Pumpkin Patch is Coming Up - Know Where to Eat in Egg Harbor!

Pumpkin Patch is coming and you need to know where to eat in Egg Harbor! Harbor View Grill is  a must!

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Pumpkinmania Festival September 27 2014 at the Lodge at Leathem Smith! New!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Door County’s Pumpkinmania! Festival Debuts September 27^th

Pumpkin Weigh-Off Could Result in Official Selection

of Wisconsin’s Largest Pumpkin Ever

STURGEON BAY, WI, August 19, 2014 — The Lodge at Leathem Smith, the well-known 86-year-old resort in Sturgeon Bay, has announced Pumpkinmania!, a new Door County fall season festival featuring an officially sanctioned pumpkin weigh-off, “pumpkin regatta” on the adjoining Sturgeon Bay harbor, pie baking contest, a wide range of kids’ games, food booths by local restaurants, and live music.

The family-friendly Pumpkinmania! event will take place on The Lodge at Leathem Smith’s expansive grounds on Saturday, September 27th, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and will feature the weighing of giant pumpkins carefully grown to a massive size of thousands of pounds. The pumpkin weigh-off has been sanctioned by The Great Pumpkin Commonwealth (GPC), a worldwide sanctioning body that provides a set of standards for similar events throughout the world.

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“We can’t predict the future,” said Scott Steil, GPC Event Coordinator, “but we are certain that dozens of competitive growers in Wisconsin and nearby states are currently

tending a number of 1,000-lb.-plus pumpkins and hoping to win this event’s first prize. It’s even conceivable that one of them could exceed the Wisconsin state record of 1,810.5 pounds for a pumpkin grown by Chris Stevens of New Richmond in 2010.”

Pumpkinmania! is providing cash prizes to the growers of pumpkins — based on the GPC’s official weighing process — that are selected for the 1st ($5,000), 2nd ($3,000) and 3rd ($2,000) prizes. $5,000 in additional prizes will be awarded to growers of other unusually large vegetables, plus growers of the “prettiest pumpkin,” ”ugliest pumpkin,” and other official categories. The GPC-sanctioned weigh-off will take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. during the festival.

The Lodge at Leathem Smith, 1640 Memorial Drive, Sturgeon Bay, WI  54235; for more information, call 920.743.5555 or visit www.thelodgeatls.com.

4th of July at Harbor Fish Market & Grille!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 DoorCountyNavigator.com loves this place!  Just had lunch there last week - awesome.  Read our Trusted Review!

 

JOIN IN ON THE FUN:       HARBOR FISH MARKET AND GRILLE Distinctive Waterfront Dining in the Heart of Door County            Fuel up for 4th of July festivities with us!  We will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner so don't forget to make your reservations!  The parade is scheduled to start at 10am and goes RIGHT by us so stop in for some Door County Cherry Pancakes or a Lobster Omelet before the festivities begin!  Brian Jensen is back again to reprise his roll as "outside bartender extraordinaire!"  He will be at a table right in our driveway serving great Bloody Marys, Screwdrivers, Door County Cherry Mimosas and Brats all day long!  We will also have a stand at the 4th of July park grounds right by the town hall that is serving our DELICIOUS Lobster Rolls and Seafood Etouffee!            WARNING: the 4th is always very busy here and we have the best food around so save your table today and make reservations! Call 920.839.9999 or make them here!  We will be serving breakfast from 7am-11:30am, lunch from 11:30am-4:30pm and dinner from 4:30pm-10pm.           The Fireworks in Baileys Harbor are fantastic!  Plan to stick around town and enjoy all the 4th of July activities and then enjoy the fireworks after dark!  They are visible from almost anywhere in town and are shot out over the bay!     BAILEYS HARBOR: Baileys Harbor will have activities all day long!    8am-4pm Arts and Crafts on the Town Hall Lawn 9am-2pm Kid Zone Fun Activities 10am PARADE 11am-3pm 50/50 Raffles on the hour 11am-5pm Live Music by Three Beers Til Dubuque 12-5pm Downtown Trolley Rides 1:30-5pm Baileys Harbor Pub Crawl   FIREWORKS OVER THE WATER AFTER DARK!   CLICK HERE  to find out even more about the Baileys Harbor 4th of July Celebration!       Cannot wait to see you all!  Do not forget to make reservations NOW so you can celebrate the 4th of July in style and eat wonderful food with an unbelievable view of the bay here with us at Harbor Fish Market & Grille.  Sincerely,                      P. O. Box 100 Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin 54202 920.839.9999 Subscribe to Our Newsletter!

Need a Room for Pumpkin Patch?

Who is still looking for a room in Door County for Pumpkin Patch? Well one of our favorites, Birchwood Lodge in Sister Bay has jsut told us that they have rooms available right now - so hurry and book one! http://www.doorcountynavigator.com/component/marketplace/page/show_category/catid/13

Door County Beer Festival!!

Door County's first-ever beer festival is comin gup this month!  Soon!  Read all aboutit in our Calendat of Events - look for June 16th!

http://www.doorcountynavigator.com/main-sections/june-calendar

Fyr Bal Festival this Weekend!

Ephraim celebrates its 47th Annual Fyr Bal Festival this weekend!

Friday through Sunday, June 17-19.

Yes - it's not only Father's Day this weekend, it's Fyr Bal Festival in Ephraim!   This is an awesome festival, with lots to do, beach bonfires (you have to burn that ole winter witch you know) and have tons of fun for all!

Download their PDF Events Flyer by clicking here!  Have fun!

New "Door County" Beads & Charms Have Arrived!

Make sure to see the collection at Pumpkin Patch in Egg Harbor this weekend!  Door County Beads has some very cool pieces, including "Door County" themed beads, Pumpkin Patch beads and lots more.  Take a look at the photo here (click to enlarge) and enjoy!

When you do see them at Pumpkin Patch or order some, please tell them that DoorCountyNavigator.com sent you!

Have fun!

Their shop is
Door County Beads
125 S. Third Ave
Sturgeon Bay Wi
920-818-0805

Pumpkin Patch Fall Fest in Egg Harbor - Coming Up!

We just received this CORRECTED press release from Egg Harbor!  Pumpkin Patch is one of our favorites!
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Contact Info:
Lynn Michelsen, Marketing & Visitor Center Coordinator
Egg Harbor Business Association
920-868-3717
marketing@eggharbordoorcounty.org
http://www.eggharbordoorcounty.org/

2010 Pumpkin Patch festival schedule announced

Egg Harbor is planning for Pumpkin Patch on Saturday and Sunday, October 9 and 10. This free family-friendly festival entertains young children with face painting, carnival rides, large inflatables and bungee jumping. Couples can enjoy music, arts and food as part of this getaway held each Columbus Day weekend in downtown Egg Harbor. Enjoy pumpkin and scarecrow displays throughout the streets.

Live music kicks off on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. in Harbor View Park at 7809 State Hwy. 42 with Déjà vu performing music from the 60’s & 80’s. A Jimmy Buffet tribute by Mango Brothers follows from 2:30-5:30 p.m. Cozy up with hot chocolate around a bonfire behind Calvary Old Stone Church just north on State Hwy. 42 following the performance. Sunday brings rock and blues with the Big Mouth Quartet from 10:00 a.m.-1:15 p.m. and Big Mouth & The Power Tool Horns at 1:30 p.m.

Children might enjoy Roaming Magician Bruce Hetzler or a tale by Carol Johnson, storyteller, in Harbor View Park. Children’s Musician Randy Petersen entertains from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. in the park. Face painting is available both days. Over 70 local and regional arts and craft vendors will be lined up along the streets offering clothing, garden décor, jewelry and accessories and goodies such as kettle corn, egg rolls and nuts. Corn on the cob, beer and brats will also be available for purchase.

Public parking is available in the lots along Church Street between Harbor School Road and Hwy E.

For more fall fun, trick-o-treaters are welcome during Egg Harbor’s Halloween Safe Walk from 2-4pm on Sunday, October 31. For more information on these and other events, call (920) 868-3717 or go to http://www.eggharbordoorcounty.org/

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Sister Bay Fall Fest Parade - Want to Be In It?! Apple Bake Off Too! It's a Fun Festival!

DoorCountyNavigator.com just received this press release from Sister Bay!  Their Fall Fest is one of the major events of Fall, so be there!
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Contact: Paige Funkhouser, Coordinator
Sister Bay Advancement Association
Phone/Fax: 920.854.3230
E-mail: paigelfunkhouser@yahoo.com

Enter the Fall Fest Parade!

Businesses, clubs, organizations, youth groups & individuals from all communities are invited to participate in the 65th annual Fall Fest parade with a float or in costume! Free entry!

Parade starts at 11 a.m., Sat. Oct. 16. Line-up is first come, first in line and the line forms on Maple Dr./Cty. ZZ. Most Paraders show up between 10 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

Questions? 920.854.2812


New this year: a Fall Fest Apple Bake-off!
Are you an excellent baker? Want to test your skills? Enter the Fall Fest Apple Desert Bake-Off!
Contact Paige Funkhouser for more info: 920.854.3230 or e-mail: paigelfunkhouser@yahoo.com

Egg Harbor 4th of July Set

Just received this revised press release:
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REVISED NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release


Egg Harbor Independence Day Weekend Festivities Include the UW-Madison Marching Band and a Wide Range of Live Music

Vonnie Callsen, co-owner of Main Street Market, announced that the UW-Madison Marching Band will be part of the Fourth of July Parade in Egg Harbor. “The band members will ride on a flatbed. After the parade, they're going to play a ‘5th quarter’ either on the patio at Main Street Market (on the Hwy 42 side of store) or somewhere in Harborview Park with all the concessions.” Jim and Nancy Forbes are responsible for this special appearance. The parade begins promptly at 1:30pm on Sunday, July 4.

Two “First Annual” events will take place following the parade. First, is a bed race with lodging establishments competing with their own custom-made beds. The other is a fundraising benefit for the Egg Harbor Historical Society - the First Annual Hotdog Eating Contest - sponsored by Watcha Have and Triangle Distributing, which will take place after the parade in Harborview Park.

Egg Harbor fireworks start at dusk on Saturday, July 3. Food and refreshments will be available in Harborview Park at 7809 State Hwy. 42 starting at 2pm and the Mango Brothers perform starting at 5pm. Live musical performances at venues in and near Egg Harbor include Big Mouth & the Power Tool Horns, Rick & Mick, Nathan Xander and Witchouse, and Glen Navis. All performances are free to the public. The weekend wraps up on July 4 at the Peg Egan PAC at 6pm for the best of Blues, Folk, Pop, Swing, Americana and World Music featuring Chris Kasper, Joe and Vicki Price, Sara Thomsen, and the Jennie DeVoe Band.

For further details and a complete schedule of events, call the Egg Harbor Visitor Center at 920-868-3717 or visit www.EggHarborDoorCounty.org.

Thank you,
Lynn
____________________________________________________
Lynn Michelsen
Marketing & Visitor Center Coordinator
Egg Harbor Business Association
PO Box 33
4666 Orchard Road
Egg Harbor, Wisconsin 54209

Tel: 920-868-3717
Fax: 868-2907

marketing@EggHarborDoorCounty.org
http://www.eggharbordoorcounty.org/
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/EggHarborDoorCounty
Twitter @ EggHarbor_WI
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Get full Calendar of Events for July on DoorCountyNavigator.com's Website/Calendar

Baileys Harbor 4th of July Schedule Released!

Here is the Baileys Harbor 4th of July Activities Schdule:

Pancake Breakfast
7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. ~ At the Fire Station on Park Rd.

Cinnamon & Pecan Rolls & Coffee
7:30 a.m. till gone ~ at the Immanuel Lutheran Church

Strawberry Festival
9:00 a.m. until gone ~ Inside the Town Hall

Arts & Crafts
Enjoy Handmade items from artists all day long on the front of the
Town Hall Lawn.

Parade
10:00 a.m. ~ Hwy 57 north, then West on F/EE

Food Court
Beer Tent, brats, hot dogs, hamburgers, Door County whitefish sandwiches,
corn, and much more . . .

Main Stage
Big Mouth and The Power Tool Horns
Located behind the Town Hall, starting at 12:00 PM,

Family Entertainment
Located next to Associated Bank, enjoy carnival games, inflatable bouncers,
interactive games and ice cream!

Fireworks
Seen fantastically from anywhere on the harbor after dusk.

Week 19 May 28 2010 Door County Happenings Podcast is up!

Listen in  to all 19 Door County Happenings podcasts, including this weeks, Cool Town, Fine Arts and Maifest!  Listen to them all at http://bit.ly/52IxnG

Have a great Memorial Day weekend, and at DoorCountyNavigator.com, we remember our armed forces and are thankful.

Fish Creek Winter Festival Coming Up! Feb 5 - 7th!

We just received this press release! We LOVE the Fish Creek Winter Festival - it is a lot of fun for all of us kids :) Check our Calendar of Events for more info, and our whole site for some great reviews, video and more!
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FISH CREEK, WI, DEC. 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

FROM: FISH CREEK CIVIC ASSOCIATION
CONTACT: JAMES “DIGGER” DEGROOT
OFFICE: 920-868-2316 OR 800-577-1880
FAX: 920-868-9425
EMAIL: MANAGER@FISHCREEKINFO.COM
WEB: WWW.FISHCREEKINFO.COM

“GIBBY” THE WHITEFISH RESCUES FISH CREEK’S WINTER FESTIVAL TENT IN THE SHALLOWS OF HORSESHOE ISLAND.
THE TENT IS BACK FOR 2010!

Fish Creek’s 23rd annual Winter Festival brings the tent back for 2010.
The weekend of fun activities, February 5th, 6th and 7th, will be held in a large, outdoor, heated tent in Clark Park on the shores of the Fish Creek harbor.

“In order to preserve Winter Festival as the premiere winter event in Door County, we felt it was critical that we return the tent to Clark Park,” said Bonnie Spielman and Bonnie Smith, Civic Association board members. “The tent represents a gathering place with a sense of community for locals and visitors alike. It provides a festive atmosphere, with a little warmth outdoors in February.”

The tent will open Saturday the 6th at 10 AM with games, prizes, music, raffles food and drinks. “We are pairing local businesses with Door County non-profit organizations to sponsor games and activities to raise money for the community. Join in such traditions as the bike toss, ice bowling, minnow races, football toss, toilet seat toss, snowshoe dancing and more.

Help celebrate winter by joining in the fun of Fish Creek’s zany hometown parade at 10:30 AM on Main Street (Hwy. 42) and meet “Gibby” the whitefish, our festival mascot and hero….remember, he found our tent!

The annual soup fundraiser at Peninsula School of Art begins Saturday at 11 AM. Buy a bowl made by a local art student and enjoy homemade soup. Proceeds will benefit Feed My People.

At 3 PM on Saturday, the Annual Chili Cook-off will once again take place in the tent, with a spirited competition by proud chili cooks. The individual chili will be judged with the winner taking home a $250 prize and the kudos of the best chili in Door County. Enjoy sampling the chili and judging the People’s Choice Award.

For the 6th year in a row, internationally and nationally renowned kite fliers, makers and designers will fill the skies over Fish Creek with kites of all shapes and sizes for Kites Over the Bay. Fish Creek Kite Company owners Toby Schlick and Val Murre-Schlick are coordinating the event sanctioned by the American Kite Fliers Association. “We’ll have kite designers and makers who make beautiful kites,” Schlick said. “Al Sparling, one of the most active giant kite fliers in the world will be joining us with his collection of giant kites including an 88 foot long octopus and a 90 foot trilobite.”

Join our party in the tent and on the bay on Saturday, February 6th, 2010 and help save us all from a case of the winter blues.

Egg Harbor Holly Days!

Egg Harbor Holly Days are coming up! Here is the info Egg Harbor just sent to us!

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Egg Harbor's 16th Annual Holly Days is Nov. 27 - 28. Holly Days is an ol’ time Christmas celebration starting on Friday the 27th with Breakfast with Santa at the Landmark Resort, Children's Elf Hunt (kids 12 & under), Mistle Dough, Holiday Shopping, Wagon Rides, Caroling and Christmas tree lighting at the Harborview Park in Egg Harbor. Saturday the 28th brings Holiday Shopping, Children's Christmas Stores at the Bertschinger Center, Wagon Rides and the White Christmas Dinner Show at the Landmark Resort.



Friday:

8:30am – 10:30am Breakfast with Santa at The Landmark
Resort, plus many activities for children

9:00am – 5:00pm Children’s Elf Hunt and Mistle Dough contest

10:00am – 5:00pm Holiday Shopping

2:00pm – 5:00pm Horse drawn wagon rides through downtown

4:00pm – 5:15pm Caroling throughout downtown

5:30pm Christmas tree lighting with Santa at
Harborview Park



Saturday:

10:00am – 5:00pm Holiday Shopping

12:00pm – 2:00pm Children’s Christmas Stores at the
Bertschinger Center

1:00pm – 4:00pm Horse drawn wagon rides through downtown

6:30pm White Christmas Review at the Landmark
Resort





Elf Hunt:

Participating businesses will display an elf character someplace within their establishment. Kids (12 and under) will then write down the name of the elf next to the name of the business and continue to each business till their elf list is filled. They then bring the completed list to the tree lighting which gets placed in a box for a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prize drawing. They must be present at the time of the drawing in order to win.



Mistle Dough:

Participating businesses will give a ticket per purchase at their location to a customer. Those customers in turn must drop off their tickets at the tree lighting which gets placed in a jar for the drawing of either $15.00, $25.00 or $50.00 worth of Mistle Dough that can be spent at any EHBA member business. They must be present at the time of the drawing in order to win.

Happy Holidays from Egg Harbor, WI!

James Flinn

Marketing Administrator
EHBA Visitor Center
P.O. Box 33
4666 Orchard Road
Egg Harbor, WI 54209
920-868-3717

www.EggHarborDoorCounty.org

5th Annual Fall Harvest Fest at Orchard Country Winery & Market

this just in!
_____

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact information:
Carrie Viste, co-general manager: carrie@orchardcountry.com
920.868.3479

Orchard Country Winery & Market
Celebrates 5th Annual Fall Harvest Fest


As the leaves are turning to shades of red and gold…the apples are crisp and the grapes are ready for harvest; Orchard Country Winery & Market prepares a celebration of the season with a festival of fall delights. On Saturday, September 26th the 5th Annual Fall Harvest & Wine Fest hosted by the Lautenbach family will feature fun activities for the entire family. Beginning at 10 am, a variety of activities will entertain visitors young and not so young.
The Lautenbach’s fourth-generation farm orchard has planned a host of activities that promise to delight visitors of every age. Painting cherub faces or bowling with round plump pumpkins, the children’s activities will be fun-filled. Photo opportunities will be available with Thomas the Train in the pumpkin patch. Clowns creating balloon art and painted faces, fun inflatables, horse-drawn wagon rides all from 11am-4pm…the activities will tickle every fall fancy. Don’t miss the apple pie eating contest at 12:30 pm
Surrounded by acres of ripening apples, guests are invited to pick the ever-traditional Macintosh or come inside for the ever popular Honey Crisp. With the approach of the holidays, remember that someone special with a gift from the Orchard Country’s extensive selection of jams and jellies, a basket of apples or a cookbook. Visit one of the outdoor craft booths and choose from a variety of unique handcrafted gift and food items.
An array of meaty treats will be prepared by Door County Custom Meats. Taste test their pig roast or bite into a steamy apple brat. Gooey caramel apples, and fresh fall bakery items—apple pies, donuts, turnovers, and apple strudel—are waiting to make the trip home.
In the past 23 years, award-winning fruit wines have become the hallmark of Orchard Country; the winery currently produces 34 blends. Complimentary wine tastings of favorite blends such as Honey Crisp apple and Autumn Harvest will be accompanied by offerings of Lakefront Brewery’s popular pumpkin and cherry beer. Free guided winery tours on the 27th will begin at 10 am and continue until 4 pm. And of course no party is complete without music. Playing bluegrass favorites from 1-5pm, for their 5th consecutive Fall Fest at Orchard Country is “Bent Grass.” The Door County Trolley will offer tours throughout the festival. Or hop aboard a horse-drawn wagon for a ride through the orchards from 11am-4pm; it’s all in a day’s work.
Orchard Country is open daily from 9 – 5:30 pm. Guests are invited to enjoy the outdoor patio as well as walk the grounds. Orchard Country Winery & Market, located at 9197 Highway 42 just south of Fish Creek, is open year round. Visit the website www.orchardcountry.com for additional information.

Door County Wine Festival!

Great upcoming event!

_____

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Stuart Champeau
Door County Wine Festival Event Coordinator
920-246-0343
stuartchampeau@msn.com


Imagine a five day event filled with opportunities to experience over 100 wines from around the globe, incredible dinners and other culinary delights. And now imagine that event, the 1st Annual Door County Wine Festival occurring within a short drive from your front door!

The Wine Festival spans over five days (Sept. 23rd through the 27th) with dedicated wine tastings and dinners at a number of restaurants and wine tastings at local fine wine stores including Top Shelf Gourmet and Catering, Madison Avenue Wine Shop, Door County Gourmet and Catering and Main Street Market. The Grand Tasting at the Sister Bay Village Hall on Sat Sept 26th will feature dozens of wines from around the world and tantalizing live and silent auction items. Reservations for wine tastings/dinners are to be made with the participating restaurant of the wine devotee’s choice. Tickets for the Grand Tasting are limited for this premiere event and available for purchase on line at www.wellnesscenterofdoorcounty.com/specialevents or by phoning (920) 746-9444.

Proceeds from the Door County Wine Festival will be used to build a much needed addition for the Wellness Center of Door County, located at 312 N. 5th Avenue in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. The Wellness Center is a community-based non-profit organization that provides compassionate, confidential and affordable reproductive and related health care to men and women across the lifespan. The Wellness Center is the sole provider for Door and Kewaunee Counties of care & examinations by Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners following a sexual assault.

Wine Festivals are held all over the world generally later in the year. Originally intended to celebrate the harvest, wine festivals have now become vehicles to raise funding for worthwhile causes. In the United States they have become particularly popular as we are one of the most charitable countries in the world. They are held all across the country including Napa and Sonoma, California, Naples Florida, Jackson Wyoming and Santa Fe New Mexico to name a few. In essence they are a celebration of wine, friends and a lifestyle. Its not too late to plan an overnight trip to celebrate the good things in life!

Door County Fair is Fun for All!

We just spent several hours at the Door County Fair, in Sturgeon Bay. This is a once-a-year thing, but it's a lot of fun for the locals and those visiting Door County. We shot some video of the fair, and we'll get that posted up soon. Roasted corn on the cob was excellent, even at $2.75 an ear!

The group ate sloppy Joe hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, cotton candy, cheese cake and more - sound like a fair?! Went on lots of rides including the Ferris wheel, Tilt-A-Whirl, Merry-Go-Round, and others; house of mirrors and balloon-popping dart games were popular too. Kids were "fishing" for a prize, knocking down targets with balls, shooting hoops too. And them there were dairy cows, saddle horses, the 4H Club pavilion, and an equestrian judging event.

Head to the fair - it continues for a few more days! Have fun in Door County!

Door County Fair

At the Fair right now in Sturgeon Bay - not too crowded so nice! Come on down!
Dan/DCN
Sent from my DoorCountyNavigator.com Wireless BlackBerry

Violinist Ilya Kaler to Substitute for Valentin Zhuk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: SHARON GRUTZMACHER
July 30, 2009 920-854-4060


Violinist Ilya Kaler to Substitute for Valentin Zhuk


Violinist Ilya Kaler has agreed on short notice to substitute for Peninsula Music Festival concertmaster Valentin Zhuk. Mr. Zhuk was to have performed the Khatchatourian Violin Concerto as the featured soloist on Tuesday, August 18 during the Festival’s 57th Season. The Peninsula Music Festival has been unable to secure the proper visa for Mr. Zhuk’s appearance with the Festival as concertmaster and soloist, a visa that has been approved fifteen times prior to this year.
“We are so grateful that Mr. Kaler could be reached, was available and was willing to come to Door County for this important concert,” commented PMF Executive Director Sharon Grutzmacher. “This is not a concerto that many violinist have in their repertoire. We are very lucky.”
Problems began in early July when the Festival became worried that an approved visa had not arrived for Valentin Zhuk. With all previous applications having been approved, there was no inclination that there would be a problem this year. After it became apparent that the approval would not happen in time for the start of the August 2009 Peninsula Music Festival, Music Director Victor Yampolsky and Mrs. Grutzmacher began plans to cover the Festival.
Frank Almond, concertmaster of the Milwaukee Symphony and past concertmaster of the Festival was available to take Mr. Zhuk’s position as concertmaster of the PMF for week one. MingHuan Xu, an accomplished violinist who concertizes throughout the world, was available to sit concertmaster for weeks two and three. With the concertmaster position solved, the search for a violinist who could perform the Khatchatourian Violin Concerto began. While Maestro Yampolsky traveled back from a vacation in Canada, he contacted Mr. Kaler who has soloed with the Festival three previous times. After he agreed to come, Mrs. Grutzmacher began the job of arranging for flights, securing housing and arranging for an airport pick up. “Everything fell into place. Considering the circumstances, it couldn’t have gone smoother. I appreciate how willing everyone was to help us out!” Mrs. Grutzmacher said.
Ilya Kaler was born in Moscow, Russia into a family of musicians. Major teachers at the Moscow Central Music School and the Moscow Conservatory include Zinaida Gilels, Leonid Kogan and Victor Tretyakov. Ilya Kaler later continued his studies under the guidance of Abram Stern. Mr. Kaler has earned rave reviews for solo appearances with distinguished orchestras throughout the world, which include the Leningrad, Moscow and Dresden Philharmonic Orchestras, Montreal Symphony, Danish and Berlin Radio Orchestras, Detroit Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Seattle Symphony, New Japan Philharmonic and Moscow and Zurich Chamber Orchestras, among others. His solo recitals have taken him throughout the former Soviet Union, United States, East Asia, Europe, Latin America, South Africa and Israel.
An active chamber musician, Mr. Kaler has appeared at many major music festivals throughout the US and Europe with many of the most prominent musicians of our time. One of the most sought-after teachers in the world, Ilya Kaler has served as a Distinguished Professor at Indiana University School of Music in Bloomington, IN, Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, and is currently a Professor of Violin at DePaul University School of Music in Chicago.
Ilya Kaler has many awards to his credit and is the only violinist to have won Gold Medals at the Tchaikovsky, Sibelius and Paganini Competitions.
Tickets for the Tuesday, August 18 concert are available and range in price from $30 to $61 with discounts available for children and students. The 57th season of the Peninsula Music Festival opens on Tuesday, August 4 and runs through Saturday, August 22 with concerts every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. All concerts are at 8:00 p.m. and are held in the Door Community Auditorium in Fish Creek. For information on concerts and to purchase tickets call 920-854-4060 or www.musicfestival.com


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Sharon Grutzmacher
Executive Director
Peninsula Music Festival
P.O. Box 340
3045 Cedar St.
Ephraim, WI 54211
Phone: 920-854-4060
Fax: 920-854-1950
sharon@musicfestival.com
www.musicfestival.com
57th Season August 4 - 22, 2009

Happy 4th of July to America!

To all our DoorCountyNavigator.com users, and to all of America, Happy 4th of July!

Our Independence is precious, and we appreciate the sacrifices that our forefathers made, and our current armed forces make, to make us safe and free.

God Bless America!