Things to Do Around Monroe

The long Labor Day weekend should be easy to fill this year.

~ Famous Fossil Friday! Come down to Famous Fossil Winery by Cedarville for wine, dinner alfresco, music and a Harvest Full Moon rising over the vineyard at 7:13 pm. Enjoy an evening on the deck, walking the grounds or in the pergola. BBQ pork sandwiches and chips will be available at the food stand from 5 until 7 pm. There will be live music by Bobbie Edler on accordion. No advance tickets are required, and everyone is welcome.

~ Pop over to New Glarus for the Wilhelm Tell festival all weekend. New Glarus embraces its Swiss roots with many events of the year, and this festival is no exception. Come see the Wilhelm Tell play by Friedrich Shiller. Multiple performances occur throughout the weekend, in both German and English. There will be a children's lantern parade, yodel contest, library book sale, and more.

~ New Glarus also hosts Art in the Park on Saturday and Sunday. The show has exhibitor booths open from 9 am until 4 pm, and there is a juried contest as well.

~ Marshall Bluff Bowhunters 3-D Tournament hosts a 3-D Tournament Shoot this Saturday. The even benefits the Monticello Physical Eduction Archery program. Cost is $10 for adults, $7 for youth and $4 for FFA club members.

~ There is another Piazza concert this Saturday. It is Pirate Day with Bill Rients and Maru. This is a private party concert, but the hosts love meeting new friends so gate crashers and new people are always welcome. Bring a dish to pass for the potluck and what ever you wish to drink. Potluck starts at 6:30 and the band begins at dusk. Potluck theme- Bully Beef, Salt Pork and Rum. We will pass the hat to cover the band cost.

~ Krape Park in Freeport is also the site of an Art in the Park festival on Sunday. From 10 until 5, there will be a celebration of visual and performing arts. Artist will be exhibiting their works, and live music will be performed throughout the day. There will also be free art activities for the entire family all day.

~ The local merchants need our help these days. Remember to dine at a locally owned restaurant this weekend, or stop in at one of the locally owned businesses to pick up gifts or necessities. You might notice the link above to the 3/50 Project. Pick 3 of your favorite locally owned businesses, the ones you would really miss if they were gone, and stop in to say hi. When you are doing your purchasing this month, pledge to spend $50this month at locally owned businesses (not $50 each, but just $50 per month). It can be things you already purchase - pharmacy goods, cards, clothing, food - but make the purchases at independent stores. It makes a difference.