"Wisconsin-Happy Festival State", by Eve Phillips. My husband and I love to travel in the state of Wisconsin where we live and get great pictures on the way. My name is Laurie Kutil and photography has become a great passion of mine since 2010. One thing I have learned in researching each town before visiting it is that, "Every town has it's story". When I do uncover those stories by connecting with local residents, our experience becomes so much richer. In turn, sharing the stories with you brings me joy :)
This was our first time at this Sauk Prairie event and it was really fun! We arrived early so we could and enjoy the festivities before the parade at 6:00 PM. The town was beautifully decorated for the season. In 2012 the event was at the historic park by the river. There was a craft show and a fire pit to warm up.
Parade time!
After the parade the people congregate in the area near the tree, well-lit by a spotlight.
People warm up and shop in the historic church building while waiting for Santa and Mrs. Claus to light the tree, kicking off the holiday season officially. They have arrived!
It’s time, One, Two and Three!
And now for the fireworks, ringing in the season!
What a wonderful celebration to bring in the holiday season with a bang! Happy Holidays from Adventures in Travel!
We wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thanks for following us and hoping for even more fellow travelers to join us next year. Enjoy these photos on a brilliant winter sunrise and pine tree laden with snow. Keep warm or cool, depending on your location on our beautiful world.
Wisconsin is big on showing Christmas spirit with lots of holiday light displays. Madison is well-known for their Holiday Fantasy in Lights display, put on by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and The National Electrical Contractors Association in Olin Park. This is their 25th year!
Turn on your radio to 1610 for the soundtrack you can listen to while you are driving through the looking at the displays. Enjoy this slideshow of the displays.
Some of our favorites.
This rocking horse is one of the original displays, now 25 years old.
The Memory Tree
From the top of the hill where the tree is, you have a great view below of the park.
The memory tree looks brighter here because I took this picture in 2003, before LED lights were used.
They even give you a candy cane as you exit, thanking you for coming to see the displays. Donations gratefully accepted!
This has been a December tradition at Olbrich Botanical Gardens for years. Their Holiday Express event is a fundraiser that is fun for the whole family! When you walk in the door, you see a Christmas wonderland!
Turn right to find the Atrium, where all the fun is!
This year the displays resembles the game “Candy Land” . Amidst the displays are model trains contributed and set up by the Wisconsin Garden Railway Society. There are two trains on separate tracks. Great job everyone!
Lets see the train in action!
Some of the other scenery..
Here is the other train!
After enjoying trains, your adult admission of $3.00 includes a visit to the Boltz Conservatory as well.
It’s not just plants in here, birds live here also. There are Canaries, Finches, doves and Quail.
I had a very enjoyable visit on a cold winter day. You will too.
