The Trempealeu Chamber of Commerce 2nd Annual Farmer’s Market is in full swing.  Join us in Central Park, located at the intersection of 4th and Gray St., every Thursday from 3:00pm to 7:00 pm. 

Local vendors provide home grown fruits, vegtables, annuals/perennials, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, etc.,  Local artisians/crafters share their handmade  jewelry, rugs, yard art and much more.

The Village of Trempealeau purchased new play ground equipment for Central Park .  Several community organizations donated money to purchase swing sets to add to the original plan.  Volunteers will be installing the new equipment on Saturday, June 27.

For more information on Trempealeau, please visit our website at www.trempealeau.net

Prairie Villa Rendezvous - June 18-21 –Travel back in time to the Fur Trading era during the annual Prairie Villa Rendezvous. This event recreates life as it was in 1840’s when Prairie du Chien was the hub of the fur trading. This is the largest re-enactment in the Midwest, open to the public, free admission. Food, music, competitions, family entertainment. Buffalo Burger Stands serving real buffalo! The event is located on St. Feriole Island along the Mississippi River, in Prairie du Chien. For information contact the Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce, 1-800-732-1673.

We drove downriver from Prescott to Alma on Friday. 

It was mid-afternoon and traffic was very light.  Kinda nice to be able to slow down to appreciate the view a little longer. 

  The wind was strong enough to cause white caps on the Mississippi River!  Many of trees beside the road were covered with pink or white blooms, which were hanging on for dear life!  The eagles were so high in the sky they looked like specks with  wings!  Various wild flowers were blooming along the road in the woods. Some trees were just beginning to leaf out.  We noticed violets  on the side of a hill, as well as other wildflowers beginning to open.  We visited the lock & dam to show the grandkids how those barges they see on the river make it through when the water level changes.  It got really windy out there!! Down river we could see a misty rain moving towards us.

On the way home, we noticed dark clouds coming up near Point-no-Point. In a short time, we had a few drops of rain on our windshield.  Grandkids were hoping we’d get home before the rain so they could play outdoors a little longer.  By the time we reached the edge of town, I commented that it was “raining cats & dogs”.  The youngest child couldn’t see any “cats & dogs” & wanted to stop & look for them!  We lucked out, as the rain had almost stopped by the time we hit the driveway at home.

It was a most enjoyable time spent with the grandchildren.  They wanted to do it again the next day!

What a wonderful afternoon! We all need to slow down & appreciate the beauty around us more often.  And there’s lots of it along the WI GreatRiver Road! 

See ya on the Road!

Onalaska will host Onalaska Waterfront Days on June 6, 2009. Events include a Raptor program with a live eagle and 3 other raptors from the Minnesota Raptor Center, Bike Ride on the Great River State Trail, Bike Registration, Youth Fishing event, Tour of the Onalaska Waterfront, Log Rolling and Canoe/Kayak Demos, Archelogical dig and a historical/eco backwater cruise on  Mississippi Explorer Cruises.  For more information call 1-800-873-1901.

Trempealeau had another beautiful Spring day today.  And the forecast shows more of the same.  The community and visitors alike , are out walking and biking, taking in the fresh air.  The barge’s are back and are busy traveling up and down the Mighty Mississippi.  Train enthusiasts are also back taking photos & video to add to their collections.  The Eagles are posted along the river looking for their meals.  Every year, we seem to have more Eagles coming to visit us and then they end up staying.  They’re truely a sight to see.    And the white pelicans can be seen floating around in groups, making it look as though we have ice bergs on the river. 

Trempealeau News:  The Trempealeau Hotel is now open Wednesday - Sunday.  They have live music on Saturday evenings.  Visit www.trempealeauhotel.com for more information.  Hungry Point Bar and Grill is re-opened under new ownership and the bait shop attached to it, is full of items for your fishing and camping needs.  Visit www.mulberrymeadowsllc.com to read all about it.  A bar on Main St was just bought on Monday and the new owner is in search of that perfect historic river name.  Community members are encouraged to give her suggestions.

 The US Fish and Wildlife Service is here for 2 months documenting the migratory song birds in our area.  Perrot State Park and the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge are busy planning several fun filled and educational events for all to enjoy.  When I have more information, I’ll be sure to pass it along to you.

Upcoming Events:

Friday, April 10- Sportman’s Club Fish Fry

Saturday, April 18- Good Neighbor Day

Saturday, May 9- 17th Annual Hipbreaker Bike Tour

July 10, 11 & 12 Catfish Days

Travel the Great River Road, National Scenic Byway to experience the historic & beautiful river town of Trempealeau, WI on the mighty Mississippi River.  For more information, please visit www.trempealeau.net

February 28: Bald Eagle Appreciation Day, held on the grounds of the Prairie du Chien Regional Tourism Center/Prairie du Chien Chamber, 211 S Main,  and the AmericInn, Prairie du Chien, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Live Bald Eagle programs and exhibits, birding experts on hand, outdoor viewing of Bald Eagles through spotting scopes, life-size Bald Eagle nest, activities for children, mini field trips to other viewing locations, co-sponsored by Effigy Mounds National Monument and the Prairie du Chien Chamber of Commerce/ Tourism Council, 800 732-1673.

Trempealeau Welcomes The Great River Rumble

The “Great River Rumble”, a week long canoe/kayak paddle, will feature portions of three rivers in Southwest Wisconsin, The Red Cedar, the Chippewa and the Mighty Mississippi.  The trip starts July 26 in LaCrosse and ends in LaCrosse on August 2.  

The group will camp in Trempealeau the night of Friday, August 1st.  The flotilla, which generally includes 75 or more canoes, kayaks, a replica of a Trade Canoe, and safety boats, presents an impressive sight as it arrives on shore and departs in the morning.  

The paddlers will be camping at Mulberry Meadows  River & Lakes RV Resort- 23828 Lake Rd.  The Historic Trempealeau Hotel-11332 Main St,  is having the “Great River Rumboil”.   A fish boil from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm.  With live music by The Beef Slough Boys.  Tickets are $15.00 per person.  Call (608) 534-6898 or visit www.trempealeauhotel.com  for tickets.  

The Great River Rumble is an event of Midwest River Expeditions, an all volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to helping people enjoy major Midwestern rivers, and to promote water safety and environmental consciousness.  The Great River Rumble has the apporval of the United States Coast Guard, and is sanctioned by the United States Canoe Association and the American Canoe Association.

 Come help us welcome the Great River Rumble paddlers and enjoy a relaxing friday night with a fish boil and live music.  You’ll be glad you did!  Visit www.trempealeau.net for more information.

 Trempealeau is “Best Town on a River” 2008 by Wonders of Wisconsin.com

On the website Wonders of Wisconsin.com, people had the opportunity to vote for 18 different categories.  One of those categories was Best town on a River.  Trempealeau was selected as one of the five for that category.  I’m proud to say that TREMPEALEAU won “Best town on a River.”  Thank you to all who voted for us.  I’m extremely proud that we won.  Not just because it’s Trempealeau, but because we’re part of the beautiful Great River Road, National Scenic Byway.  Happy 70th Birthday, GREAT RIVER ROAD!!!

Please join us for the upcoming events:

Farmers Market- Every Thursday, starting May 29, 2008 to Thursday, Ocotber 30, 2008.  3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, in Central Park (4th and Gray St.)

Art on the River-Art Fair @ The Historic Trempealeau Hotel on Sunday, June 29, 2008 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Music and food too!  Visit www.trempealeauhotel.com for more information.

Catfish Days- July 11, 12 & 13, 2008  Variety Show, rides, food, fishing tournament, bike ride, poker run, kids fishing contest, pancake breakfast, parade, fire works and much, much more.  Visit www.trempealeau.net for more information.

Fall Fest-Sunday, September 21, 2008 @ The Historic Trempealeau Hotel from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  Food, music, train/river history, arts/crafts and much much more.  Oh and a special visit from President Fillmore.  You don’t want to miss that!  More information to follow.  We’ll also be celebrating the Great River Roads 70th Birthday!

Remember, to travel the Great River Road, National Scenic Byway.  There’s always something going on!!!!  It’s where memories are made.

Visit www.WondersofWisconsin.com and vote for Trempealeau for the BEST TOWN ON THE RIVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

Here are the reasons why: 

1)Perrot State Park- Was established in 1918 and has provided a beautiful classroom for thousands of visitors every year.  The Park provides soemthing for almost every nature enthusiast.It has been said this is God’s Country and when your reach the top of Brady’s Bluff, you can see why.

 2)Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge- If you haven’t already, you MUST experience one of Wisconsin’s best kept secrets!  The Refuge contains 6,220 acres of wetlands, sand prairies and bottomlnad hardwood forests.  The Refuge offers opportunties for hunting, fishing, environmental education, wildlife observation, hiking trails, auto tours routes and bicycling.  It also provides breeding and migration habitat for birds, habitat for native wildlife, protection of endangered and threatend species, and biodiversty.

3) Lock and Dam #6-Is an integral link in the navigation system on the Upper Mississippi.  There’s a lookout tower to see how the boats rise and drop during lockage through the locks.  Its a sight to see the large barges maneuver the locks.

4)Great River State Bicycle Trail-Take a trip through the backwaters of the Mighty Mississippi  along the 24 mile scenic corridor with spectacular views!  The trail provides recreation for bicycling, hiking, jogging and fishing.  Portions of the trail are open to hunting, snowmobling and cross country skining.  You’ll see a variety of wildlife and plants.  A photographers haven.

After a day of recreation, you can eat at one of our dining establishments and then get a good nights rest at one of our many lodging places.  During the summer, Trempealeau’s Garden Club maintains both entrances to Trempealeau and over 57 whiskey barrels full of the most beautiful flowers you’ve ever seen.  And the second weekend of every July, the Trempealeau Lions Club puts on its annual Catfish Days celebration.  Music, Food, Parade, Fishing Tournament, Variety Show, Arts & Crafts, Bike Tour, Walk/Run, Motorcycle Run, Golf Tournament and much, much more.  Several class  and familly re-unions take place this weekend.  Throughout the year, theres always something going on.

Many people that visit,  come back year after year.  And some of those visitors end up moving here, because they love it so much!   We also have wonderful schools, great churchs, a new library, several organizations, great eating establishment, The Brush Museum, Catfish Days celebration and so much more.  But at the top of the list, is the our friendliness and warmth of our community.  You feel right at home.  One visit and your hooked!  With all of that said, thats why you should vote for TREMPEALEAU!!!!!!!!!!

Onalaska - Known as “The Sunfish Capital of the World” celebrates Sunfish Days each Memorial Weekend. It’s a great time to get your friends and family together to kick off the summer. There are carnival rides, petting zoo, live entertainment, food & beverage booths and a parade on Saturday of the event.

Come out and enjoy the Great River Road and Onalaska! Remember to bring your bikes to ride the Great RIver State Trail or your Kayak/Canoe to enjoy the beautiful Lake Onalaska. For more information call the Onalaska Center for Commerce & Tourism office at 1-800-873-1901 or 608-781-9570.