June 2024 Spirit

FONTANA CELEBRATES

100 YEARS

PARTY OUTDOORS WITH A TENT

MEAT, SEAFOOD AT WILSON’S

TO REMEMBER A summer

IT’S COMIN’ UP JUNE EVENTS

(May 31) – June 2 Lake Geneva

Bacon Fest The 4th Annual Lake Geneva Bacon Fest is coming back to Flat Iron Park, 201 Wrigley Dr. for a three-day event. Featuring live music and unique bacon creations all made available for sale from local restaurants and chefs. A portion of the proceeds from all bar sales will benefit the Walworth County Food and Diaper Bank.

Hours are 4 to 10 p.m., Friday, May 31; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, June 1; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, June 2. General tickets will be $15 a person; children 12 and younger are free. For more information, visit baconfestwi.com.

12-15 Food & Wine Festival – Walkaround wine tastings at sunset, farm-fresh foodie menus, culinary & libation stations with verdant views – all can be found at Destination Geneva National’s culinary adventures.

Wednesday, June 12, 6 to 8 p.m.: Old World vs. New World Wine Dinner – Kickoff the festival at the Battle of the Ages.

Thursday, June 13, 6 to 8 p.m.: Pigs & Pinots – The sippy celebration continues with an outdoor barbecue and wine tastings.

Friday, June 14, 4 to 7 p.m.: Caymus & Crafted – Indulge in an exclusive tasting of three exquisite Caymus varietals, each paired with a handcrafted pizza.

Saturday, June 15:

• 10 a.m. to noon: Putts & Bubbles – Sip on premium sparkling wines and champagnes while savoring a selection of gourmet brunch snacks, all while enjoying golf and lake views.

• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Drink Pink! – Dive into the delicate and refreshing world of rosé at our exclusive Drink Pink! event, featuring the renowned portfolio of Château d’Esclans.

• 4 p.m.: Grand Tasting – End your weekend in style with a grand tasting session that features some of the most exceptional wine brands along with a delectable spread of heavy appetizers, carefully chosen to complement and enhance the wine flavors.

Vintners Passport If you’re looking to make the most of the weekend, the Vintner Passport gives access to all five events (excluding the Wednesday night wine dinner), plus receive a commemorative glass and swag-packed welcome bag.

For more information and tickets, visit DestinationGN.com/food-wine-festival.

14 Low Country Boil/ Shrimp Boil –

The Sons of the American Legion Squadron 24 present their very popular Low Country Boil/Shrimp Boil. Come out and enjoy shrimp, sausage, corn, potato from 5 to 8 p.m. All you can eat is $20, kids 6-12, $10; kids 5 and younger, free. American Legion Frank Kresen Post 24 is at 735 Henry St., Lake Geneva.

Market season is here

Lake Geneva Farmer’s Market Held 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays through October in downtown Lake Geneva. Farmers, artisans, craftsmen and vendors offer up some of the area’s very best. Held rain or shine.

Horticultural Hall is at 330 Broad St., Lake Geneva. For more information, visit horticulturalhall.com.

Williams Bay Farmers Market Williams Bay Farmers Market is a unique boutique Friday market, held 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a variety of farmers, makers and bakers with home-grown, hand-made, and home-made foods and goods. All local produce, fresh cooked dishes, baked goods, sweet treats, fresh flowers, hand-made jewelry, handdesigned art and décor, soaps, and gifts.

Edgewater Park is on Geneva Street, Williams Bay. For more information, email williamsbayfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

Market at Tower Park, Delavan Homegrown & hand-crafted items, fresh produce, eggs, baked goods, plants, and more. Join community organizations and neighbors on Thursdays, June 6 to Sept. 19, 3 to 7 p.m.

The market is at Tower Park, between Walworth Avenue and Park Place in historic downtown Delavan. For more information, email info@delavanwi.org.

Saturdays on the Square, Elkhorn This farmers market is on Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Saturday, Aug. 31. It features a variety of fresh produce, crafts, commercial products and more. Vendors set-up on a first come first serve basis with plenty of room for all who attend. Find food trucks and a morning workout on the square and get your weekends started off right!

Held at Veterans Park, 100 W. Walworth St., Elkhorn. For more information, email info@ elkhornchamber.com.

Geneva Outdoor Market – Lake Geneva House of Music presents the Geneva Outdoor Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sundays through October. Celebrating local farmers, producers, food and beverage vendors, and artisans.

Held on the Lake Geneva House of Music festival grounds, N3241 County Trunk H, Lake Geneva. For more information, email chris@ LGHOM.com.

The calendar of events is compiled from a variety of sources including area chambers of commerce and visitor bureaus and contains events available as of press time.

Dates and times may change, and events may be canceled. Please verify details and locations prior to making plans.

HITTING

THE century mark

Village of Fontana celebrating 100 years

by Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT

This year, the village of Fontana on Geneva Lake celebrates 100 years of growth and independence.

While many communities celebrate the 100-year anniversary with one large event to commemorate the milestone, a much larger celebration is planned for Fontana.

“We began looking into how we would celebrate the 100-year anniversary long before this year came about,” said Margaret Reuland, Fontana resident and editor of the book, “Finding Fontana.” “Our plan was to have a variety of community events which would be held not just for one day to celebrate the past 100 years, but a number of events spread throughout the season that would bring people of the community together.”

Many community residents helped with the book. Several families had several generations that lived, started businesses and continue to make Fontana home.

With other like-minded citizens of Fontana, Reuland began work on uncovering more of the history of the community and ways to celebrate with the community. They worked with the library, which had much of the history of the area along with a large number of old photographs it was willing to share.

The residents also attended community events last year, reminding others of the upcoming 100-year celebration in 2024.

In September 2022, village resident Tom Whowell appeared at the Village Board meeting and gave a presentation regarding the upcoming 100-year celebration. He explained that there was a small group of residents from the community already working on the project of celebrating this important day and also compiling a book on the village’s history.

In 2023, the Centennial Committee

published the book – a must read for anyone wanting to learn about this unique community.

Interesting history

Fontana is different in many ways, starting with its official name. While it is mostly known as Fontana, its official name is Fontana-on-Geneva Lake, making it the village among over 415 villages in Wisconsin with the longest name.

Once the home of the indigenous Potawatomi people, under Chief Big Foot, the lake was an area of peace and sacred springs, appreciated by the peaceful Potawatomi until they were forced to leave the area in 1836.

Many purchased land in the area at very low prices when the government held a land auction after the removal of the Potawatomi. A sawmill was built and some of the area was farmed.

Development of Fontana was much different than the development of Lake Geneva. While the wealthy of Chicago

Lake Geneva had the train, first arriving on June 11, 1856, while access to Fontana was very different. With no trains, access was only available in fine weather when one could walk, or arrive by horse or boat. Some of the wealthy residents made their way to the west end of the lake on their steam yachts and recognized the beauty of the west end, but they still could not easily travel onto the lands.

By the 1870s, many middle class families from Illinois –especially from areas like Harvard and Belvidere – made their way to the west end of the lake and purchased land where they created a tent camp. Here, visitors came to enjoy the outdoors and fishing on the lake.

Many of these tented areas were in the area now known as Fontana and while families came to enjoy time at the lake, arriving in the area was still from Lake Geneva by boat as there were no trains to Fontana or to Williams Bay.

The electric trolley line was conceived in 1896 and became a reality in 1899. This trolley became the principal means for travel from the train station in Harvard, Illinois, to Walworth and then Fontana.

While at the beginning of the 1900s more permanent homes were being built in the area, Fontana was still not its own community. It was part of Walworth, and the community soon realized the needs differed – including businesses build for the full-time homes, and summer visitors plus the needs of an agricultural community.

As the early 1900s continued to bring more businesses and homes to the area of Fontana, the community grew but it also brought in a period of lawlessness. With prohibition in effect, it brought in the gangster element to the illegal alcohol market. With it came transients who enjoyed the alcohol availability –and would sleep it off on the streets.

With many changes to the town board, the emphasis was on helping the farmers and not the lakefront community. But the residents of Fontana fought back and, by 1924, they gained their independence and became Fontana-On-Geneva-Lake, with Lewis G. Buckles becoming the first president of the village, a job he retained for seven years.

above: Local artist Maria DeCaprio Sunta created this beautiful watercolor for the 100-year celebration of Fontana. Prints of the poster are available for sale.

built lavish summer homes on the shore of Geneva Lake after the great Chicago fire as a way to escape the city in the summer, Fontana did not attract these original settlers because unlike Lake Geneva, there was no easy access to the west end of the lake.

top: The shore path winds its way around Geneva Lake and is open for all to travel who are able. More than three miles of the 20-plus mile path are located in Fontana.

COURTESY MARGARET REULAND Spirit of Geneva Lakes

COURTESY MARIA DECAPRIO SUNTA Spirit of Geneva Lakes

Fontana was preserved as the beautiful lakeside community with family homes, parks and waterfront for the use of all and so it remains today.

More events coming up

Celebrating the 100 years of Fontana began in February this year with the Party on the Ice and the Art Show, held at The Abbey Resort.

Derby Day Party was May 4, and the Fontana Garden Club Fair took place Memorial Day weekend. More events are coming. Many of these events have been held in years past but this year they had or will have a special meaning in honor of the village’s 100th celebration.

“Music In the Park will hold six different events in Reid Park this summer. These will be held on June 30, July 7, and 21, Aug. 11, and 25 and end with a final concert on Sept. 1, “ shared

Reuland. “At this time all the musical acts are not known, but they will be posted as they are confirmed.”

Pig in the Park will again be held in Reid’s Park, this year on July 13. Pig in the Park is an annual fundraising event held in honor of Dan Green, a Fontana Park Commissioner and volunteer firefighter who lost his life in a construction accident.

Spearheaded by Dan’s wife, Mary, the event raises funds for a variety of charities. It features freshly cooked barbecue pulled pork, hot dogs, a variety of side dishes and beverages.

There will also be family friendly activities like water tag, face painting, a petting zoo, bounce houses and more. Tickets for Pig in the Park can be purchased online at vi.fontana. wi.gov.

The Fontana Garden Club will hold its annual garden club walk on July 16. The club, which was

In the 1960s, Frog Hollow Miniature Golf opened in Fontana and this oversized frog encouraged motorists to stop. While the miniature golf is no longer there, the giant frog remains and is often a backdrop for a variety of photographs.

COURTESY MARGARET REULAND Spirit of Geneva Lakes

founded in 1949, has continued to work to make the parks and public areas of Fontana beautiful in addition to their own gardens.

While not everyone loves steak and lobster, many do – and many make their way to Fontana for the Big Foot Lions Club’s Lobster Boil and Steak Fry, which has been happening for nearly 40 years. This year, it will be held on Saturday, July 27, in Reid Park.

“Once again we will serve 14-ounce ribeye steaks from Lake Geneva Country Meats and the cold-water Canadian Lobster tails from Nova Scotia,” said Andy Pearce of the Big Foot Lions Club.

“Prices are not yet known for the dinners as we have not received the market price for the lobster tails. The prices should be available at the beginning of June,” Pearce added.

There will be live entertainment starting at noon and continuing until midnight, presented by three well-known musical groups: Big Al Wentzel, Mister Myers and Eddie Butts.

Dinners will be served beginning at 2 p.m. and a drive-thru service will be open from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“One hundred percent of our profits go back to the community,” Pearce said. “Our motto is ‘We Serve’ and the communities we serve are Fontana, Walworth and Linn.”

For more information and to purchase tickets for the steak and lobster dinner, contact Andy Pearce at 262-215-5550.

Events for Fontana’s 100th will continue in August with the Rotary Corn and Brat event on Aug. 3, a triathlon on Sept. 14 and an antique boat show Sept. 28 – which will take place on the waterfront. Octoberfest will be held in the park Oct. 5 and the celebrations will wrap up with Fontana’s 100th Anniversary Dinner, scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 7, from 6

above: Rosies was a popular place to gather for an ice cream cone on a hot day. It also had an ice machine where people could buy it for use at home. top: The Fontana Community Church became the home of the Fontana Library in the 1930s or 40s. top left: This early snowplow was necessary to keep the roads open in the winter after heavy snowfall. Here the snowplow is seen in front of Simmonds Store.

p.m. to 10 p.m.

“This gala will be an unforgettable evening. It will begin with welcome cocktails and appetizers and then be followed by a gourmet historical dinner with wine and dessert,” Reuland said. “The dress code is to come dressed like one of the 10 decades in the 100 years. There will be prizes for the best dressed and music and entertainment throughout the evening.”

Tickets for the gala need to be purchased in advance as space is limited. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased by contacting Margaret Reuland at 262-325-7885.

To learn more about the history of Fontana, two books are recommended by committee members: the aforementioned “Finding Fontana,” and “The Story of Fontana,” by James Rauland.

COURTESY FONTANA LIBRARY Spirit of Geneva Lakes

Tent weddings offer a unique, custom venue

AAA TentMasters & Party Rental has many options available

by Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT

An engaged couple making wedding plans is embarking on what will likely be the largest, most important party they will ever host. Many couples are looking for a setting that will make their wedding special and memorable not only for them but also for their guests. Those seeking a unique and special venue should consider a tent wedding.

“Tent weddings provide a custom venue that makes each event different. No one will have the exact same look as your wedding venue. With so many choices of fabrics and different ways of draping the fabric on the ceiling and around the poles and the use of different colors and lighting, your look will be customized for you,” said Jenni Spencer, customer service representative for AAA TentMasters & Party Rental.

Since 1988, the company has specialized in outdoor tent events, including weddings,

top: This is an example of a tent ideal for an intimate gathering, featuring high-top round tables, a dance floor and an outdoor-feel thanks to the clear ceiling and sidewalls.

from the left: AAA Tent Masters & Party Rental owner Bob Eaton, Melissa Vaughan, Jenni Spencer, and Amanda Willems are ready to help customers choose the ideal tent and accessories for any type of gathering.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ SPIRIT OF GENEVA LAKES

AAA

Spirit of Geneva Lakes

AAA TentMasters offers a variety of tents and other party rental items for any type of gathering including weddings, parties and corporate events. The company has tents that can accommodate groups from 56 people to more than 400.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ SPIRIT OF GENEVA LAKES

family reunions, graduations, and more.

In 2019, original owner Al Nowakowski sold the business to current owner Bob Eaton. The year 2019 was probably not the best time to take over a business that banks on bringing people together given the pandemic, but Spencer said they managed to get through that tough time.

“There were many changes at the time but we managed to work well together,” explained Spencer, who has worked for the company for 15 years.

One of the changes has been the addition of an industrial washing machine to clean the tents between each use, making certain that the tent for your event – from a wedding or family reunion to a graduation party or business gathering – will be sparkling clean.

Spencer is one of three members of the staff that will work with customers when planning the details of your wedding.

“This winter we participated in a variety of bridal shows. The largest was the one held at the Riviera in Lake Geneva. We have had a lot of bookings from all the shows in which we participated. We are now booking for 2025,” she explained.

With June being a popular month for weddings, it’s not surprising that the weekends for this June have long been booked.

Good reasons for a tent

Asked the reasons why couples choose to have a tent wedding rather than going a traditional venue route, Spencer said it varies.

“Each couple has their own reason to choose a tent wedding. The reasons may range from their love of the outdoors or the desire to have a wedding venue that holds the number of guests they anticipate whether it’s a small wedding or a very large one,” she explained.

“They also have more control over the hours of the reception. If it’s on your own property, you can decide how long you want the event to go on, within the rules of the community. And finally, it is usually less expensive than many of the conventional wedding venues,” Spencer added.

While they occasionally have people just stop in to try to set up a rental for their wedding, AAA TentMasters’ staff prefers the couple begin the process by visiting the company’s website, aaatentmasters.com to view what services are offered.

They should fill out a “request a quote” form, giving the company an idea of what their needs are, including when the wedding will be held, where they plan to have it, and an estimate on the number of guests.

“After we receive the quote request, we will advise them to look at the packages offered online and will set up an appointment to work out the details and give them a quote,” Spencer explained. “Most couples come in with a number of inspiration pictures to share their dreams of the perfect wedding.”

Many options available

The bridal packages begin with a small tent that will hold up to 56 guests to very large tents capable of holding 416 guests comfortably.

According to Spencer all of the bridal tents are white but there are still choices to be made such as if they would like a solid white top or a clear one to let in natural light if the gathering will be held during daytime hours. The sides can be opaque or clear as well and many who enjoy tent weddings are those who want to bring the outside in, so to speak, so clear tops and sides are favorites of many customers.

The site where the tent be set up must be checked to make certain the posts can be placed in the ground on all four sides to hold the tent in place. The area needs to be checked for the

COURTESY AAA TENTMASTERS Spirit

right: Shown in the daylight and at night, this tent features a clear ceiling, decorated open sides, long tables for guests, hanging plants and beautiful flower centerpieces.

of Geneva Lakes

availability of electrical connections and if not available, a generator may need to be rented.

Tent weddings can also be held in the winter by putting in a floor, which will help keep feet warm and dry, and using propane heaters to heat up the tent area.

The wedding packages include tables and chairs needed for the number of guests, tables for a head table, a buffet table, a gift table, a cake table, a table for the DJ and a portable bar.

The dance floor can be set up in a variety of sizes to accommodate the number of guests. The choices for the dance floor include the traditional black and white squares or a wooden cedar for a different look. According to Spencer, the cedar look was popular for a while but now most are returning to the traditional black and white floor.

“The chairs that are included are white chairs that are very comfortable and bridal looking,” said Spencer. “There are also some additional chairs styles that can be chosen as an upgrade including the wood tone country chairs.”

What really gives the tent its unique look is the addition of fabric, looking like clouds in the sky with lights appearing as stars peeking through. The fabric, which is draped on the ceiling and around the poles of the tent, is created by Melissa Vaughan who creates the fabric décor for each individual space using the type needed based on how it will be draped.

Lights, usually black bistro lights, are placed in a set pattern in the tent. They may be upgraded to white bistro lights or to Italian ice lights, the latter of which require more lights to get the lighting needed as they are much smaller than

their counterparts.

Linens are also included and available in a rainbow of colors. While many couples choose the white linens to offer the traditional bridal look, some choose to use colors that will either match or compliment the colors being featured in the wedding.

Making it your own

The couple and/or their families or helpers will do their own decorating inside including adding table centerpieces or candles. AAA TentMasters & Party Rentals have a large number of vases that can be rented or purchased.

“It is important that the couple has an interview with the team experts because arranging a tent wedding is different than just meeting at a more traditional venue,” Spencer explained. “We will go through items that you may not have thought of as needs for the event.”

Those include parking to ensure there is adequate parking for the number of guests, and portable restrooms, which must be rented especially if it will be a large event. Sometimes, if the tent is in their yard or that of a family member or friend, that the guests can use the restrooms in the house but that’s not reasonable for hundreds of guests so renting sufficient restrooms to service the number of guests is mandatory.

The music needs a sound system and that can also be ordered through AAA TentMasters & Party Rental. The size of the stage for the DJ or live musicians does affect the layout of the tent.

An important part of any wedding reception is the food and finding the right caterer who has the equipment and the ability to work in a tent where there is no kitchen is important.

“We have worked with several caterers that we can recommend if the couple wants

recommendations,” Spencer said. “Most of the tent weddings are usually served buffet style. Although some weddings do serve a sit-down dinner.”

The plates and flatware are supplied by the caterer, so that’s an important thing to arrange with the caterer in advance.

After spending time with one of the planners at AAA TentMasters & Party Rentals, Spencer said most couples feel comfortable and have a realistic idea of what to expect as well as being aware of the costs involved with a tent wedding.

Remember that tents are not just for weddings as they can be used for birthday

parties, family reunions, holiday parties and more.

“We are proud that we always go above and beyond expected service. We follow the old school method of service. We have received all 5-star reviews,” Spencer said.

“We are a team that works well together to provide our customers with the best service for a wedding or other event,” she added.

AAA TentMasters & Party Rentals is at 15828 93rd St., Kenosha. For more information, visit aaatentmasters.com or theknot.com, follow them on Facebook or call 262-857-8368.

Located at 15828 93rd St., Kenosha, a sign near the road helps visitors find the business.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ SPIRIT OF GENEVA LAKES

Draped with custom fabric and Italian ice lights give this tent an elegant, unique look at night.

COURTESY AAA TENTMASTERS Spirit of Geneva Lakes

the Wedding of

Popular wedding photography packages

Capturing the memorable moments of a wedding is a necessity. Hiring a talented photographer is an important component of wedding preparations.

The best way to preserve a wedding day for years to come is through photographs and videography.

A recent Knot Real Weddings Study indicates 88 percent of survey respondents hired photographers for their weddings, and the average cost for a professional photographer is around $2,600.

When couples begin to vet local photographers, they quickly will learn that many photographers bundle their services into packages. Each package will contain some standard offerings, which typically expand as the price goes up.

Although each photographer will do things a little differently, here is a generalized idea of what wedding photography packages may entail.

Base photo package

The base package likely will include the services of one photographer and potentially a helper. The photographer will be available for a predetermined period of time to capture both the ceremony and the reception.

This package will include an agreed upon number of edited proofs, of which the couple can choose a specific number that will be processed for viewing, sharing or printing.

The photographer may sign over print rights, or you may need to use them exclusively for prints depending on the package and price.

Proofs and processed photos typically are shared through an online link.

Intermediate photo package

An intermediate photo package will build on the base and will include additional services. The photographer may take photos at a set number of alternative locations. This can be advantageous if you’d like to take photos at a nearby park or seaside location.

This package also may extend how long the photographer will be with you, with some arriving early to take “getting dressed” photographs.

Intermediate packages may include a full printed and bound wedding album for the couple and print rights to even more processed photos in an online gallery for sharing.

This package also may allow couples to

share the gallery with others so they can view and print their own photos.

Advanced photo package

A soup-to-nuts photography package is often the most expensive and extensive package a photographer offers. It may include an all-day commitment from the photographer and an assistant, unlimited locations for photo shoots, exclusive print rights to the couple for any photos that have been captured and processed, and other perks like extensive retouching and photo editing of photographs.

More inclusive packages also may include engagement photo sessions and even after-wedding bookings for posthoneymoon or first anniversary shoots.

In addition to online galleries and a printed wedding album, an advanced package may feature albums for parents and matted and framed portraits.

If the photographer contracts with a videographer, packages also may combine photo and video services and share the digital files accordingly.

Photographers often have various packages that can accommodate couples working on budgets of various sizes.

(METRO CREATIVE)

STOCK

Spirit of Geneva Lakes

Considerations when choosing a wedding reception menu

Lots of details require a decision when planning a wedding. Engaged couples may or may not enjoy tending to much of the minutiae involved in wedding planning, but the reception menu is typically one popular point of interest.

When picking a wedding reception menu, couples typically get to sit down with their venue operator or caterer and take a taste test so they can decide what to include and exclude come the big night. That typically results in some happy hearts and full bellies.

But there’s more to picking a reception menu than taste, and the following are some pointers couples can consider as they aim to provide a tasty meal for their wedding guests.

• Resist the urge to make the menu reflect your personal preference. Couples, particularly those footing the bill for their own weddings, may be tempted to pick exclusively foods they like for the reception.

Though it’s important that couples get to enjoy their first meal together after tying the knot, it’s good to ensure that guests get to have an enjoyable meal as well. Make a point not to let personal preferences dictate the menu, particularly if you have a restrictive diet. For example, vegans need not insist everyone eat a vegan meal at the reception nor should meat lovers insist that every plate end up with some red meat on it.

Diversify the menu so people with various preferences can fill up and enjoy their dinner.

• Inquire about food allergies. When inviting guests, ask them to cite any food allergies they may have when they RSVP.

Many banquet halls and caterers are now accustomed to accommodating diners with food allergies, but the earlier that information is communicated, the more time couples have to pick delicious foods that won’t compromise the health of guests who must avoid certain dishes or ingredients.

• Align food with degree of formality. It’s important that couples consider the ambiance of the wedding when picking a reception menu.

A pig roast might be ideal for a backyard wedding, but something more formal is called for when dining in a lavishly decorated banquet hall.

There are several factors couples might want to consider when narrowing down a meal for their wedding guests. One suggestion is to align the food choices with the degree of formality the wedding will present.

Couples can keep this in mind when choosing the menu. It’s also notable that caterers tend to have a creative side, so they might be able to present certain foods in ways that match the vibe of the wedding even if those dishes would not ordinarily align with the ambiance of the reception.

• Leave the experimentation to the cocktail hour. If couples have certain exotic foods in mind, they can still serve those items but do so during the cocktail hour.

Guests can simply turn down the chance to try exotic foods during the cocktail hour without going hungry. But a sit-down dinner should ensure every guest has something to fill their belly.

Picking a reception menu is a fun and filling component of wedding planning. Keeping some simple pointers in mind can help couples pick a menu everyone can enjoy.

(METRO CREATIVE)

Summertime…

when meats go on the grill

Wilson Farm Meats offers quality choices from brats to steaks

by Sandra Landen Machaj

CORRESPONDENT

Summer is in the air. It’s time to spend the days out of doors, enjoying the fresh air, sunshine – and company of family and friends. It’s also the time to enjoy food that has been freshly cooked on the grill.

Whether it’s hot dogs, bratwurst, hamburgers, ribs, steaks, chicken or fish, Wilson Farm Metas in Elkhorn provides a supply of fresh and frozen meats for all cooks.

Wilson Farm Meats has been a favorite local shopping place to purchase quality meats, along with cheese and wines, for 20 years. It attracts not only local customers but others from throughout the area who appreciate the top-quality meat available for purchase.

While many have purchased their meats here for years, they may not be aware of the long history of the Wilson family and the products they produce. Specifically, they are known throughout the country for the pork products that are raised locally on Wilson ‘s Prairie View Farm located near Burlington.

When John and Jeannie Wilson immigrated from Scotland in the 1870s and purchased the farm now known as Wilson’s Prairie View Farm, it is unlikely that they imagined that almost 150 years later, it would remain in the family.

The sixth generation of the Wilson family continues to not only own the farm but is also raising quality hogs, running a butchering business, running a retail meat store – and a seasonal small restaurant that follows the policy of farm-totable.

While John’s son Robert and his wife Jeanie successfully raised lambs on the farm, the next generation, in the 1940s, saw Ralph Wilson buying his first Hampshire Hogs. He later added additional breeds of hogs, and it wasn’t long until he and his children were raising prize-winning hogs on the 500-

top: The Wilson Farm Meats sign greets customers outside the butcher and meat store. Members of the Wilson family have been involved with the farm for 150 years and currently have the sixth generation involved in management. at right: Co-general managers Amber and Justin Corman stand in front of the meat display in the store. Amber is the sixth generation of the Wilson family to step in and help run the business.

SANDRA

LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of Geneva Lakes

above: A variety of cuts of meat are available at Wilson’s or they will custom cut to specifications. top right: Quality local cheese and eggs are also sold at Wilson Farm Meats. bottom right: Known for quality made sausages, a variety of specialty flavors are available at Wilson’s. The flavors offered include Cajun, cheddar and green pepper, pizza and Italian.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of Geneva Lakes

acre farm.

The growth of the hog business continued with Ralph’s son, Scott, taking over management of the farm and the hogs became well known for the quality meat they produced. Scott Wilson continues to oversee the farm, while his son Alex and daughter Anna are involved with the dayto-day operation of the farm.

Much of the feed for the hogs, corn and soybeans, is grown on the farm, assuring quality feed for the animals. Feeding them a well-balanced diet assures that the meat will be top quality, and Wilson’s pork is recognized as top quality.

Keeping it in the family

In 2004, Scott Wilson purchased the Elkhorn Locker Plant in Elkhorn and renamed it Wilson Farm Meats. They continue to provide custom butchering, processing and packaging of local meats.

“On June 1, we celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the retail store opening,” said Amber Corman, daughter of Scott Wilson. Currently general manager of Wilson Farm Meats, she shares the job with her husband, Justin Corman.

According to Amber, they partner with

a number of local farms to custom process their meat and much is sold at the Wilson Farm Meats location. Customers can order pre-cut to order meat to meet their needs.

For many years, Bob Schmaling was the general manager of Wilson Farm Meats and worked with Scott Wilson. Schmaling ran the retail side of the business until his retirement. Now it is in the hands of Amber and Justin.

When entering Wilson Farm Meats, one is impressed with the clean, organized look of the store. The visitor is first drawn to the back of the store, where quality cuts of

fresh meats are on display in the fresh meat counter.

The problem will be choosing just what to serve. Will it be one choice, such as sausages, or a variety of meats to please everyone’s palate?

Wilson’s carries both fresh and frozen meats along with frozen seafood. One of their brands that is popular is Awesome Shrimp, known for their high quality. These are colossal Argentinian Red Shrimp, with a natural salty, briny flavor – which combine to give them a taste like scallops or lobster.

They are very large, always less than 15 in a pound of the product.

“These are the best shrimp you have ever eaten,” said Dawn Bergloff, who works at Wilson’s in the retail store. “Once you eat them, you won’t want to eat any other brand of shrimp. They live up to their name – awesome.”

Cheese, wine and beer

It’s difficult to go to any food store in Wisconsin and not purchase any highquality Wisconsin cheese. Shopping at Wilson’s is no exception.

They carry Laack Brothers cheeses, manufactured in Greenleaf, Wisconsin. They come in a variety of forms including cheese curds, string cheese, blocks and spreads.

In keeping with the farm-to-table process, they carry a small amount of fresh produce locally grown when in season. That means fresh vegetables for salad or an appetizer tray are available as well.

Wilson’s has a variety of wine and beer for sale as well. Wines include one from the Wisconsin Dells, Fawn Creek. But they also carry reds, and whites from various other wineries. The beer they sell, of course, is local. Duesterbeck’s Brewing located in Elkhorn, Second Salem Brewing from Whitewater, and one, if not the most well-known beer in Wisconsin – New Glarus, is also in stock.

Safety a priority

“We are fortunate to have Jeff Schmalfeldt, a well-known sausage maker in the area, working here at Wilson’s and creating a variety of unique sausages,” said Amber. “In the meat display, there are a number of different flavored sausages each day.”

Smoked meats, such as bacon and ham, are also available, freshly made on site.

Some days, sausages are flavored with green pepper and cheddar cheese, or Cajun with smoked gouda, Italian seasoning, and even one labeled deluxe pizza.

The customer can always be assured that the meat from Wilson’s is safe as in 2018, they became a USDA-inspected facility.

This means that federal inspectors make certain that the animals to be slaughtered are treated humanely, and that a system is in place to make sure meat is safe.

Stop by for a bite

“In 2020, as part of the farm-totable movement, we opened Wilson’s Whistlestop BBQ & Grill adjacent to our retail store,” Amber explained.

Whistlestop is appropriately named as it is set along the side of the railroad tracks.

In days past in small stations, trains were often signaled to stop at a location – or

above: The freezers at Wilsons are stocked up with a variety of seafood and meat. top: A row of plaques are proudly displayed, showing the numerous honors Wilsons’ received in April from the Wisconsin Association of Meat Producers.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of Geneva Lakes

they signaled that they were stopping in the small town – by the blowing of their whistle.

“When we opened in 2020, we offered cold cuts, soups, BBQ and some catering,” Amber said.

“We also offered some takeout catering. Today we have closed the kitchen except for the grill, where you will still be able to order sandwiches prepared on the grill to eat here or we offer ‘grab and go’ take out,” she explained.

The small restaurant offers a variety of

foods that are all produced locally as the farm-to-table movement suggests.

The idea of farm-to-table was developed to help the environment and encourage healthier eating for everyone. Using foods that are produced locally saves on transporting them across the country and allows them to be eaten at the peak of their flavor.

Wilson Farm Meats is at 406 S. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn. The store is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3

p.m.

For more information, call 262-7232919, send an email to wfm406@gmail. com or visit wilsonfarmmeats.com. They are also on a variety of social media sites including Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Wilson’s Whistlestop BBQ & Grill is located adjacent to the Wilson Farm Meats store, along the railroad tracks. The Whistlestop is open from June through late August. Hours are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

When in Elkhorn during the daytime in the summer, stop at Wilson’s Whistlestop BBQ and Grill to eat a freshly grilled sandwich here or stop by and take it to go. The Whistlestop is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday to Saturday from June through the end of August.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of Geneva Lakes

Promoting your business in the right publication is essential to growth and overall success. Knowing that your message is reaching your intended audience is what makes The Spirit of Geneva Lakes uniquely effective. We can create an image that is both creative and compelling!

For advertising opportunities contact: Pete Hansen

Email: phansen@standardpress.com Office: 262-473-3363 Cell: 414-801-2360

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Email: tamera@southernlakesnewspapers.com Office: 262-728-3411 Cell: 262-215-2782

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