Cool City News

2009 Christmas Fantasy Parade

2009-12-06T09:03:00.000-08:00

Here's a great set of images from this year's Christmas Fantasy Parade, courtesy of Jeff Dawson via the Lester Public Library. Click here to view the whole set (and click "slide show" in the upper right corner of the set page to view the images in rotation).

Ethnic Fest 2009

2009-09-30T06:48:00.000-07:00

Ethnic Fest 2009 is in the books, and what a beautiful weekend it was. Thousands of people milling about, buying lots of goodies from lots of vendors, eating good food and listening to good music. The music and entertainment lineup this year was wonderful in every respect.

Here are a few images from Jeff Dawson's Flickr set (the entire set can be accessed here).
There are many people, organizations and businesses that help make Ethnic Fest a reality each year. Many thanks to these major sponsors: Dominion - Next Era Energy - US Bank - WPS - Bank First National

Omo-Ana lead the parade of nations this year.

Many thanks to all of the other Ethnic Fest sponsors: Amy's Apparel - BC Signs and Graphics - Carron Net Co. - Herald Times Reporter/Lakeshore Chronicle - Inman Jewelers - Malley Printing Co. - Manitowoc Disposal - Schroeder's Department Store - The Honey Pot - Unique Flying Objects - WCUB Radio - WOMT-WQTC Radio - WI Nationwide
The wonderful Omo - Ana, Children of the Spirit of the Drum were sponsored by Carron Net Co. and WI Nationwide.
The amazing Tamburitzans (they ought to put the word "amazing" right before their name every time) were sponsored by WPS with Dance Floor sponsored by Bank First National.
Beautiful choreography and costumes by the Tamburitzans (that is, The Amazing Tamburitzans).

Lots of great food was available for the hungry throng.

The weather cooperated beautifully.

Pato Banton and The Now Generation were the headling act, bringing a message of love and reggae music to Two Rivers. Pato and the Now Generation were sponsored by Schroeder's Department Store, Inman Jewelers, The Honey Pot and Unique Flying Objects. Antoinette on keyboards and Daniel on guitar.

Beeken took his sax out into the crowd and got things moving.

Pato danced with a joyful audience member.

Mikey on bass while Antoinette stokes the audience. Thanks to Stumpjack Coffee as well, for bringing Pato Banton and the Now Generation to Ethnic Fest.

A standing ovation and rousing applause for Pato and band at the end of their set.

You can also see videos of Pato Banton and the Now Generation's joyous performance at Stumpjack Coffee the night before Ethnic Fest by clicking here.

Precision Kite Maneuvers

2009-09-13T07:25:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of videos from the Kites Over Lake Michigan event. It's very cool to see what these folks can do with a kite, the precision and control they have in creating an aerial ballet of sorts. Huge props again to Chow Chong from Unique Flying Objects for creating this fabulous event. Videos courtesy of Jeff Dawson from the Lester Public Library.

Kite Fest

2009-09-12T07:15:00.000-07:00

Here's the link to yet another great set of images by Jeff Dawson of the Lester Public Library in Two Rivers: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lesterpubliclibrary/sets/72157622257793050/ Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5 & 6, events at the 4th Annual Kites Over Lake Michigan including the night launch of Chow Chong's Sky Lanterns (sold exclusively in the United States by Unique Flying Objects, Two Rivers, Wisconsin - http://www.uniqueflyingobjects.com/) Sunday morning kite-making workshop for kids and a nice breeze made for another beautiful day on Neshotah Beach, Two Rivers, Wisconsin.

Night Launch of Sky Lanterns

Ethnic Fest Facebook Fan Page

2009-08-25T06:31:00.000-07:00

For all you Ethnic Fest fans out there who are on Facebook you can now become a fan of Ethnic Fest on the Ethnic Fest fan page. Simply go to the page by clicking here or on the image above and "become a fan."

You get periodic updates about Ethnic Fest as well as videos and images of the performers.Please feel free to upload your own comments and images from past Ethnic Fests to share with others. And help spread the word by inviting your friends to become fans of Ethnic Fest (click the "invite your friends" link on the page).

Gov. Doyle in Two Rivers

2009-08-03T21:21:00.000-07:00

Gov. Jim Doyle today presented the City of Two Rivers with nearly $2.8 million to pay for about two-thirds of four storm water retention ponds to help protect the West Twin River and Lake Michigan. About half the money comes from the state's revolving loan program and about half from federal stimulus funds.

Image and text courtesy Two Rivers, WI facebook account.

Greg Buckley introduces Gov. Doyle.

Image courtesy Jeff Dawson/Lester Public Library.

Fish Derby Weekend

2009-07-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

The Two Rivers Kiwanis Fish Derby is this weekend: July 17, 18, 19.

Fishing, live music, Fishing Fantasy Parade......

The Fishing Fantasy Parade - Friday July 17 at 6pm, starts at 17th and East Streets, down Zlatnik Drive to Neshotah Beach.

Click here to go to the Kiwanis Club site for more info and images from previous years' fish derbies.

Two Rivers Facebook

2009-07-13T08:47:00.000-07:00

If you have a Facebook account you can now be friends with the Two Rivers, WI Facebook site. Become a fan of "Two Rivers, WI" and Catch Our Friendly Waves.

Cool City Classic Car Show 2009

2009-06-29T06:53:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Cool City Classic Car Show was another big success this year. The weather was awesome. The cars were cool. Everyone had a great time.

Here are a few pictures from the event, courtesy of the Lester Public Library's Jeff Dawson. Check out Jeff's entire photo stream of the event by clicking here.

Rick Inman, the driving force behind the success of the event.

Carp Fishing Championship in Two Rivers

2009-06-10T06:53:00.000-07:00

Anglers from across the globe converged on Two Rivers, Wisconsin for the two-day Wisconsin Carp Fishing Championship. May 30 and 31, 2009. Click here to read the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article on the event.

Click here to see Jeff Dawson's Flickr photo set of images from the event.

Springtime at Two Rivers Farmers/Crafters Market

2009-05-28T09:11:00.000-07:00

Springtime in Two Rivers. Hopefully the weather has settled into a pattern of warm days with needed rain only at night.

The Two Rivers Farmers/Crafters Market has been open for a full month. Early June should find an increasing supply of fresh veggies such as onions, radishes, asparagus and rhubarb, even spinach, peas and strawberries by month’s end.

There’s still time to get some plants for your own gardens. Buy a hanging basket to enjoy all summer, or choose some tomato plants or other veggies. Even a single planter on the deck gives you an opportunity to help “green” the earth and enjoy it’s bounty.

On June 3rd you can bring your pet to market to receive a special blessing by Deacon Paul Kieffer. Cats, dogs, ferrets or goldfish – all wellbehaved pets are welcome in Two Rivers The Humane Society will also join us from 10-12:00 and bring along some animals for adoption. Brad Klabunde will provide musical entertainment.

June 13^th the Two Rivers American Legion Post No. 165 will hold a special retirement service for unserviceable American or other flags. The public usually does not get to witness this special ceremony so come take a look. Entertainment for the day will be provided by Z-Brass Quintet.

June 20^th we will have a special Dairy Promotion. The newly crowned Manitowoc County Dairy Princess plans to visit and she brings recipes and cheese samples. Washington House plans to sell ice cream. Mary Evanoffand/or the Senior Center will entertain.

So join us in central park each Saturday morning from 8 am until 1 pm, and Wednesday from 2 pm until dusk. Two Rivers - - it’s the place to be - - at the market!

Raising the flags downtown

2009-05-14T11:41:00.000-07:00

Today city workers installed new American flags on the downtown lightpoles. A light breeze made for a pretty display as the flags unfurled and danced in the wind.City worker Gordon attaches a flag.

Rotary Foundation Exchange Group from India visits Two Rivers

2009-05-06T17:04:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday a Rotary Foundation Group Study Exchange group of representatives from India visited Two Rivers as part of a month-long visit to Wisconsin. The group was impressed with the hospitality and friendliness of the people they met while in Two Rivers and throughout Wisconsin.
Group Study Exchange group from India spent a couple hours at Stumpjack Coffee on Sunday 5/3/09.

The group poses with Helen Clarke who wrote an article for the HTR.

Click here to read the article that appeared in the Herald Times Reporter.

Baking at the Pig

2009-04-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

Bob Fox, owner of the Piggly Wiggly in Two Rivers, wants to

get the word out that things are really cooking there. Well, baking actually.

That's right, our Pig is now baking their own breads. Not only are there new bakery racks and serve yourself display cases, but Bob installed bread proofing cabinets and a large roll-in baking oven.

The proofing cabinets are on the left and the roll-in baking oven is on the right, under the vent hood.

They've also added a cake decorator at the Pig and now all your special occasion cakes can be found next to the fresh baked breads!

Stop in at Piggly Wiggly and check it out.

2009 Main Street Awards

2009-04-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Wisconsin Main Street Awards were held last Friday night at the Jackson Street Inn in downtown Wausau. This yearly event showcases projects and people who have made a difference in their Main Street communities in the prior year.

In years past Two Rivers has won awards for our downtown streetscape, for the remodeling of the 1513 Washington Street building (formerly the Cottage Restaurant) for the exterior work done on the old Arvy's Restaurant building, just to name a few.

This year Two Rivers received a special honor for one of our great supporters. John Schroeder was posthumously inducted into the Wisconsin Main Street Hall of Fame for his long time association with Two Rivers Main Street. Accepting the award for John were his daughters Theresa, AJ and Liz. Presenting the award is Secretary of Commerce for the State of Wisconsin Dick Leinenkugel.

Ribbon Cutting

2009-04-22T17:39:00.001-07:00

Steve Malley & Charlee

Von Stiel Winery wines were tasted....

....as were wines from Parallel 44 Vineyards

Union State Bank cut the ribbon at their new location tonight. Jackie Brennan, branch manager, and her staff put together one very nice party to welcome everyone to their new facility.

OPEN HOUSE

2009-04-16T08:22:00.000-07:00

K&L Enterprises, a RV repair and service facility in Two Rivers is hosting their annual open house this Saturday April 18th from 8AM to 3PM. There will be food, door prizes and shoppers will get a 15% discount on purchases.

For more information call Kitty at 793-8455

K&L Enterprises

1900 A. School St.

Two Rivers, WI 54241

TRBA & TRMS Annual Banquet Tonight

2009-03-25T07:51:00.000-07:00

Here's your last minute reminder that the Two Rivers Main Street and Two Rivers Business Association annual banquet is tonight. Cocktail hour begins at 6 PM, dinner at 7 PM, at Machut's Supper Club.

Mr. David DeRosier, President of Wisconsin Nationwide Trucking will be the keynote speaker.

For last-minute reservations please call Jerry Brickner at Krajnik Cheverolet 793-1361

First Great Trivia Contest a huge success

2009-03-24T08:55:00.000-07:00

Last Friday night Two Rivers Main Street held our first "Great Trivia Contest" in the Community House. Eight teams came to play. This is a team competition where nine categories of questions are presented on a screen, and every team answers all of the questions. The categories included such favorites as "TV; Movies; Sports; Things I Learned in School and the USA" amongst others. In between rounds, the answers are given and the team standings revealed.

As the contest moved into the later rounds, the competition became fierce as at least five teams had a shot at the title. In the end though, it was a victory by three points by Team Tropic Thunder. Team Reference This came in second followed by Team Bob-a-Loose. Team Beauties and the Geeks took home the trophy for the best team theme.

Here are the final standings:

Tropic Thunder (from Carron Net Co.)

Reference This (from the Lester Library)

Bob-a-Loose (from Shoreline Credit Union)

The Oddballs (from US Bank Manitowoc)

The Red Bank Gang (from the Red Bank Coffeehouse)

Beauties and the Geeks (from Schroeders Dept. Store)

The Spring Flingers (from Two Rivers City Hall)

The High Flyers (from Two Rivers Recreation Dept.)

No matter the standings, everyone was a winner in the fun department!

The Spring Flinger's table

Head geek, Bill Gruetzmacher and assistant geek Jerry Randall of the Beauties and the Geeks team from Schroeder's.

The Beauties and the Geeks from Schoreder Bros. Department Store

Our Champions!!! Tropic Thunder from Carron Net Company

The Reference Desk team from the Lester Public Library celebrates a correct answer as they try to close the gap between them and Tropic Thunder. The competition was intense and the competitors were true mental athletes.

Team Bob-a-Loose rallying from back in the pack to third overall. They moved up with a fierce rally and a tenacious resolve.

Team Tropic Thunder mulling over an answer on their way to glorious victory, fame and the profound thanks of a grateful nation!

Two Rivers on YouTube

2009-02-24T06:05:00.000-08:00

There are a whole bunch of great videos of our town on YouTube. Besides just being fun to watch, these are a great way to give friends and family who may be out of town or out of state a little taste of what it's like here in the Cool City. Just send them the links to any videos you like.

Here are the links to a few YouTube accounts that have several videos that really focus on some of what makes our city such a great place to live and visit.

Mark Matthews (only three videos thus far, but boy are they beautiful...very high quality) - http://www.youtube.com/MarkMatthews54241 For example, check out this recording of some of this winter's beauty that Mark captured and set to music:

Lester Public Library (a great resource for videos of local events and the library, which is another useful resource itself for local information) - http://www.youtube.com/lesterlibrary

Two Rivers Wis (TRTube: "Videos about the life and times in Two Rivers, Wisconsin") - http://www.youtube.com/TwoRiversWis

TwoRiversHistoryBuff (one local resident's fun collection of videos, including a few of the wonderful Two Rivers Jazz Combo from the high school) - http://www.youtube.com/tworivershistorybuff

Stumpjack Coffee (a taste of some of the live music that you can find in TR on the weekends) - http://www.youtube.com/StumpjackCoffee

And, of course, there are a number of single videos that show the Cool City to be found on YouTube. Just type in "Two Rivers WI" or "Two Rivers Wisconsin" when you go to YouTube and you'll come up with a bunch that were taken by both residents and visitors. Like this very cool video taken by YouTube account tmtjosh1795 of a very up-close-and-personal view of wind surfing off Neshota Beach during last year's Kite Festival:

And anytime you visit a YouTube video about Two Rivers please make sure that you rate the video by giving it how ever many stars you think it merits and making a comment. The more ratings and comments a video gets the more likely it is to be seen and enjoyed by others, and that's good PR for TR.

The last big snow of the winter of 2008/09?

2009-02-21T17:12:00.000-08:00

Saturday, February 21, downtown Two Rivers. They said 2"-4" but it snowed all day long and had to be close to 10" by evening. Maybe the second biggest and baddest snowstorm of a winter filled with an inordinate amount of snow. People may be sick of the snow by now, but there's no question that it is beautiful to watch.

Around 5:30pm...twilight, almost a white-out.

Around 5:30pm...wickedly heavy snowfall. My initial intention was to walk down the street and get several shots at different locations, but the snow was blowing almost horizontally and it stung! So I chickened out.

Around 6:45pm...snow starting to slow down a bit.

The Cove Family Restaurant open in Two Rivers

2009-02-17T12:31:00.000-08:00

Good news for downtown Two Rivers, the Cove Family Restaurant has opened its doors! The Cove is located at 1415 16th Street, beneath Club Atlantis (the old TR Elks Club). Phone is 920-553-2677.

The cove is owned and operated by Mel & Noel Croslan who relocated here from Door County. They provide dine in service, pickup service and catering for your next function or party.

The menu is a nice mix of sandwich favorites with soups & salads and appetizers up to full tenderloin steak dinners & pizzas. Everything is reasonably priced IMHO.

The Cove is open for your dining pleasure Monday through Thursday from 4 PM to 10 PM and Friday, Saturday & Sundays from noon to 10 PM.

Please give the Cove a try and log your reviews on this blog.

Bon Apetit

Washington House Jam Session

2009-02-15T06:44:00.000-08:00

Saturday, Feb 14th, from 3:00 to 5:00 the historic Washington House (at the corner of Jefferson St. and 17th St.) held a musical jam session in the beautiful upper dance hall room. Around 50-60 people were in attendance and enjoyed the music of a number of talented local musicians.I believe this is a semi-regular event at the Washington House.Good time music in a beautiful setting. Becky Markvart was the featured artist on this day. That's Becky on the far right in the image above.

Festival Season Fast Approaching

2009-02-06T08:29:00.000-08:00

Cool City Car Classic 2007. Image courtesy David Smith

It's a bit warmer today and a perfect time to begin thinking about our summer and autumn festivals.

The Cool City Classic Car Cruise night is Friday night, June 26
The Cool City Classic Car Show is coming up on Saturday June 27, no pre-registration needed.

Community Care Day is on FRIDAY this year: August 7th. With the ping pong ball drop at 3:00 PM. Sign up your organization today by calling our office for an application 920-794-1482 or better yet, email us at mainstreet@lakefield.net.

Ethnic Fest. Image courtesy Jeff Dawson.

Ethnic Festival, Saturday September 19th. Both craft vendor packets and food vendor packets are available in our office, 3rd floor, City Hall. Or by emailing us, or call and we can snail mail you an app.

Ethnic Fest. Image courtesy Jeff Dawson.

It's not even too early to begin thinking about the 2009 Christmas Fantasy Parade Saturday November 28th. Again, call, email or stop in to get your application.

For other Two Rivers festivals and events please visit the City website at www.two-rivers.org

Downtowns & Sustainability

2009-01-28T13:33:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, I attended the quarterly Main Street Executive Director workshop in West Bend. The topic of training this time was a seminar entitled "Downtowns & Sustainability." It was a very thought provoking day-long session on thinking, working, living and trying to make our districts more "green." In this day and age, it seems that everyone is trying to do little things to help out such as switching from paper coffee cups to re-usable mugs we bring back for a refill. In that vein, the entire downtown, especially in a small town like ours, is the original "green" environment. Downtowns were made for walking. Downtowns have all your governmental offices (generally) service businesses and retail in one convenient location.

Well I could go on, but if you are interested in this sort of thing you should just follow this weblink to the actual presentation and read it for yourself!

Green Downtowns

Sad News

2009-01-28T12:05:00.000-08:00

We were very sorry to hear about the passing of Byron Johnson, husband of Monica Johnson who is a long-time member of our Farmers/Crafters Market and our new Winter Market. As soon as we find out more information we will post it here. However, if you would like to leave a message for Monica, please leave a comment and we will make sure she gets the message.

More inaugural pictures

2009-01-21T09:23:00.001-08:00

As promised yesterday, here are the photos of the inaugural party at Stumpjack Coffee Company. It was a full house...now that's what we call an economic stimulus package!

Local Coffee Shops Welcome Inaugural Celebrations

2009-01-20T08:58:00.000-08:00

This morning Two Rivers' coffee shop regulars celebrated the peaceful transition of power by dressing up in red, white and blue; drinking coffee and generally whooping it up!

Here's the Red Bank Coffee House crowd decked out in their patriotic glory:

Meanwhile over at Stumpjack Coffee Company another Inaugural Celebration was underway, just as soon as the photographic evidence is received, we'll post a picture.

If you're looking for fun downtown, stop by our coffee shops some morning, you may be surprised at what goes on.

Green Buildings in Small downtowns

2009-01-15T22:04:00.000-08:00

I attended a very interesting conference today on sustainability and historic preservation and how they can work hand-in-hand in downtowns like ours. Some of the ideas presented may even save building owners thousands of dollars in the long run. But the most interesting fact presented is that even without adding any new technologies like solar or high efficiency lighting, downtowns are the original green environment. Downtowns were made for walking. Downtowns were designed for higher density housing thereby saving valuable park and farmland. Downtowns have quality buildings built to last and are more valuable when re-used than when torn down for new construction.

Interesting food for thought. I'll let you know more when I get back.

Mike Zimmer

Breakfast at the Winter Market

2009-01-07T09:28:00.000-08:00

This week the Winter Market Cafe will be serving a pancake breakfast from 9:00 am until noon. Try our apple cinnamon pancakes featuring apples available at the market. Breakfast includes: 3 pancakes, 2 sausages and a beverage -- all for only $3.50.

The Two Rivers Main Street Winter Market is open from 9 AM until 2 PM on Saturdays and is located in the "High Lift Building" next to McDonald's.

DON'T MISS THIS!

Why Blog

2009-01-07T08:02:00.000-08:00

Hello, Two Rivers Main Street is starting this blog to try to get information out to people quickly, and develop a great dialog about downtown Two Rivers and the exciting things happening here.

Check back from time to time and we'll have some interesting updates.