Nights are crisp and cool, the fall foliage is starting to change, and organizers are busy getting ready for Eagle River’s famous Cranberry Fest which arrives this Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3-4.
The famous fest, now in its 46th year, is again expected to draw tens of thousands of people to the area.
With so much going on, events are planned at the fairgrounds and downtown Eagle River, with free shuttles available between the two. Leading up to the event, there also will be a series of cranberry marsh tours starting on Thursday and continuing throughout the jam-packed weekend, along with a fiber arts show and other satellite events nearby.
The Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce puts on the annual fest and Executive Director Abbey Gatlin is thrilled to again offer the Northwoods experience to visitors.
“Forty-six years is certainly something to celebrate, and we couldn’t do it without our incredible staff, local clubs, and volunteers who go above and beyond every single year,” she said.
While the bones of the event remain the same, organizers strive to always bring something new to discover.
“Even if you’ve been coming to Cranberry Fest for decades, it is always worth the trip back,” Gatlin added. “You don’t even have to buy a thing to have a fantastic weekend — it’s just a great time to soak in the atmosphere, support our local businesses, and experience that classic, down-to-earth Northwoods friendliness.”
Both Saturday and Sunday at the Vilas County Fairgrounds, located at 164 S. Forrest St., start with a pancake breakfast served from 7 to 10 a.m. in the main food tent at Cranberry Fest, managed by Abundant Life Church. The pancake breakfast has been popular for vendors staying on the grounds as well as early morning festivalgoers. Attendees can choose from regular or cranberry pancakes, pork sausage and a drink.
After 10 a.m., the menu in the tent switches over to lunch offerings like soup, sandwiches and drinks.
There also is plenty of food and drink items to sample throughout, with many different cranberry-themed offerings on tap. In addition, food booths serving up a selection of gourmet goods are located on the grounds.
Gatlin had originally lined up the revival of the huge cranberry cheesecake for this year, but last-minute business changes for the baker tasked with supplying it didn’t leave enough time to secure a replacement option.
“We know folks were looking forward to it, but we’re holding out hope to bring it back in the future!” Gatlin said. “The great news is that Trig’s will still have plenty of delicious cranberry baked goods, bagels with cranberry cream cheese, and donuts with pink frosting.”
She urges any regional bakery equipped to create the “official festival cheesecake” next year to reach out to Events Coordinator Dawn Geise at events@eagleriver.org.
The beer and wine garden will be open starting at 10 a.m. both days and staying open through festival hours, where people can try cranberry-flavored and other craft beers, fruit wines and more.
The namesake of the event — fresh and dried cranberries — are available for purchase at three locations: the chamber of commerce office in Eagle River, the festival fairgrounds, and during Saturday’s downtown open air market.
As part of the festivities, downtown Eagle River will close down the first three blocks of Wall Street for the outdoor open air market on Saturday, Oct. 3.
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can shop for vintage items such as glassware, jewelry, furniture and other rare treasures, in addition to a craft and vendor sale stocked with resin art, jewelry, chainsaw carvings and more.
A new addition this year will be a small food truck area set up near Eagle River Rotary Square.
Also taking place downtown will be the weaver and fiber artist exhibit and sale which is held at First Congregational United Church of Christ, located at 105 N. First St. Put on by the Lake Country Weavers and Fiber Artists Guild. Not far from the fiber show, the Walter E. Olson Library Friends will hold its annual book sale as part of the Cranberry Fest celebrations. Olson library is located at 203 N. Main St. (See related story on pg. 1B for more information.)
The chamber (located at 201 N. Railroad St.) is offering free shuttle services between Saturday’s downtown events and the festival grounds. Shuttles will run approximately every half-hour from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with stops at Olson library, First Congregational United Church of Christ, and the chamber. Festival pick-up and drop-off will be at the east gate of the fairgrounds near the tennis courts.
For those who are interested in the farm-to-table aspect of Wisconsin’s little red berry, visitors can tour Lake Nokomis Cranberries, Inc. starting Thursday, Oct. 1, and running through Sunday, Oct. 4.
“While Cranberry Fest main events run Saturday and Sunday, folks don’t have to wait until the weekend to start celebrating,” Gatlin said. “Our chamber offers guided marsh tours at Lake Nokomis Cranberries for $10 starting Thursday (goes through Sunday). It’s a great way for early arrivals and locals to get up close to a working cranberry harvest without the weekend rush.”
Tours are scheduled Thursday at 11 a.m.; Friday at 10 and 11 a.m. and noon; Saturday at 9, 9:30, 10 and 11:30 a.m., and 12, 12:30 and 2 p.m.; and Sunday at 10 a.m.
Buses leave from the chamber and tour times are subject to change. Reservations are appreciated and cost $10 per adult and $5 for ages 6-12. Kids 5 and younger are free if they ride on an adult’s lap.
To make a reservation or for the most up-to-date tour schedule, contact the chamber at 715-479-6400. For more on the fest in general, visit eagleriver.org/events/cranberry-fest.
The chamber has copies of its Cranberry Crier publication that provides vendor location information, gourmet food offerings and more.
“Be sure to stop by our visitor center before festival weekend to grab a copy of the official Cranberry Crier for full maps and schedules, say ‘hi’ to your favorite returning crafters, check out the new food trucks downtown if you have yet to enjoy that side of town, and enjoy being part of the celebration,” Gatlin said.
Anyone interested in helping out with the event can contact Dawn Geise at 715-479-6400 for more information on volunteer roles that are still available.
Entry into the festival grounds and downtown events is free, the cost to park at the fairgrounds is $10 per vehicle.
“This year, our parking is being run by local organizations like the Sno-Eagles and area youth sports clubs and teams. It’s important to note that this serves as a major fundraiser for these local entities and youth sports teams, so every dollar goes right back into our community,” she said.
The Sno-Eagles are looking for last-minute helpers for the fest, which the club said could be one of its biggest fundraisers of the year. To lend a hand, visit snoeagles.org/event/cranberry-fest-parking.
Public and vendor parking entry will be directed off Highway 70 at Forrest Street. Gatlin noted that both Park and Forrest streets will be closed to general through traffic.
With the large influx of people in the area, safety is always a top priority for organizers. Gatlin urges attendees to “pack a small dose of Northwoods patience.”
“With tens of thousands of visitors heading to the grounds, peak arrival times will have heavy traffic. We encourage everyone to head out a little early, enjoy the gorgeous drive, and remember that every single smile at the gate supports a local cause,” she said.
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