Author: Samantha Boucher

Marinette and Oconto Counties, WI – Get ready for a weekend of shopping, fun, and excitement as the annual “Spring Fling – Tour of Shops” returns to Marinette and Oconto Counties from Thursday, April 25, through Saturday, April 27, 2024.

This highly anticipated event, organized by the Marinette and Oconto County tourism offices, will feature a variety of local shops and businesses opening their doors to welcome shoppers and visitors. From clothing boutiques to home decor stores, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

During the three-day event, shoppers can expect to find amazing deals, special promotions, and exciting giveaways at participating establishments. This is the perfect opportunity to support local businesses and find unique items while also enjoying a fun-filled weekend with family and friends.

To make navigating the event easier, a brochure will be available with a list of all the participating shops and their opening times. This will allow shoppers to plan their routes and make the most out of their shopping experience.

“We are thrilled to bring back the ‘Spring Fling – Tour of Shops’ to Marinette and Oconto Counties,” said Samantha Routheau, Oconto County Tourism Director. “This event not only supports our local businesses but also showcases the diverse and vibrant shopping scene in our community. We can’t wait to welcome shoppers and visitors to our beautiful counties.”

The “Spring Fling – Tour of Shops” is not just about shopping, it’s also about creating a memorable experience for everyone. Visitors can take a break from shopping and enjoy delicious food and drinks at local restaurants and cafes.

“We are excited to partner with Oconto County to bring this event to our community,” said Autumn Timblin, Development & Tourism Marinette County. “We have an amazing lineup of shops and businesses participating this year, and we can’t wait to see everyone come out and support them.”

Mark your calendars and join us for a weekend of shopping, fun, and community spirit at the “Spring Fling – Tour of Shops” in Marinette and Oconto Counties.

For more information and updates, visit the Marinette and Oconto County websites or Find us on Facebook! www.ocontocounty.org or www.exploremarinettecounty.com.  

Oconto, WI – The Oconto Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the return of Harvest Fest, the city’s beloved autumn celebration. On Saturday, September 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Oconto’s downtown will come to life with a variety of activities and offerings for all ages.

Main Street will be closed to vehicles but open to vendors and foot traffic, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere. Sponsored by the Oconto Area Chamber of Commerce, Harvest Fest will feature a wide array of arts and crafts, seasonal produce, and other merchandise. Local shops will also be participating with sidewalk sales and Harvest Fest specials.

But that’s not all – Harvest Fest has something for everyone. Kids can enjoy fun activities, while adults can browse the vendors and enjoy delicious food and refreshments. Live music will also be playing throughout the day, adding to the festive atmosphere.

So grab your flannel and bring the whole family to downtown Oconto on September 28 for Harvest Fest. From pumpkins for carving to hearty vegetables for cooking, there will be plenty to see, do, and taste. The event will take place on Main Street from Huron Avenue to Millidge Avenue, right in the heart of Oconto.

Best of all, there is no admission fee for this event. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun and celebrate the autumn season at Harvest Fest. Don’t miss out on this exciting community event!

Click here for the Harvest Fest application!

OCONTO – Tickets for the 13th Annual Oconto County Historical Society sponsored cemetery walk “If Tombstones Could Talk” will go on sale Wednesday, August 2nd, at the Beyer Home and Carriage House Museum, 915 Park Avenue.

The Cemetery Walk will be held at 6:00 p.m. on the evenings of September 11, 12, and 13, with the September 11th and 12th performances to be held outside at the Evergreen Cemetery, located at 325 Cook Avenue, Oconto.  The September 13 performance will be presented indoors at the John B. LeMay Auditorium at the Oconto High School, 1717 Superior Avenue, Oconto.

Six historic personages will be portrayed, and their life stories will come alive.  Some of the individuals portrayed are well-known in Oconto County history; others are lesser known, and those attending will learn about various facets of their lives.

Tour-goers will be led in groups through the cemetery by guides for the outdoor walks.  Those attending the outdoor performances are urged to wear comfortable shoes as the tour requires an amount of walking, sometimes on uneven ground.  You may also wish to bring a flashlight and insect repellent.  The indoor performance is for people who may have difficulty walking in the cemetery; however, the indoor performance is open to everyone.

Tickets are $12 per person and will be sold at the Beyer Home and Carriage House Museum through September 3rd.  Please note that the Museum is closed on Tuesdays.  If any tickets remain unsold after September 3rd, they will be available for sale at Roberts Hometown Hardware, 919 Main Street, Oconto.  In addition, the remaining unsold tickets will be available for sale just prior to each evening’s performance.

There are a limited number of tickets for the performances and tickets sell out fast.  Complimentary refreshments will be served to tour-goers at the cemetery on the evenings of September 11 and 12 and in the cafeteria of the Oconto High School following the performance on September 13.  In the event of inclement weather on September 11 or 12, the performances will be moved indoors to the Oconto High School Auditorium.

For more information contact Lynn Exferd at (920) 835-4619 or email lynnexferd@hotmail.com.

Oconto’s downtown will spring to life for Harvest Fest, the city’s annual autumn celebration taking place on Saturday, September 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

On the long-anticipated day of Harvest Fest every year, Oconto closes Main Street to vehicles but opens the street to vendors and foot traffic. Harvest Fest, sponsored by the Oconto Area Chamber of Commerce, features a variety of arts and crafts, seasonal produce, and other merchandise. The Main Street shops host sidewalk sales and Harvest Fest specials. Plus, Harvest Fest offers fun kids’ activities, food, refreshments, and live music.

Put on your flannel, pack up the kids, and head to Harvest Fest in downtown Oconto on Sept. 23. You’ll surely find bright pumpkins for carving, hearty vegetables for simmering, and fun for all ages. Harvest Fest is located on Main Street from Huron Avenue to Millidge Avenue in Oconto’s city center.

Everyone is welcome! No admission fees are charged.

It’s time to get your golf clubs ready! The Oconto and Peshtigo Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Golf Outing will be held on Monday, July 17, at the Patriot Golf Course.

We invite you to participate in this event and support the local businesses in our community. Whether it’s as a hole sponsor or by participating in the bucket raffle, we need your help to make this event a success.

• Hole sponsor $150 (Mail to Oconto Area Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 174, Oconto, WI 54153)
• Bucket raffle prize
• Goodie bag item (70 items)
• Bring non-perishable food item(s) for extra bucket raffle tickets.  Items will be donated to Bread by the Bay Food Pantry in Oconto.

We look forward to seeing you all in July. Please contact Matt Heling if you have any questions or want to be involved in this event. 

matt.heling@edwardjones.com or 715-853-3165

OCONTO, WI – A proposal to provide interpretive signage at various points along the trail that winds through the Oconto Marsh has been selected to receive an AARP Wisconsin “Small Dollar, Big Impact” grant.

The $1,000 grant will enable the Oconto County Economic Development Corporation to purchase materials and supplies needed to launch the project, such as sign posts, signs, informational brochures, and related items. Up to 20 signs will provide visitors with information about the local plants and wildlife they will see from the walkways, bridges and viewing platforms along the mile-long trail in the 928-acre marsh.

Funds could also be used to hire professional help to design and install the signage and further publicize the project so that more people can be made aware of the importance of the Oconto Marsh and its significance to our area, said Samantha Boucher, tourism director for the corporation.

“We are beyond excited for this project to lift off and want to thank AARP for making it happen,” Boucher said. “Our goal is to enhance the Oconto Marsh and provide interpretive signage along the trails to help people gain a greater appreciation for nature and the wildlife they may encounter.”

AARP Wisconsin is awarding grants each month throughout 2023 to projects across the state that are designed to improve communities and make them better places for everyone to live, work and play as they age. Judges selected this project after reviewing dozens of proposals submitted from all over the state.

“We love it when communities apply what they learned from AARP resources in developing their projects,” said Darrin Wasniewski, Associate State Director of Community Outreach for AARP Wisconsin. “We look forward to seeing how insights garnered through AARP’s Parks and Public Spaces Collection result in implementations to enhance Oconto Marsh for all ages, especially its 50-plus visitors.”

The Oconto County Economic Development Corporation is a non-profit organization that was created to address economic development and tourism promotion in Oconto County. Currently, its funding is made possible through the proactive efforts of the Oconto County Board.

Boucher said planning of the marsh signage involved extensive community input. A group of volunteers representing various stakeholders was formed to coordinate the project and gather comments from the public, collaborate with local artists, and consult with experts to create interpretive displays that accurately represented the history and ecology of the marsh.

“The interpretive signage was designed to be accessible and engaging to all ages, with various ways to explore the marsh and connect with the natural history of the area,” she said.

The signage will include information about the importance of the marsh to wildlife, the flora and fauna found in the area, and how humans have impacted the marsh over time. It will also include interactive elements such as a map, audio recordings, and a self-guided tour, allowing visitors to learn more about the marsh in an engaging way.

The signage will provide an opportunity to engage in outdoor activities such as bird watching, nature photography, and nature walks. “It will also help to promote a sense of pride and ownership in the local environment, which can be beneficial for the health and well-being of the 50-plus community,” Boucher said.

Initial plans are to install 15 to 20 signs throughout the marsh by the end of June, but more funding is needed to complete the project. Anyone interested in donating funds to the project may call 920-834-6969 or email Boucher directly at tourism@ocontocounty.org

AARP Wisconsin’s launched its “Small Dollar, Big Impact” grant program in 2020 and is now in its fourth year of helping proposed projects move forward in rural and urban parts of the state.

“These grants are exactly what the name describes – short-term, low-cost solutions that could have a remarkable impact on the shaping of local communities,” Wasniewski said. “This project hits the nail right on the head.

The Small Dollar, Big Impact grant program is open to some nonprofits and government entities. For more information on the program, visit www.aarp.org/WIsdbi

Myah Mlnarik was crowned Miss Copperfest 2023, following a weekend of festive events and activities in the small town of Oconto. Myah, a proud resident of the community, shone both on stage and off during Copperfest 2023. As Miss Copperfest, she will be making appearances at Chamber events throughout the year and will represent the people, values, and spirit of the area in her roles. Those wishing to invite Miss Copperfest to their events this year are encouraged to contact the Oconto Area Chamber of Commerce.

Applying for a Miss Copperfest Scholarship with the Oconto Area Chamber of Commerce is a great opportunity for an ambitious young woman looking to make a positive difference in the community. The scholarship is open to women ages 16-21 who have demonstrated leadership, academic excellence, and community service.

Applications are due by Wednesday, May 18, 2023,and the recipients will receive a one-time scholarship to support college tuition. The scholarship is a great way to start a successful future and make a lasting impact in the Oconto Area.

• Miss Copperfest 2023, $1,000 Scholarship
• 1^st Runner-Up, $500 Scholarship
• 2^nd Runner Up, $250 Scholarship

Qualifications:

• Be female between the ages of 16-21
• Be available for an oral interview. The Committee will work with you on a date/time.
• Be visible to participate in the 2023 Copperfest activities on June 9-11, 2023.
• Attend the Coronation Ceremony on Friday, June 9, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. and Copperfest Parade on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.

Requirements:

• Resume including name, address, telephone number, age, birth date, education, grade point average, work experience, special interests, accomplishments, future plans.
• Submit two current photos of yourself
• Answer the following essay question: What does it mean to be a good student on the field, in the classroom, and in the community?
• Submit one letter of reference from either a teacher, coach, or business owner.
• The three finalists will be invited to participate in an in-person interview with the judges, during which they will be asked to answer additional questions.
• Mail the complete packet to: Copperfest Queen Committee, PO Box 174, Oconto, WI 54153, or email info@ocontoareachamber.com.

Deadline: Wednesday, May 18, 2023

The Women’s Fund of Greater Green Bay awards grants to eight nonprofits

All In-Girl’s Leadership Conference: Funding will support the All In-Girl’s Leadership Conference which targets 7th and 8th grade girls throughout Oconto County. This program includes interactive, educational, and fun activities centered on the three focus areas of identity, leadership and health and wellness.