Door County United Way Dunk Tank

One of Door County’s favorite summer events, the Annual Sturgeon Bay Sidewalk Sale will include the ever-popular United Way Dunk Tank where you can plungs local celebrities into the water if you can hit the mark. Other booths and specialty foods willl be provifded by the Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus, Sonny’s and Kimz Galley Café. You’ll also find additional foods like kettle-korn, fresh egg-rolls, root beer floats and ice cream sundaes.

The fun takes place citywide – from Cherry Point Mall to Jefferson Street, Third Avenue, and Madison Avenue. Sturgeon Bay merchants welcome you to enjoy this annual shopping event on Thursday, from 9 am to 6pm.

For additional information on Sturgeon Bay events, contact the Sturgeon Bay Visitor Center, 920.743.6246 or 800.301.6695 or online at: www.SturgeonBay.net.

Pipka poses with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Pipka's of Door County's annual "Christmas in July" event

I you are thinking ahead, you may be doing some of your Christmas shopping during the summer months, and there’s no better place to shop than the stores of Door County! Join Pipka’s of Door County for its sixth-annual “Christmas in July” celebration on Sunday, July 25 from 10 am – 5 pm.

The Christmas in July custom began years ago when Pipka Ulvilden, owner of Pipka’s of Door County in Sister Bay, began inviting Santa up to Door County for a summer visit on July 25. Lines filled with kids and adults stepped up to take their pictures with Santa and to give him their very important Wish Lists.

This year, Santa and Mrs. Claus will again be spreading Christmas spirit at Pipka’s, along with everything else we love about Christmas – holiday treats and holiday shopping! Visitors to Pipka’s will have a chance to view the 2010 Santa Collection, and participate in a drawing for a chance to win a retired Pipka collectible!

So, if you enjoy the Christmas holiday and want to bring a little of that warmth to your already-warm summer, be sure to visit Pipka’s on July 25. They would love to see you – and Santa would too!

Pipka’s of Door County is a delightful shop in Sister Bay, selling Pipka’s Limited-Edition Figurines, original art and collage, one-of-a-kind jewelry, gifts and more. For further information about Pipka’s, please call 920.854.4392.

Have Court, Will Travel, an Iowa-based Renaissance Royal Court reigns over the festivities...

Door County has been somewhat lacking in family fun ever since the demise of Thumb Fun more than a decade ago. No need to mourn over the good old days. Simply step back in time, but keep an eye on the quantum-meter. You may end up somewhere in Carlsville in the Middle Ages if Sandy Stetler is nearby.

She is responsible in part for the development of the  Door County Renaissance Fantasy Faire, a magical world that has transformed approximately 20 acres of the Gerald Kuehn Farm’s grassy fields and forest into a medieval kingdom, complete with Royal Court, knights on horseback and a wealth of entertaining and educational opportunities that appeal to all ages. Plan to spend a day enjoying a variety of diverse performers and historical re-enactors who are as informed on their cultural roots as they are proficient at entertaining.

More than two-thousand people attended the first weekend of festivities on June 26 – 27. Entertainers included Have Court, Will Travel, an Iowa-based theatrical troupe of regally costumed royals, followed by some amazing Texans from  Noble Cause Productions, a company of skilled knights on horseback that specialize in jousting exhibitions, staged combat instruction, fight choreography, and horse stunts.

Kids of all ages will enjoy Dragon Scales and Faerie Tales, a Pittsburg-based magical show that features the birth of a real “live” 8-foot tall baby dragon, cared for by its loving faerie, as it hatches from an extraordinary large golden egg.

Stroll a bit further further though the woods and you come to Molotov the fire-eater. There are a band of jolly friars selling ale, a delectable fairy blowing bubbles and playing her pan pipe, pirates and personalities of all sorts. Learn about birds of prey from a hawk master. Peruse the wares of numerous medieval merchants and enjoy a variety of snacks including a leg of turkey.

Join in the fun if you are feeling bold. Break out the costumery and step back to a simpler tyme.

The Door County Renaissance Fantasy Faire takes place July 3-4 in a medieval forest village, one-half mile east of State Hwy. 42, just north of Carlsville at 5526 Monument Point Road, from 10 am – 6 pm on Saturdays and 10 am – 4 pm on Sundays. For more information, call 920.973.8233 or e-mail dcrff@att.net.

Door Co Renaissance Fantasy Faire

The Ephraim Business Council says it best, “Ephraim explodes with summer excitement as the annual Fyr Bal Festival re-creates traditions of early Norwegians celebrating Midsummer’s Eve. Artists, musical entertainment, shopping, trolley rides, family activities and a fish boil along the picturesque shoreline of Eagle Harbor welcome the arrival of summer. Evening bonfires represent the burning of the winter witch and fireworks complete a perfect day. A warm Scandinavian welcome awaits you in Ephraim anytime of the year, but especially so during Fyr Bal Festival.”

Friday, June 18

• 10:30am – Ephraim Historical Walking Tour – Depart Anderson Barn History Center

• 11am – Ephraim Historical Exhibits and Museum Opening – Anderson Barn History Center

• 4-6pm – Anderson Barn Museum Exhibit Reception – Stitches in Time

• 6:30pm – Sonora Strings – Anderson Dock

• 7:30pm – Midsummer’s Music Festival – Hardy Gallery on Anderson Dock

Saturday, June 19

• 9am-throughout the day – Enjoy the music of Sherman’s Tunes to Go – Outside Village Hall

• 9am-2pm – Used Books Sale – Outside Ephraim Library

• 9am-5pm – Arts & Crafts Show – Artisans along the shoreline downtown

• 9am-5pm – Henna Art by Henna with McKenna – Arts & Crafts area

• 9am-5pm – Summerwind Alpacas, Carey Alpacas & Iron Wood Croft Llamas – Visitor Information Center

• 9am-5pm – Fyr Bal raffle tickets on sale outside Village Hall, at participating businesses and Visitor Information Center – $500 Cash Grand prize!

• 9:30am – Fyr Bal Regatta – Ephraim Yacht Club

• 10am-10pm – Family Fun – Red Putter Mini Golf – $3 for everyone, children under 6 free

• 10am-12pm – Kids Craft – Make Your Own Fyr Bal Medallion Necklace – Inside Village Hall, Sponsored by Beach People

• 10am-12pm – Family Fun – Cake Walk – Inside Village Hall, tickets $.50, Sponsored by Ephraim Shores Motel

• 10am-5pm – Free Trolley Rides – Historical guides on-board, wave and trolley will stop. Parking at Fine Line Designs Gallery (north) & Wetlands Preserve (south)

• 10am-5pm – Festival Food – Brats, pulled pork, corn on the cob and more. Ephraim Fire Department, Sister Bay Lions Club and Snowmobile Club

• 10am-6:45pm – Silent Auction – Inside Village Hall

• 10:30am – Ephraim Historical Walking Tour – Depart Anderson Barn History Center

• 11am – 3rd Annual Fur Ball Pet Parade – Participants meet at USPS at 10:45am

• 11am-2pm – Acoustic music of D’Arez & Friends – Harborside Park Gazebo, Sponsored by Village Green Lodge & Thomas M. Schuder, S.C.

• 11am-7pm – Festival food – Deep-fried Whitefish sandwiches, Fyr Bal cookies, cherry pie-in-a-cup, outside Village Hall, Sponsored by the Ephraim Business Council

• 12-1pm – Kids get Creative! Bubbles, face paint – Ephraim Shores Motel lawn. Sponsored by Ephraim Shores Motel

• 12-2pm – Music – Fiddlers: Traditional Scandinavian music and costume, strolling throughout the Village

• 1-2pm – Family Fun – The Entertainment of Randy Peterson, Ephraim Shores Motel Lawn

• 1pm & 2:30pm – Guided Hikes at the Door County Land Trust’s Ephraim Preserve at Anderson Pond

• 2-3pm – Music – Fiddlers: Traditional Scandinavian music and costume, outside Village Hall

• 2-3pm – Kids Craft – Make Your Own Tie-Dyed T-Shirts, Ephraim Shores Motel lawn, $10 (includes shirt and all supplies)

• 3-5pm – Local Music – Julian Hagen & Friends, Harborside Park Gazebo

• 5-7pm – Acoustic Music – Tim Byers, Outside Village Hall, Sponsored by Evergreen Beach Resort

• 5-7:30pm – Traditional Door County Fish Boil – Inside Village Hall. Tickets at the door. Watch the boilover outside!

• 7:15pm – Announcement of Silent Auction winners. Must be present to win, outside Village Hall

• 7:20pm – Raffle Drawings and music from Door County Idol, Lilli Nelson – outside Village Hall

• 8pm – Traditional Scandinavian Dancers and Singers – outside Village Hall

• 8:30pm – 46th Annual Chieftain Ceremony – With ceremonial bonfire lighting, Village Hall area, Chieftain Medallion by Ephraim artist Michael Beaster

• Sunset – Fireworks over Eagle Harbor, sponsored by the Village of Ephraim

Sunday, June 20

• 9am-throughout the Day – Enjoy the music of Sherman’s Tunes to Go – outside Village Hall

• 9am-3pm – Henna Art by Henna with McKenna, Arts and Crafts area. Get your own Fyr Bal tattoo!

• 10am-3pm – Arts & Crafts Show – Artisans along the shoreline downtown

• 10am-10pm – Family Fun – Red Putter Mini Golf – $3 for everyone, children under 6 Free!

• 9:30am & 10am – Area Church Services: 9:30am Bethany Lutheran, 10am Unitarian Universalist, 10am Ephraim Moravian, Special music “The Bone Boys”

• 10am-3pm – Summerwind Alpacas, Carey Alpacas and Iron Wood Croft Llamas – Visitor Information Center

• 10:30am-2pm – Festival Food – Brats and More! Outside Village Hall, Sponsored by Ephraim Business Council

• 11:30am – Meet Bucky the Badger! Take pictures with the UW mascot – Outside Village Hall

• 1-3pm – Music – American Folklore Theatre’s Doc Heide & Friends – Outside Village Hall

• 7:30pm – Sunday Family Sing-Along– Inside Village Hall, sponsored by Ephraim Historical Foundation

For more information about Ephraim and Fyr Bal Festival activities, please visit www.Ephraim-DoorCounty.com or contact the Ephraim Visitor Information Center at 920.854.4989. The Visitor Information Center is located at 10049 Water Street (Highway 42) and is open seven days a week.

Featuring a variety of vintage pieces – clothing, collectibles and jewelry – Viva la Cottage’s spring Vintage Nest of Door County’s theme will emphasize the joys of spring, mothers and of course, flowers.

“This is our second occasional sale weekend this year,” says Angie McMahon, owner of Viva la Cabin and Viva la Cottage, in Sturgeon Bay and Sister Bay respectively, “and I am so pleased with the response.

“Occasional sales are a great way to bring wonderful artists together under the same theme. And what better way to welcome spring in Door County, and celebrate mothers, than with a special event,” smiles McMahon. “There will be new handmade items and wonderful vintage containers filled with blooming plants ready to give to Mom – or a gift for anyone – that will last all summer.”

The second Door County occasional sale will feature two local artists, as well as Angie McMahone’s own creations. Carol Ballje of Egg Harbor is constantly on a quest for vintage treasure. In a Haystack will feature everything from wear-able art to garden art, all in a rainbow of spring colors.

“I am always looking for ‘the needle in the haystack,’” she reveals, “on a quest for the vintage pieces. It’s fun to travel the backwoods through the Midwest and uncover something special. I particularly love anything for the garden.”

Small Town Vintage, featuring the creativity of Katie Starr, will include an array of handmade artwork utilizing everything from buttons to paper.

“I incorporate old things, found tidbits, some random items, in my work. I create photo albums, journals, a little of this and that. I have a vision and then incorporate the things I have collected and include them in my art,” says Starr. “I love the idea of an occasional sale and I am very excited to ‘think spring.’”

Preparing for Vintage Nest of Door County show, McMahon says she has been busy putting the finishing touches on a crown worthy of a spring queen, “But I do have to keep some of my creations a secret so there are some special surprises.”

Free and open to the public, Vintage Nest of Door County will be held at the Sister Bay store, Viva la Cottage, 10038 Hwy 57 on Friday and Saturday, May 7 – 8, from 10 am – 5 pm and on Sunday, May 9, from 10 am – 3 pm.

Viva la Cottage, established in 1996, is a charming shop filled with surprising treasures and delightful creations just as is Viva la Cabin. For additional information visit: www.vivalacabin.blogspot.com or call Viva la Cabin at 920.854.6842.

Spring blossoms at Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, one of ten lighthouses in Door County, are part of the annual Door County Festival of Blossoms taking place from April 30 - June 6, 2010.

For the past 17 years, residents and business owners on this bucolic peninsula have planted more than 2.2 million daffodil and tulip bulbs in public displays and personal gardens. Since officially being christened in Holland in 2003, the Door County USA daffodil has added its presence to the spring bloom. At the same time, Trillium, native orchids and other wildflowers spread like a colorful blanket through open meadows and forests.

When the county’s renowned cherry orchards and apple trees spring to life each May, the brilliance of their delicate and sweet-smelling blossoms takes the county by storm.  Early estimates show cherry blossoms beginning in the southern part of the county during the first week of May and apple blossoms beginning 5-7 days later. Blossoms tend to spread northward up this 70-mile long peninsula about 10 miles per day.  Door County has around 2,000 acres of cherry trees and approximately 500 acres of apple trees.

Throughout the spring season many of the county’s finest inns, resorts and B&B’s offer special lodging packages with value-added items such as gift baskets, fresh flowers, special activities, meal certificates and more.  Each package is uniquely different and brings out the charm and splendor of the season on this beautiful and blossoming peninsula.  As an added bonus, get a $25 Door County Gift Certificate upon check-in with any Festival of Blossoms lodging package.  Details on available packages along with booking information is available through the Door County Visitor Bureau.

To browse through all the reasons why Door County is a great place to celebrate spring’s splendor, visit the special Festival of Blossoms section on DoorCounty.com where you can check out a list of special events, find out what’s blooming and when, check out lodging packages and more. For personal assistance in planning your spring getaway, call the Door County Visitor Bureau at 800.527.3529.

Door County is a bucolic peninsula that juts into Lake Michigan in the northeast corner of Wisconsin. One of the top leisure travel destinations in America, the scenic Peninsula features more than 300 miles of shoreline, over 30 islands, 10 lighthouses and 5 state parks. It is known for its natural beauty, artistic offerings, outdoor recreation and local Door County cuisine, offers scenic seaside experiences in the heart of the Midwest.

Local Door County home built by Nebel Construction Co., member of Door County Home Builders Association

The event, sponsored by the Door County Home Builders Association (DCHBA), gives people an opportunity to talk with local experts, who represent all facets of the home industry.  More than 30 exhibits showcase builders (who construct homes of all sizes and styles), cabinets and countertops, flooring, interior design and window coverings, heating and air conditioning, energy, decks, landscaping, banking and more.

Also, seminars will address these topics on Friday, March 26:

• “Planning your building project” ( 5:30 p.m.) by Julie Dragseth, Associated Bank; Dawn Honold, Title Services of Door County and Dave Phillips, PortSide Builders; and
• “The modern deck” (at 6:30 p.m.) with Dave Augustson, Lampert Yards, Inc.

Seminars and speakers on Saturday, March 27, are:

• “What is a site plan and who needs one” (9:30 a.m.) by Ben LaCount, Bay Surveying and Dennis VanBramer, Baudhuin;
• “Create an outdoor paradise with waterscaping!” (11 a.m.) with Paul Mancheski, Waterscape Designs;
• “Power of color” (12:30 p.m.) with Sue Bryzek, Door County Interiors & Design; and
• “Welcome to the world of Infrared” (2:30 p.m.) with Henry Isaksen, Thermal Imaging Associates, a division of Isaksen Architects.

“Whether you are looking to build, remodel or get up-to-date, the Home Builders Association’s marquee event – the Home and Garden Expo – is a great way to meet area professionals and discover all the choices available in today’s exciting home industry,” says Adam Deuchert, president of the DCHBA and owner of A.J. Deuchert Construction.

Cost is $5 with proceeds benefiting Feed My People. Admission includes a chance to win a frog outdoor water fountain.  Co-chairmen of the event are Ethan Jorns of WE Builders, Inc., and Deb Counard of Valley Cabinet Inc.  More information is online at www.dchba.org.

The theme is “I’m Kind”

The event, scheduled for Saturday, May 1 from 4 – 7 pm, will incorporate a variety of displays demonstrating how the organization rescues and rehabilitates homeless cats, dogs and other small furry creatures in the county.

This year’s theme is “Bahama Mama’s Getaway by the Bay.” It will be a fun, tropical escape for women to embrace life, love and laughter through sharing, shopping, learning and rejuvenating! The Sisters will enjoy a variety of activities, classes, seminars and a little “me time” to just relax and rewind.

From registration on Friday to farewell on Sunday, the Sister’s weekend will be packed with everything from fashion and makeup tips to home décor and culinary tricks. Friday night features an evening of laugh therapy with nationally known television and stand-up comedian Sonya White and her gal pals, Tiffany Ellen and Janice Kane. After a full day of special Sisterhood activities, the indoor Beach Party on Saturday night will include the annual costume contest, a limbo contest and the best sounds and flavors of the islands.

The Groovin Sisterhood weekend registration is $55 per person and includes a fun tote bag, exclusive Sisterhood Coupon book, a variety of classes and seminars, Friday and Saturday evening entertainment and complimentary trolley rides all weekend. Sisterhood Registration information can be found at www.SturgeonBay.net or by calling the Sturgeon Bay Visitor Center, 800.301.6695; Sisterhood Lodging partners are Bridgeport Resort, 800.671.9190 and Stone Harbor Resort, 877.746.0700.