There's something special about the Wisconsin northwoods. No matter when we arrive, we always plan to be around for the Fourth of July for authentic small town America celebrations with parades, pancake breakfasts, antiques shows and fireworks, lots of flag waving and local color. This year was no exception.
A bench in small town Three Lakes, Wisconsin (population 2260), in the heart of the Wisconsin northwoods, recently named the 'Single Best Town in America.'
Liberty on display at a local holiday weekend antiques show.
In 1942, a grandmother quilted this for her grandson, off at war. "God Bless the U.S.A. and our boy."
Standing in line at the annual 4th of July Fireman's Pancake Breakfast.
A young spectator at the parade in nearby Eagle River, Wisconsin (population 1443).
Children poised to dive for candy as a parade float for the Northwoods Children's Museum passes by. Candy diving is serious business for kids on the periphery of local parades on the 4th of July.
Cupcakes for sale, 25 cents, to benefit a local youth group.
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Ted Frier
Cleverley
J. P. Major
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Comments
I spent summers at a camp up north and yes indeed, there is something VERY special about the Wisconsin northwoods
Thanks to all of you northwoods/small town America appreciators for your kind words.
Joan, he would indeed.
Nikki, I keep forgetting about your Wisconsin roots. I'm dying to know which camp you attended.
ladyslipper, it is indeed.
Gabby Abby, I know those parades. Upstate New York can be very similar. I think beer was more on the agenda this weekend than cheese, and this particular corner of Wisconsin is all about snowmobiling (Snowmobile Capital of the World) and cranberries. And brats.
1IM, you're so very welcome, Ann. It's a pittance compared to your lovely photo essays, most recently the farmer's market, in which we all gloried.
Catherine, except for the rain cancelling the fireworks not one night but two, it was indeed.
greenheron, I can assure you the town is busting with pride at the honor, which was bestowed by Kraft.
Ann, glad you enjoyed, and happy you came along. I should have been live blogging it, but was too busy enjoying it.
john, I didn't think they celebrated in the old country.
Procopius, you'll have to make the jaunt up from Rockford some summer weekend, like half of Chicago does.
Before I saw this & realized you were talking about WI, I read your Northwoods bar conversations and KNEW which North Woods you were in. You caught the flavor of that region.