Driftless Outdoors Show Awarded $13,322 JEM grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SILENT SPORTS MAKE A SPLASH IN LA CROSSE COUNTY WITH HELP FROM TOURISM GRANT

Grant funds go toward advertising for Year 2 of Driftless Outdoors Sports Show

Check Presentation

Tuesday December 11 | 3pm | Onalaska Omni Center.

Explore La Crosse is embarking on the second year of its silent sports expo with help from a $13,322 Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. The Driftless Outdoors Show promotes La Crosse County as a premiere destination for silent sports and will once again showcase outdoor sports equipment provided by some of the nation’s top experts and retailers. The expo takes place May 17-18, 2019 at the Onalaska Omni Center.

“We’re thrilled to support Explore La Crosse as they expand promotional efforts for the Driftless Outdoors Show,” said Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett. “The Driftless Region is a perfect location for silent sports lovers due to its unique and diverse landscape. This expo not only highlights the area’s outdoor recreation opportunities, it also creates a positive economic impact for La Crosse and the surrounding communities.”

The Driftless Outdoors Show highlights 50,000 square feet of the latest in silent sports, from hiking, biking and kayaking to camping, fishing and archery. Beyond vendors, the expo features seminars and events, such as the DockDogs canine aquatic competition, live bird presentations and a craft beer night. This year, the Driftless Outdoors Show is expected to attract more than 3,800 visitors to the region, generating an estimated $161,600 in visitor spending. Grant funds will go towards outdoor, online, print and radio advertising.

“We are extremely excited to host the 2nd annual Driftless Outdoors Show on May 17-18th at the Omni Center in Onalaska. La Crosse County is known for its great outdoor attractions and activities. In 2017 we celebrated an all- time high in county wide visitor spending hitting $263,800,000 surpassing 2016 by $15,700,000,” said Executive Director of Explore La Crosse, A.J. Frels. “We recognize what La Crosse County has to offer to the outdoor enthusiast is a strong part of why people visit our area. The Driftless Outdoors Show allows us to showcase La Crosse County’s outdoor attractions for our residents as well as visitors.”

In 2017, the tourism economy in Wisconsin totaled $20.6 billion, a 3.2 percent increase from 2016. Tourism activity supports 195,255 jobs in Wisconsin, a seven-year addition of more than 23,255 jobs to the state’s total employment, an increase of 13.5 percent. Visitors generated $1.5 billion in state and local revenue. Business sales in La Crosse County totaled $426.5 million in 2017, supporting 4,387 jobs and $33 million in state and local taxes.

In fiscal 2018, the Department funded 56 JEM projects, awarding a total of more than $1.1 million. Visitor expenditures driven by the marketing from these projects will exceed $74 million. JEM grant funds are available to non-profit organizations for the promotion of Wisconsin tourism events and destinations. The state can fund up to 75 percent of a project’s first-year advertising and marketing costs, and provide support for second- and third-year projects with decreasing amounts for funding until projects become self-sustaining. For information on the JEM Program and application materials, visit http://industry.travelwisconsin.com.

The mission of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism is to market the State as the Midwest’s premier travel destination for fun by executing industry-leading marketing programs and establishing strategic partnerships. The Department plays a significant role in generating greater economic impact and jobs for Wisconsin. The portal for traveler information can be found at: www.travelwisconsin.com.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Kristina LeVan, Wisconsin Department of Tourism

608-266-0458; klevan@travelwisconsin.com

Brent Hanifl, Explore La Crosse

608-782-2366; hanifl@explorelacrosse.com

Chill Out! Cold Weather Fun in La Crosse County

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Photo: Bob Good Photography Studios

Chill Out! Cold Weather Fun in La Crosse County

Just because the weather turns chilly and snow starts to fall, doesn’t mean you need to be stuck inside. Bundle up and get outside to enjoy these cold weather activities in La Crosse County…

Hit the Slopes

Grab your gear and hit the slopes at Mt. La Crosse Ski & Snowboard. Pull out those skis and snowboards – or just rent them for a day – and enjoy the thrill as you zip down the hills and valleys of Mt. La Crosse. From gentle Mileaway to challenging Damnation, Mt. La Crosse offers a 516 foot vertical, 19 slopes, and 3 chair lifts. Take a break from the hill in the St. Bernard Room or the ULLR Room and grab one of your favorite drinks or order a pizza after a fun day outside.

Grab Your Skates

Located on French Island in the Town of Campbell, Island Outdoors is more than just a sporting goods shop. Stop in and get everything you need for a day out on the ice OR bring the kids and grab some skates and hit the skating rink out back. Looking for some place to rent snowshoes or other winter gear? No worries, they offer winter rentals for snowshoes, cross country skis, trekking poles, Vexilars. You can even rent a portable ice fishing shanty and power augers.

See the Lights

A holiday tradition in Downtown La Crosse, Rotary Lights offers residents and visitors alike a display not soon to be forgotten. Head down to Riverside Park and make your way through over 4 million holiday lights! Feel free to walk (wheelchair accessible) and stop in to see Santa or warm up with some hot cocoa. You can also drive through if it’s too chilly and set your radio to the designated station for some festive holiday music. Bringing someone special? Take a romantic carriage ride while you enjoy the twinkling lights. Don’t forget your skates! See what it’s like to ice skate under the magic of the Rotary Lights (skates are also available for rent).

Go Fish

La Crosse County offers a wide variety of fishing opportunities and that doesn’t falter in the winter months. Ice fishing is one of the most popular winter activities and rightly so. Lake Neshonoc, Lake Onalaska, and backwaters of the Mississippi River offer great pan-fishing or tip-up fishing for any angler, young and old. From Bluegill and Perch to Northern and Bass, you’ll be sure to have a great day out on the ice.

Play in the Snow

Of course winter wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the sledding hill! Van Riper Park in Onalaska has a lighted sledding hill perfect for the whole family or you could head to Holmen’s Deer Wood Park which offers a couple of sledding options as well as an ice rink. Of course snowshoeing and cross country skiing are always a favorite in the Coulee Region. All of the following locations offer ample opportunity to get out and enjoy nature via snowshoe or cross country ski – Goose Island Park & Campground, Upper Mississippi River National Fish & Wildlife Refuge, Justin Trails Resort, La Crosse River State Trail, Great River State Trail, La Crosse River Marsh Trails and Hixon Forest.

Disclaimer: This is just one perspective on La Crosse County events, businesses and activities. Explore the rest of the site to learn more on those that I’ve missed.

UW-La Crosse Swinging Yuletide Saturday, Dec. 8

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Holiday favorites with a jazz flair will be heard at UW-La Crosse during the annual Swinging Yuletide.

The UW-La Crosse Music Department once again hosts a concert of instrumental and vocal holiday classics from its jazz program at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, in The Bluffs, UWL Student Union, 521 East Ave. N.

Performers include the UWL Jazz Orchestra and UWL Jazz Ensemble, The Coulee Chordsmen, the UWL Faculty Jazz Quartet, and the UWL Saxophone Quartet. Vocalists from the UWL jazz program will be featured in singing classics by Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, the Andrews Sisters, along with original arrangements of seasonal classics by UWL Director of Jazz Studies Jeff Erickson.

The suggested donation for admission is $20 for reserved seating; $5 for students and $10 for others for general admission. All proceeds go to UWL jazz scholarships and are tax deductible.

For tickets call 608.785.8415 or stop by 124 Center for the Arts or visit online at www.uwlax.edu/music.

Media contact: Jeff Erickson, Music 608.785.8414

If you go—

Who: UWL Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Coulee Chordsmen, UWL Faculty Jazz Quartet, UWL Saxophone Quartet and UWL jazz vocalists

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8

Where: The Bluffs, UWL Student Union, 521 East Ave. N.  

Admission: $20 for reserved seating; $5 for students and $10 for others for general admission

UW-La Crosse Seniors Set Art Exhibition Before December Graduation

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Paintings, drawings, prints, ceramic work and installations highlight an art exhibition for UW-La Crosse’s graduating art majors.

“Making our Mark: Senior Exhibition” opens with a reception from 4-6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, in the University Art Gallery in the UWL Center for the Arts, 333 N. 16th St. Admission is free.

The students graduating in December who are participating in the exhibit include: Ellie DeMuth, Nikala Nelson, Carolyn Myers, Ashley Dechant, Dietrich Den Hartog and Amber Hautala.

The exhibit runs through Wednesday, Dec. 12. Regular gallery hours are noon-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and during events in Toland Theatre. Exhibitions are free. Refer questions or arrange gallery appointments to the Art Department at 608.785.8230.

If you go—

Who: UWL graduating art majors

What: “Making our Mark: Senior Exhibition”

When: Opening reception from 4-6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30. Exhibit runs through Dec. 12. Regular gallery hours are noon-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and during events in Toland Theatre.

Where: University Art Gallery, 333 16th St. N., La Crosse

Admission: All events are free

Media contact: John Ready, Art 608.785.8230

Brew Crew Comedy Tour Presents: Ricky Glore’s Taco Kitty Tour

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Weber Center for the Performing Arts announces that tickets are on sale now for Ricky Glore’s Taco Kitty Tour.

On “Ricky Glore’s Taco Kitty Tour,” stand up comedian Ricky Glore examines his Midwest upbringing, pop culture influences, napkin thoughts, and the irrational fear of his wife leaving him, if their cat learns how to make tacos and deliver them to her.

The opening act for both performances will be: Kim Sherwood.

RICKY’S BIO:
Ricky Glore is a stand up comedian and comedy writer known for his high energy and confidence on stage. He has opened for some of the top comedians, including Tracy Morgan, Jim Breuer, Damon Wayans, and Doug Benson. Whether he is discussing married life, family, pop culture or everyday observations, he is sure to be bringing a smile to your face and a laugh from your belly. Ricky can be seen touring nationally with THE BREW CREW COMEDY TOUR. Make sure to check out his book, “A THESAURUS IS NOT A DINOSAUR” AND OTHER NAPKIN THOUGHTS. Ricky currently is the head writer of the Twitter #ExplainAMoviePlotBadly. He can also be heard on the popular movie podcast, CINEMA TOAST CRUNCHCAST.

Tickets are $10 and may be purchased over the phone or
at www.webercenterarts.org. For questions or tickets, please call the box

FAST FACTS

WHO: Weber Center for the Performing Arts & The Brew Crew Comedy Tour

WHAT: Ricky Glore’s Taco Kitty Tour

WHERE: The Weber Center for the Performing Arts – Veterans Studio Theatre

WHEN: Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm

PRICES:
General Admission: $10
Taxes and fees not included.

BOX OFFICE HOURS:
11: 00 a.m. to 5: 00 p.m., Monday-Friday

WEBER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS WEBSITE:
https://www.webercenterarts.org/event/ricky-glores-taco-kitty-tour/2018-12-08/

WEBER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS FACEBOOK EVENT:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1010827762445156/

DOWNLOAD PRESS PHOTOS HERE:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11poomPV4s65xJa99bTcgTtzCP0IpOAy2?u sp=sharing

RICKY GLORE’S social media:
Twitter: @RickyGlore
Instagram: @GloreRicky
Facebook: RickyGloreComedy

James Beard Nominated Chefs Cook Up Feast for MWMF Fundraiser

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Consider this an early Christmas gift for the foodie in your life.

An intimate night with James Beard finalist and semi-finalist chefs from local La Crosse Distilling Co., Viroqua’s Driftless Café, and Milwaukee’s DanDan. On Tuesday, December 11, La Crosse Distilling Co. will host the Fieldnotes Dinner Series to benefit the Mid West Music Fest, a non-profit, multi-venue, multi-genre music festival held in downtown La Crosse, Wis. and Winona, Minn. since 2010. The event starts at 5:45 PM, seating promptly at 6:30 PM

The event will feature a one-of-a-kind, six-course meal prepared by chefs from the three renowned restaurants and paired with craft beer and La Crosse Distilling Co. spirits. Tickets ($200/person) are now on sale for the formal dinner fundraiser, and seating is limited to 40 guests.

The event brings together some of the best in the industry, including the distillery’s Executive Chef Jorge Guzman, who specializes in Mexican cuisine made from the freshest locally source ingredients. In addition to being a James Beard Best Chef Midwest finalist in 2017, Guzman has been featured on The Food Network and in Travel & Leisure, Time Magazine and Food & Wine.

Guzman will be joined by chefs Dan Van Rite and Dan Jacobs from Milwaukee’s award-winning restaurant DanDan, which specializes in Chinese cuisine and Luke Zahm of Viroqua’s farm-to-table Driftless Cafe. These three chefs have been recognized as semifinalists in the Best Chef: Midwest category of the James Beard Foundation.

Pre and post-dinner music will be provided by De La Buena, an afro-cuban quintet from Milwaukee. Tickets are available at www.midwestmusicfest.org or www.eventbrite.com

The chefs are donating their time and talents to cook up this delicious event menu.

1st Course – Jorge Guzmán

Albacore Agua Chile

ember roasted cucumbers | yogurt | lime | mint

2nd Course – Jorge Guzmán

Charred Radicchio

pine nut mole | dill | smoked onions| black garlic

3rd Course – Luke Zahm

Beet Cured Salmon

masa | white pine broth | serrano & ground cherry salsa | achiote

4th Course – Luke Zahm

Duck

squash & goat cheese gnudi | kale | guajillo demi

5th Course – Dan Van Rite & Dan Jacobs

Koji Pork Collar

celery root | pippian roja | pumpkin seeds

6th Course – Dan Van Rite & Dan Jacobs

Milk Chocolate

white sesame crunch | tahini ganache | pocky

About Mid West Music Festival

Mid West Music Fest was born in 2009 when AmeriCorps volunteer Sam Brown was stationed in the historic city of Winona, beautifully nestled between the bluffs and the Mississippi River. Now entering its 10th year, Mid West Music Fest is a 4-day, two-weekend event with more than 100 acts and a dozen stages between to the two historic cities–including many special events and collaborations throughout the year. The mission of the MWMF is to promote music and art in the region, creating opportunities for artists, stimulating downtown economic development, and providing diverse educational resources for artists, community members, and children. Learn More at www.midwestmusicfest.org or on Facebook.

About La Crosse Distilling Co.

Opened in August 2018, La Crosse Distilling Co. (129 Vine St.) is La Crosse’s first distillery. The 10,000 sq. ft. distillery offers handcrafted, organic spirits, tours and a tasting room serving specialty cocktails, lunch and dinner. Learn more at www.lacrossedistilling.co or on Facebook or Instagram.

Contact info:

Parker Forsell

MWMF Executive Director

608-498-0268

parker.f@midwestmusicfest.org

Julie Embling

La Crosse Distilling Co.

630-388-9933

jembling@laughlin.com

Lueth Park Pump Track (Video)

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Watch an amazing group of volunteers transform an idea into reality to make a city healthier, happier, and stronger by creating the Lueth Park Pump Track in La Crosse, Wisconsin…more at www.oratrails.org.

Socks, Sandals and Pole Vault (Video)

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In this episode, I was joined by my good friend Jeremiah Burish from the Explore La Crosse. Jeremiah prides himself on doing things a little differently, from Pole Vaulting to socks with sandals, he has definitely carved out a unique identity in the kayak bass fishing community. – Chad Hoover

 

How to make a Torta Ahogada (Video)

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The Torta Ahogada ( drowned torta ) is a famous sandwich from the Mexican state of Jalisco, particularly in the city of Guadalajara. It was said to be accidentally invented in the early 1900s. The story goes that Don Ignacio “Nacho” Saldaña was in his 30s when he started working for Luis De La Torre. De La Torre’s father, Saldaña says, was a vendor in one of the city’s central plazas, selling ordinary tortas. One day, Saldaña recounts, a customer requested a little bit of spicy salsa on his torta, but the senior De La Torre accidentally dropped the whole torta in the container. “You drowned it!” the customer cried, before eating it anyway. And the rest is history. Traditionally it is a roasted pork filling drowned in a salsa de Arbol. – Chef Jorge Guzman

www.lacrossedistilling.co

No Need to Hibernate this Winter in La Crosse County

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Blogging on the River, Fun things to do in La Crosse, Winter

La Crosse County has plenty of activities to keep you warm! Ski, fish, snowmobile, snowshoe and more.

Bundle up for some serious fun this winter!

Skiing & Snowboarding

Hit the slopes at Mt. La Crosse, a popular downhill skiing and snowboarding destination. With 19 runs designed for every experience level, you can bring the whole family.

Cross-Country Skiing

Try out your cross-country skis on the region’s numerous trails, including Veteran’s Memorial Park, Hixon Forest, and the La Crosse River State Trail or Great River State Trail. Got a dog? Try skijoring!

Snowmobiling

The La Crosse area features over 650 miles of interconnected, well-groomed trails. Seven different snowmobiling clubs welcome visitors to the area.

Snowshoeing

Take a walk through the winter landscape via snowshoe. Explore the trails of Goose Island Park, McGilvray “7 Bridges” Road in the Van Loon Wildlife Area, and the La Crosse River State Trail.

Rotary Lights

The Rotary Lights display turns Riverside Park into a magical winter wonderland. With over four million Christmas lights, this La Crosse tradition is truly a spectacle. Bring the skates and check out the ice rink!

Summer is over, but the fishing isn’t.

Fall’s cool temperatures brings some of the year’s best fishing. Walleye begin to move again and while the fall Walleye run tends to be less lively than in the spring, they tend to be more predictable and can provide steady action right up until the freeze. The first areas to catch the attention of ice anglers are the backwaters. Then, as ice creeps out from the shores of Lake Onalaska and Lake Neshonoc, so do intrepid ice anglers looking for some of the best panfishing of the year. In need of bait or tackle? No worries, we’ve got you covered. Check out Island Outdoors on French Island or Schafer’s River Rentals on Lake Onalaska.