Curbing Violence In Milwaukee, Things To Do Outside In Wisconsin

Air Date:
Heard On Central Time

The weather is finally starting to get warmer in Wisconsin..what are you going to do to enjoy it? Veronica Rueckert and Cynthia Schuster talk to the Wisconsin Tourism Secretary about some fun ways to enjoy the spring weather here in the Badger State. They also check in on a new community initiative to curb violence in Milwaukee.

Featured in this Show

  • After A Long Winter, Expert Suggests Ways To Enjoy Outdoors In Wisconsin

    While this week saw temperatures in Wisconsin returning to winter’s chill, last week showed the first glimpses of spring in the upper Midwest.

    After a winter of record-breaking cold and wind-chill warnings, it was a pleasant reprieve and a reminder that it is time to begin making outdoor plans again.

    Stephanie Klett, secretary of the state Department of Tourism, provided a list of some ways to do just that. Here are a few suggestions:

    Performing Arts

    The following outdoor theater and music venues open in June:

    · American Players Theatre – Wall Street Journal theater critic named American Players Theatre in Spring Green the Best Company of the Year, and its play, “The Cure at Troy,” as the best play of 2011. This internationally applauded, professional Shakespearean company performs both Shakespeare and other classics in a wooded, open-air setting near the Wisconsin River.

    · Peninsula Players Theater – The U.S.’s oldest professional resident summer theater in Door County. They have been around for nearly eight decades and perform five plays per year.

    · Big Top Chautauqua – Known as the “Carnegie Hall of tent shows,” Big Top presents concerts by renowned national, regional and touring musicians, along with its featured “House Shows,” original, multimedia, historical musical productions.

    · American Folklore Theater – American Folklore Theatre (AFT) is a critically acclaimed professional theatre presenting family-friendly original musicals in repertory under the stars. Some examples of musicals include: “Guys on Ice” and “Packers from Out of Space.”

    Outdoor Art

    · Waukesha Art Crawl — Guests can explore 20 galleries and meet with 150 local artists. As the birthplace of guitar legend Les Paul, Gibson Guitar recently named Waukesha GuitarTown USA.

    · Mural Walks – Ashland and Plymouth. The eight-block Main Street business district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is the background for a walk through Ashland’s history as seen through the eyes of mural artists Kelly Meredith and Susan Prentice Martinsen.

    · Fresh Paint: Plein Air Painting in Durand. May 18-24. Local artists begin painting masterpieces outdoors, hoping to win best in show. The public can watch, and take part during other events, like the two-hour quick-paint. On Saturday May 24, the art is available to purchase.

    Festivals and Events

    · World’s Largest Brat Fest in Madison. May 23-26 (Memorial Day weekend). This grilling-extravaganza features brats, live music and raises money for local charities. This year features a new art zone for kids, and campsites.

    · Horicon Marsh Bird Festival – May 9-12. Bird watchers see peak migration for hundreds of species of birds by boat, bus or on foot at the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the nation.

    · Fyr Bal Festival in Ephraim – June 21. A traditional Scandinavian festival. For a half-century, the Fyr Bal Festival in Door County has acknowledged Scandinavian the summer solstice tradition by lighting big bonfires. This Midsummer’s Eve event uses fire to protect against evils spirits and welcome the transition from Spring to Summer. Dotting Eagle Harbor, the raging fires warm up the night before festival fireworks light up the sky.

    · Madison Brewery Bike Tour – All-day adventure takes guests through scenic trails and downtown Madison, stopping at three breweries along the way.

    Music Festivals

    · Country Fest in Cadott – June 26-29. An outdoor amphitheater with musicians including Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley and Florida Georgia Line

    · Summerfest in Milwaukee – June 25-July 6. 11-day event with musical performances on 13 stages. Musicians this year include: Usher, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Motley Crue, Dave Mathews Band and Brad Paisley.

  • The Bridge Project Connects Milwaukee Communities To Fight Crime

    After an uptick in gang-related violence last summer, dozens of Milwaukee community organizations are banding together in The Bridge Project to curb crime and violence.

  • It's Spring And We Can Go Outside Now… But What To Do?

    Spring has finally sprung and it is about time to get outside and enjoy it! Wisconsin Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett joins Central Time to share ways to spend the spring and summer outside.

Episode Credits

  • Veronica Rueckert Host
  • Cynthia Schuster Host
  • Galen Druke Producer
  • Marika Suval Producer
  • Stephanie Klett Guest
  • Dawn Barnett Guest
  • Derrick Shoates Guest
  • Derrick Shoates Interviewer

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