There is so much to do this coming Labor Day weekend!  The problem is that I want to check out everything that is going on...besides a couple of of personal commitments, here's some of the other things I want to see:

Oak Creek Lions Fest  https://docs.google.com/document/edit?id=1pvNBwbCDXhZD0D9Y0mvmxYzjzzJrWLFusznQcXt1c2I&hl=en&pli=1# will have some great music, but I wanted to especially see the Nashville Rejects on Monday night as they are celebrating their 50th year as a band together!

Sheboygan County Fair http://www.shebcofair.com/  has Phil Vassar playing on September 4th and Styx on September 5th.  I saw Styx when they were at the Sheboygan Co Fair several years ago and it was the best concert I had ever been to.

Wisconsin Highland Games http://www.wisconsinscottish.org/  at the Waukesha County Fairgrounds - September 3-5th.  I loved seeing them toss that huge log - called Turning the Caber.

Also, if you're a Harley enthusiast, the 8th Annual Milwaukee Rally is happening at the Wisconsin State Fair Grounds and at all four of the local dealerships.  http://www.milwaukeerally.com/

And a new festival this year, Made in Milwaukee, features Milwaukee music, artists and vendors in Catheral Square Park on September 4th. http://www.madeinmilwaukee.com/

Don't miss out on all things "Cudahy" this weekend at the city's Sweet Applewood Days at Cudahy Park.  Lots of fun things to do that include a fish fry, the Cudahy All School Reunion on Friday, along with the band Six Pack playing from 7:30pm to 11:30pm. 

Saturday a craft/rummage show in the morning with a classic car show at 1pm, ribs from Southwoods, and more great music all day.

On Sunday is a polka mass and music by my friend Jeff Winard starting at 11am. More fun music until 8pm.

check out all the fun at:  http://www.wilions.org/cudahy/festival.htm

The South Milwaukee Downtown Market is back even bigger and better in 2010, starting on Thursday, June 3rd thru October 14th. Join them as they celebrate downtown South Milwaukee with an event that promises food, fun and a festive atmosphere for everyone. Rain or shine Thursdays 3 to 7:30 p.m. in June, July and August. Thursdays 3 to 7 p.m. in September and October 11th and Milwaukee Avenues in downtown South Milwaukee.

The outdoor street market begins June 3 and will be held every Thursday afternoon and evening through October 14 on 11th Avenue south of Milwaukee Avenue near the heart of South Milwaukee’s city center. This year there will be more seating for patrons and more stalls for vendors.  Bucyrus International is also offering a part of their parking lot for the market and this year there will be music too!  http://4thdistrict.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/2010-return-press-release-2.pdf 

You can keep up with what's going on at the market by joining them on Facebook or checking out their website at:  http://www.smdowntownmarket.org .

 The Bob Kames Foundation Jazz Festival returns April 16 - 18. The festival will include three evenings of performances. On Friday, April 16, Eric Marienthal will take the stage with special guest Brian Culbertson. Ramsey Lewis will perform Saturday, April 17 and Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band returns on Sunday, April 18. Tickets are $45 per performance. Special discounts are available if you purchase more than one show. For more information, contact the Box Office at 414-766-5049 or visit webpage: www.southmilwaukeepac.org/ or  www.bobkamesfoundation.org/mainframe.html

The annual Jazz Festival has provided thousands of dollars in grants and scholarships to High Schools and Middle Schools. These funds are used to provide instruments, instrument repair, lessons, music and other related music items. Their main fundraising is through the annual Jazz Festival, sponsors, raffles and private tax deductible contributions. This fundraiser is especially important this year since many of our school music programs could be cut due to budget constraints. This is a great way to support our school music programs and stuents!

I took most of this from Patricia Jursik's latest newsletter, but I'm sure she won't mind me passing this list of things to do in the next month or so..

Saturday, March 6 – Family FREE Day at the Zoo, 9am-4:30pm

All visitors receive free admission. The parking fee remains in effect. At Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 West Blue Mound Road, Milwaukee. milwaukeezoo.org 256-5466

Saturday and Sunday, March 6 and 7 – Winter Pow Wow
Presented by Indian Summer Festivals. Traditional Pow wow with grand entries at 1 and 7pm on Saturday and 1pm on Sunday. Native marketplace, art, and traditional food. Prayer ceremony on Sunday at 10am with FREE entry for those who attend. Admission: general $7, ages 60+ $5, and children 12 and under FREE. At Wisconsin State Fair Park, Wisconsin Products Pavilion, 640 S. 84^th St. (gate 5), West Allis. 414-604-1000 or www.indiansummer.org

Sunday, March 7 – Inside the County Board, 9-10pm

Tune to 1130 WISN for an in-depth look at actions of the County Board of Supervisors. Airs the first Sunday of each month. This month will focus on the Lake Parkway 794. Podcasts will be available at county.milwaukee.gov/insidethecountyboard

Tuesday, March 9 – Friends of Mill Pond meeting, 6:30pm

Special guest Brian Russert will introduce the Milwaukee County Park's Natural Areas Program that is actively applying restoration ecology and engaging communities throughout the system's 10,000 acres of natural areas. Brian will use a slide presentation to overview the breadth of the program, where it is working, and how individuals can get involved with the management of "their" natural resources.  Brian will speak at 6:30pm, immediately before the meeting. At Marquette Manor (2409 10^th Av, South Milwaukee). 571-1191

Thursday, March 11 – Grant Park “Park Watch” meeting, 6pm

At Grant Park Clubhouse (100 Hawthorne Av, South Milwaukee). 764-7262

Thursday, March 11 – Friends of Grant Park meeting, 7pm

At Grant Park Clubhouse (100 Hawthorne Av, South Milwaukee). 764-0612

Saturday and Sunday, March 13 and 14 – Behind the Scenes at the Zoo

Visit the small mammals and aviary kitchens, the off-exhibit lion den, big cat toys, and the sensory safari. Tours are free with regular admission and are held 10am-2:45pm. At Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 West Blue Mound Road, Milwaukee. milwaukeezoo.org 256-5466

Saturday, March 13 – St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Noon

Parade route follows Wisconsin Av. east from 3^rd to Plankinton, north along Plankinton and 3^rd, and Juneau east to Water St. in Downtown Milwaukee. www.saintpatricksparade.org

Sunday, March 14 – Pullin’ o the Green, seatings at 4:30pm or 6:30pm

Join Friends of Grant Park in their annual benefit to preserve and enhance Grant Park. Admission gets you food, beverage or a beer, and an evening of great music by the Garlic Mustard Pickers. Regular admission: $12 adults, $3 children. Reduced-price tickets ($10) will be available in advance at local businesses, including Parkway Floral, Wild Flour Bakery, and Nona’s Café. At Grant Park Clubhouse, 100 Hawthorne Av., South Milwaukee. Contact 764-0612

Tuesday, March 16 – Cudahy Lions Blood Drive, 2-6pm

At Cudahy Family Library, 3500 Library Dr., Cudahy. Call 421-0276 for info / appointments.

Tuesday, March 16 – Music Under Glass, 6:30-8:30pm

Leroy Airmaster with Steve Cohen (blues, jazz). Enjoy the new lighting of the domes with light shows at the break and following the concert. At The Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd. Regular admission applies. 649-9830 www.county.milwaukee.gov/FloralShowampEventSc10360/MusicUnderGlass.htm

Wednesday, March 17 – The Garlic Mustard Pickers play at the Carlton Grange Pub, 6-9pm 3807 S. Packard Avenue, St. Francis (just north of Howard Av.) www.carletongrange.com

Thursday, March 18 – St. Patrick’s Day party at the Kelly Center, Noon

The party starts at Noon with entertainment by Pat Gong Duo, door prizes, and lunch served by South Woods at 12:30pm. Payment of $12 for lunch is due by March 10. At Kelly Senior Center, 6100 S. Lake Dr., Cudahy. 481-9611

Thursday, March 18 – The Garlic Mustard Pickers play at Sheridan’s Café, 6:30-8:30pm

5133 S. Lake Drive, Cudahy. Reservations recommended: 747-9800 www.sheridanhouseandcafe.com/TheCafe.htm

Sunday, March 21 – St. Francis Association of Commerce Spaghetti Dinner, 11am-6pm

At St. Paul Church Hall, 1720 E. Norwich Av., Milwaukee. Tickets can be pre-purchased at Fixx Coffeehouse, 3558 E. Sivyer Av., St. Francis (Just off of Packard Av., between the Carleton

Grange Pub & Foamation Cheesehead Factory).

Tuesday, March 23 – Frank P. Zeidler Memorial Lecture, 7pm

Media expert, associate editor of the Capital Times, and Washington correspondent for The Nation, John Nichols discusses the 2010 book that he co-authored with Robert McChesney, entitled “The Death and Life of American Journalism: The Media Revolution that Will Begin the World Again.” At Centennial Hall, Milwaukee’s Central Library, 733 N. 8^th St., Milwaukee.

Saturday and Sunday, March 27 and 28 – Breakfast & Lunch with the Bunny at the Zoo, 9am-4:30pm Sponsored by Racine Danish Kringles. At Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 West Blue Mound Road, Milwaukee. milwaukeezoo.org 256-5466

Save the date! Saturday, April 10, South Milwaukee Downtown Spring Market and Business Fair, 10am-3pm At Bucyrus International, 1100 Milwaukee Av, South Milwaukee. www.smdowntownmarket.org

…………………………………………………………………………………………..

Ongoing:

Music Under Glass, Tuesdays and Thursdays until March 18, 6:30-8:30pm

Enjoy the new lighting of the domes with light shows at the break and following the concert. Regular admission applies. At The Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd. 649-9830. Check out the schedule of music at: www.county.milwaukee.gov/FloralShowampEventSc10360/MusicUnderGlass.htm

Monday, December 21st, at 7:30 PM the annual South Milwaukee High School Yuletide Festival Concert at the South Milwaukee PAC 901 15th Avenue.  Free!

People will be on hand to collect items for Human Concerns also. 

If you love the Christmas Feaste, you’ll love this concert. This concert has a new format and features the performance groups from the Ye Olde Christmas Feaste, and will feature a new joint work by Clare Grundman called "Three Noels." In SMHS music tradition, the concert will end with the singing of Handel’s "Hallelujah Chorus". All are invited to attend, sing and to get yourself into the holiday spirit. 

IRISH FEST STARTS THURSDAY!

I never miss Irish Fest.  I feel a pull to the music, the costumes, the culture, and of course, the brogue!  Being Irish is very important to me, and I think that is true of most people that are of Irish descent.  Ever since I made a trip to Ireland a few years ago, I feel such a connection.

And you can certainly make connections at Irish Fest.  Starting on Thursday night Where's Your Paddy kicks off Milwaukee's largest happy hour for young professionals.  Get your free tickets to the happy hour by joining Facebook and then going to this link:  http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=112619445777 .  Admission to the fest is not free, but you can get in Thursday night for $5 with a school supply donation.

Admission is free Friday from 4-5:30 pm.  And there are many other ways to get in with discounts.  http://www.irishfest.com/festival/.  The fest closes on Sunday at 10pm.

Last year I took a Bodhran lesson (traditional Irish drums).  It was very cool!  We sampled some mead, and Shepherd's Pie, yum!  I'm looking forward to doing all this and more this year.  

If you are a Facebook member or want to get email updates, it is easy to join up so that you'll get all the latest updates.  And they will let you know what's going on all year.  The Irish Fest Milwaukee organization is active all year round.  Check 'em out!

With a name like Fun Fest, it's gotta be fun, right?  In fact this festival has been going on for 30 years.  Even though I'm writing this late, there is still today to experience a little fun.  Today's schedule has a wide variety of music, starting with a polka mass, then bagpiper music, swing, and rock (IMt. Olive 5 to 9pm).  

Roasted chicken dinners start at noon - stop early because they sell out every year.  While you eat your chicken, there is a beer special  today only from noon to 2pm, tap beer is $1!

A new addition, a pong tournament (with water, not beer) will be played with 32 teams on 8 tables.  Maybe the parents can beat the college kids!  :)  Starts at 1pm.

If you bought raffle tickets, the winners will be drawn at 8pm tonight.  You need not be present to win.  My mom buys tickets for all of us each year, so I think this year, it's my turn to win.  I just feel it.

http://www.dmfunfest.com/30th.php

Every year my friend and I meet on opening day of the State Fair in front of the Giant Slide - without fail.  We've been doing this for probably ten years now.  We don't have to call each other to schedule, it's a standing engagement.  Once we meet up we go to the cheapest beer vendor there, get our beer, then go look for dinner and some good music to listen to.

Over the years we've watched the number of items of food you can get on a stick grow from a few to over a reported 40 items this year!  I decided I'd try to find as many of these food items as I could but I vowed to not eat any of them.  If I did that I would have been sick by the time I went to bed.  The first thing I saw was the new bacon on a stick.  It doesn't look too appetizing to me, but people were gobbling it up.  I also saw cherry pie on a stick, corn dogs, cheese on a stick, and my friend saw the little sausages on a stick.  Of course we also saw various ice creams on a stick.  We ran out of time so I will be going back to finish my quest.

Today while writing my blog I decided to look for a list - I'm sure there is one.  I found it!  Of course, it's on Wisconsin State Fair's website.

I noticed that there is a lot less advertising this year, or else I just wasn't paying attention.  I had no idea that Foreigner was playing last night, so it was nice to be able to see and hear them as I was walking back to my car.  I am disapointed that the Stone's Throw Winery is not there this year.  They had brought in some great musical entertainment for a few years in a row.  I really miss them.  There are new vendors this year too, and we had a great time with the robot guy that dances as he strolls through the park.  He is really funny!

Take a look at their website, they did beef up ways for you to get information, from facebook to twitter and text messages.  See you at the Fair!

My favorite festival, Sweet Applewood Days is this weekend. One of the reasons I like this festival is the variety of local bands that play all weekend.  This year the line up of music looks really good.  You may have heard the radio annoucements the last few days about it. 

Check out details at www.wilions.org/cudahy/festival.htm. 

Festival runs July 31 - August 2, Friday - Sunday at Cudahy Park, 3000 Ramsey Avenue in Cudahy.

Evening on the Avenue: Check out music, entertainment, children’s activities, food, community vendors and resources. A raffle will benefit South Milwaukee Human Concerns. Enjoy Celtic music by the Garlic Mustard Pickers. Visit the Friends of Mill Pond to purchase Duck Race tickets and other items. Come to Milwaukee Avenue at 10th Avenue in South Milwaukee from 4 to 9 p.m. for an evening of fun on July 23!
 

South Milwaukee Downtown Market Launches July 23: The new South Milwaukee Downtown Market will open on the same night as South Milwaukee’s Evening on the Avenue on July 23. Stop by 11th and Milwaukee Avenues each Thursday, 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., for fresh produce, bakery, flowers, and other offerings from area vendors and entertainers. Visit http://www.SMDowntownMarket.org .

Heritage Days Parade: 11am In South Milwaukee Saturday, July 25

Great Duck Race: Saturday, July 25 –, 2pm Below the Mill Pond dam, South Milwaukee

South Milwaukee Lions Fest: July 24-26 – Friday, 4:30-11:30pm fish; Saturday, 11am-11:30pm ribs; Sunday, Noon-8pm chicken, 16th St. & Rawson Av., South Milwaukee https://www.wilions.org/southmilwaukee/lionsfes.htm

Thursday, June 18, 2009
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Sheridan Pavilion, Area 1, at the farthest east end of Layton Avenue, Cudahy

The Bluegrass Allstars use banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, dobro, upright bass, and vocal harmonies.  Some of their favorite tunes are Rocky Top, Dueling Banjos and the theme from the Beverly Hillbillies.  Cudahy favorite Dan Nimphius, former owner of Dan's Pickaway Parlor in South Milwaukee, is a member of this group.

Sponsored by the Milwaukee County Parks Department.  Kudos to the Friends of Patrick Cudahy Park for their efforts to bring a Milwaukee County Parks concert to Cudahy for the first time!  Also supported by County Supervisor Patricia Jursik.

From Press Release March 1, 2009:

The Aicardi Syndrome Foundation is holding a fundraising event on Saturday April 25 2009, called the Aicardi Party.  This is a Beer and Wine Tasting Event that is open from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at The Oak Creek Community Center, 8580 S Howell Avenue, Oak Creek, WI  53154.  There will be door prizes, a live auction, a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, cash bar and background music.  Immediately following the event, the Neil Diamond Tribute Show will begin!   The show is available only to the Aicardi Party event attendees.

The silent and live auction items include several autographed sports memorabilia, in addition to many other unique packages.  The silent auction ends at 10:15 p.m., with auction item pick up beginning at 10:30 p.m.

For event attendees only, there will be musical entertainment by Karl Commers in the Neil Diamond Tribute until midnight.  Go to www.neildiamondshow.com to get a glimpse of his talent!  

To register in advance, please download the registration form from the Aicardi Syndrome Foundation website www.aicardisyndrome.org, or call Terry or Linda Tveita at (414) 232-5374.  Tickets are $25 in advance, and $30 at the door the night of the event.  Due to limited space, it is highly encouraged that individuals register in advance.  The event is open to the public, but attendees must be 21 years of age or older to participate in the wine and beer tasting.

Please come and enjoy some great wine and beer, while supporting a great cause.  All money raised at the event will go to the Aicardi Syndrome Foundation.  The Foundation is staffed solely by volunteers, and all money raised goes directly to the Foundation to support the Foundation’s efforts.

###

Aicardi Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder identified by the French neurologist, Dr. Jean Aicardi, in 1965.  The number of identified cases of children with Aicardi Syndrome is very difficult to calculate accurately, but is estimated at 300-500 worldwide.  Aicardi Syndrome is characterized by the absence of the corpus callosum, seizures, poor muscle tone, and retinal lesions.  Aicardi Syndrome only affects females.

The Aicardi Syndrome Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in August 1991.  The Foundation is funded by private donations and various fundraising events.  The Aicardi Syndrome Foundation provides funds for families of affected girls, newsletters and support, and ongoing research to find a cause and cure.  The WI Chapter of this Foundation was organized by the parents and friends of Serena Tveita, Oak Creek WI.

This new restaurant on Milwaukee's east side was voted Milwaukee's best new restaurant in 2008.  I've been to this restaurant two times so far and both times the experience was phenomonal. 

All that remains of the old 5 and 10 Tap are the Cream City brick walls. The newly remodeled building looks just like a pub in Ireland with lots of dark wood, glass and mirrors, and that quaint feeling of belonging as soon as you walk through the door. There are two floors, downstairs is for smokers, and upstairs in non-smoking.  Both floors have traditional irish bars with tables and booths that have a sense of privacy about them.  Upstairs there is the added feature of a fireplace.  I'm going back the first really nice day in the spring so that I can experience the outdoor patio, which is basically built into the hill on top of the building and overlooks the Milwaukee River.

Open seven days a week, they feature dinner and late night menus including Irish specialties well as fine contemporary cuisine and daily dinner specials - plus brunch on the weekends. The shepard's pie is the best I've ever had, and their Irish Whiskey steak is scrumptious.  In addition to outstanding food, expect to find great imported beer, unusual Irish and Scotch whiskeys and regular Irish music sessions. It was the first time I've experienced a pumpkin old fashioned cocktail.  Excellent!

In case you're wondering, Brocach is Gaelic for "badger den". Find them at 1850 N. Water St., Milwaukee WI 53202   414-431-9009  I'd recommend getting a reservation if there are more than two people in your party as the pub is not large.  They would rather keep it feeling like a true Irish pub than make it commercial.  The waitstaff takes their time with you and makes you feel like you could stay all night.  http://www.brocach.com/Milwaukee/index.html

Need a fix of motorcycling during the winter?  You won't be able to ride, but you can catch a motorcycling mood when you stop in that the Motor bar and restaurant at the new Harley-Davidson Museum.  Motor is open to the public and you don't need to purchase a museum ticket to get in.  Thursdays are happy hour days with specials starting at 3pm.  They also serve a Friday fish fry.  The bar is very large with many stools with deep leather cushions.  There are a couple of cushy leather chair groupings, along with some long tables with benches for large groups.  I've stopped here a few times, and their food is wonderful - especially the appetizers and dessert.  The bar is a nice place to unwind, with black leather and an industrial steel look that complements H-D's motorcycle styling.  http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/HD_Museum/eat_at_museum.jsp?locale=en_US  The complex is located at 400 Canal Street, but the easiest way to get there is to go over the 6th street viaduct - it is at the lights where Canal Street crosses 6th.  Every time I bring someone new to the place, they are surprised that no one really knows it's there for anyone to enjoy. 

After getting your fill at Motor, drive a couple blocks south on 6th to the Iron Horse Inn, toss the keys to the valet guy, have a drink and a look around. The remodeled warehouse with 102 guest rooms features a two story high lobby bar serving all kinds of drinks with some pretty cool local micro-brews featured on the menu.  With a large, open concept area with plenty of couches and chairs to lounge on, you can sip drinks there or sitting at a stool in the bar area.  There was a DJ when we were there and they were spinning music that us almost middle-aged folks could enjoy.  The exposed brick walls are combined with huge wood beams and wood floors that create a trendy and modern mountain lodge type feel.  The place was packed for a Saturday night, but we could still converse without shouting.  And I ran into several friends from work there too. 

Both places are on the river - facing each other on opposite banks, and in the summer you can bet I'll be there walking along the riverfront enjoying the views. 

Bay View and Saint Francis has been changing the past few years and as you drive through these cities on the way to Milwaukee, you get a decidedly east side feel to the area.  It's like the east side of Milwaukee has drifted a little south into our south side neighborhoods with the new condos along the lake there and the restaurants that have popped up around them.  One that is really cute is The Fixx - a coffee shop that feels like one of the trendier east side coffee shops but with a lot more space.  With several large comfy leather couches and magazines galore to read, many tall tables and chairs to sit at, great pastry, sandwiches and coffees, you could spend all afternoon there.  It's full of flyers that tell you all about happenings in the area, along with all the great events the store itself plans.  In fact, they have live music and open mic on Fridays and Saturday nights. 

One really unique thing about this coffee house is that the owner realized that since most first dates are in coffee shops, why not bring that to the forefront and make this place all about meeting people?  They have a wall of personal ads and a system that allows singles to put up a profile and get messages from interested people - hence the play on the name "The Fixx".

I stopped for a cup of coffee and a panini sandwich on the way home from work to check it out and it is really cute.  I can imagine in the mornings what it would be like with the sun coming up over the lake and lighting up the place.  It's located at the north end of Packard Avenue just before the street ends at Lake Drive, next door to the Carleton Grange Pub.  You'll have to check it out, you never know who you'll meet! 

Fixx Coffee House
3558 E. Sivyer Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53235
(414) 482-0919
Non-smoking

In case you didn't know, South Milwaukee has a Performing Arts Center.  It was built a few years ago as part of the South Milwaukee High School expansion and it is a hidden gem.  In addition to serving the school system and local groups for events, it draws many fine performers to entertain you.  I had been told that the theatre had great acoustics, and they were right, the sound is awesome.  This is nothing like the high school stages you are used to seeing in a school, it's a modern performing arts center attached to the school that is not too small, not too large, and very classy.  It has a great open lobby area to gather in before the show and it looks out over the high school commons area below. 

 Recently I got involved in volunteering at the SMPAC and it's been a great experience.  Besides the satisfaction of volunteering, you get to see the show for free when you do it. It's easy, flexible, and you get some great perks for doing it.   

I had the priviledge of seeing Tommy Emmanuel, an awesome guitarist from Australia, and next week I'm going to see the phenomonal piano player Alpin Hong.  Check out all the upcoming performances at:  http://www.southmilwaukeepac.org/ . 

901 15th Avenue
South Milwaukee, WI 53172
Administrative Office Phone: 414-766-5048
Box Office Phone: 414-766-5049
Fax: 414-766-5005

August 27 - 31, 2008    Wow, 105 years ago this American motorcycle company opened it's doors for business.  16 years ago I proudly accepted a position at this phenomonal company.  People from all over the world will be here this week to celebrate a hobby, a way of life, a history and philosophy that has no comparison. 

There is so much to do during the Anniversary Celebration, even if you aren't a rider, not a HOG member, and haven't bought a ticket to the Summerfest grounds.  Check out the activities at:  http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/Events/105th_Coverage/schedule.jsp?locale=en_US .  I hope that all my readers get a chance to participate, even if a wave to a passing motorist is all that you do.  

Congratulations Harley-Davidson.  May your road be smooth for the next 105 years to come.

Divine Mercy Parish Festival
695 College Ave., South Milwaukee

August 8-10

Check out all the entertainment at:

http://www.funfest08.com/ffentertainment.htm

This festival has some large cash and raffle prizes, so make sure you pick up some raffle tickets!

We have 4 local city festivals coming up quickly!  There's a couple of local bands that are playing at them that I like to listen to, so I would have been disappointed if I had missed any of them.  I kept seeing information, but until I actually wrote them on the calendar, I was in danger of missing out, so I listed them here in order:

South Milwaukee Heritage Days - July 24th Evening on the Avenue, July 25th Spectacle of Music, July 25 - 27 Lionsfest. http://www.wilions.org/southmilwaukee/lionsfes.htm

Cudahy Sweet Applewood Days - August 1-3. http://www.wilions.org/cudahy/festival.htm

St Francis Days - Labor Day Weekend August 28 - 31st, Sunday - Jeff Winard noon-4 pm

Oak Creek Lions Festival - Labor Day Weekend August 29 - Sept 1. http://www.wilions.org/oakcreek/LionsFest%20Info.pdf

Local bands I recommend:

Six Pack - July 27th Lionsfest 1-4pm, August 2nd Sweet Applewood 7:30-11:30pm, Sept 1st Oak Creek Lions Fest 12-4pm

Nashville Rejects - August 1st Sweet Applewood 3:30-7:30pm, Sept 1st Oak Creek Lions Fest 7-10pm

For more information on all the festivals in Southeastern Wisconsin, check out:  http://www.wisconsinfestivals.org

If you are wondering what festivals are going on, here's an important Internet link for you www.wisconsinfestivals.org.  It's my official website of the summer! 

Are you getting excited?  Summerfest is almost here!  And hopefully summer will arrive shortly before it   :)  www.summerfest.com

There are also free concerts all over town.  The Wisconsin State Fair Free Wednesday concerts are:  www.wistatefair.com. and best of all State Fair seems to be starting earlier this year July 31 - August 10th.

Enjoy the sun every chance you get and Happy Summer.

A reader asked me to visit the Carleton Grange Pub so I did, not only once, but twice in the last week.  I took my mom and son last Sunday for lunch, and was surprised to find that they have a special Sunday brunch menu from 10 - 2 pm.  It's not a buffet (a refreshing treat), its a special menu with neat choices - all with an English flair - or English fare - to be more specific.  The next time I went was for dinner.  Both times the food was very good with some unique choices on the menu.  What I enjoyed the most was the 16 different beers on tap - and my favorite, Smithwick's, was available.  Another thing I enjoyed was that both times I was there they had live music.  The Sunday brunch had a jazz duo and the Saturday night dinner featured a blues duo.  They were not loud and they made for perfect background music so that you could talk while listening to them. 

The decor was very nice with lots of wood, plenty of tables, a long bar with TV screens tuned to sports, a fireplace, and a small game room.  It really did look like an english pub inside.  On Saturday night we were seated at a table for two in front of the fireplace, very romantic.  Both times the waitress was very attentive and the service was fast.  Prices are typical, a little more than a burger joint, but not as expensive as a steak house.  And that is exactly what this pub is, a nice place to relax that's not fancy, but a lot nicer than your local corner bar. 

Their website tells the history of the place and where they got their name, plus they show their entertainment schedule and menu.  Take a look yourself at Carleton Grange Pub.  There is an outdoor garden patio that really looks inviting - I want to go back in the summer to try it out.  Being about a block from the lake, I'm sure it will be a cool place to be on a summer night.  The pub is located at 3807 S. Packard Avenue, St. Francis - basically at the end of Packard Avenue, almost where Packard and Lake Drive intersect.  Maybe I'll see you there during their happy hour, Tuesdays - Fridays 4 - 6:30pm.