This coming week, in events that get to your heart through your stomach.
Highlights
We would like to make a case for the 4th of July and its attendant "weekend" as being the runner-up to Thanksgiving as this country's most food-based holiday. Why, what else do folks do on Independence Day besides fire up the grill? Whether it's burgers, barbecue chicken, brats, hot dogs or tofu kebabs over the open flame, the rocket's red glare is clearly joined by the glowing embers of charcoal briquettes all over this land. Neighborhood and small town fests in the area will be joining in the tradition again this year in force.
More events this week
Tuesday, June 28
DNR public hearing seeking feedback on deer registration requirements in the CWD zone, elk permits, shotgun modifications for waterfowl hunting, and other issues related to game refuges and pre-season use of DNR-managed properties. State Natural Resources Building, GEF 2, 101 S. Webster St., 1 p.m. Call 267-2452 for more info.
Fast and Fab Fruit Desserts, a class with Hallie Klecker of the blog Willy Street Co-op West, 6825 University Ave., 6-8 p.m., $15 owners and $25 all others. Call 284-7800 for more info.
Wednesday, June 29
Stoughton Fair, an annual six-day community Mandt Park, 321 S. Fourth St., Stoughton, noon-10 p.m. Wednesday-Monday, $5-10 admission for various events. Call 608-873-4653 for more info.
Pork Chop Whole Hog BBQ, an annual dinner hosted by the Green County Pork Producers, featuring a menu of pork chops, pulled pork sandwiches, applesauce, cole slaw, chips, ice cream, and beverages, complete with a drive-thru. Stateline Ice Arena, 1632 4th Ave. West, Monroe, 4:30 p.m., $9 and free kids 5 and under. Call 608-325-9643 for more info.
Thursday, June 30
Columbus Fourth of July Celebration, an annual five-day community Cooking it All: Menu Planning & Techniques for a High Vegetable Diet, a workshop hosted by the Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ, 1501 Gilbert Rd., 6 p.m., $15. Call 226-0300 for more info.
Whole Foods Market, 3313 University Ave., 6-7:30 p.m., $25. Call 233-9566 for more info.
Friday, July 1
Monona Community Festival, an annual four-day community Winnequah Park, 1041 Nichols Rd., Monona, 3-11 p.m. Friday, noon-midnight Saturday, 8 a.m.-midnight Sunday, 9 a.m.-midnight Monday. Call 219-4819 for more info.
DeForest Fourth of July, an annual three-day community festival, featuring a beer garden, food booths, a car show, bingo, live music, children's activities, parades, fireworks, and more. Fireman's Park, 500 Jefferson St., 6 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday, 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Sunday, 8 a.m.-1 a.m. Monday. Call 846-2922 for more info.
Evansville Fourth of July Celebration, an annual four-day community festival, featuring an ice cream social, a chicken BBQ, softball and baseball, a car show and garden tractor pull, live music, children's activities, a parade, fireworks, and more. Lake Leota Park, Leonard Park Dr., Evansville, 5 p.m.-midnight Friday, 6 a.m.-midnight Saturday, 11 a.m.-midnight. Sunday, 8 a.m.-midnight Monday. Call 608-882-0598 for more info.
Saturday, June 2
Free community meal prepared by volunteers. Wil-Mar Center, 953 Jenifer St., 11:15 a.m., free. Call 257-4576 for more info.
Rhythm & Booms, an annual Independence Day Warner Park, 2930 N. Sherman Ave., noon-nightfall, $5 parking at MATC-Truax and $5 shuttle bus to park. Call 833-6717 for more info.
Sunday, June 3
REAP snack prep, with volunteers needed to prepare and package fresh, healthy, and locally-grown treats for kids at 14 elementary schools around Madison. Savory Sunday, with volunteers need to prepare and serve a fresh, hot meal for the hungry. Lutheran Campus Center, 325 N. Mills St., 11 a.m. Call 233-6967 for more info.
Waterloo Fourth of July Celebration, an annual two-day community festival, featuring the Waterloo Masonic Lodge #63 pig roast, food and beer vendors, baseball, bingo and euchre, live music, children's activities, a parade, fireworks, and more. Fireman's Park, 500 N. Park Ave., Waterloo, noon-8 p.m. Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-midnight Monday. Call 920-478-2739 for more info.
Monday, July 4
Token Creek Independence Day Celebration, the 29th annual Fourth of July community festival, featuring a brat tent, a military remembrance ceremony, the "Hiney Run," a parade, and more. Along Portage Rd., Token Creek, 11 a.m-3 p.m. Call 516-2337 for more info.
Westmorland Fourth of July Celebration, the 70th annual Fourth of July neighborhood festival, featuring coffee and donuts, a flag-raising ceremony and parade, live music, and more. Westmorland Park, 4114 Tokay Blvd., 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 233-8455 for more info.
Old World Fourth of July, an annual history festival celebrating the Fourth of July in late 19th-Century and early 20th-Century style, featuring a picnic buffet, old fashioned games and contests, and more. Old World Wisconsin, W37890 Hwy. 67, Eagle, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., $16 or $43 family of four with $13 picnic. Call 262-594-6300 for more info.
Save the date
Tuesday, July 12
Taste Traditions of Wisconsin, a monthly lecture and dinner series that features a Civil War-themed meal of Southern cuisine and a talk by James Marten, a professor of history at Marquette University, about the lives of veterans following the war. Wisconsin Historical Museum, 30 N. Carrol St., 6:30-9 p.m., $35. Please RSVP by June 28, and call 264-6563 for more info.
