Wonders of WALWORTH
COUNTY Published by Southern Lakes Newspapers LLC
Fall 2017
Elkhorn Oktoberfest adds 5K run, stein holding Page 2
WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
FALL 2017
estivalgoers will be able to flex their muscles and work up a sweat at this year’s Elkhorn Oktoberfest on Oct. 21 thanks to three new events. One new event will be a stein-holding competition, a Bavarian strength contest in which competitors hold a full one-liter stein of beer straight out in front of their bodies. Other new attractions are a 5K run and a two-mile walk. These are meant to be for all levels of competitors. The run and walk start at the Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St. After going through the fairgrounds, the run and walk will proceed to the Oktoberfest site in downtown Elkhorn. Race day features include a long-sleeved T-shirt, free admission to the Oktoberfest beer and wine tasting (root beer for those younger than 21), a goodie bag, kids activities, free onsite parking and shuttle service to, and from the Oktoberfest grounds. There will be awards for top finishers in each age group. Octoberfest will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Veterans and Pocket parks in downtown Elkhorn. Registration for the race starts at 9:30 a.m. It is $25 for adults and $15 for students in kindergarten and grades one through eight. Online registration is available now at www.Oktoberfest.5k.run.
Christine, Max and Travis Clark, of Lake Geneva, decorate pumpkins with stickers at a booth at Elkhorn Oktoberfest in 2015. This year’s event is scheduled for Oct. 21.
Other events
The stein holding and the races are not the only competitions during Oktoberfest. Competitors will vie to be the best chili cooker in the annual chili cook-off. The chili cook-off will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Entry forms must be submitted by Oct. 16 to the Elkhorn Chamber office, 203 E. Walworth St. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places. First place receives $200, second place receives $100 and third place receives $50. The event will also feature the eighth annual Oktoberfest Car Show in the north parking lot of the
FILE PHOTO Wonders of Walworth County
Government Center. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pocket Park will have a wine and beer tasting for those who are 21 years old and older. The entertainment stage will feature the Elkhorn Flying Dragons, Dreams Studio, Walworth County Cloggers, Toe to Toe Ballet and live music from Dog House Roses from
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be more than 100 crafters and vendors showcasing antiques, handcrafted items, produce and plants. For more information on Oktoberfest, visit elkhornchamber.com/pages/Oktoberfest.
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WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
Page 3
Daddy Maxwell’s owner, Janette Maxwell (back row, right of center) and employees stand in front of the restaurant, which was built in the late 40s as Arctic Circle Diner and is known for its distinctive igloo shape, with that portion of the building inside referred to as the round table room. Maxwell is in her 30th year, and 31st summer, of owning the diner.
Daddy Maxwell’s
HEATHER RUENZ Wonders of Walworth County
community
PART OF THE ‘Nobody should be alone or eat alone’ By Heather Ruenz STAFF WRITER
For Janette Maxwell, owner of Daddy Maxwell’s in Williams Bay, the key to running a successful business in a small town is simple. “Being part of the community is big. If we hear of something that’s needed we do what we can to help. And we help people connect to fill those needs, whether it’s food or something others I know can help with,” Maxwell said. While it’s not about being recognized for doing good deeds – because, she said, everyone should do whatever they can to help others – Daddy Maxwell’s gives food to people who need it. “For people whose homes have burned in fires, we give them food cards and feed them until they get back on their feet,” Maxwell said. “People that are in treatment, we don’t charge them. If people need food, we feed them. Nobody should be alone or eat alone, and if they need to eat, we feed them. That’s all there is to it.” She said the Stein family began building the Arctic Circle Diner, which resembles an igloo, in 1947. It opened in 1949. The next couple to have a successful run at it, according to Maxwell, was Al and Ethel
Weiss in the 60s. Al was the police chief at the time. Maxwell and her ex-husband, Marshall, bought the business in 1987. She has been sole owner for the past three years. “It’s crazy that this is the 30-year anniversary and 31st summer. There are four generations of family that have been coming here,” she said. She said her and her employees genuinely care about their customers. “We tell people, even if you’re not hungry or don’t need another cup of coffee, stop by and have a glass of water. Just stop in and say, ‘Hi’ and visit with us,” Maxwell said. “People take us up on that and I’m glad.” She said the diner serves as a meeting place for a variety of local groups and many of them use the “round table room,” the front of the restaurant that is circular. One of Maxwell’s favorite things to witness, she said, is the overall friendliness of people – and the connections they make – at the diner. “It’s still amazing to me how conversations here will go from table to table. I love seeing that,” she said. Maxwell credits her employees with the welcoming atmosphere, too.
“Not only the wait staff but even the kitchen staff will take the time to come out, introduce themselves and shake peoples’ hands when they can. If they see a customer they know, they give them a hug,” she said. Her long-term staff includes: Joellen and Tania, who have been at Daddy Maxwell’s for 26 and 24 years,
The
respectively; Maggie, Juan, Carlos, Karen and Miguel, 10 years or longer, and; Kaitlin, Jamie, Shannon, Noah and Sabrina, at least five years. “And I have to mention Pauline, who recently retired at age 92. She had been with me for 24 years, and Patrick, who
Wonders of Walworth County
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Benji Reyes, 7, of Delavan, enjoys one of three horses that were at Fiesta Mexicana Sept. 16 at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Delavan. (Madeleine Freitag photo)
Page 4
WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
FALL 2017
Music through the ages
Church looks to repair 134-yearold pipe organ
Above: Holy Communion Episcopal Church, Lake Geneva, parishioners and choir members Debi McGrath and Penny Atkinson show a banner outside the church facing Broad Street that shows the progress of the congregation’s campaign to raise money to repair its 1883 organ. VICKY WEDIG Wonders of Walworth County
By Vicky Wedig STAFF WRITER
handwritten note affixed to the side of the organ at Holy Communion Episcopal Church warns unauthorized people not to touch the massive instrument. The note is dated 3-21-08. The ’08 refers to 1908. The organ was 25 years old at the time. The 134-year-old instrument at the Lake Geneva church is now feeling the effects of time. The wooden wind chest inside the organ has cracks in it from age, said parishioner Debi McGrath, who is leading a capital campaign to raise funds to restore the organ. “It’s like having a hole in your lungs,” she said. Despite the organ’s “breathing problems,” it produces a full sound in the summer when humidity swells the wood and closes the cracks. “It has a beautiful, bold, wonderful sound,” said organist William Aylesworth, who drives 65 miles from Golf, Ill., to play as a guest organist at the church. In the wintertime, though, the dry heat shrivels and cracks the old wood, Aylesworth said. The church began raising funds to repair the organ and solicited bids from organ companies in 2014, McGrath said. The price tag to fix the 1883 Opus is $65,000. The cost to replace it with a new instrument of similar size would
be around $500,000. When Holy Communion was built in 1880, Lake Geneva was a summer resort town of wealthy Chicagoans who wanted to hear the best music for their weekend church services, McGrath said. The result was the installation of the organ manufactured by Hook and Hastings of Boston, which went out of business in 1936. “Their instruments were truly world-class throughout the firm’s existence, and the remaining Hook organs are to be treasured as supreme examples of the organ builder’s art,” according to literature from the church. The church accepted a bid from John-Paul Buzard Pipe Organ Builders in Champaign, Ill., to repair the organ. The company will only do the repair work in the winter when the wood is at its smallest and the cracks are most pronounced, McGrath said. The project involves removing the wooden box and taking it to the factory where it will be reglued and clamped, McGrath said. The wood wind reservoir that distributes air to seven wind chests that feed the pipes will also be replaced, pipework will be cleaned, and slide tuners and regulating rings will be fitted. The keys of the organ are connected to a series of valves that are opened by thin wooden rods moved by the force of the organist’s fingers when the keys are pressed. The wooden tie-rods
rest on leather bushings that are dried out and will be replaced as part of the project. “The action of the organ is totally mechanical,” Aylesworth said. The church garnered an influx of donations for the organ’s repair after the Badger High School jazz band performed at the church a couple of years ago, McGrath said. About $30,000 has been generated, but donations have tapered off, she said. After the capital campaign began, the organ’s blower went out in 2015, rendering the instrument unusable. The blower is the only automated function of the organ. It replaced “bellow boys” who once pumped bellows to generate air through the pipes, McGrath said. The absence of organ music during services was visible to parishioners, so the church spent some of the funds it had generated to replace the blower, McGrath said. She said many churches will remove such old organs when they fall into disrepair, which Aylesworth considers a shame. “Many of the organs from this era are totally lost,” he said. Aylesworth remembered the organ after playing it during an “organ run” event in the 1980s. So, when the church sought guest players after their musical directors Fletcher and Eleanor Collidge retired, he readily agreed. “He was thrilled to come and play for us,” McGrath said.
VICKY WEDIG Wonders of Walworth County
Above: Holy Communion’s organ was installed in 1883 at the behest of wealthy Chicago parishioners who wanted the best church music. Its manufacturer, Hook and Hastings, of Boston, was considered a world-class organ maker and operated from 1881 until 1936. At left: A note on the side of the organ dated 2-21-08, which refers to 1908, warns unauthorized people not to touch the organ.
The last of its kind
FALL 2017
EDITOR
HEATHER RUENZ Wonders of Walworth County
Julie Cyra, owner of West 20 Ranch and Saddle Co., said one of the many things that makes her East Troy store unique is the large selection of Americanmade saddles.
react right away when the saddle is correctly fitted.” Cyra said she also designs saddles and works with manufacturers to produce the saddles. “We do a large amount of private label saddles,” she said. “When I see a hole in the market for a specific type of saddle that my customers have said they would like to see – say a 4-H kid who needs a certain type
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By Tracy Ouellette
For Julie Cyra, owner of the West 20 Ranch and Saddle Co. in East Troy, it’s always a surprising thing when a local resident finds her store and says, “I never knew you were here.” “The locals don’t realize what we have here in our area,” she said. “People drive from all over the country to come here, but people just down the road don’t know about us.” Cyra said West 20 is the only all-American made tack and saddle company left in the country. “We are a large presence in the saddle industry, especially American made,” she said. “There really aren’t any retailers that carry a lot of brands. We’re not typical. We also pride ourselves on our quality; people can come in and buy something that will last for generations. “You can buy an American-made saddle here for $1,500 and sell it 10 years from now for $1,400, they hold their value that much.” Cyra said one of the biggest selling points for the saddles they carry, aside from the selection, is their saddle-fitting service, where customers can bring in their horses to have their saddle custom fit to the animal. “That’s what this facility is designed for. That’s why we have the glass in the back of the store so they can see the arena and see their horse being fitted,” she said. “Having a saddle fitted to a horse changes their behavior drastically. It would be like if I asked you to run a marathon in ill-fitting shoes. Horses
WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
of saddle within a certain budget – and it’s not available, we design it and go to a private label manufacturer.” Cyra said she has strong relationships with several American saddle manufactures because West 20 has been around for decades and there are so few retailers like it left in the country. “After 30 years, you’re going to get to that point,” she said. “There are so few of us left
and even the ones that are, are not all-America made. You can walk into my store and see 300 to 500 saddles on the property. It’s unheard nowadays.” The shop on the ranch also carries a wide variety of western wear, cowboy boots, jeans, artwork, home décor, jewelry and more. “These are handmade, artisan-quality products, too; we want things that are a little more unique than you’ll get anywhere else,” Cyra said. “Just the cowboy boots alone – we have thousands of them. It’s a great place to get a gift. Cyra said most people don’t realize how large the horse community is or know much about its culture, which she found unfortunate. “It’s such a great thing to get your kids into,” she said. “If you have a 16-year-old daughter, you’d much rather know she’s out on her horse than out doing other things. Agreed, it can be a bit expensive to start out, but once you have the equipment and horse, then it’s not so much. And there are programs for kids who don’t own a horse.” Cyra said that’s something the ranch is committed to, giving back to the community and promoting horseback riding. “Amazon doesn’t sponsor local 4-H Clubs, or host fundraisers free of charge like we do,” she said. “We never charge them anything.” The West 20 Ranch and Saddle Co., W4812 Highway 20, East Troy, is open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit, call (262) 642-4272 or go to www.west20.com.
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WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
FALL 2017
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‘An impression that will last’
WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
Page 7
LOCAL SCOUT AND CREW CLEAN HEADSTONES AT CEMETERY By Heather Ruenz STAFF WRITER
Austin Muetzel, a Life Scout in local Boy Scout Troop 243, is working toward reaching the rank of Eagle Scout and as part of that process, recently spent a day at a local cemetery with fellow scouts and family members. Muetzel became involved in scouting in first grade when he joined Cub Scout Pack 225 and said being a scout has offered him the opportunity to be part of many adventures. “Scouting has allowed me to go on adventures that are very unique, including Canoeing in the Boundary Waters, Exploring Key West and the Atlantic Ocean at Florida Sea Base, and sleeping overnight in Eagle Cave,” Muetzel said. He said he came up with the idea for the cemetery project during his confirmation class at St. Patrick Catholic Church. “We went to the cemetery during class to help with fall cleanup. The caretaker for the cemetery told us that he always appreciated extra help,” Muetzel said.
Muetzel said he spoke to Ray Henderson, the director of faith formation at St. Patrick’s, and Henderson connected him with Paul Kremer, the caretaker for Mt. Olivet Cemetery. “We took a trip to the cemetery to see what needed to be done. Mr. Kremer pointed out that many of the headstones had dried grass, lichen, and other debris and needed cleaning,” Muetzel said. Once the project was a go, Muetzel said enlisting the help of others was an easy task. “Community service is important to Troop 243, so it wasn’t hard to find a group of scouts to assist me out,” he said. Muetzel said he was pleased with the project and appreciates that it will have a lasting impact. “I am glad that I was able to help out at the cemetery, as well as make an impression that will last,” he said. Muetzel is a junior at Elkhorn Area High School and is a member of the swim and track teams. In the summers he works for the Elkhorn Park and Recreation Department and at Sunset Pool.
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HEATHER RUENZ Wonders of Walworth County
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Above: Matthew Harvey (from the left), David Broga, Austin Muetzel and Ben Harvey clean headstones at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Elkhorn Sept. 9 as part of Muetzel’s work toward earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Left: The crew of fellow scouts, friends and family members on-hand to help with the project included (front from left) Michael Begley, Ben Harvey, Matthew Harvey, (middle row) Lauren Muetzel, Austin Muetzel, (back) David Broga, Michael Muetzel, Sandy Muetzel and John Begley.
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Opening a new chapter
Page 9
AREA BOOKSTORE DRAWS CUSTOMERS FROM FAR AND WIDE By Tracy Ouellette EDITOR
For avid readers – those who have been surrounded by books since their first word – there’s something special about a bookstore. It’s more than just a place to pick up the latest novel or biography – it’s a destination. And while the national chain brickand-mortar bookstores might have large selections to peruse and purchase, it’s the small, independent bookstores that can be truly magical for literature lovers. Tucked away in a small storefront on the East Troy Village Square is one of those bookstores. InkLink Books opened in July and for the owner, Kayleen Rohrer, it was a dream come true. “I’ve always wanted to open a bookstore. It’s been a dream of mine for a long time. I’ve been keeping lists of books I wanted to sell for ages,” she said. “Like for about 20 years,” her husband James Rohrer added. The quaint shop reflects Kayleen’s passion for literature and her personality with it’s warm, welcoming appeal and a touch of whimsy. “I had a vision of a store that would be like walking back in time,” she said. “I wanted it to look like an old, Parisian bookshop.”
She had the bookshelves custom-crafted by a local woodworker, Dave August. “He did a phenomenal job,” she said. “I wanted an old-fashioned look and he knew exactly what I needed.”
Murals fill the walls
Another area artisan also helped take Kayleen’s vision from the idea stage to reality. Stacey Williams Ng, of Mequon, painted the four murals on the walls of the bookstore. “I had this vision of Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom,” Kayleen said. “I knew I wanted a mural on the ceiling and because I couldn’t get Athena out of my head, I knew it had to be her. So, I had Stacey out here to look at the space and she expanded on the idea, offering to do four murals of other Goddesses of Wisdom from different areas of the world.” The four goddesses are Athena, who is on the ceiling; Saga, the Norse goddess who reclines atop the bookcases on the mezzanine level; Seshat, the Egyptian goddess; and Saraswati, the Hindu goddess. Kayleen said she couldn’t be happier with how the store turned out and has been humbled by all the support she’s received from the community since the doors
TRACY OUELLETTE Wonders of Walworth County
Kayleen Rohrer opened InkLink Books on the East Troy Village Square in July, making a decades-old dream come true.
opened. “It’s been absolutely amazing,” she said. “And it’s not just people from East Troy who come here, it’s people from all over.”
A ‘gem’ for the area
TRACY OUELLETTE Wonders of Walworth County
Saga, the Norse Goddess of Wisdom, is one of four murals decorating InkLink Books in downtown East Troy. The other three murals are the Egyptian, Hindu and Greek Goddesses of Wisdom – Seshat, Saraswati and Athena, respectively.
In fact, a gentleman from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, visited the store Sept. 28. Bob Manson came to East Troy for the purpose of checking out InkLink as part of his mission to support local, independent bookstores across the nation. Manson has visited nearly 300 independent bookstores in the last three years. “I’ve covered just about every state,” he said. “And a few in Canada and Mexico, too.” Manson said his bookstore adventure began when he read “My Bookstore: Writers Celebrate Their Favorite Places to Browse, Read, and Shop” and he decided to visit all of the bookstores profiled. He has since expanded his travels and has blog where people can read about his bookstore discoveries, theindiebobspot.blogspot.com. “I find places like this (InkLink) and I just am in awe,” Manson said. “I hope the people of East Troy appreciate what a gem this is. So many towns have nothing.” Manson said one of the things he’s discovered in his bookstore tour is that there are actually more independent bookstores opening in the country than are closing. “Don’t believe the occasional national article you read about bookstores closing everywhere,” he said. “Yes, some are, but many more are opening, which is so exciting. Shopping local is so important.” That is one concept the Rohrers also hold close to their hearts.
“There is a value added feature to a store like this,” Kayleen said. “We’re more than just a shop, we’re part of the community.” “Even some people who don’t buy a book have come in to tell us what a great thing this is for the community,” James added. “It’s drawing attention to East Troy and what we have here. It’s what we need.”
Downtown renewal
The Rohrers and their family have been instrumental in the revitalization of the East Troy Village Square for many years. They have purchased and restored, or are in the process of restoring, several of the old buildings on the square, including the popular coffee shop/café, 2894 On Main, which will host InkLink’s next Read and Feed book dinner on Nov. 8. The book will be “A Gentleman From Moscow,” by Amor Towles. Registration for the dinner is available at the bookstore. James said he has a passion for restoring the buildings, which are more than 150 years old, and the history of East Troy, which has been demonstrated repeatedly as building after building has been restored, or, in one case, rebuilt in the same design with the same footprint. The coffee shop, which is next to the bookstore, was the first step for the Rohrer family and has become an anchor for further development on the Village Square, starting with InkLink, because what goes better with a good cup of coffee or tea than a good book? InkLink Books is at 2890 Main St., East Troy. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call (262) 642-9607, or find it on Facebook.
fall fun Page 10
WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
OCTOBER
21 Peoples Bank Oktoberfest 5k Run, 2-mile walk, 8 to 11 a.m., Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. Registration includes long sleeve shirt, sports pack, water bottle and a free drink ticket for Elkhorn’s Oktoberfest for participants 21 and older. Register early for discounted price. Info: Oktoberfest@peoplesbankwi.com 21 The 12th Annual Oktoberfest, a growing favorite event in the Elkhorn community that fills the town with fun, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Several live entertainment acts will perform. General admission is free; wine and beer tent is $6 for tastings and $12 to take home a commemorative Oktoberfest glass. See Page 2 for more information. (262) 723-5788, info@ elkhornchamber.com
21, 22 Great Pumpkin Chuckin Fest, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., at the Racine County Fairgrounds, 19805 Durand Ave. Free admission and parking. Returning this year is The Best of the Midwest BBQ Cook Off. Costume contests for kids and adults. Prizes will be awarded. www. uniongrovechamber.org 21, 22 Autumn Harvest Festival, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Elegant Farmer, 1545 Main St., Mukwonago. Pumpkin picking, tractor-pulled hayride, pony ride, corn maze, train ride, and more. Market hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Orchard hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the Autumn Harvest Fest. 24 The Whitewater City Market, 3:30 to
FALL 2017
7:30 p.m. at the historic Train Depot, 301 W. Whitewater St., Whitewater. Featuring local farmers, artisans, food vendors, and musicians. www.downtownwhitewater.com
Cabin; Monte Carlo Room; St. Patrick’s School; Elkhorn Middle School; Elkhorn High School, and; Jackson School. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., $2 admission. (262) 723-3228
27 Enchanted Forest, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Kishwauketoe Nature Conservatory, Williams Bay. For those who do not wish to be spooked. (262) 245-2720, www.wbrecdept.com
20 Transgender Day of Remembrance Candlelight Vigil, 6:30-8 p.m., downtown square in Elkhorn (corner of Walworth and Wisconsin streets.) Candles will be provided and a presentation with refreshments will follow at the UCC Church, 76 S. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn. www.lgbtwalco.org
27 Spooky Walk, 8 to 9 p.m., Kishwauketoe Nature Conservatory, Williams Bay. For those witches and werewolves who are looking for something scarier. (262) 245-2720, www. wbrecdept.com 28 Pumpkin Races, 10 a.m. to noon, Barrett Memorial Library, Williams Bay. (262) 245-2720, www.wbrecdept.com 28 The Emperor’s New Clothes, 1 to 3 p.m., UW-Whitewater, Greenhill Center of the Arts, Barnett Theatre, 950 W. Main St., Whitewater, (262) 472-2222, tickets.uww.edu 28 Annual Scare on the Square, 2 to 4 p.m., Veterans Park in downtown Elkhorn. Fall fun for the entire family, featuring kids’ activities, storytelling, a costume contest and more. Hosted by the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce, the Elkhorn Recreation Department and Mercy Health System.
NOVEMBER 3 First Friday Art Walk, 5 to 8 p.m., East Troy Village Square. www.easttroy.org 4 Whitewater Farmers Market, 8 a.m. until sell out, (around noon), rain or shine, in the parking lot at the Winchester True Value Hardware, 1415 W. Main St. 11 The 15th Annual Holiday Affair Craft Show, a “round robin” event featuring more than 250 crafters at six locations – Walworth County Fairgrounds Activity Center and Log
25 Fish Fry – 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Lutherdale Camp, N7891 Highway 12. Ticket cost for adults is $12, $7 for children 12 and younger. (262) 742-2352 25, 26 Christmas Express Santa Train, 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. boarding for magical ride from the East Troy Depot, 2002 Church St., to Santa’s Workshop at the Elegant Farmer. Children can visit Santa, get a photo taken, and complete with a craft project. Hot chocolate and cookies, too. The trolleys are heated and bathrooms are available at the East Troy Depot. Tickets: www.easttroyrr. org. Bring a non-perishable food item with each member of your party and receive a 25 percent discount on tickets at the depot. All donated items benefit the East Troy Food Pantry. Cost: adults, $17.50; children (ages 3-14), $15; toddlers, $5. 30 Union Grove Tree Lighting Ceremony, at 5:30 p.m. at Village Square Park. Families enjoy refreshments and music provided by the Greater Union Grove Area Chamber of Commerce and Christmas Comes to Union Grove Sponsors. Children will be awaiting the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Claus on the Fire Engine who bring stockings for all children 11 and younger.
DECEMBER 1 Tree Lighting and Santa Reception – 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Downtown Square in Elkhorn. Santa will light the town’s own Christmas tree, then all attendees are invited to Matheson Memorial Library, 101 N. Wisconsin St., for crafts, cookies, hot chocolate and music. 1 Burlington 36th annual Christmas Parade, 6:30 p.m. Theme: Who-ville Christmas in Burlington. (262) 763-6044
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1 Whitewater’s Christmas Parade of Lights – 5 to 7 p.m., downtown, featuring the lighted holiday parade (begins at 6 p.m.), family fun activities, holiday shopping, storytelling, cookie decorating, roasted chestnuts and hot chocolate. 1, 2 Trees on Parade and Holiday Shopping at St. John’s Community Center, 701 N. Lake Ave, Twin Lakes. twinlakeschamber.co, 2 Annual Reindeer Run at Sunset Park, Elkhorn, 9 a.m., sponsored by the Elkhorn Recreation Department and Elkhorn Running Club with all proceeds going toward a Park Dedication Fund to replace outdated equipment. All participants will receive a Reindeer Run T-shirt, goodie bag and refreshments. $20 if registered prior to Oct. 27, $25 if registered after Oct. 27, $30 on the day of the race. runsignup.com and search “Elkhorn Reindeer Run.” (262) 741-5114, elkhornparkandrec@cityofelkhorn.org. 2 Union Grove Holiday Craft Fair, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Union Grove Elementary School, 1745 Milldrum Ave. Crafts, art, gifts, potted plants, wreaths, live music and more. (262) 891-3477 2 Waterford’s annual Christmas Parade, 5:30 p.m. on Main Street. Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet children in the library following parade. 2 Midnight Magic, 10 a.m. to midnight. Oldfashioned Christmas celebration with a villagewide festival featuring pictures with Santa, an indoor crafter marketplace, shopping, parade, fireworks, holiday entertainment,
horse drawn carriage rides and more. www. mukwonagochamber.org 2 Annual Holiday Cookie Sale, 10 a.m. until noon or sold out, First Congregational Church, 76 S. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn – stock up on an assortment of holiday cookies. (262) 723-3246 2 Brown Swiss Cattle Sale, Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. walworthcountyfair.com (262) 723-3228 2 Annual Christmas Card Town Parade – 1:30 p.m., downtown Elkhorn. Bundle up the family and grab a spot downtown to see Christmasdecorated floats, novelty acts, music, animals, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus. (262) 723-5788 or info@elkhornchamber.com 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 Christmas Express Santa Train, 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. boarding for magical ride from the East Troy Depot, 2002 Church St., to Santa’s Workshop at the Elegant Farmer. Children can visit Santa, get a photo taken, and complete with a craft project. Hot chocolate and cookies, too. The trolleys are heated and bathrooms are available at the East Troy Depot. Tickets: www. easttroyrr.org. Bring a non-perishable food item with each member of your party and receive a 25 percent discount on tickets at the depot. All donated items benefit the East Troy Food Pantry. Cost: adults, $17.50; children (ages 3-14), $15; toddlers, $5. 2, 3, 9, 10 Old World Holiday Breakfast, Old World Wisconsin, W372 S9727 Highway 67, Eagle. Holiday buffet in our big, red Clausing Barn (262) 594-6301, oldworldwisconsin.org 2, 3 9, 10 An Old World Christmas, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Old World Wisconsin, W372 S9727 Highway 67, Eagle. Daylong 19th-century celebration of Christmas tales and holiday customs, featuring Old World storytelling, live performances by holiday characters, free horse-drawn bobsled rides (or wagon rides, if there’s no snow on the ground) available from noon to 3 p.m., caroling and hymn singing, food sampling and other more activities that capture the merriment of the season. (262) 594-6301, oldworldwisconsin.org 7 Holiday Open House – celebrate the holidays with Peoples Bank and the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Peoples Bank, 837 N. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn. Call (262) 723-4200 or email twatts@ peoplesbankwi.com. 9 Old Time Radio Show – “The New Andy Williams Holiday Show,” 11 a.m. to noon, Lake Lawn Resort - Wisconsin Room, 2400 E. Geneva St., Delavan. The shows mimic the old time radio shows of the 20s, 30s and 40s – complete with actors and sound effects. The show is performed and broadcast in real time. Cost: $10. Breakfast and show package is available for $20. Reserve a seat at (262) 7259155. www.lakelawnresort.com 17 Walworth County Agricultural Society, Inc.’s annual meeting, 7 p.m., Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. walworthcountyfair.com, (262) 723-3228
JANUARY 27 to Feb. 4 Lake Geneva’s annual Winterfest weekend featuring the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition featuring music, magic, refreshments, activities, helicopter rides, shopping and dining. Riviera Park, 330 Broad St. (262) 248-4416 This calendar is compiled from a variety of sources including the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce and the Walworth County Visitors Bureau and contains events available as of press time. Although we make every attempt to provide accurate information regarding area events, dates and times may change or events may be cancelled. We suggest you visit elkhornchamber.com or visitwalworthcounty. com prior to making travel plans.
• Daddy Maxwell’s was a big part of our business for 12 years and left in June to study radiology. Also, Rosario and Rico, who have cleaned the restaurant for the past 20 years,” she said. “We fight like family and love like family but when we leave here, we leave it here,” Maxwell said. Another facet to being part of the community, Maxwell said, is buying as much product locally as possible. “I shop at Pearce’s, River Valley Road, the Lake Geneva Farmers Market and buy farm eggs from local customers,” she said. Being active and responsive on social media is also important for a business in this day and age, she said. “I keep up on Facebook and with reviews because it shows I care, and I do care. I also post daily specials and sometimes will call out someone I know that likes whatever the special is. All of that helps us stay connected,” she said. The food at Daddy Maxwell’s is “real, homemade, diner food and all of our desserts are handcrafted – pies, cakes, tortes, cupcakes, cookies, you name it,” she said. The restaurant is known for its Friday fish fry featuring grilled lemon pepper or deep fried haddock, deep fried butterfly perch, tavern battered cod – all served with fresh ground potato cakes and applesauce or fries, homemade cole slaw, tartar sauce and rye bread. Some of the standing specials on the menu include: breakfast – French batter pancakes; Porter-Bella Prince (an omelet with marinated ports, onion, fresh spinach and feta cheese), and; the Trash Hauler (a bagel sandwich with shaved ham, Lakes Ad_winter16.pdf over-hard egg,Southern American cheese and hashbrowns on a toasted bagel); lunch/
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Janette Maxwell, owner of Daddy Maxwell’s in Williams Bay, gives customer and her “bug guy,” Doug Blume, of Arrow Pest Control, a hard time. HEATHER RUENZ Wonders of Walworth County
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dinner – German Stout hot dog (featuring kraut, mustard and onion on a poppyseed roll); the Portabella Teriyaki Cap (fresh, marinated and grilled portabella served with feta cheese, onion and grilled tomato with dijonnaise sauce on a moxie roll), and; a variety of gluten free options. Maxwell’s personality is also on 10/14/2016 1:48:20 PMand is likely another display at the diner, reason many people have, and continue to
be, faithful customers. “I always walk around and say to myself, ‘Who can I bug right now?’ I really do. I love the people. It’s about not losing that community feel. But you have to do it from the heart.” Daddy Maxwell’s, 150 Elkhorn Rd. (Highway 67), Williams Bay, is open 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday; 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
(sometimes later), Friday; and 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Sunday. The restaurant doesn’t accept credit or debit cards – only cash or checks. Maxwell also operates a full service, custom catering business, “Bye the seat of our Pants Catering Co.” For more information call (262) 2455757, visit daddymaxwells.com or follow Daddy Maxwell’s on Facebook.
Enjoy Chicago’s Original Gino’s East Pizza in Downtown Lake Geneva Choose between our famous Deep Dish or Thin Crust pizza Enjoy our variety of appetizers, salads, and pasta entrees Dine in with spectacular lake view, or delivery to your room Open for lunch at 11am
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WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
FALL 2017
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