Music, Motorcars, Morels – Summer Is Near!

An eagle soars through the skies of Wisconsin

Spring is ready to heat up soon and with great music, car shows under the sun, loons on the lake and mushrooms in Muscoda, it must be near summer. Here are five sure-things ready to get you off to a great start!

Squeeze Out the Music

If you play a concertina, you’re going to love this fest April 21-22 in historic Merrill, Wisconsin. Even if you don’t play the squeeze box, it won’t take long before you enjoy the happy music and find yourself out on the dance floor. Hosted by the World Concertina Congress, the Merrill Concertina Festival welcomes everyone: players, dancers, and all music lovers. There will be a big concertina display, more than 100 players, and even a concertina market. Heck, you may go home with one of your own. Drop in starting at 4 p.m. Friday (Fish Fry Night!) or as early as 10 a.m. on Saturday. Les & Jim’s Lincoln Lanes, 1208 North Center Ave., Merrill. Admission and parking are free. 715-536-9405; https://tinyurl.com/concertinafest

100 Mile-Thrift Sale!

Fishing lures, baskets, keys — who knows what you’ll find along the 100-Mile Thrift Sale.

If you’re a treasure hunter, gas up the car and let the scavenging begin. This awesome spring drive will take you on spectacular country roads to discover all kinds of collectibles, furniture, folk art, fishing gear, pottery, tools, antiques, crafts, and vintage items that have been aging in some grandma’s attic since “who knows when?” This sale runs about 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 20-22. It wanders into rarely explored rural territory, so pickin’s are likely to be very good. The route runs about 100 miles along Highway 10 connecting 10 charming Wisconsin communities from Ellsworth, Plum City, Arkansaw, Durand, and Mondovi to Eleva, Strum, Osseo, Fairchild and Neillsville. Take a camera. The scenery is outstanding, and the people are “Wisconsin friendly.”

Car Lover’s “Auto” See This

Spring weather may bring out the flowers, but even more predictably the warming weather brings out people who love to drive automobiles, sports cars, convertible and vintage beauties. Visit the Spring Jefferson Auto Show and explore 99 acres loaded with classics, muscle cars, and collector specials. Find tons of parts and auto art at 3,100 vendor spaces. Yes, there are also hundreds of cars for sale! The Swap Meet and Car Corral is up April 28-30. The car show is April 29-30. The feature cars this year are Mustangs, but all makes and models are welcome. Admission is $15 per adult, kids 12 and under are free with an adult. Jefferson County Fair Park, 503 N. Jackson Ave., Jefferson, WI. Call 608-244-8416.

Chequamegon Bay Birding Fest

One of the finest bird viewing areas in the Midwest is along the southern coast of Lake Superior in the wetlands and deep forests surrounding the Great Lake. This annual three-day festival is a favorite of bird and wildlife lovers as well as photographers hoping to get great photos of the animals in their native habitat. It runs May 18-20 at the peak of migration season and includes dozens birding and nature programs presented by experienced naturalists and experts. Join the Loon Platoon excursion, hike to the Sea Caves, or learn Bird Songs. The Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center is at 29270 County Road G, Ashland, WI. 715-682-2500; https://tinyurl.com/seethebirdies

Morel Mushroom Fest

The fever hits every spring: Morel Mania. The fungi is one of the most sought after foods in the Midwest. For those determined to sample some, the best chance for success is to attend the Morel Mushroom Fest in Muscoda, WI, on May 19-20. There will be vendors who have combed the hills to collect the tasty treasures selling them fresh to take home. Some chefs will have Morels perfectly prepared, ready to enjoy on the spot. Of course, there’s a lot more to the fest; arts, crafts, chainsaw carving, a huge parade and fireworks. But the star of the show is the mighty Morel. 5 p.m. Friday and by 9 a.m. Saturday. 608-739-3182