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Fontana seeks land acquisition for the Hildebrand Conservancy, which will add 0.4 acres for public recreational use like. This expansion is intended to create more space for recreational activities like fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The village seeks to secure funds through the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, aiming for a grant that would cover half the cost of this land acquisition. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has proposed that hunting and trapping be prohibited on the new parcel due to its small size and proximity to homes and a school. The DNR has made available an initial assessment of the permitted activities, inviting public insight into the planning process. The public has until November 12, 2025, to submit written comments to the Wisconsin DNR regarding the proposed land acquisition.
The World’s Tallest Glass Tree Festival returns to Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay this December. Visitors are invited to participate in the creation of a 36-foot glass Christmas tree made from recycled glass. The festival takes place on the grounds of the observatory. This year, the festival expands upon its environmental mission through a new partnership with Don’t Trash Glass, a national program from the Glass Packaging Institute, a trade association that advocates for the use and recycling of glass, according to a news release. Last year, the team used just over 3,000 pounds of recycled glass to build the tree.
The festival will take place Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 12-14 at Yerkes Observatory. For the first time, all tickets will include access to Yerkes Observatory to view the renovations and the Great Refractor, the world’s largest refracting telescope built in 1897. This allows families to connect art, science, and history in one experience. The festival will feature live music nightly from 4-7 p.m. There will be a heated winter market tent where attendees can shop the work of regional artisans and visit gift shops. There will also be local food trucks along with coffee and hot chocolate huts. The outdoor festival will have fire pits and lounge seating where visitors can gather and warm up between experiences. For kids, there will be a warming tent with activities each day. Each evening, glass artist Jason Mack and his team will invite visitors to take part in drizzling molten glass onto a spinning steel frame to create the giant Christmas tree. This year’s tree will glow ruby red. The festival concludes with a Star Topping Celebration on Dec. 14, where a hand-blown glass star caps the glowing masterpiece. Festival parking is at Williams Bay High School in the Geneva Street lot. A heated trolley will shuttle guests to and from the Observatory every few minutes.
Place of the Week
Su Wings is back open after being renovated by the original owners. Stop in to see the new look and menu.
