting wipes, bandages, hand sanitizer, gauze, adhesive tape and Band-Aids. In addition, carry an emergency kit with waterproof matches, flashlight, compass, map, blanket, water, snacks and a knife. A repair kit is also essential and should include: duct tape, tools, spare belt, tow rope, spark plugs and pry bar.
Stay alert
It is important to be observant and watch for obstacles in your path, such as rocks, fallen trees, barbed wire fences, ditches, open water, other snowmobiles, snow banks, animals, hikers and skiers.
Avoid frozen rivers
It is impossible to gauge the thickness of ice. Ice can easily crack and give way under your snowmobile.
Do not speed
Driving at a moderate pace will allow you to react to an unexpected occurrence on your trail and avoid an accident. Many trails have posted speed limits to follow.
Stay on the trail
Marked trails are safer because they have been groomed for you and are less likely to have hazards. Going off trail can result in accidents because you are treading on unfamiliar terrain. Also, many “public” trails run close to private property. Unless you have received permission from the landowner, stay on the marked trail. Failure to do so can also result in the trail being closed to the public in the future. Be a responsible rider by following the posted signs and trail markers.
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Age appropriate activity
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It is also strongly recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics that children under the age of 16 do not operate a snowmobile. The reason for this is because they may lack the skills needed to safely operate the vehicle and due to their stature can be easily injured. Children younger than 6 should never ride as a passenger according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The snowmobile can ride rough and it takes a strong person to hold on tight, especially for long periods of time. Children younger than six lack this strength.
Do not overload your snowmobile
Make sure you check your manufacturer’s guide for the approved
Snowmobiling in a group or with a buddy is one of the safety guidelines riders should follow. STOCK PHOTO Fun Guide
number of passengers and also the amount of weight it can carry. Exceeding these maximums either from an additional passenger or heavy gear can increase your chances of accidents and injuries.
Never drink and drive
Just like driving a car, operating a snowmobile while impaired can lead to delayed responses and cause accidents.
Do not pull anything
Snowmobiles are not designed to pull
sleds, skiers or saucers and it is very unsafe to do so. We hope these snowmobile safety tips lead to a fun and safe riding experience. For further protection, your snowmobile needs insurance coverage that’s different from what your auto or homeowners insurance can provide. That’s why Markel offers specialized snowmobile insurance coverage tailored to meet your unique needs. For more information, visit markelinsurance.com.
SERVICE DIRECTORY FALL 2021 BOAT REPAIR
FUNERAL
SPORT CENTER, INC.
Strang Funeral Home Of Antioch
4016 Crystal Lake Road • McHenry Sales (815) 385-4848 • Service (815) 675-2733
K9 KASTLE
PET RESORT
Licensed in Wisconsin & Illinois
Largest Selection of In-Stock Carpet and Luxury Vinyl Flooring in Southeastern Wisconsin! • Carpet • Hardwood • Vinyl • Ceramic • Blinds & Shades • Luxury Vinyl Tile & Planks
Dave Moore, Dan Dugenske, Directors 1055 S. Main Street, Antioch, IL 847-395-4000 or 800-622-4441 www.strangfh.com 316579
LIBRARY
24615 89th St. Salem, WI 53168 (262) 843-3348
110 S. Lake Ave. Twin Lakes, WI 53181 (262) 877-4281 324127
EVERGREEN ACRES CHRISTMAS TREE FARM, LLC Wreaths & Garland Available!
Open 9-4:30 Daily starting Nov. 26th
N9171 Nelson Road East Troy
20 miles west of Lake Geneva on Highway 67
Carmel House APARTMENTS 2815 Elisha Avenue Zion, IL 60099
(847) 746-5588 Household head/co-head must be 62+ or disabled for Section 8 eligibility. Subsidy available to reduce rent to 30% of income. Income limits apply. 324123
373777
CHRISTMAS TREES
401483
262-495-4502
401666
FUN GUIDE - FALL 2021
1241 22 Ave. • Kenosha • (262) 883-9494
www.evergreenacresllc.com
815.385.8585 • McHenry gypsyglenk9kastle.com
Live Comfortably • Live Well • Live Here
nd
Checks or Cash Only
STAY • PLAY • SPA
Affordable Senior Housing
www.communitylib.org
n Cut Your Owup or pre-cut to 12 ft.
• Dog Boarding • Animal Acupressure • Natural Products • Dog Day Care • Swim Club
SENIOR APARTMENTS
Family owned & operated for over 20 years
carpetsplusoutlet.com
Ple our gause be est!
Give a Howl 4 Treating Pets Like Royalty Since 1988
324126
CARPET
INTEREST FREE FINANCING
GYPSY GLEN
Serving the area since 1912
Over 50 Years In The Marine Business COMPLETE SALES & SERVICE
www.hustlersport.com
PET SERVICES
15
Dancing Horses Theatre: Open Year Round! Use Promo Ticket Code BDN Price for $5 Off all$35 Tickets Regular Ticket Price $27.50
Wisconsin’s #1 Must See Live Attraction!
401932
Check website for dates and times www.thedancinghorses.com • 262-728-8200 5065 Highway 50, Delavan, WI 53115 401944
AUTHORIZED SALES & SERVICE OF
Made In The U.S.A .
TM
Christmas Performances November - January
and
Check website for dates and times www.thedancinghorses.com
262-728-8200
5065 Highway 50, Delavan, WI 53115
16
LARRY’S TOWING & RECOVERY authorized dealer of wright and redmax
1217 Grant Street, Lake Geneva, WI 53147 262-249-8698
401943
FUN GUIDE - FALL 2021
AUTHORIZE D SALES & SE RVICE OF EGO BATTE RY OPE RATE D EQU I PM E NT