Things to Do Around Monroe

Bring the canoe, load up the lawn chair! Here is a look at what is going on in the Green County area in the upcoming week:

~ Come Downtown on Thursday evening for the first Concert on the Square of the summer. Horsefeathers takes the stage at about 6:30. There is still time to book a boxed supper from Cafe Claudeen, Turner Hall or Garden Deli.

~ Young Professionals, come join me as I take the YPs of Green County on a tour of a local home. I will be talking as an EcoBroker about green home ownership, specifically environmental features that make sense for every home owner.

~ Stop in at The Green Door between noon and 7 pm on Thursday for their summer entertaining open house event. Stop in before you come to the Concert on the Square. Have some nibbles, browse the entertainment collections, chat with Judy and Nancy.

~ Chicago Ave in Downtown Freeport is the site for Music on Chicago, featuring oldies music in the historic Downtown area.

~ On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, New Glarus hosts the Roger Bright Polkafest. What kind of polka do you do? Skip your workout and come dance. The polka is more of a workout than an elliptical machine, plus it is a lot more fun!

~ If you prefer activity on the water, Canoe Fest begins on Thursday in Darlington and runs through Sunday. This event, in its 43rd year now, features canoe races, a parade, fireworks show, outdoor concerts and more.

~ Spice it up a little at the Pedal/Paddle. The Lena Park District sponsors this day of outdoor activity on the Jane Addams Trail and Pecatonica River. Bike 8.25 miles on the trail, then hop into a canoe or kayak for an 8.35 mile flotilla on the river. Worried you aren't up to the challenge? There will be a sag wagon and pontoon to help if you need a break. $20 if you have your own canoe, $30 if you need to rent. Call 815-369-5351 to register.

~ The New Glarus Brewing Company officially opens their Hilltop Facility for tours on Saturday, June 13. The grand opening takes place all day from 10 am until 5 pm. The Jimmys will be on hand to play R&B, so sit and stay a while.

~ Monroe Theatre Guild Youth Choir will perform their first concert on Sunday at 7 pm at the Stage Building in Monroe.

~ Get your picnic baskets ready! The first "Stirring the Pot: Dialogue, Discussion and Dinner in Dairyland" picnic happens on the lawn of the MAC following the Farmers Market on Wednesday, June 17. Guest chefs take the stage at 5:30 with a community picnic dinner and discussions following. There will be three picnics total, one in each June, July and August, sponsored by the group working to bring the Community Commercial Kitchen to Green County.

Have a great weekend here in Cheese Country!