MONROE - The summer-long "Zoo on the Square" attraction, organized by Main Street Monroe, has arrived.
The event's been planned for more than a year, according to Main Street Monroe Promotions Committee co-chairman Kareesa Wilson.
"We wanted to try something different and fun this year," she said. "It's a way to get children and families excited about spending time on the Square."
This weekend, the zoo-themed event officially opens with a "Welcome to the Jungle" children's fair, from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, on the north side of the Square. The event will feature Madison's Henry Vilas Zoo, which will bring live animals. A steel drummer, face painting, and Monroe Theatre Guild crafts booth also are planned - along with an animal-inspired treat stand.
Unlike other Main Street sponsored events such as Concerts on the Square and the Holiday Parade, the zoo stays for several months and is specifically conceived to increase traffic over a longer period of time. "This is a concept we'd like to maintain every year, changing the theme and artist," Wilson said.
This year's featured artist is Zoli Akacsos. He caught the committee's eye with his carvings, visible on Wisconsin 11. A self-taught chainsaw artist, Zoli spends spring, summer and fall in Monroe carving at Whitney Tree Service.
The 28-year-old Romanian then flies south for the winter, setting up shop in Florida, where he sells brightly painted tropical birds, alligators, and totem poles. Working mostly on commission, Akacsos also stays busy carving bears and morel mushrooms for Monroe's Brennan's Market.
But the zoo project, he says, stretched his imagination and artistic abilities.
"I've never done anything like this," he said.
More than 25 unique animals of all shapes and sizes were required for the exhibit - including a giraffe, zebra, hippo, gorilla, snake, monkeys, turtles, mountain goat, and even an octopus.
One of the biggest challenges he faced was finding logs large enough for pieces like the zebra, which stands more than five feet tall, and is more than six feet long. "I had to wait until the right piece came along," he said.
The "zoo" project has also challenged Main Street, in a good way. "This has really stretched us and made us step out and try something bold," Wilson said. "We've spent a lot of time planning and selling the pieces to local businesses, individuals and organizations whose generosity made this happen."
But in the end, it's about Akacsos and the vision he brought. "I can't say enough about Zoli. He's been patient, creative and generous with his time and energy," Wilson said. "The Zoo is his work of art."
While most animals have already been sponsored, Wilson said a handful are still available. "The animal belongs to the sponsor," she said. "Some organizations have chosen to fund an animal and donate it to a park or public building."
Main Street Monroe Promotions Committee co-chairman Tracy Hamilton said all of the hard work has paid off.
"I can't believe how much the kids love these animals," he said. "Not just kids, adults too. This has been a great thing for Monroe. The exciting part is that it's only the beginning."
More information is available by calling Kareesa Wilson at (608) 329-5899, or Tracy Hamilton at (608) 328-4405.
More information about Zoli's Woodcarving is available online at www.zoliswoodcarving.com
The event's been planned for more than a year, according to Main Street Monroe Promotions Committee co-chairman Kareesa Wilson.
"We wanted to try something different and fun this year," she said. "It's a way to get children and families excited about spending time on the Square."
This weekend, the zoo-themed event officially opens with a "Welcome to the Jungle" children's fair, from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, on the north side of the Square. The event will feature Madison's Henry Vilas Zoo, which will bring live animals. A steel drummer, face painting, and Monroe Theatre Guild crafts booth also are planned - along with an animal-inspired treat stand.
Unlike other Main Street sponsored events such as Concerts on the Square and the Holiday Parade, the zoo stays for several months and is specifically conceived to increase traffic over a longer period of time. "This is a concept we'd like to maintain every year, changing the theme and artist," Wilson said.
This year's featured artist is Zoli Akacsos. He caught the committee's eye with his carvings, visible on Wisconsin 11. A self-taught chainsaw artist, Zoli spends spring, summer and fall in Monroe carving at Whitney Tree Service.
The 28-year-old Romanian then flies south for the winter, setting up shop in Florida, where he sells brightly painted tropical birds, alligators, and totem poles. Working mostly on commission, Akacsos also stays busy carving bears and morel mushrooms for Monroe's Brennan's Market.
But the zoo project, he says, stretched his imagination and artistic abilities.
"I've never done anything like this," he said.
More than 25 unique animals of all shapes and sizes were required for the exhibit - including a giraffe, zebra, hippo, gorilla, snake, monkeys, turtles, mountain goat, and even an octopus.
One of the biggest challenges he faced was finding logs large enough for pieces like the zebra, which stands more than five feet tall, and is more than six feet long. "I had to wait until the right piece came along," he said.
The "zoo" project has also challenged Main Street, in a good way. "This has really stretched us and made us step out and try something bold," Wilson said. "We've spent a lot of time planning and selling the pieces to local businesses, individuals and organizations whose generosity made this happen."
But in the end, it's about Akacsos and the vision he brought. "I can't say enough about Zoli. He's been patient, creative and generous with his time and energy," Wilson said. "The Zoo is his work of art."
While most animals have already been sponsored, Wilson said a handful are still available. "The animal belongs to the sponsor," she said. "Some organizations have chosen to fund an animal and donate it to a park or public building."
Main Street Monroe Promotions Committee co-chairman Tracy Hamilton said all of the hard work has paid off.
"I can't believe how much the kids love these animals," he said. "Not just kids, adults too. This has been a great thing for Monroe. The exciting part is that it's only the beginning."
More information is available by calling Kareesa Wilson at (608) 329-5899, or Tracy Hamilton at (608) 328-4405.
More information about Zoli's Woodcarving is available online at www.zoliswoodcarving.com