Cedarburg, Wisconsin is a vacation destination with something all travelers. Here you’ll find a aesthetically beautiful town that's loaded with unique outdoor activities, shops, restaurants, and community festivals.
The problem you’ll encounter visiting Cedarburg is not finding things to do, but narrowing down the selection. Whether you're into outdoor activities or shopping, you’ll find it all here. The city is home to 15 parks that offer a variety of vistas and activities. The Ozaukee Interurban Trail is a 30-mile bike trail that runs through the city. It's ideal for any biking enthusiast and a great way to get to know the area. The city is not only surrounded by natural beauty, but it's also filled with gorgeous, historic buildings. A few locations that are more than worth your time include Cedarburg Mill, Covered Bridge, and Concordia Mill. These locations will give you a window into the history of this great community.
If you're a foodie or wine lover, Cedarburg offers almost every food option that you can imagine. Stilt House is a popular local restaurant, that draws patrons in from far and wide with its diverse menu and lively atmosphere. The Farmstead is another great local eating establishment that embraces the history of Cedarburg. Located in an refurbished farmhouse and embodying a rustic elegance, this restaurant has unmatched steaks and entrees. Once you get your fill of the local fare, then check out the local wine options. The Cedar Creek Winery boasts a selection of award winning vintages that are some of the best in the region. Located in The Cedar Creek Settlement, you can purchase bottles, foods, accessories, and much more.
Cedarburg is a city that loves to celebrate. You’ll find a collection of events and festivals that will rival almost any other town or city. The Wine & Harvest Festival is a local favorite returning for an impressive 44th year. They are expecting an attendance of roughly 80,000 people, approximately seven times the full time population of the town. The event will have a massive collection of juried artists and crafters, who will be selling a variety of works from various disciplines. You’ll find many local vendors selling produce and artisan foods. To top it all off, the event will feature award winning wines from the Cedar Creek Winery. ResortsandLodges.com got the opportunity to speak to Cori Rice, representative for the festival, to talk all about this great event.
RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.
CR: The 44th Annual Wine & Harvest Festival takes place September 17-18, 2016. The two-day event had an attendance of roughly 80,000 people last year. Demographically the crowd is between 25 and 70 years of age.
Celebrate the abundance of Wisconsin’s homegrown produce and artisan food products, award-winning locally-produced wines of Cedar Creek Winery and the exquisite artwork of hundreds of local artists at this free, family-oriented event.
RAL: Highlight some of the activities people will find at the event.
CR: Treasures are just waiting to be discovered at Art on the Avenue, with more than 250 juried booths featuring the works of artists and crafters in all types of media, including paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, and more. Drop in at both the Cedarburg Cultural Center for the Cedarburg Artists Guild’s annual juried Fall Show and the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts special events and activities.
Festgoers won’t want to miss Wine & Harvest Festival’s Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, September 17, sponsored by Port Washington State Bank. The weigh-off is open to all growers and gardeners, and will include many different fruits including but not limited to Giant Pumpkins (some topping the scales at as much as 1,000 pounds), Watermelons, Long Gourds, Tomatoes, Squash and Fields Pumpkins. Last year Glenn McMullen brought his North American record setter, the largest pumpkin weighing in at 2145.5 lbs. No telling what this year will bring!
On Sunday, giant pumpkins take center stage again at the Giant Pumpkin Charity Regatta. Previous regattas are YouTube favorites featuring gigantic, decorated, hollowed-out, floatable pumpkins, piloted by intrepid paddlers attempting to race across Cedar Creek to benefit the charity of their choice.
Ashley's Candyland for Kids offers a variety of activities and entertainment geared for children, including Popcorn the Clown, a bouncer, special treats, Mad Hatter paper hats, and Paint a Pumpkin sponsored by BMO Harris Bank. Plus a pumpkin carver extraordinaire, Steve Dahlke, will be turning large pumpkins into grotesque faces at the City Hall Lawn on Saturday and a whole lot more!
RAL: What will people find for food options.
CR: The many and varied food booths located in the Festival Food Court at the Community Center feature sweet buttered corn, BBQ, brats, burgers, fried cheese, noodles, gyros, grilled foods, and other savory & sweet delights. The Farmer’s Market on Columbia Road will be brimming with seasonal fruits and vegetables, flowers and plants, herbs, and apples.
Locally produced foods such as honey, syrup, cheese, sausage, and jellies, as well as items like unique handbags, hats and skin care products, are among the many items available in the three Festival Marketplaces on Mill Street, Turner Street, and Cleveland Street.
RAL: Will there be any live music or guest appearances?
CR: Festival fans can kick back and listen to live music all over town, including Top Forty, Folk and Rock & Roll bands. The Gruber Law Office Main Stage at the food court features local seasoned musicians like The Sonic Funk Blasters, Our House, and Radio Radio. The Cedar Creek Settlement will be offering up the popular tunes of the Rhythm Kings, Kevin Kennedy and Bobby Way, and the Wayouts. Cedar Creek Settlement will also be hosting a Packer Legends tent with former Green Bay Packer players to meet and greet fans.
RAL: Our travelers are a segment of the market that seek out unique accommodations… is this what they will find when they come to your event?
CR: We are proud to have two historic bed and breakfast inns located in downtown Cedarburg,
The Washington House Inn and The Stagecoach Inn Bed & Breakfast.
RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community? (School funds, etc.)
CR: Festival Grant Program donations since 2001 are over $200,000, not including significant funds donated by charitable groups who participate in Cedarburg’s festivals.
The Festivals contributes to over 25 charitable and civic organizations that donate back to the communities in Ozaukee County. This is a short list of some of our nonprofit partners: Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts, Cedarburg Lion’s Club, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, American Legion, church organizations, American Red Cross, Cedarburg Cultural Center, and many more.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
CR: Many families make Wine & Harvest Festival a yearly tradition because it has something to offer evryone. If you are planning a class or family reunion, wedding proposal, or are traveling with a group, we would love to help assisting you with your plans. Family and friends can enjoy the festival, walk through the park and enjoy the beautiful outdoors, then gather at a tented meeting place to continue to have a great time. Just contact our office to coordinate your event.
For more information about Wine & Harvest Festival, please visit their website.