Smooth chocolate, cheese, cherry brats, sandwiches, creamy soup – Wisconsin holds a number of food-related festivities even throughout the winter. Whether it’s just the food that seems enticing, or the idea of snow activities along with food, there is an event to please all activity levels – and appetites. So for those brave enough to face the freezing temperatures, take a walk on the tasty side and check out these five delicious events.
Wine Winter & Cherry
Fest
Feb. 6, Fish Creek
Have a hankering for some cherries? These plump beauties are
in abundance at this festival – and not just in the traditional form. Try the
cherry brats and wash them down with hot soup and Wisconsin wine. For those
with a competitive mindset, enter the cherry pit spitting competition. More of
a laid-back person? Relax over some hot soup with live music from 1 to 4 p.m.,
or participate in wine glass painting. Door prizes and free product
samples/tastings.
Location: Lautenbach's
Orchard Country
More information: 920.868.3479
Cruiserfest
Feb. 12-13, Minocqua
This is the 10th year that the Cross Country
Cruisers snowmobile club has participated in this event, which boasts two days
of food and activities. The fun begins Friday night when Cruiserfest kicks
things off with a bonfire and snowmobile parade that travels from Stacks Bay to
Lake Minocqua; refreshments to follow after the race. Saturday brings a pancake
breakfast and enticing brat and chili feed. When your appetite is satisfied,
feel free to enjoy demo rides and radar runs and later peruse the special deals
on snowmobile gear from local dealers.
Location: Lake Minocqua
More information: 715.356.5266
Chocolate
Fantasia 2010
Feb. 12, Neenah
As the name suggests, this event features mass amounts of
goodies laden with butter, cacao and sugar. Indulge in unique chocolate
formations, cupcakes and cookies from local bakeries and chefs. In honor of the
occasion, an endless champagne fountain will also be provided. Tickets cost $30
per person in advance and $35 at the door. All proceeds go to the Neenah-Menasha
chapter of theAmerican
Red Cross.
Location: Best Western Bridgewood Resort Hotel
More information: 920.722.2871
Wine &
Cheese Tasting
Feb. 12, Shawano
Given the state’s track record with cheese, it shouldn’t be
a surprise when a Wisconsin city hosts a wine and cheese sampling event – even
during the cold months. This particular festival is aiming to please, offering
60 kinds of wines and 30 varieties of cheeses to sample. Braving the cold never
sounded so delicious. Tickets are $25 per person and the money raised will go
to benefit the Rural Health Initiative.
Location: Shawano County Park
More information: 715.524.1488
Taste of Fond du Lac
Feb. 28, Fond du Lac
Fight off the cold weather with hot food from numerous local
restaurants. A few newcomers this year include Rocky Rococo Pizza and Pasta,
Branson’s BBQ and JR’s Sports Bar which will present their famous wings in
three varieties: barbecue, hot and teriyaki. Hungry yet? An ample array of
appetizers, lunch and dinner entrees and dessert items are expected to delight
any palate. Admission is $1.50 per person in advance and $2 on the day of the
event; food tickets will be sold for $.50 each.
Location: Fond du Lac Fairgrounds Expo Center
More information: 920.923.6555