JULY 4TH IS JUST THE BEGINNING…

BY BILL CLOW
DIRECTOR, RHINELANDER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERC
Now that we are in July, summer is starting to heat up, literally and figuratively. The 4th of July parade and fireworks were great, and there is so much more to come!

Whether you are visiting the Rhinelander area or a life-long resident, it is important to remember that there is a plethora of things to do in-between the festivals and concerts. With miles of hiking and biking trails, one of the largest concentrations of lakes in the world, great fishing, great birdwatching, plentiful parks and conservation areas, there is plenty to do for the outdoors enthusiast. There are also ziplines, museums, outfitters, theaters, a planetarium and so much more.

And for those who prefer to spend their time indoors (or for rainy day options), Rhinelander is graced with some amazing shops that feature interesting and often unique treasures and restaurants that offer something for virtually every taste. Many of these options can be found listed on the chamber directory at www.explorerhinelander.com.

And of course, there are always the festivals and concerts!

Oneida County Fair
Thursday, August 4 – Sunday, August 7, 2016 Pioneer Park, Rhinelander
Come celebrate the 120th year of the Oneida County Fair!
The Fair offers fun for the entire family with rides, food, and games. The Oneida County Fair features exhibits of various industrial products and services related to the lifestyle, agriculture and entertainment sector along with 4-H exhibits. Admission is free to the public so everyone is invited to come and have a great time.
Find all the Oneida County Fair information you need as well as volunteer sign-up on oneidacountyfairwi.com.

Run to Remember 5k/10k
Saturday, August 20, 2016
9 a.m. – Noon Nicolet College Campus
The day starts at 9 a.m. with a 10K Run followed by a 5K Run/Walk to honor Kory Dahlvig who graduated from Nicolet College in 2003 and lost his life while on duty as a Vilas County Sheriff’s Deputy in 2010. Don’t miss the free Children’s Run at 10:30 a.m. and an awards ceremony at 11 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Nicolet College Foundation to provide student scholarships in memory of Kory Dahlvig. Register online, by mail, or call 715-365-4518.

WILD Hodag Mini-Triathlon
Saturday, August 27, 2016
8 a.m. – Noon Holiday Acres Resort
Join Mini-Triathletes at Holiday Acres Resort as Spine & Sport and local Rhinelander businesses play host to the W.I.L.D. Hodag Mini Triathlon. The 300 yard swim (or 1/2 mile kayak), 10k bike (off-road) and 5k run courses will challenge athletes among the woods and waters of the scenic Northwoods. Proceeds benefit W.I.L.D (Wise Intentional Leadership Development) to further youth leadership skills internationally and locally. For more information, hodagtriathlon.com.

Redikulus Dae
August 10, 2016 Downtown Rhinelander
Redikulus Dae WILL return this year and will take place downtown. More information on location and more coming soon!

2016 Fishing Hot Spots Hodag Musky Challenge
Friday, September 23– Sunday, September 25, 2016 Quality Inn, Rhinelander
From September 23-25, Musky anglers from around the country will come to Rhinelander to compete in one of the most historic Musky tournaments in the nation. The catch-and-release tournament will be headquartered at the Quality Inn Rhinelander and fishing will take place on area lakes. Cash purse to the winning teams, as well as prizes for the first 50-inch musky, the largest musky, the largest northern pike, and more. If you’re a musky fisherman or just someone interested in the sport, don’t miss the Fishing Hot Spots Hodag Musky Challenge. Information at the Chamber and the Chamber website: www.explorerhinelander.com

Harvest Hoedown
Saturday, October 1, 2016
12 – 6 p.m. The Woodpecker Bar & Grill
Join in some old-fashioned fun for this harvest-themed event to benefit the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry and NATH/Frederick Place. Pig roast, live music, line dancing, horse-drawn wagon rides, pumpkin patches, face painting, and more- the Harvest Hoedown will be fun for the whole family!

Please contact the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce if you are looking for information about area businesses, restaurants, attractions, lodging or events. Also contact us if you want more information or have any questions about anything in this column. The Chamber is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays and holidays during the summer. You can reach me at 715-365-7464 or at [email protected].