Fall has come rushing in with Wisconsin’s fifth season – Oktoberfest that is. If you would like to know about all the fall events going on throughout the state the best places to enjoy the Fall colors link in to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism website TravelWisconsin.com
Heritage Days Weekend
Fall is off to a GREAT start here in Fennimore! A large number of people came out to participate in Fennimore’s Heritage Day activities at both Fennimore museums Sept 30. The FFA and Alumni had a good crowd at the Memorial building for the pancake breakfast and Farm Toy Show respectfully.
The 3rd Annual Giant Pumpkin Contest, sponsored by the Pumpkin Growers, took place along Lincoln Avenue near Hilltop Bar and Grill. The Pumpkin Growers report this year was a big success. Fennimore resident Steve Wagner is this year’s champion with his giant pumpkin weighing 1194 pounds. Kelly Udelhofen took 2nd place with a 1040-pound pumpkin, and Kim/Bob Govier took 3rd place with a 863 pound pumpkin.
Congratulations to all the growers. A total of 23 pumpkins were weighed and averaged over 600 pounds. Wow! Lloyd Tarrell, organizer of the contest, reports the day would not have been possible without the help of Ryan Rands donation of the fork lift, EMC’s scale, The Hilltop and New Horizons parking lots and all the members who helped. The growers raised $332.00 with the pumpkin auction with at least another $100 expected to be collected.
Each year the organization donates to a community cause. This year the club will make a $500 donation to both the Dog Park and to a Scholarship to a FHS graduate attending and majoring in an Ag program at Southwest Tech.
Fennimore Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting October 11
The Chamber will hold their annual meeting on Thursday, Oct 11 at Hickory Grove Golf Course. The noon luncheon will feature salad, Lasagna, Chicken Alfredo and garlic bread. Reservations needed by Oct 5 to the Promotions Coordinator 822-3599 or promo@fennimore.com.
Agenda items will include election of officers and board members and presentation of the Chamber 2019 budget prepared by the chamber board. Elections for officers and board members will be held. Any chamber member who has an interest in sharing their leadership skills as an officer or board member and wishes to be on the ballot are asked to contact Promotions Coordinator or Chamber President Sheila Ruchti to have your name placed on the ballot.
Chamber members who do you know that would benefit from being a member of the Fennimore Area Chamber of Commerce? Please invite them to join you at the Oct 11meeting. We encourage chamber members to attend and network with other business owners. Everyone mark your calendars and plan to attend.
Fennimore Utilities Celebrates Public Power Week
The staff at Fennimore Water and Light Utilities will celebrate public power week October 7th thru 13th. Stop by the City Clerk’s office Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. for refreshments and to sign up for door prizes and a chance to win a credit against your utility bill.
The staff will also be having a customer appreciation meal on Friday, October 12 between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Fennimore Water and Light has been a Public Power and Water Community since 1904 which is known for powering strong communities. Some of the benefits of living in a public power community include: low rates, high reliability, customer responsiveness, community focus, economic development and local control.
Here is a little trivia about Fennimore: they have been a power community since 1904; owners of an neighborhood electric vehicle since 2007; A Focus on Energy Partner since 2008 (bringing energy efficiency opportunities to customers); have participated in Public Power week since 2006 and last but not least important Fennimore Water and Light is committed to renewable energy since 2012 by purchasing over 20% of its wholesale power in the form of wind energy.
Fennimore Firemen’s Dance Oct 13
The Fennimore Fire Department will host their 107th Annual Firemen’s Dance on Saturday October 13. The dance runs from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Fire Station located at 1070 8th Street. Put on your dancing shoes and come on out to support the Fennimore Firemen’s Dance. This year dance to the music of the Hard Times Band who plays Classic Rock, Classic Country & Blues. Make plans with your friends and family to attend and have a good time while supporting our local fire department and their volunteers who are there 24/7 to come to our aid in our time of need.
Stitzer Fire Dept. Steak Feed Oct 13
If you would like to also support the Stitzer Volunteer Fire Department make your first stop by their Steak Feed on Saturday, Oct 13 at the Stitzer Fire Station. They will be serving steak from 5 to 9 p.m. or until all steaks are sold. Tickets are $12 available at the door; for carryout orders call 608-988-6519. Proceeds will go toward new equipment.
Halloween Hoopla Oct 28th
Members of the Fennimore United Methodist Church invite everyone to join in the fun at their Annual Halloween Hoopla Free community event. The event is scheduled for Sunday, Oct 28 with activities taking place between noon and 1:30 p.m.
Popular events include Trunk or Treating in the FUMC back parking lot, games, photo booth, food and fun. Halloween Hoopla is a safe place for children to trick or treat. Lots of fun for all ages. Everyone is welcome to participate.
New Event Planned by Castle Rock Lutheran Parish Hall
Gospel in the Valley will be hosted by members of Castle Rock Lutheran Church. The event features bluegrass artists, The DisChords, on Sunday, October 28 between the hours of 1-3 p.m.
Castle Rock Lutheran Parish Hall is located 9 miles east of Fennimore at the intersection of County Hwy Q and Coon Valley Road. There is no charge, a free will offering accepted; all are welcome to attend.
The DisChords are a group of six musicians who have dedicated their time and talents to sharing God’s message through song. Members of the band include two farmers, a machinist, a retired school secretary, a school business manager and a retired school district superintendent. Their music is very upbeat, filled with harmonies on most songs, and presented in a manner that is fun and meaningful.
Fennimore PD Announces Official Trick or Treat Hours
The Fennimore Police Department has announced the official time for Trick or Treating in Fennimore will be Wednesday, Oct 31 between the hours of 4 to 7 p.m. Parents are encouraged to think safety when putting Halloween costumes together as well as the use of flashlights for children’s safety. Residents who want trick or treat guests are asked to turn on their porch lights.
Bender’s Foods Hosts Sneak Peak Open House
Bender’s Foods plans to be open for a “Sneak Peek” and Open House on Wednesday, Nov 7 between the hours of 5 to 7 p.m. at their new store 325 Lincoln Avenue in Fennimore. One day later the Fennimore Chamber of Commerce and Fennimore Industrial and Economic Development Corp will hold a Ribbon Cutting – November 8 at 8 a.m. The public is invited to join us for the ribbon cutting.