July 5, 2009

FAMILY

Celebrate the strawberry
June 27-28
24th Annual Strawberry Festival, Cedarburg
www.cedarburgfestivals.org

Nothing tastes more like summer than a fresh, juicy strawberry. Cedarburg has been celebrating this harbinger of summer for more than two decades. Join in the fun this year with thousands of other berry enthusiasts during the 24th annual Strawberry Festival in historic Cedarburg. Here you will be able to taste and enjoy all things strawberry, from shortcake to wine, crepes to pie, slush to ice cream and more. Stroll along Washington Avenue while delighting in the strawberry treats and experience the Strawberry Festival’s Arts on The Avenue, then stick around for the musical entertainment consisting of everything from Top 40 to bluegrass to rock ‘n’ roll.

Have a competitive side? Find out how large you can blow a strawberry bubble gum bubble or how fast you can eat a shortcake in one of the festival’s many strawberry-themed contests. The festival also offers specifically kid-friendly activities, including face painting, magicians and a paintable mural.

Concerts

The mother of all Fests
June 25-July 5, Summerfest
Henry W. Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee
www.summerfest.com

Milwaukee holds its breath as the headliners for "The World’s Largest Music Festival" are announced during the months leading up to Summerfest, and for good reason. Milwaukee has hosted many of the biggest and the best that the music industry has to offer, including this year’s headliners — Bon Jovi, No Doubt, Keith Urban and Chicago among them. Fans of all music genres are guaranteed to find something to enjoy on one of Summerfest’s 11 stages, any time of day or night. "Summerfest’s entertainment department has always focused on booking a diverse lineup," says Kristin Chuckel, marketing and public relations manager for Summerfest. "This diversity can be seen not only in the various genres of music each year, but also in the mix of national headliners as well as regional, local and emerging talent that you can see on any given day."

In addition to music, Summerfest’s wide array of dining options — everything from corn on a stick to restaurant-quality fare — the classic Skyride and, of course, the Big Bang fireworks show complete the Summerfest experience.

This year Summerfest is focusing on value packages for admission, such as a three-day pass for $33. There are also various promotions that allow patrons to receive discounted or free admission to each day of the festival during certain hours, so check the Summerfest Web site to find out how.

Time-Honored Tradition

Aug. 6-16
Wisconsin State Fair
State Fairgrounds, West Allis
www.wistatefair.com

Reminisce in the nostalgia of a rural American county fair, blue ribbons, livestock auctions, funnel cakes and all. Then turn it up a notch, and you’ve got the Wisconsin State Fair, which has called Milwaukee its home for the past 117 years. For 11 days each summer, nearly 1 million Wisconsinites journey to the State Fairgrounds in West Allis to experience a slice of Wisconsin history mingled with contemporary entertainment. "The Wisconsin State Fair is a tradition passed on from generation to generation within families," says Patrice Harris, director of public relations and communications for Wisconsin State Fair Park. "Everyone has a memory of going to the fair and they want to share that with friends or family."

An undeniable piece of the Wisconsin State Fair tradition is the food. Classics like corn on the cob make an annual appearance along with more than 30 varieties of food on a stick and the longest running edible staple of the fair — the famous cream puff — of which more than 380,000 were sold last year alone.

But the fair offers yet another unique experience beyond the food and professional entertainment: people watching. And that is absolutely free. "Wisconsin State Fair is one of the most affordable, family-friendly summer entertainment options around, and there is so much to do once you are in the gates that doesn’t cost a dime," Harris says.

Touch the Stars
Ongoing June-October
Plays by Shakespeare, Shaw, Coward and O’Neill
American Players Theatre, Spring Green
www.playinthewoods.org

There could be no better place for an outdoor stage than a natural amphitheater, where the words of Shakespeare, Shaw and other greats naturally ascend up the hillside. The American Players Theatre has found exactly that in Spring Green, a perfect location where it has been combining nature and theater for 30 years this summer. "The plays are selected specifically to suit the venue," says Jessica Amend, marketing associate. "Nature plays a role in our productions."

More than 100,000 patrons come from near and far each year to experience the classics under the sun, moon and stars. "The natural beauty of the great outdoors is an integral part of the APT experience," says Amend. "Picnicking in the woods is also a popular event before and between shows." There are also hiking trails and walking paths on the grounds. All of these combine to create the perfect atmosphere for a day-long getaway featuring theater, food and the great outdoors.

In addition to the outdoor amphitheater, the APT has added The Touchstone Theatre, which will open this July, and will feature plays more suited to a smaller space. This new theater has just 200 seats, and provides a unique, intimate theatrical experience. "The Touchstone will practically put the audience in the performance," Amend says.