SW Wisconsin News

The Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce has opened registration for its annual Member Appreciation Night, set to take place on October 15 at the Al. Ringling Theatre. The event will feature the premiere of a Discover Wisconsin television segment highlighting the Baraboo area and its attractions.

"‘Curtain up … light the lights … ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to Baraboo, Circus City!’ If you were going to script a TV program about Baraboo, could there be any better opening line? The Baraboo Area will take center stage on Wednesday, Oct. 15, when we host our annual Member Appreciation Night at the Al. Ringling Theatre. The event will culminate with the premier showing of the Discover Wisconsin segment featuring our wonderful community. Three days later, the show will air in 13 TV markets across five states as we showcase the many outstanding tourism attributes the area has to offer," said George Althoff, Executive Director.

Baraboo’s circus heritage is expected to be a key focus of both the event and the television segment. Other local attractions such as Devil’s Lake State Park, Ochsner Park Zoo, and the Baraboo Children’s Museum are also highlighted in the program. According to Althoff: "Front and center, of course, is Baraboo’s circus heritage, Circus World, and our many Ringling-related assets. But Baraboo is not just a one-trick pony. We have Devil’s Lake State Park and a multitude of other outdoor activities for tourists to experience. We have a historic and vibrant downtown that leaves visitors in awe. And we are home to numerous family-friendly attractions such as Ochsner Park Zoo and the Baraboo Children’s Museum. That’s a lot of material to pack into a half-hour TV show, but the Discover Wisconsin producers and editors did a wonderful job of capturing the essence and charm of the area."

The evening includes an on-stage discussion with Lindsey Hayes, producer of Discover Wisconsin and Sauk County native. Advance registration is encouraged; admission is $10. The Relish Tray Bistro will cater food at the event and there will be a cash bar available. Doors open at 5 p.m., with programming starting at 6:30 p.m., followed by an airing of Discover Wisconsin at 7 p.m.

Althoff added: "I hope you will be able to join us for this special event, which will also feature an on-stage discussion with our producer, Lindsey Hayes, who is a Sauk County native. We’re strongly encouraging advance registration here. Admission is $10. The event will be catered by The Relish Tray Bistro and a cash bar will be available. Doors will open at 5 p.m., with the program beginning at 6:30 and the Discover Wisconsin show airing at 7 p.m. Hope to see you there!"

Discover Wisconsin began in 1986 as a travel series focused on destinations throughout Wisconsin. It holds recognition as one of America’s longest-running tourism shows with multiple Emmy Awards and National Telly Awards for its coverage.

"Discover Wisconsin, which was created in 1986, is a travel series television program that encourages tourism across the state of Wisconsin. It features destinations, events and attractions throughout the state, and is the longest-running tourism series in the country. It has won five Emmy Awards, has more than 20 Emmy nominations, and has won 20 National Telly Awards. Discover Wisconsin reaches millions of viewers through a combination of network, cable, and satellite stations, and through its digital presence across various platforms including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and more."

In addition to announcing its appreciation night event, Chamber officials reported that their Foundation arm has awarded six $1,000 grants this year to local nonprofit organizations for various projects including summer camps for youth programs in schools; community education initiatives; public art panels; arts access projects; improv workshops; among others.

The grant recipients are Camp Gray (Summer Camp), School District of Baraboo (Thunderbird Reads), Hope House of South Central Wisconsin (Community Education Project), Little Eagle Arts Foundation (LEAF Artist Roster for Public Access Project), Baraboo Public Arts Association (I’m Listening Interpretative Panel), Creative Alliance of Baraboo (Improv Community Workshops). The Foundation Board includes President Dan Lewison (TRICOR Insurance), Vice President Nicole Marklein (Cross Jenks Mercer & Maffei), Secretary Teddie Szydlowski (Community First Bank).