It seems to me that the second half of the year always goes by so much faster than the first. If you think about it, it starts with the Fourth of July and keeps gaining speed until the first of the New Year. The summer is full of outdoor activities. There is the general maintenance from lawn mowing to painting, and then there is gardening, be it flowers or vegetables. Add in the family reunions, celebrations, cookouts and recreational activities…well, you get my point.

We now have moved into fall and I hate to tell you, but the holiday season is jogging right behind us. Downtown Rhinelander is no different. Next weekend (yes, next weekend), Oct. 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. is the annual Downtown Trick or Treat. More than 50 downtown establishments are preparing for the kids. Just look for the orange pumpkins in the windows. Please be sure to look for the four Hodag statues because each class from Rhinelander High School will be decorating them for Halloween on the 27th. Also pay attention to the windows, as some of them have been painted by RHS art students. Along with Trick or Treat is the Pumpkin Decorating Contest. Any age is welcome to use paints, markers or other materials to decorate (rather than carve) a pumpkin. Bring your masterpiece to Coyote 93.7, located at 38 W. Davenport, Tuesday, Oct. 23, through Thursday, Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Judging takes place on Friday, Oct. 26.

On Nov. 7, Downtown Rhinelander Inc. is holding their annual meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the Claridge. Everyone is welcome. If you have been intrigued to find out more about us, or if you have some questions or ideas, we welcome you to attend.

On to Nov. 10. What used to be known as the Hodag On Parade Auction has been changed to a big community party we now call The “Hodag Howl.” We want the community to simply come down and have some fun. We encourage you to wear animal prints or Hodag attire and receive five free raffle tickets. In addition to raffles, there will be games, refreshments and a DJ to provide dancing. The party starts at 6:30 p.m. and it is being held at Trig’s RiverWalk Center. Let’s not forget, there will be the auction. The four unique Hodags that have graced our downtown will be auctioned at 8 p.m. Who wouldn’t want one? When you have a Hodag, you become a destination for the Hodag hunters. The cost for this party is $15 and tickets are available at the Rhinelander Cafè & Pub, Trig’s and at the door.

The next weekend is the Downtown Open House weekend. On Nov. 16, 17 and 18, the downtown businesses embrace the start of the holiday season by offering extended hours and their expertise to help make your holiday what you hope it to be.

That brings us to Black Friday and Small Business Saturday Nov. 23-24. When you are out there shopping like a ninja on Friday, don’t forget about the downtown businesses. They give you personal attention and have those hard-to-find items, and there is a wide variety of locations that can provide the rest and nourishment you will probably need. That Friday evening will be the Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony, which, if you have never attended, it is the perfect way to start to feel the holiday spirit. The Saturday is Small Business Saturday. It is a national event. Again, our downtown would like to remind you we are here and to shop local.

And believe it or not, that brings us to the first Saturday in December. Pictures with Santa will be held Dec. 1. Forth Floral will provide Santa with a magical place to listen to all the wishes, and of course, the moment is captured to go into the scrapbook/photo album or on the Christmas card for all to see.

See, I told you. From now until the end of the year we are all going to be busy. As you start filling up your calendars and start making your lists of things to do, please be sure to include Downtown Rhinelander…it’s all here!

Maggie Steffen is available at the Rhinelander Main Street office, located at 21A S. Brown Street. Call her at (715) 362-7374 or email [email protected]