Labor Day weekend brings Sausage Fest, arts and crafts show to Eagle River

Eagle River will mark Labor Day weekend with a pair of popular community events Sunday, Sept. 6, bringing arts and crafts, food and live entertainment to the downtown area.

Now in its 13th year, Sausage Fest returns to Riverview Park, hosted by the Eagle River Lions Club. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission is free, and the family-friendly event will feature a selection of sausages from Prime Choice Meats, warm soft pretzels and more. Beverages will include Oktoberfest-style beers, craft brews from Tribute Brewing Co. and soft drinks. Those who have attended previous Sausage Fests are encouraged to bring their mugs from past events to reuse.

Children can enjoy a bounce house and games provided by the Northwoods Children’s Museum. Live entertainment will include polka music by Jonny Wagner and cover songs by Redd Lies.

Proceeds from Sausage Fest support scholarships for Northland Pines High School students, local park and playground improvements, and various area organizations.

New this year, the Bub Water Trolley will make a stop at Sausage Fest.

Also taking place Sunday is the Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Labor Day Arts and Crafts Show, which will fill downtown Eagle River from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This year’s show is sold out, with vendor spaces filling early and a waitlist now in place. The event will feature area crafters and artists from across the Northwoods and neighboring states.

“Spending the day with us downtown is the perfect way to end the summer,” said Dawn Giese, event coordinator for the Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce. “Our area businesses always do such a wonderful job making sure you’re getting the most out of the day as well.”

New this year, three food trucks will join the lineup, along with live entertainment and beverages.

Chamber Executive Director Abbey Gatlin encouraged visitors to make the show part of a full Labor Day weekend in the Eagle River area.

“Make a weekend out of it,” Gatlin said. “Bring your friends, spend the day on the lake, go out to dinner, and then close out the holiday weekend downtown on Sunday visiting some of the very vendors and business owners who may have become friends over the years.”

For more information about the Labor Day Arts and Crafts Show, contact the Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce at 715-479-6400 or director@eagleriver.org.