Downtown Ripon shines at night.
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Downtown Ripon shines at night.
Before summer officially says goodbye, Ripon and Green Lake will do their best to keep the fun going this weekend with the return of Septemberfest and the Party for the Arts.
Aside from those community staples, there's plenty to keep folks busy.
The Ripon Chamber of Commerce is gearing up to bring Septemberfest back in full force for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Activities on tap for Septemberfest include the 23rd-annual Watson Street Car Show, the Ripon Noon Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast on the Village Green, a mascot dance party, multiple all-ages activities, live music, a bike stroll and an outdoor movie screening.
This year’s car show is slated to return from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All-ages activities, which run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., include kids games, a chalk walk, a cornhole tournament, face painting, photo booths, remote control race car driving, bounce houses and a rock wall.
The mascot dance party at 11 a.m. in the Village Green will feature Rally the Red Hawk, the Ripon High School Tiger, Webby from Webster’s Marketplace and other local mascots.
Live music will kick off with the Tuba Dan Band from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., followed by The Presidents from 1 to 4 p.m.
A new addition to Septemberfest this year is a bike stroll that departs from Rotary Square at 4:30 p.m. and heads to Vines & Rushes Winery, before returning downtown before dusk.
After all of the day’s events wrap up, Septemberfest will conclude with an outdoor movie screening of the Pixar classic, “Cars,” at 6:30 p.m. on the Village Green.
Thrasher Opera House will host Party for the Arts, Margaritaville-style Saturday, Sept. 17.
While the annual fundraiser starts at 6 p.m., Thrasher will have its clocks stuck at five o’clock all-day long.
“It’s five o’clock somewhere, so grab your fins and join us for a night in Margaritaville at the historic Thrasher Opera House,” Development Director Katie Menting said.
The Party for the Arts includes food, music, live and silent auctions, along with many more beach-themed activities.
Individuals may come dressed and ready to experience a relaxing Margaritaville vacation by Big Green Lake.
Prizes are awarded to the top-two costumes with the theme of Margaritaville. All guests may participate by wearing Hawaiian shirts, hats and island attire.
This year, the live auction will include a private, catered cruise on the J. Lawson, along with other prizes.
Vines & Rushes Winery will host Live Music featuring The Chalk Down Trio Friday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The Chalk Down Trio is a jazz group from Oshkosh, Wisconsin that plays a variety of styles, from straight-ahead swing to funk/fusion.
On Saturday, Vines & Rushes hosts Live Music featuring Dan Braaksma & Al Muenchow from 2 to 5 p.m.
“Local musicians, Dan Braaksma & Al Muenchow, will be playing a blend of country, blues, jazz, and rock cover music on Saturday, Sept. 17,” the winery says. “They have a great sound and quite a following. Don't miss it.”
The Market at Town Square is an outdoor event every Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. It features fresh-off-the-farm goodness and handmade items.
“Enjoy the delights as local growers and artisans will show off their wares that you and your family will love,” Town Square says. “Live music, kids' activities and more.”
Town Square Tap will host live music featuring October Tree Friday from 7 to 9 p.m.
“Quickly becoming a regular on the central WI music scene, October Tree plays originals and covers from 1968 to today from multiple genres with genuine sincerity,” Town Square says. “There is something for everyone.”
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