Surely you’ve heard of the “the dog days of summer” — a phrase generally associated with the hot, sultry days of the month of August. With the wacky weather we’ve had so far in the summer of 2019, I am hoping we already did the dog days during the 90-plus degree days and excessive humidity of July. So here’s a salute to summer fun with a roundup of family-friendly events to enjoy in August.
Covered Bridge Days (Brodhead) — August 9-11: This is an event that truly does offer something for everyone — with live music, an art festival, pontoon rides, tractor pulls and more. Activities take place around town — on the Square, at Veteran’s Park, on the Mill Race, and even the airport. If tractors of all sizes are your thing, head to the south side of town for a Garden Tractor Pull and Tractor Show and see antique equipment in action at the Thresheree. Headliner Zac Matthews is sure to draw a crowd downtown on Friday night. brodheadchamber.com
Concert on the Square (Monroe) — Aug. 16: Don’t miss Main Street Monroe’s great big, epic, final show of the season with the band Fletcher Rockwell starting at 6:30 p.m. The show will be extra fun for kids, with games, sidewalk chalk, and some bouncy activities on the courthouse lawn. With prizes for lucky duck winners, the evening is sure to be all it’s “quacked up” to be! mainstreetmonroe.org
New Glarus Woods Trail Run (New Glarus) — Aug. 17: New event! This is part of the Savanna Trail Run series; proceeds to benefit Friends of New Glarus Woods State Park. The course begins on the Sugar River Trail, with a five-mile or 10-mile loop option for runners, plus a one-mile walk for those who just want to enjoy the scenery. newglaruswoods.org
Beef Producer’s Steak Out (Monroe) — Aug. 22: Support the Green County Beef Producers at their signature event which runs from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at Green County Fairgrounds. On the menu are ribeye steak, corn on the cob, and ice cream, or a beef hotdog meal for the kids. The winner of the 2019 Best Burger Contest will also be announced at the event. facebook.com/reenCountyBeefProducers
Green County Antique Farm Heritage Club Exhibit (Monroe) — Aug. 24-25: Presented by a group of people who love to display and restore antique farm equipment, this event is held on the grounds at County KK Tire and Swirl Station on County DR just north of Monroe. Allis Chalmers is featured this year.
FFA Alumni Tractor and Toy Show (Albany) — Aug. 25: Held at the Lions Club (on Cincinnati Street near the Mini Mart) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., you’ll see plenty of tractors and farm displays, plus a toy tractor show and sale. Just for kids are a pedal tractor pull and a bounce house. Hats off to the Albany FFA Alumni for making this their 10th annual event. Crafters and flea market vendors are invited to set up; go to the Albany FFA Alumni Facebook page for the registration form. facebook.com/albanyffaalumni
Wilhelm Tell Festival (New Glarus) – Aug. 30 through Sept. 1: A Labor Day tradition since 1938, with the classic drama being presented at 1 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. The weekend also includes a Kinderchor (children’s) Concert, Swiss Miss Dancers, and Yodel Showcase (all on Friday evening), a Saturday night street dance, and “Art in the Park” (a juried vendor show) on Sunday. willhelmtellfestival.org
— Noreen Rueckert is director for Green County Tourism and Green County Cheese Days, and helps out with Main Street Monroe’s Concerts on the Square. Her favorite cheese is rumored to be Feta. She has the best office in the county — overlooking Monroe’s Square from the tower of the Historic Green County Courthouse. She dabbles in photography and graphic design, adores cats and iced coffee, and secretly loves the Cheese Days Song.
