Free Winter Activities In Delavan At Two Different Speeds

Now that the holidays are over and the white stuff seems to be sticking around for a while, it’s time to enjoy winter in Delavan! Sure, there’s plenty of lakes to head out on for a day of ice fishing but if you’re looking for something with a little more speed…we tested out some of the local’s favorite spots. So grab your sled, tube, or some random household object (we won’t tell your mom about her favorite cookie sheet!) and hit the hills with us!

Sledding in Delavan

The official spot to go sledding is the Rudy Lange Sledding Hill on Washington Street. The hill, located at the intersection of Washington and Terrace streets, is 335 feet long and is lit during the winter months. The 1.4-acre sledding hill is free to enjoy, you just have to bring your own sled.

Pro tip: Head over to the sidewalk to get back to the top of the hill to avoid a collision with a fellow sledder or a foot slip on some of the icy runs!

Another local favorite, but a little more of a hidden secret are the hills by the Wisconsin School for the Deaf. The hills are behind the school off Richmond Road/County Road P/County Road M.

Ice Skating near Delavan

If speeding down a snowy hill isn’t your cup of tea, grab your skates and head to the Turtle Lake Tap & Grill just north of Delavan. Neighbors around the bar and restaurant worked together to shovel out a community ice rink on Turtle Lake. Turtle Lake Tap & Grill is open Thursdays from 4-9pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 11am-midnight, and Sundays from 11am-9pm.

Pro tip: Check out their hot chocolate bar and full menu for a warm-up in between laps on the rink!

Enjoy a Winter Walk

Want to enjoy winter but at a little slower speed? Take a walk through the Paul Lange Arboretum. The Arboretum is a 24.6-acre park on the northwest shore of Lake Comus. And just to the north of the Paul Lange Arboretum is the Ora Rice Arboretum, which is an additional 6 acres to explore. Both properties are open 8am-10pm daily. Enjoying the Wisconsin winter is so much fun at any speed, especially when you’re exploring these spots around Delavan!

Holiday Shopping In Downtown Delavan Comes With Extra Holiday Cheer

Delavan Dasher Day: Holiday Activities, Shopping Dec. 11 from 10am-6pm

If you’re not one of those people who already have their holiday shopping done (where are our last-minute shoppers at?), then you might need some help getting that list completed. But who wants to park in a huge lot and walk into a big store to wait in line just to get some assistance or check out?

How does this sound: Head to Downtown Delavan for Delavan Dasher Day Saturday, Dec. 11. Park right on the Brick Road in front of one of the many small businesses ready to help you find the perfect holiday presents. Participating businesses will also be providing cookies to enjoy while you shop!

After you’ve checked a couple gifts off your list, stop in to one of the restaurants in Downtown Delavan for lunch and then head to Curate or The Sailor’s Wife, where they’ll have complimentary hot chocolate while you wait to hop on a horse-drawn carriage ride around downtown. Claystone Stock Farms Inc. will be in Downtown Delavan Saturday, Dec. 11 with their beautiful Clydesdales. Hop in one of their carriages and enjoy a cozy ride down the Brick Road, past Phoenix Park and Tower Park. Rides cost $5 per person, but Claystone Stock Farms will be providing rides to Veterans free of charge.

After your ride, make sure to stop by a couple more stores to finish off that holiday list. If you need some help with some people on your list, our small business shopping guide has ideas for everyone on your list!

Light of the World Choir carolers will be strolling around Downtown Delavan from 2-4pm. They will start at Tower Park and make their way to The Sailor’s Wife, stopping along the way. As you walk along with the carolers, keep your eye open for cookie and hot chocolate stops…and the big guy in red who will be stopping by Delavan Dasher Day as well!

To keep the holiday party going, The Treasury is hosting a Holiday Celebration Saturday from 11am-5pm. The beautiful downtown venue will be all decked out for the holidays, and they’ll have warm drinks, homemade hot cocoa, live music, complimentary cookies from Chef Chad Visger of Pastries by Chad, and fresh floral designed by Willow Design.

For even more fun, the Delavan-Darien High School Orchestra will be performing at The Treasury from 1-4pm. While you’re in town, don’t forget to stop by the City Hall or Aram Public Library to mail those letters to Santa!

For a timeline of activities mentioned above, please see below:

• 10:00 am – 4:00 pm:  Shop Local
• 11:00 am – 1:00 pm:  Santa Claus Visits Downtown
• Noon – 3:00 pm:  Cookie Walk
• 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm:  Carolers in Tower Park
• 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm:  DDHS Orchestra
• 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm:  Strolling Carolers
• 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm:  Pictures With Santa
• 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm:  Carriage Rides

Shop Small in Delavan for Everyone On Your Holiday List

It’s that time of year where you’re either starting your holiday shopping or thinking about starting your holiday shopping. And whether you’re excited about finding that perfect gift you have in mind or need help with some unique gift options, the small businesses of Delavan are ready to help complete your holiday list.

To help get you checking off that list, we’ve built a Delavan local shopping guide with the small businesses in our community that covers everyone on your list!

Start at Boxed and Burlap to grab some coffee and a pastry to fuel your shopping day, but also to check out their Coffee Corner filled with unique artisan gifts and Boxed and Burlap merchandise. Maybe you can check off some people on your list early on in the day!

The Green Thumb

For the people on your list who love gardening and maybe have a house full of plants, head to Busy B’s Garden Center. Get them some supplies for spring planting, or get some holiday greenery for yourself! Treasure Hut Flowers & Gifts also has a selection of house plants and other gift basket options.

The Artist

For the musician on your list head to LSJ Music Company. They have a full-service instrument showroom and sell vinyl records. For the crafter on your list, head to The Sailors Wife for specialty paints and art supplies, as well as gift items from local artisans.

The Collector

If you have a collector on your list, there are several options in Delavan. Head to Hero’s Ink for comics, cards, and collectibles. Remember When Antiques and Collectibles carries home décor, antique and collections, including large selections of collectible glassware, jewelry, and branded merchandise. JMJ Antique and Trading also has a large selection of antiques and collectibles. Lauren’s Antique & Art Center has three levels of antiques and art, including period furniture, architectural pieces, art, and jewelry.

The Animal Lover

For your favorite furry friend or someone on your list who loves animals, head to Pet Pals for supplies or a new pet. The Bark Market features natural products and accessories for dogs and cats. And head to Caleta Western Wear for clothing, boots, hats and riding accessories for the horseback rider on your list.

That Special Someone

For that special gift for that extra special person on your list, Delavan has two family-operated jewelry stores. Utiger Jewelry has gifts, does custom jewelry work, and offers free gift wrapping. Beall Jewelers has two floors of shopping featuring jewelry, watches, and a full clock gallery.

The Person Who’s Hard To Shop For

Who wouldn’t love some local Delavan Lake merch or a fun tote bag? What about a unique home decor item or ingredients to make their favorite drink? You’ll be able to find something for even the toughest people to shop for at Delavan Lake Store & Lounge.

If you’re looking for some special treasures, head to Crystal Garden Rock Shop to shop their selection of crystals and tumbled rocks. And sometimes the best gifts are for the kitchen, like sauces, pickles, jams, honey, coffee, salsas and pies from Lake Geneva Cannery.

No matter who or what are on your holiday shopping list, the small businesses of Delavan have everything to get your holiday shopping done so you can enjoy the rest of the season with friends and family!

Tis the Season to Celebrate Christmas

Christmastime is here! Delavan is the perfect place to make treasured memories this holiday season.  From yummy brunches to Christmas Eve-Eve trivia– we invite you to join us in celebrating the season. Check out these holiday events happening just in time for Christmas:

Visit With Santa at Bradley’s Department Store |December 19th

Bring the kiddos to visit with Santa at Bradley’s Department Store. This will be his last visit to Delavan before the big day, so be sure to bring your letters and wishlists. Santa kindly asks guests to wear a mask when visiting. Stop by between 12pm and 2pm.

Dancing Horses Christmas Show | December 19th, 20th, 22nd, 23rd, 26th, 27th, 29th, 30th, and 31st

The Dancing Horses proudly presents a Christmas tradition once again this holiday season. Be dazzled by the Las Vegas style show featuring amazing equestrian choreography. The magic of the holidays comes to life with special appearances from the mini Unicorn and of course the big man himself. Tickets can be purchased online for $37.50.

Christmas Eve-Eve Trivia at Delavan Lake Store | December 23rd

Relax, unwind, and test your knowledge of Christmas Classics with the crew at Delavan Lake Store. Enjoy festive drink specials including the Merry Margarita Martini, Cranberry Christmas Sangria, and Peppermint White Russians alongside a jolly game of holiday movie trivia. The cheerful fun kicks off at 7pm.

Frontier Christmas Dinner | December 24th and 25th

Executive Chef Billings has crafted yet another delectable holiday menu at the Frontier Restaurant at Lake Lawn Resort. Indulge in a three-course meal featuring Roasted Prime Rib, Maine Cold-Water Double Lobster Tails, Duroc Pork Chop, and Eggnog Mud Pie. Dinner is served both Christmas Eve (5 pm-10 pm) and Christmas Day (5 pm-9 pm). Reservations are highly recommended and can be made online via Open Table or by calling (262) 725-9155

Grand Yuletide Christmas Day Brunch | December 25

Celebrate Christmas Day with a bountiful brunch at the Frontier Restaurant at Lake Lawn Resort. Enjoy classic brunch fare with new twists, carving stations featuring Prime Rib and Honey Glazed Ham, decadent Pastries, and Desserts galore. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (262) 725-9155. Brunch seatings will be available 10 am-2 pm.

For more holiday events here in Delavan, check out our Event Calendar at VisitDelavan.com. From all of us at Visit Delavan, may you have a safe and happy Christmas Season.

Hang A Piece Of Delavan On Your Tree With The 2020 Avenue Artworks Ornament

Is your Christmas Tree filled with ornaments from past travels and treasured places? Add a little bit of Delavan magic to your Christmas Tree this holiday season with this year’s Limited Edition Delavan Holiday Ornament.

For the second year in a row, Delavan native artist Noel Winn of Avenue Artworks hand crafted an incredible piece of art to hang on your tree for the Downtown Business Association. This year’s ornament commemorates the 76^th anniversary of D-Day, the 101^st anniversary of the 19^th amendment, and shares likeness to the Borg-Gibbs-Bradley WWII Products WallDog Mural located at 118 Ann Street here in Delavan

Winn began creating concept art for this year’s ornament in early August and created various sketches, clay renderings, and prototypes before making molds and casting them in pewter.

“In total, I’d say this piece took roughly 35 hours to create start to finish.”

Born and raised in Delavan, Winn has always been immersed in a world of art working alongside his father. Throughout his career, Winn has created everything from large scale bronze sculptures to miniature pewter castings. “I’ve really made it all.  Bottle openers, jewelry, chess sets, and even sinks,” said Winn. “I really enjoy realism and working with faces. Especially in this year’s ornament, you can really see the strength and beauty in her face. It conveys a whole impactful story in itself.” (For a peek into his creative process, check out the gallery at the end of this post!)

Winn states, “if anything, I hope that when people hang this on their tree, they take a step back and really enjoy the whole of it. I just want to create pieces people can’t stop looking at.”

You can purchase an Avenue Artworks Delavan Ornament at Bradley’s Department Store, Lubick Gallery, Remember When LLC, and The Walworth County Visitors Bureau for $25. All proceeds go directly towards promoting and revitalizing Downtown Delavan. You can follow Winn and Avenue Artworks on Facebook at Avenue Artworks and shop a selection of his work on Etsy.com at AvenueArtworks.

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  Step 1: A Concept Drawing Is Created

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  Step 2: Concept Drawing Is Transferred Onto Metal As Base For Clay Renderings For Mold

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  Step 3: Wax Molds Are Created and Used to Cast Final Piece in Pewter

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  Step 4: Cast Molds are Emptied and the Piece is Finished

Sky Circus on Ice Takes Flight February 14th!

Think flying kites is just a summer activity? Think again! Join us for a fun-filled weekend of dazzling professional kite performances as the 7^th Annual Sky Circus on Ice comes to life over Lake Delavan February 14^th-16^th, 2020.

You’re invited to witness some of the greatest kite performers in the world bring the sky to life in vivid color against the backdrop of the wintry ice at Lake Lawn Resort. The weekend spectacle brings together teams from across the U.S. and Canada each boasting ginormous streaming kites, with some measuring over 80-feet in length!

The festivities are sure to be a flurry of fun starting Friday evening and continuing through Sunday afternoon packed as tightly as a snowball with activities including:

• Professional snow carving classes Saturday and Sunday from 1:30pm-3:00pm.
• All-Ages Kite Making Workshop in the Lake Lawn room at Lake Lawn Resort ongoing 10:00am-4:00pm for a fee.
• Arial Candy Drop sponsored by Andes Candies during the Saturday and Sunday afternoon performances.
• Kite Flying Lessons and other outdoor kite activities.
• The Grand Kite Launch sponsored by Gift of Wings both Saturday and Sunday.
• Indoor and Outdoor Kite Performances ongoing from 12:00pm-5:00 daily.
• Kids Mad Dash sponsored by Lake Geneva Country Meats where the first kids to register will receive a free kite.
• Daily performances by Connor Doran from NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” all three days.
• Saturday’s TropRock concert featuring Johnny Russler and the Beach Bum Band at 8pm.
• And so much more!

Got an old kite lying in the garage at home? Bring it with you! Test your piloting skills against the gusty winter winds and gain valuable tips straight from the pros between performances.

If the outdoors aren’t necessarily your cup of tea, the long windowed hallways inside of the resort make for a perfect view of the show all while keeping you nice and toasty.  For those braving the cold, hot concessions and bonfire pits will be available to keep you warm inside and out.   

Event admission and performances are free and open to the public.  Parking will be available at Lake Lawn Resort, the Lake Lawn Airport, and  Downtown Delavan as well with a complimentary trolley running both Saturday and Sunday. Trolleys will make stops at:

• Lake Lawn Resort
• Super 8
• Downtown Delavan
• Comfort Inn and Suites.

So join us as we turn our eyes to the skies and celebrate Sky Circus on Ice with us here in Delavan.  We cannot wait to see you there.  For more information please visit visitdelavan.com.

 

 

Sky Circus on Ice : An Exquisite Winter Performance

Kites will bring colors to the ice this weekend, February 15th, 16th, & 17th, highlighting the best of the winter season in Delavan, Wisconsin. Sky Circus on Ice brings some of the greatest kite performers, snow sculptors and ice carvers to Delavan Lake for a weekend of fun and wonderment you will not want to miss!

Kites

Beginning on Saturday, kite performers and professionals hit the ice at 10:30 am to begin preparations to take these majestic giants to the sky at the Grand Kite Launch at noon. Hundreds of kites will take flight and paint the sky with familiar shapes and beautiful colors. Kite Teams will perform synchronized dances in the sky; acts from world renowned kite teams like Chicago Fire and Windjammers.

Feeling inspired? Let’s go fly a kite! Gift of Wings will be giving away free kites to the first 100 kids that participate in the Kids Mad Dash at 2:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Parents, there’s no better time to teach your kids how to fly a kite, because there will be Free Kite Flying Lessons starting at 11 am both days, and kites will be available for sale during the event. For those already experienced kite flyers, be ambitious and make your own kite at the Kite Making Workshop ($4/per person) from 10 am – 4 pm, inside the Lake Lawn Room.

Snow Sculptures and Ice Carvings

In addition to the kite performances, snow sculptures and ice carvings will decorate the grounds of Lake Lawn as well as the brick street in historic downtown Delavan.

Watch these works of art take shape starting on Friday, February 15 and continue on display throughout the weekend. Make sure you see them all — catch the complimentary trolley to take you back and forth between the Lake Lawn lakefront and Downtown Delavan. (Other stops will be made, check the event page for more information.)
Make your mark on this annual festival and bring your whole family to the Family Snow Carving Class and create your own frozen masterpiece!

Outdoor Fun

Make sure to bring the kids along to this great event, because you don’t want to miss the Aerial Candy drop of Andes Candies Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Or get that perfect picture as the little ones race down the Blizzard Slide Run along the Lakefront. For those of you wanting to cuddle and warm up at the end of the weekend, enjoy the free Family Night at the Movies, Sunday night at 6 pm and 7:30 pm. The Wings of Life & Flight of the Butterflies will be shown.

Keep Warm

Don’t let the cold keep you from enjoying this amazing event. There will be hot food at concessions and bonfire pits to keep you warm.

Or, head inside to warm up and enjoy the Indoor Kite Performances, taking place at several times on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Then meet the performers and learn about the art of kite flying at the Tribute to Indoor Flight, Saturday and Sunday evenings at 8 pm.

Can’t imagine the wonderment there is to behold? Take a look at what is in store in this video by Gift of Wings!

 

View the full schedule of events on VisitDelavan.com!