Monroe, WI

All Rights Reserved. Photographed in Monroe WI in November, 2009.

Happy Thanksgiving! Are you looking for something to do after the traditional dinner is finished?

~ Come to Downtown Monroe on Friday evening for the annual Lighted Holiday Parade. The parade kicks off from the middle school starting at 6 pm. This year's theme is "Frosty and Friends". Many of the entrants will be creative in their use of lighting, and generators are donated for use by PDC.

~ New Glarus lights the Community Holiday Tree this Friday evening at 6:30. Come downtown for all the festivities and join your neighbors to see the magic of the lights.

~ Turner Hall is the setting for the local Christkindlmarkt. This old world holiday shopping event has its roots in the markets dating back to 1432 in Germany. Stop by the Grand Hall between 9 am and 4 pm either Friday or Saturday. There will be a variety of fiber and fabric arts pieces, candles, soaps, floral arrangements, decorations, Scherenschnitte, Kerbschnitte, Holzschnitte (traditional Swiss-German crafts) along with a European cafe and Swiss baked goods.

~ Come to Flannery's William Tell restaurant in New Glarus this Saturday to enjoy live music by Amber Skies starting at 8:30. Amber Skies plays everything from americana to rock. Amber Skies is a popular local band with roots in Belleville.

~Higher Grounds is hosting a Turkey Jam. Enjoy great music from Aaron Whalen, Nate Yeske and Dustin Hyatt, and Anneliese Schrader. Admission is $5 which includes a $1 coupon. This is our favorite Freeport coffee shop, and a very comfortable place to spend time.

~ Stopy by the Monroe Middle School this Saturday for "Shop for the Cure." Sponsored by the Green County Relay for Life, all proceeds from the day go to the American Cancer Society. There will be more than 40 independent local consultants, vendors and crafters offer a wide variety of gift items, making this a great place to work on your holiday shopping. The day will also include door prizes, raffles, baked goods, and a light lunch.

~ The Family Movie at Lindo Theater in Freeport this Saturday morning will be Planet 51. Bring the kids for a fun movie experience. $5 per person, and the kids will receive a holiday gift.

~ Stop by the Monroe Arts Center to view the items for this year's Silent Auction. This annual event supports all the great programming at MAC. There is usually everything from Dr Najat's honey to framed art pieces, special event dinners in your home to gift cards to local businesses. There is always something for everyone and every price range.

~ The Mighty Richland Players Dinner Theater will present A Christmas Madrigal: Handel and Gretzky" on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This laughter filled show will feature songs and comedy from the Renaissance era. Bring your appetite as dinner will be an English groaning board (roast beef dinner). $40 per person, call 815-819-1310 for ticket information.

~ Pick up your tickets for the upcoming Festival of Trees or performance of A Christmas Carol. The deadline for tickets for Festival of Trees is Monday at 10 am; contact Pam at the Chamber to reserve yours (3257648). A Christmas Carol will be performed by the Monroe Theatre Guild the second and third weekends in December. This year, all children under 12 are free with an adult ticket thanks to the generosity of Scrooge (aka John Bauman).

Have you heard of Monroe Money or Monticello Money?

Both of these area communities have special programs where area residents can purchase certificates to be spent at any one of a number of local businesses. Monroe Money may be purchased at the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and can be spent at any Chamber of Commerce member business.

Monticello has Monticello Money, and the certificates can be spent at any of the Monticello Business and Professional Association members. Monticello Money may be purchased at the Bank of Monticello's Main Street location or at the Village Hall.

Monticello Money or Monroe Money also make great gifts in and of themselves. Both can spend these at any member businesses. With lists of members that include hair salon, grocery stores, bowling alleys, repair centers, gift shops and much, much more, there will be myriad options for the lucky recipients.

Monticello is doing a special Black Friday promotion to encourage people to shop locally this holiday season. Monticello Money will be 10% off on Friday, November 27.