Delavan’s history is filled with more than just circuses and temperance rallies. It was also home to an art colony near the end of the 19th Century. During this period students would come into Delavan from the Chicago Art Institute for more art training. Some of the artists made their homes here but only for about 15 years.
“Adolph Schulz did not like cows in his paintings,” said Terri Yanke, a Friends of the Library representative. Apparently, farmers were moving into the area with their grazing creatures. The artists moved down to Nashville, Indiana but left a lot of their paintings, which are now on display at Aram Public Library.
Today these painters are gone but art has not left the city. To demonstrate the importance art and culture play in this area, the Delavan/Darien Rotary Club is hosting its first Artisan Festival at Congdon Garden, 1420 Hobbs Drive, Delavan on Saturday, September 24 from 10 AM to 2 PM. Funds raised will go toward Arts Scholarships for high school graduates. The festival will feature an eclectic assortment of artists, crafters, vendors, food-artistisan, authors and performers.
“Covid took a toll on many artists of all genres,” said Carol L. Paur, Artisan Festival Chair. “We are hoping this festival will help artists showcase their works while meeting their fans. We’re also excited to see how we can help promote the arts in this area.” There will be activities for children, performers, and food trucks. For more information, contact Paur at storiesaua@gmail.com.
The kids go back to school. Temperatures start getting a bit chillier and the leaves start to change. Fall in Wisconsin is really something special! The changing trees add color to everything everywhere, and everyday tasks like getting coffee and a donut get a little added Fall touch. Head to Delavan to experience the best of Fall in Wisconsin with five of our favorite activities.
Fall Favorite #1: Scarecrow Fest
Scarecrow Fest is a favorite in Delavan with this year’s event marking 22 years. The 22nd Annual Scarecrow Fest in Downtown Delavan on September 17 will feature live music, crafters and vendors, food, children’s activities, free pumpkins, a petting zoo, Walldog Mural tours, and so much Fall fun! Come to see what scarecrows Downtown Delavan businesses have created this year and stay to create your own with $10 DIY Scarecrow Kits.
Fall Favorite #2: Brew Walk
Another local Fall favorite is the Downtown Delavan Brew Walk. This year’s event is October 22. Walk around Downtown Delavan while tasting beer and exploring local businesses. Grab some family or friends, a tasting passport, and a map so you don’t miss any of the stops or event features. Halloween costumes are not required but are highly encouraged…so you never know who or what you might see on the Delavan Brew Walk! Oktoberfest in the Town of Delavan is also on October 22. Head to Community Park for more Fall festivities.
Fall Favorite #3: Fall Coffee Flavors
One of our favorite things to do when fall finally hits is grab a cozy cup of coffee and chat with friends. One of our favorite places to do that is Boxed and Burlap, and their seasonal coffee flavors never disappoint. Check out their seasonal menu (ahem…or maybe even the secret menu on their website) and grab a seat inside their cozy coffee shop or bundle up and enjoy some sun on their patio. Don’t forget a slice of babka or a giant chocolate chip cookie to snack on.
Fall Favorite #4: Apple Cider Donuts
If you haven’t had an apple cider donut…we need to change that! Apple cider donuts are the perfect combination of tart apple, sweet sugar, and cozy cinnamon. And one of our favorite places to grab one (or a dozen) is Delavan Homestyle Bakery in downtown Delavan. You’ll know they have them in the case when you drive by and see “APPLE CIDER DONUTS” on a chalkboard out front!
Fall Favorite #5: Fall Fun at Apple Barn
For an afternoon of fall fun head to the Apple Barn where you can pick apples and pumpkins, eat some yummy fall foods, and do some shopping. Labor Day marks apple season at the Apple Barn where they are open daily for pick-your-own apples. They have Cortland, Empire, Holiday, Honey Crisp, Honey Gold, Ida Red, Gala, Ginger Gold, Jona Gold, McIntosh, Paula Red, and Zestor varieties. Pumpkin season usually starts later in September with pumpkin picking only open on weekends. After you’ve picked your apples and pumpkins, head to the country store and bakery for cider, fruit wines, homemade baked goods, cider donuts, caramel apples, maple syrup, and so much more food, candy, and gifts.
Fall in Wisconsin is one of our favorite times of the year, and these festivals and places to stop will have you enjoying fall favorites during your visit to Delavan.
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