By Laurie Lenten

The Town of St. Germain proudly holds the title as the “Birthplace of Colorama” and this year will host its 61st Annual Colorama celebration on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The yearly event celebrates the advent of fall in the Northwoods and is the perfect time to experience the spectacular fall colors and the bountiful harvest that the area has to offer.

This year’s Colorama will include a Farmers Market featuring all of your fall favorites from syrups, honey, and canned goods to pumpkins, gourds, and decorative plants; a fall craft show where you can find that perfect handmade fall item, and the “Mums the Word” fall mum plant sale.

For those looking to enjoy the colors on the trails, the Vilas County Sheriff’s Department will host its second annual Helo and Stitch 5K Walk/Run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This fun 5K trail walk/run will wind through the beautiful Northwood’s landscape and finish at the St. Germain Colorama event. This is a timed event. It is also a pet friendly event with a delayed start for those who choose to bring their pets.

Cost for the event is $40 per person, or $100 for a family of 4 to 6. Finishers will receive a participation metal with awards going to the top first, second, and third place male and female finishers. All proceeds will go to support the Vilas County Sheriff’s Department K-9 program.

To register for the Helo and Stitch 5K Walk/Run K-9 Fundraiser, log onto www.runsignup.com/Race/WI/StGermain/Helo5KRunWalk

Other Colorama activities throughout the day include live entertainment featuring the Jim Pekol Polka Band and Sons of Legend; free horse drawn wagon rides on wooded trails; pumpkin painting for the kids; and “Pints in the Park” Beer Tasting which will feature a wide variety of regional microbrews, from 12 to 4 p.m., at the St. Germain Community Park.

Tickets for the “Pints in the Park” Beer Tasting are $15 per person and will be on sale at Colorama. Must be 21 or over to purchase tickets. Identification required.

Colorama is free and open to the public, and will take place rain or shine.

For more information on the 61st Annual Colorama in St. Germain, call the St. Germain Chamber of Commerce at 715-477-2205, or log onto www.st-germain.com.

Laurie Lenten is a freelance writer who lives in Rhinelander. Her articles also appear in Northwoods Commerce, Northwoods ‘boomers and Beyond and Living on the Lake magazines.