Eagle River Celebrates 150 Years of Northwoods Majesty

by Dierdre Strass

It’s going to be bigger and better than ever before this summer as Eagle River revs up to celebrate its sesquicentennial, welcoming visitors to the Northwoods. Leading the way is the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce that is coordinating the week-long activities celebrating the 150 year anniversary.There are dozens of events scheduled for July 10–15 at different locales throughout the area.

Guides/Kid Day

Several community organizations have joined with the chamber to promote and assist at the fun and educational activities. Guides/Kid Day at the Vilas County Fairgrounds is one of the most popular summer events and will be held July 12 in conjunction with the sesquicentennial activities.

Privy Parade

Later that day, the Privy Parade will be held downtown. Walking and boat tours will highlight historical aspects of Eagle River as will the Farmers Market and Steam Engine Show. A logging and forestry presentation will be hosted by Trees for Tomorrow, and many more events will enlighten visitors as to why this area has been attracting throngs of tourists for a century and a half. The University of Wisconsin marching band will be starring in a live performance during the week’s events.

This mid-summer celebration is only a small part of the jammed-packed calendar the chamber has created for this spring and summer. The season officially kicks off May 11–12 with the 11th Annual Journeys Marathon. Hundreds of participants enter the 5K Run/Walk, Half Marathon, Marathon, Power Walk 3.1 miles or the Wheelchair Marathon. For details about the two-day event, visit their website at www.journeysmarathon.org.

Professional Musky Tournament Trail

The chamber also sponsors the Professional Musky Tournament Trail (PMTT) June 23–24. This high profile event attracts anglers who want to match their skills in a competitive arena at several events and locations during the summer-long tournament schedule. For more information about the PMTT, visit www.promusky.com.

Fourth of July

When it comes to celebrating our nation’s birthday on Independence Day, the chamber pulls out all the stops, beginning with a good ole’ fashioned downtown Fourth of July parade that begins at 11 a.m.The spectacular fireworks show is held at dusk at the Derby Track.

Paul Bunyan Fest and Musky Open

August features two events, the 26th Annual Paul Bunyan Fest August 15 and the 22nd Annual Musky Open August 16–19. Wall Street becomes a festive arcade as the Paul Bunyan Fest fills the street with crafters’ displays, a chainsaw wood carving demonstration, the tantalizing smells from the Paul Bunyan Roast Cook-off, and the sounds of live music.

The National Championship Musky Open tournament is a family oriented, catch and release event co-sponsored by the chamber and the Musky Clubs Alliance, and is held on 72 lakes. Go to www.eagleriver.org/ncmot.asp to obtain detailed information about this popular fishing tournament that features the grand door prize of a 2007 Mercury Powered Ranger Boat with a RangerTrail trailer with an electric trolling motor.

Cranberry Fest

All that is red and delicious is to be found at the 28th Annual Cranberry Fest Oct. 6–7 at the Vilas County Fairgrounds. From the world’s largest cranberry cheesecake to the vast selection of crafters’ booths, it is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. The biking, walking, and running fitness events, tours of cranberry marshes and winery tours, antique and flea markets, and much more attract thousands of fall visitors every year for this memorable event.

The boundless beauty of water and land

These exciting and fun events are only a part of all that makes the Eagle River a must-see world-class destination. It lies in Vilas and Oneida Counties that feature more than 2,400 lakes, more than 100 rivers and streams, and thousands of acres of national forest.

With such a vast selection of pristine resources, those looking to swim, fish, boat, water ski, jet ski, pontoon or just swing from a rope will find that the perfect vacation site is just a call away.The area boasts some of the newest and most extensive biking and hiking trails connecting several communities as well as unmatched and abundant flora, fauna and wildlife found in the Nicolet and North Highland-American Legion Forests.

The chamber lists 130 members that provide a wide array of accommodations from luxury resorts to quaint bed and breakfasts. There are seven campgrounds in the area in addition to camping facilities in the surrounding national, state and county forest lands.

“Resorts and campgrounds are typically out on various lakes,” pointed out Executive Chamber Director Connie Heeg, “A lot of them have waterfront beaches and docks, and provide a variety of water experiences from which our visitors can choose. Guests may choose from accommodations on the world’s largest chain of 28 lakes or the more private secluded lakes.” FIW

For assistance in obtaining information about a place to stay, the expanded list of things to do, more details on the events described in this article or to make accommodation reservations, call the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce at 800.359.6315 or visit the chamber’s extensive website at www.EagleRiver.org.