LITTLE GEMS
Winterfest 2024 is a wrap.
The event was a huge success. Visit Lake Geneva deserves a huge high five. The snow sculpting teams and staff of Visit Lake Geneva were hit with unseasonably warm weather. The weather expected to be more spring-like than wintery, and that’s exactly how it went. Visit Lake Geneva and get creative on how to host a winter festival with spring weather. First, the plan was to postpone the event by one day so instead of starting on Wednesday, January 31st it was to start Thursday, February 1st. Second, the snow blocks were wrapped in insulated blankets to keep them as cold and together as possible. Thursday morning it was supposed to be the start at 10 a.m. but the weather was in the forties with plenty of sun so some of the teams waited until the sun went down and temps dropped before unwrapping their snow block and starting the carving.
Friday and Saturday the Snow Sculpting Teams and Visit Lake Geneva were blessed with a little bit cooler temps and cool breeze off the lake. A lot of the teams worked through the nights to catch up on lost time. The visitors and spectators came out in droves as the weather was very pleasant for strolling through the downtown and lakefront festivals. Bonfires on the beach were very well attended and the Fox Valley Arts Entertainment did not disappoint with its fire dance performances on the beach. Judging was held Saturday afternoon, and the winners were announced.
- First place went to Wisconsin Team 1 with its “Sculptora Borealis”,
- Second place went to Minnesota with its “House of Thunes”,
- Third place went to Minnesota 2 with its “Doing Our Best”.
- People’s Choice First place is Team North Dakota’s “Some Things Deserve a Good Long Look”,
- People’s Choice Second place is Team 4 Wisconsin with “We’re all Quite Mad Here”,
- People’s Choice Third place is Team 1 Wisconsin’s “Trust Me”.
Overall Winterfest was wonderful, and Lake Geneva was extremely busy.
Annie’s Burgertown in Elkhorn is getting ready to reopen.
On May 18th, 2023, Annie’s Burger Town caught on fire leaving the owners and community devastated. Around 9 p.m. the Elkhorn Area Fire Department responded to a call for reports of flames coming from Annie’s Burger Town. Upon arrival large flames were coming from the kitchen area, the road was closed, and backup was requested. The damage was too extensive to reopen and needed to be gutted and remodeled. Jeff and Maria received so much love and support from the community which is what brought them to Elkhorn originally. That is why they are looking forward to giving back to the community once again and showing their appreciation for all the love and support during this difficult time. Starting Monday, February 5th, they will be showing their appreciation for all of Elkhorn and the surrounding communities. Monday, February 5th is not only their grand opening of the newly updated building but also customer appreciation week. Each day will have a different discount or offer including pick-up or delivery. The menu still includes many favorites including the homemade root beer. We look forward to welcoming Annie back into the community and wish them a busy season.
