Serving Algoma, Casco, Kewaunee, Luxemburg and all of Kewaunee County
ALGOMA – Next Friday, the Shanty Days will begin with a wide variety of events for all ages and interests.
As always, the festival aspires to be a celebration of the lake, with this year’s theme of Where Legends R’ Reel. Algoma has a rich fishing culture which goes back to the days where the coast was lined with fishing shanties. Over time, those shanties disappeared to be replaced with a town, then a city — but that fishing culture remains.
The festival will begin with a parade at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9 with a cruise of classic and custom cars leading the way. When the cars have left, the parade follows, showcasing local businesses and organizations on custom floats, with many participants predicted to decorate with a fish theme.
“The parade is a great showcase for our local businesses and our local organizations, as many of them will have demonstrations or floats in the parade, and a lot of times they are in very friendly competition with each other and kind of see who can kind of embody the theme the best,” Algoma Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bradley Kautenburg said.
The floats will be judged by an anonymous panel and the best three will earn first, second and third place — all in good fun. The deadline for parade registration is noon on Tuesday.
The Arts and Crafts Fair is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. next Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. next Sunday. The Arts and Crafts Fair features unique, handmade works of art from vetted area artists. Some artists may offer live demonstrations of their work. The street fair is open at the same time, which has a less selective process than the Arts and Crafts Fair.
Only photos by amateur photographers are allowed in the competition, and photos must have been taken in Kewaunee County within the past three years. The deadline for entries passed on Aug. 1. There are five categories to compete in: Lighthouse/Lake, Black and White, Crescent Beach and Boardwalk), Nature, Portrait, Pet, Scenic and Junior Photographer, open to ages 5-14. Following the judging in the upcoming days, the entries will be displayed downtown.
The cruise will ride the parade route until reaching the Youth Club, where they’ll set up shop to display their cars.
“I’m personally hopeful to see some of the vehicles that were produced here in Wisconsin, because that, in and of itself, is a unique industry for the area,” Kautenburg said.
Musicians will play each day from afternoon to midnight until the end of next Sunday night, kicking off with Carbon Road at 4 p.m., followed by Katrina DeVille and the Nobody Famous taking over at 8 p.m. On Sunday, the Algoma Community Band will play from noon to 8 p.m.
On both Saturday and Sunday, there will be a kids area on the north grounds, which offers bounce houses, face painting and ice cream.
The ecumenical service is open to all, providing a Christian church service for visitors who may be missing their local Sunday service.
“If someone is really looking for their denomination, like a Methodist or a Lutheran or a Catholic church, we would definitely be happy to point them in the direction of our nearest congregation,” Kautenburg said.
The 5K run/walk for adults starts at 8 a.m., with the Kids Superhero Fun Run following at 9 a.m.
“It’s a great way to start the day, especially if you’re one of the people who loves being outside, loves getting that fresh air first thing in the morning. It’s a great way to make sure that you’re ready for the day,” Kautenburg said.
There will also be a Battle on the Beach volleyball tournament at Crescent Beach for those who prefer beachside exercise, or want to enjoy both running and sports. The tournaments include a co-ed adult tournament and a junior tournament for ages 8-17. The adults will play next Saturday, and the juniors will follow on Sunday. There will be a winning team for each tournament.
The Shanty Days end next Sunday night with a fireworks show at dusk. The fireworks reflect off the water, giving one last beautiful show to celebrate the lake.
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