If you’re looking for an excuse to head to Milwaukee this weekend, German Fest at Henry Maier Festival Park is a great one. This classic lakefront tradition runs all weekend, and is packed with Wisconsin favorites like bratwurst, beer, polka music, fireworks, and even a dachshund derby!
For 42 years, German Fest has been a Wisconsin cultural staple and celebration of the state’s deep German roots. With more German immigrants settling here in the 19th century than almost anywhere else in America, Germanic traditions are still felt in everything from food and drink to festivals across Wisconsin.
Attendees can expect traditional dancing, authentic eats (think schnitzel, strudel, and giant pretzels!), and a family-friendly atmosphere. Kids 12 and under get in free all weekend, and Sunday is Family Day, with extra activities for the little ones.
Each day of the festival is capped off with nighttime fireworks over Lake Michigan, so if you’re in the Milwaukee area—or just in the mood for some good food—German Fest is definitely worth a visit!
|
|
|
|
|
Henry Teckam
Intern, UpNorthNews
|
|
|
The Gochujang Smashburger with Kimchi Bacon Jam from Blue Moon Tavern at the Park is a 2025 Wisconsin State Fair Sporkies and Drinkies finalist. (Photo via USA Today via Reuters Connect)
|
The Wisconsin State Fair announced its finalists for this year’s Sporkies (best food) and Drinkies (best drink) awards last month—and they’re as over-the-top as ever.
Among the contenders:
🍴 A Hunk A Hunk Elvis Donut Ice Cream Sandwich stuffed with banana ice cream, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and bacon
🍴 Brat Rangoon (yes, bratwurst wontons)
🍴 Purple Rain Refresher with edible glitter and pop rocks
All finalists will be on sale during the fair, which runs July 31-Aug. 10. Judges will crown the winners on July 29.
|
|
|
The top 10 selling flavors from Cedar Crest. (Photo by Cassidy Grubisic)
|
|
|
By Cassidy Grubisic
Since I can remember, summers in Wisconsin have been synonymous with Cedar Crest ice cream. Growing up only 25 minutes from the factory in Manitowoc, trips to the parlor were common and frequent. The brand carries over 80 different flavors and is constantly releasing new ones, such as the annual 4-H flavor.
While I would love to try all 80+ flavors someday, my body and bank account would not thank me for attempting it in one go. So, to give you an idea of the best flavors to try this summer, I sampled the top 10 bestselling retail flavors and ranked them from least favorite to most favorite.
Keep reading to find ice cream flavors ranked from worst to best—if there is such a thing.
|
|
|
By Pat Kreitlow
Tony Evers, who defeated Scott Walker to become Wisconsin’s governor in 2018, announced on Thursday that he will not seek a third term in office next year. The news is likely to open the floodgates for candidates—Democrat and Republican alike—interested in running for an open seat and winning the state’s highest office.
Evers released a statement shortly after noon, titled “A Love Letter from Me to Kathy and My Family—and to You, Wisconsin.” In it, the governor said he was confident he would win a third term if he sought it, but has decided to retire after 50 years in public service.
“Here’s the truth: Wisconsin, the only thing I love more than being your governor is being a husband, a dad, and a grandpa,” he wrote.
Keep reading.
|
|
|
Would you recommend this newsletter to family and friends?
|
|
|
Do you or your company want to support UpNorthNews’ mission and showcase your products or services to an engaged audience of more than 290,000 subscribers at the same time?
Contact advertise@couriernewsroom.com for more information.
|
|
|
Thanks for reading. UpNorthNews is happily free to read for everyone. Your financial support means a lot to us. Donate here.
|
|
|
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.
Our mailing address is:
UpNorthNews / COURIER Newsroom
P.O. Box 27
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
|
|
|
|
