MEDIA CONTACT: Lisa Marshall, Wis. Dept. of Tourism
Phone: 1-800-236-7529
Fax: 608/266-3403
Email: pr@travelwisconsin.com
Press Room: http://industry.travelwisconsin.com
NEW IN WISCONSIN FOR 2009
The return of the Great Circus Parade to Milwaukee, new attractions and major expansions highlight Wisconsin’s new 2009 features. Complementing Wisconsin’s existing roster of original locations and destinations, the following list serves as a sampling of the state’s newest draws. For a complete list of Wisconsin’s attractions, please visit TravelWisconsin.com or call 1-800-432-TRIP (8747).
Great Circus Parade, Milwaukee
This spectacular parade, which at one time was the third largest parade in the country, behind only the Tournament of Roses parade and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade will be held for the first time since 2003. The parade will feature more than 100 units, including 52 historic circus wagons pulled by horses of all major breeds. Around 300 horses will pull colorful wagons and carriages, accompanied by 14 top bandwagon bands, 10 marching bands and several specialty musical units. 1-866-693-1500; www.circusworldmuseum.com July 12, 2009
Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells
The Kalahari Resort—Wisconsin’s largest indoor waterpark—has nearly doubled its existing 125,000-square-foot complex with a 110,000-square-foot entertainment complex addition. Highlights include a six-story Ferris wheel, laser tag, go karts, golf simulators and a sports bar. 1-877-525-2427; www.kalahariresorts.com/wi/
Wisconsin Original Cheese Festival, Madison
The newly formed Wisconsin Cheese Originals organization will sponsor the first Wisconsin Original Cheese Festival at the Monona Terrace in Madison. The goal of the organization and festival is to celebrate Wisconsin’s original cheeses and help connect consumers to farmstead, artisan and specialty cheesemakers—the most award-winning group of cheesemakers in the world. 608/358-7837, www.wisconsincheeseoriginals.com Nov. 6-7, 2009
Pride and Passion: The African-American Baseball Experience Exhibit, Milwaukee
The Milwaukee Public Library has been selected as one of only 25 libraries to host the national traveling exhibit. It features the history of baseball’s Negro Leagues, and how African-American players fared in the major leagues since Jackie Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. The exhibit looks at baseball memorabilia and is based on a similar exhibit at the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum in Cooperstown, NY. 414/286-3000; http://www.mpl.org/ July 22 – Sept. 4, 2009
Mohican North Star Casino and Bingo, Bowler
This central Wisconsin casino has completed phase one of their renovation project. The casino has added a new gaming floor with slots, black jack, craps and roulette tables; café; family style restaurant (seats 135); 886 stall parking garage and entertainment lounge. Phase two of the renovation is scheduled to be completed in late 2009 and will include: a five section convention center, entertainment and bingo center (seats 1,400), steak house (seats 70), 150-room hotel and spa. 1-800-775-CASINO; http://www.mohicannorthstar.com/default.asp
World Music Festival, Madison
The Wisconsin Union Theater will host the three-day World Music Festival with the third day of performances coinciding with Madison’s Willy Street Fair. The final concert of the festival on Sept. 19 will feature the Drepung Loseling Monks with the Mystical Arts of Tibet, who will also have a five-day residency in Madison. The goal of the monks is to "promote world peace and healing through sacred performing art," namely music and dance. As part of their performance, they plan to build and dismantle a spiritual diagram known as a Mandala inside the union. 608/262-0234, www.uniontheater.wisc.edu
Sept. 17-19
Door County Renaissance Fair, Egg Harbor
The first annual Door County Renaissance Fantasy Faire will bring visitors back in time to experience the middle ages in a family friendly, festival setting. Featuring make-believe knights, faire ladies, wenches, wizards, dragons and royalty, the fair will recreate a 12th-16th Century European Country Market Faire with mythical creatures and characters as its guests. In addition to entertainment, Renaissance Fantasy Faire aims to educate through interactive history and showcase the talent of Door County actors. 920/973-8233; www.DoorCoWIRenaissance.com Oct. 11-20, 2009
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