Armand Jackson
Fall is here and whether it is musical performances, hand-crafted beverages, carnivals, or art gatherings, there are plenty of festivals for Wisconsinites to look forward to this season. In northern Wisconsin there is the Bayfield Apple Festival on October 6, 7, and 8. Considered one of “Wisconsin’s Best Festivals,” by Wisconsin Trails Magazine, visitors to the festival can enjoy food and craft vendors throughout the whole weekend along with live music from Big Top Chautauqua’s Blue Canvas Orchestra and other area musicians at Memorial Park Gazebo for Concerts by the Lake. There is also the Spectrum Carnival and the Grand Parade down historic Rittenhouse Avenue.
In the southern part of the state hosts the 17th annual Elkhorn Oktoberfest on October 15th, where guests can see crafters and vendors showcasing handcrafted items, antiques, produce and plants and more. There is also a variety of local and German cuisine from food vendors to enjoy alongside a car show, kids zone, food vendors, and live entertainment. For the more competitive festival goers there is the Elkhorn Oktoberfest 5K Run & 2 Mile Walk.
Central Wisconsin gives festival goers the Mornin’ Sunshine Farm Fall Festival on October 8th. Here the whole family can enjoy homemade goods, hay rides, pumpkin chuckin’, relay races, a treasure hunt, pie eating contest, as well as more entertaining events. The kids will have games including pumpkin decorating, face painting, pumpkin ring toss, and bowling. Further east is the Jack O’ Lantern Days on October 29th, a hometown Halloween festival including a festive costume contest, town hall games, town-wide trick-or-treating, a costume parade, mask making and more.
In western Wisconsin there is the Sparta Fall Festival on October 8th, where goers can visit the historic downtown district Water Street with unique shops for every member of the family as well as Mueller Square where the Farmer’s Market will be set up. Visitors can also view the Scarecrow displays built by area businesses and vote on their favorite one. There is also a vintage tractor show, throwing axes, street graffiti artists along the streets painting masterpieces in which festival goers can vote on their favorite artist, and street vendors wares and products on downtown Water Street. And the Sparta Area Young Professionals will be hosting their Annual Chili Challenge in Mueller Square.
