BY BILL CLOW
Director, Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce

There are many reasons to love summer events like the upcoming Oneida County Fair. Events like this bring people together, help us remember and enjoy what is special about the Rhinelander area, and give us a good excuse to do something out of our normal routine! I encourage you to take advantage of the many events and activities that the Rhinelander area offers, of which the listing below is only a small sample.

Christmas (planning) in July
Events like these take planning and teamwork. With that in mind, the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce is going to start planning for the Rhinelander Christmas celebration. I know it is July and I just said Christmas, but it takes time to plan a great event, and Rhinelander deserves a great Christmas event. If you have ideas and want to be a part of the planning and implementation of the 2016 Rhinelander Christmas celebration, please plan on attending our initial planning meeting on July 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the Chamber offices at 450 W. Kemp. It does not matter if you have been involved in this or any event before. All that matters is that you have a desire to help create an incredible holiday celebration for Rhinelander. Contact me at the Chamber if you have any questions.

Upcoming Events
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 www.oneidacountyfairwi.com.

Run to Remember 5k/10k
Saturday, August 20, 2016, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
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.

W.I.L.D. Hodag Mini-Triathlon
Saturday, August 27, 2016, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Holiday Acres Resort
Join Mini-Triathletes at Holiday Acres Resort, on Saturday, August 27, 2016 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 & waters of the scenic Northwoods. Proceeds benefit W.I.L.D (Wise Intentional Leadership Development) to further youth leadership skills internationally and locally. http://www.hodagtriathlon.com

Redikulus Dae
August 10, 2016 Downtown Rhinelander
Redikulus Dae WILL return this year and will be somewhere downtown. More information coming on this event soon!

Downtown Rhinelander Summer Beach Party
August 13, 2016 Downtown Rhinelander
Watch for more information on this new downtown event in the coming weeks! Part summer party, part retail sales event, 100% fun! Sponsored by downtown merchants and Downtown Rhinelander.

2016 Fishing Hot Spots Hodag Musky Challenge
Friday, September 23 – Sunday, September 25, 2016 Quality Inn
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, Noon – 6 p.m.
The Woodpecker Bar & Grill
Join in some old-fashioned fun for this harvest-themed event to benefit the Rhinelander 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!
For more information about area events, businesses, restaurants, attractions or lodging, contact the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce, 715-365-7464. The Chamber is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays and holidays during the summer. You can reach me at director@rhinelanderchamber.com.