ALL OVER THE MAP
EVENTS NEAR AND FAR
Cable: American Birkebeiner. Cheer on skiers in North America’s largest cross-country ski race on Feb. 25. The 50-kilometer race takes skiers from Cable to Hayward, with plenty of spots for spectators to watch along the way. There also are shorter and kids’ competitions Feb. 23-24. See birkie.com.
Chetek: Winter Fest. Watch snowmobiles race on a 1,000-foot track at this festival Feb. 24-25. Other activities include a bikini run, a scavenger hunt, a soup cook-off, kids activities and music. Admission is $5 for adults, $1 for kids ages 5 to 12 and free for those 4 and under. See chetekwinterfest.org.
Kewaunee: Frozen Tundra Wine Fest. Bundle up for this outdoor wine festival at Parallel 44 Winery on Feb. 25. The event from noon to 6 p.m. includes samples, vineyard tours, wagon rides, live music and food available for purchase. Advance tickets are required and are $15 per person. See 44wineries.com. Middleton: Bockfest. Raise a glass to this 20th annual celebration of the release of Capital Brewery’s Platinum Blonde Doppelbock on Feb. 25. A $20 general admission ticket gets you one free seasonal beer; a $40 VIP ticket is good for one seasonal beer, one blonde doppelbock, one food item and admission an hour early, at 10 a.m. See capitalbrewery.com.
Minocqua: Loop Around the Lake. Strap on some snowshoes or cross-country skis for this 5-kilometer trek by candlelight around Lake Minocqua on Feb. 25. The race kicks off at 6 p.m. Stick around for food, a bonfire and a wish lantern illumination at the Thirsty Whale after. Registration is $25 in advance and $35 the day of the race. See looparoundthelake.com.
Neillsville: Sweaty Yeti Winter Festival. Fattire bikers take over the trails at Levis Mound during this festival Feb. 2426. In addition to the races at 11 a.m. Feb. 25, the weekend includes a meet and greet at Sand Creek Brewery on Feb. 24 and fun group rides throughout the weekend. Winter camping is also available. See bikereg.com/sweatyyeti.
Oshkosh: Battle on Bago. Cast a line in this ice fishing tournament Feb. 24-25 for your chance to win prizes include trucks, coolers and cash. The weekend also includes a fish fry and music on Friday and raffles on Saturday. See battleonbago.org.
Prairie du Chien: Bald Eagle Appreciation Days . See bald eagles along the Mississippi River during this festival Feb. 24-25. The weekend will feature live bald eagle and raptor programs, exhibits, displays and free birding programs. See prairie duchien.org.
Please send notice of events three weeks in advance to: All Over the Map, Travel Section, P.O. Box 371, Milwaukee, WI 53201 or to jsfeat@journalsentinel.com, with All Over the Map as the subject.