Where do you find frosty fun in February?

Posted on February 8, 2012 by admin

Cambridge of course! Yes, on Saturday February 9th there are events that will challenge the hardiest of souls and shoppers.

Imagine stripping down to a swimsuit and tennies and then plunging off the ice into the freezing waters of Lake Ripley. About 100 people plan to do that during the Dip for Dozer. This annual fundraiser raises thousands of scholarship dollars in memory of Dustin “Dozer” Zuelsdorf. Dozer was the captain of the Cambridge football team.

You don’t have to take a dip to enjoy the event though. Spectators are welcome.  And the event includes…

  • Frozen Turkey Bowling at 11am,
  • Ice Carving at noon
  • “Dip” at 1pm – with costume contest.
  • Come join in the fun by cheering on the “dippers” or taking the plunge yourself.
  • Dip for Dozer events continue at 4pm with raffle, 6pm awards for “dippers” and live music from Club Bud at 7pm – at Heathers Rockdale Bar & Grill.

All proceeds go to a local football scholarship fund in memory of
Dustin “Dozer “Zuelsdorf – number 52.

When your feet get cold, there’s more Frosty Frolic fun in downtown Cambridge. Browse area shops & services from 1-4 pm for special sales and featured events – get your flyer stamped with purchase for a free Cambridge Area Gift Basket.

Experience artist demonstrations and visit studio open houses. Enjoy wine and chocolate tastings, area restaurant food specials and specialty treats from “dips” to hot cider. When your feet are warmed up, lace up your skates and take a spin around the Westside Park skating rink.

Learn more about these February events. Channel 15 NBC news in Madison will highlight Cambridge events at 5 pm on Friday February 10th.

Blog by Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce                                                                             www.cambridgewi.net

 

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Are you ready for some SNOWFALLLLL…some Thursday night SNOWFALL?

Posted on January 13, 2012 by admin

Grab your sled, skis, skates snowshoes and snowmobile. Winter has finally arrived in Cambridge, Wisconsin…on Thursday January 12th that is!

A five inch snowfall and freezing temperatures have finally arrived. Winter sports enthusiasts have been hoping for snow and ice. Now they can get outdoors. And the Cambridge area is the ideal spot for winter recreation.

  • Cross-country skiing – The Cam-Rock Park offers over three miles of groomed cross country ski trails. The slightly rolling terrain offers three loops that are rated from easy to medium. The main trailhead starts in downtown Cambridge and ends in Rockdale.

 

  • Sledding – Cam-Rock 3 has an awesome sledding hill. It’s located across Koshkonong Creek in Rockdale. There is parking area and shelter. A smaller hill at Westside Park in Cambridge is perfect for little kids.

 

  • Ice Skating – The skating pond at Westside Park is frozen and should be cleared of snow for the weekend skaters. There is a warming house, benches and lights.

 

  • Snowshoeing – The Lake District Preserve on Hwy A – a few miles east of Cambridge – is good place to try out your snowshoes. There is a mowed trail winding through wetlands and prairie that is perfect for winter trekking. The Fishing Ponds off Hwy 134 north of Cambridge is another location with mowed trails that would make for easy snowshoeing.

 

  • Snowmobiling – The snowmobile club trails won’t be open until we get more snow. But Glacial Drumlin bike trail north of Cambridge has a gravel bed. There is access in London. The trail runs from Cottage Grove to Waukesha.

So put away the golf clubs, dust off your winter gear and get out for some wintertime fun. Do you have a favorite Cambridge activity for wintertime fun? Share it in a comment.

Blog provided by Cambridge Chamber of Commerce

www.CambridgeWI.net

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Cambridge Country Christmas provides a festive respite from hectic shopping malls.

Posted on November 28, 2011 by admin

Cambridge Country Christmas captures the sights, sounds and aromas of a Dickens-like small town. The historic storefronts and streetlights are decorated with twinkling white lights. The aroma of evergreen, spiced cider and roasting chestnuts fills the air. The clip clop and laughter of horse drawn hayrides, caroling from strolling Madrigal Singers and bell ringers on street corners provides a festive mood that brings back memories of Christmas before the malls.

The fun begins on Friday December 2nd and continues all through the holidays culminating with a drawing for a FREE Holiday Package worth $250.00!

Dec. 2, 3 & 4 is Cambridge Country Christmas – The celebration starts on Friday night with the Elf Shelf shopping and activities for kids 5-9 pm. There will be a tree-lighting, hot cocoa and cookies in Veterans Park, visits with Santa at Badger Bank and the Holiday Lights Display at Lake Ripley Park.

Saturday and Sunday are packed with activities from the Elf Shelf to the cookie walk to the live Nativity. Your family can take a horse drawn hay ride; listen to strolling Madrigal singers; sample cider and cookies; see real live reindeer; or have your kids pictures taken with Santa. Plus shop for pottery, jewelry, clothing, furniture, antiques and gift items. And don’t miss the production of “It’s a Wonderful Life” Dinner Radio Play at the Keystone Grill on Saturday night.

You’ll find something for everyone in the family – even Fido – who can pose for a Pet Photo with Santa too!.

For more details and times of all Cambridge holiday events contact the Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce at 608-423-3780 or www.CambridgeWI.net. Email: office@cambridgewi.net  

Cambridge Are Chamber of Commerce     www.cambridgewi.net

 

 

 

 

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Would you like to be a Diva for a day?

Posted on November 17, 2011 by admin

Treat yourself to a fun at DIVA DAY in downtown Cambridge. A Women’s Small Business Expo has been organized to showcase a variety of services, jewelry and spa items that are just for the ladies.

The expo will be at the Keystone Grill from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 26th. There will be lots of exhibitor specials, major pampering, specialty Martinis and meal deals with everything catering to the women.

You’ll also want to check out Diva Day specials at stores up and down Main Street. There will be wine tasting at Katy’s Corner, Salon Spa Treatments, fabulous deals at boutiques and a fashion show. Get a jump-start on your holiday shopping while selection is good and crowds are minimal. Watch or join in with the tree decorating in the Village Square.

For more information and a list of participating businesses, please contact the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce 608-423-3780 or www.cambridgewi.net.

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Start your Christmas shopping at the Cambridge Arts and Crafts Fair

Posted on November 3, 2011 by admin

Doors to Cambridge High School open at 9 a.m. on Saturday, November 5th. This marks the 30th Annual Cambridge Arts and Crafts Fair. And over the past three decades the fair has become really big.

Organizers predict that over 2,000 shoppers will visit the fair this year. With 90 plus vendors displaying their quality handcrafted items, it’s easy to see why this fair has become such a huge draw. Shoppers will find every type of craft from quilts to glass to woodworking. But there’s more.

Besides the arts and crafts there will be live music, a bake sale, craft demonstrations and the Lion’s food booth. There is also a raffle drawing with $3,000 worth of prizes and 40 chances to win.

Bring the guys too! This year there will be a chainsaw woodcarver. He’ll be set up outside the school creating woodcarvings from logs with a chainsaw.

The fair is sponsored by the Friends of the Cambridge Library. All the money raised goes directly to the support of the local library. So grab your shopping list, bring the family for lunch, buy a raffle ticket and see the creativity of area crafters.

The Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce              www.cambridgewi.net

 

 

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11-11-11 has dual significance this Veterans Day

Posted on November 1, 2011 by admin

Yes, this year’s date for Veterans Day is November 11, 2011 or 11/11/11.

But Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day. It was a remembrance day for the end of World War 1. The 11th Month, the 11th Day and the 11th Hour marked the moment the Versailles Treaty and cease fire went into effect. The name was changed to Veterans Day by President Eishenhower on June 1, 1954 to honor Veterans of all wars.

On Sunday November 6th, local veterans will be honored with a special program at the Cambridge Historic School Museum.

Russ Amacher will show a power point presentation about the WWI and WWII veterans from the Cambridge area. Amacher produced the show by researching the Cambridge News archives and historic documents at the museum.

Larry Gunnelson from Koshkonong Prairie Historic Society will introduce members of the Wolf Family. They donated a quilt made by Richard Wolf’s mother during WWII. The quilt – now on display in the Veterans Room – lists the names of her son and 18 other local veterans she knew who were serving during the war.

Several veterans will be on hand to share their stories. They will include Willie Armstrong (WWII & Korea) and Lee Kampstad (Vietnam). The program begins at 1 p.m. November 6th at the Cambridge Historic School. Admission is free.

It’s hoped that this program brings more attention to Veterans Room of the museum. In addition to the Wolf quilt, there are many historic artifacts from the Civil War to present. You’ll find letters, photos and stories about many of our local veterans. Visiting the room is wonderful way to learn more about the sacrifices made by the men and women of the Cambridge area.

Go to www.cambridgehistoricmuseum.org to plan your next visit to the Cambridge Historic School Museum.

 

 

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Each Bed and Breakfast or rental home is unique – that’s especially true of 5 gems in Cambridge

Posted on October 11, 2011 by admin

 Staying at a bed and breakfast adds a little charm to weekend getaways, vacation travels or even business trips. The Cambridge/Lake Ripley area is blessed to have five historic homes to choose from. Each is special in its’ own way.

 Cambridge area innkeepers were asked this question. “What’s the one thing that your guests tell you they like the most about your bed and breakfast?” 

 Here is how they responded.

 The Victorian of Cambridge – location, location, location

 “Guests love the fact that the two bedroom apartment is so comfortable and private, that it’s centrally located in beautiful downtown Cambridge and that they can bring the whole family.  There’s a fully stocked kitchen so our guests are able to cook their own meals, although most prefer to eat out at the great restaurants and bakery we have in town. The shops are all within walking distance so you can easily return to drop off your bags of goodies and go out for more.” 

Joe and Carol Sapienza – www.WIVictorian.com

 Cambridge House Bed and Breakfast – comfort, privacy, luxury

 “Guests tell us that it’s comfortable here. The secluded gardens, Jacuzzi suites and living room fireplace are relaxing. They say, Jeff and Linda you are the best. From the wine tasting reception each evening to the full delicious breakfast in the morning, the attention to detail is top notch!”

Jeff and Linda Leoni – www. cambridgehouse-inn.com

 Oscar H Hanson House – beds, bathrooms, breakfasts

 “Often times, guests who have been to other B&Bs will tell us we are their favorite…or at least we’re tied for favorite because of the breakfast and the feeling of peace and relaxation that they feel as they walk in the door. Our many return guests mention our personality, our amenities and that something different that adds to the bed and breakfast experience.”

Duke and Mary Jane Mihajlovic – www.ohhanson.com

 Lake Ripley Lodge – lake view, sunsets, tranquility

 “Our guests love the tranquility of glistening Lake Ripley with its spectacular sunsets enjoyed from the Grand Porch swing, on the pier or by a flickering fire. It is an historic inn with a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere, delicious food, charming and unique lake front rooms. As Cambridge natives we are eager to share history of the area too!

Janice and Jim Holby – www.lakeripley.com

  Covington Manor – antiques, bedrooms, gardens

 “Guests have told us that the beds are so comfortable that they slept like babies. Customers return year after year for the full gourmet breakfast, beautiful gardens and large porch. Also, the 1890’s Queen Anne Victorian home is decorated with period antiques and décor.”

Don and Carol Simon – www.covington-manor.com

 To learn more about the amenities of these Cambridge bed and breakfasts, go www.cambridgewi.net and click on the LODGING link.

 Blog provided by Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce

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State record largemouth bass caught on Lake Ripley

Posted on October 11, 2011 by admin

On October 12th a really big bass was caught on Lake Ripley.

It was a beautiful autumn day. Robert Milkowski rowed out onto Lake Ripley to enjoy the fall colors and try his luck casting for bass. He launched near Marina Bay on the west side of the lake. He began casting along weed beds and shoreline.  When the fish hit his bait he knew it was a big one. After a lengthy battle he landed the whopper. It looked like it could be a new record for largemouth bass.   

 Milkowski iced down the fish and took it to a local butcher with a certified scale to have it weighed. It was 11 pounds 3 ounces. The DNR confirmed – Milkowski had caught the new state record for largemouth bass in Wisconsin.

 This happened seventy years ago…October 12, 1940.

 That fish still holds the state record. It has brought many a bass fisherman to Lake Ripley over the years with hopes of catching the next record fish. The 423 acre Lake Ripley still has the potential of producing big fish. There are many weed beds, drop offs, some rocky shore and a 44 foot deep hole.

 Fish species include smallmouth, walleye, northern pike, white bass, pan fish and of course largemouth bass. One Lake Ripley fisherman writes…” Excellent Lake for bass in spring/summer. Fish along the drop offs off of the bars. Fish drops offs that go from 8 or 10 feet down to 15 to 20 feet. This is where you will catch the majority of bass and walleye. If you would like to try northern, find the real steep drop offs that go from 8 or so feet down to 20 – 30 feet. Vertical jigging with large suckers really pays off. This is also an excellent spring/early summer lake for bluegill.”

 Seventy years ago Robert Milkowski didn’t have a bass boat with depth finders and hi-tech rod and reel. He probably camped at the lakeshore campground that was just off Hwy 12 – where the lake homes along Sleepy Hollow Road are located today. With a wooden row boat and simple bait casting rod and reel he caught a trophy fish that has held the state record for 70 years.

 That’s all that is known about his accomplishment. Was he from Milwaukee or Rockford or Chicago? Did he have the fish mounted” Are there any pictures of him or the fish? If you know anything more about Milkowski’s record fish…we’d love to hear the rest of story. Leave a comment or contact the Cambridge Chamber of commerce at www.cambridgewi.net            .

 

 

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Cambridge Historic School tells story of times gone by

Posted on October 11, 2011 by admin

 Did you ever stroll through the streets of Cambridge and wonder… which building is the oldest?   You’ll learn the answer when you visit the Cambridge Historic School.  No – it’s not the Cambridge Historic School – which was built in 1906. There’s an older building downtown that survived the fire of 1890.

 The 1906 School Building served Cambridge students until 1991. It was replaced when the new middle school opened. A citizens group organized to turn the school into a museum which opened in 1997. The building is now listed on the Wisconsin Register of Historic Places. A recent facelift has added six themed rooms that bring the history and memories of Cambridge to life.

 When you walk up the stairs to the Historic School Lobby, you can’t help picturing all the young students who entered each school day as the bell tolled in the belfry above. Inside you’ll find the Malcom Love upright piano. It’s been tuned. Give it a try. A collection of children’s novels by writer Leo Edwards is on display. Many of Edward’s beloved stories were written while at his summer cottage on Lake Ripley. Area children became characters in some of the novels.

 The Local Veterans Room includes guns, uniforms, photos and stories of those who served from Cambridge. The Streets of Cambridge, London, Rockdale and Lake Ripley include photos, clothing, furniture and sports uniforms from eras gone by. Check out the stage curtain from the Princess Theatre. It was painted in 1928 with sponsored ads from 31 businesses. There were three auto dealers in town! There are several businesses on the curtain that are still in operation today, including The Cambridge Bakery. The bakery’s phone number had just 3 digits…197.  

 The Agricultural Room displays an array of antique farm equipment. You’ll also learn about local inventors Ole Evinrude and Arthur Davidson. The friends tinkered with motors while residing in Cambridge, Wisconsin. They went on to found Evinrude Outboard Motors and Harley-Davidson Motorcycles. Ole’s first 2 hp outboard weighed 62 pounds so he sold it for $62.00, “a dollar a pound.”     

The Asian/African Room will have you wondering what connection these items have to Cambridge. There are Royal Silk Kimonos, ceremonial jewelry, hand decorated vases and African artifacts. Marion Scott Obrien of Cambridge, donated the Asian collection. She collected these items while working for General MacArthur during postwar reconstruction of Japan. The African items came from Dagmar Vasby whose family owns Vasby Farms outside of Cambridge. She was a missionary in Africa for 20 years.

 No visit to the Historic School is complete without seeing the Old School Room. It is styled to reflect an early 1900’s classroom with old desks, blackboard, world globe and many photos of students and teachers. You’ll find out which teacher taught here for 46 years. Did you know the 1937 football team was the tagged, “without a doubt losers” before the season even began? They only had five seniors but proved everyone wrong by winning the League Championship.

 The Cambridge Historic School is open May – October every Wednesday and Saturday from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm. Special group tours can be arranged with a local curator. Go to www.cambridgehistoricmuseum.org for more details, photos, location map and contact information.

 Blog by Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce

www.cambridgewi.net 

 

 

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Explore the Cambridge/ Lake Ripley area

Posted on October 11, 2011 by admin

Welcome to the Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce blog. The goal is to offer insight into what makes Cambridge unique. It features articles on the history, recreation, events, people and businesses of Cambridge.  It’s targeted to visitors and residents alike. Comments are welcome. Suggestions for articles can be submitted to Jeff Veesenmeyer at jeffreymktg@charter.net or the chamber office 423-3780. Learn more about Cambridge at http://blog.cambridgewi.net

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