Fall In Love
When summer fades to fall, and the temp drops a degree or two every day, something spectacular happens. And it’s been happening since the dawn of time, and yet, year after year we marvel like it’s the first time we’ve ever seen it. The cool, crisp air brings a change to the landscape that is nothing short of magical. As the brilliant shades of red, yellow, and orange descend upon our state, those of us lucky enough to call central Wisconsin home, and visitors alike, fall in love with fall all over again.
There are an infinite number of places in and around Rome to see Mother Nature showing off, but one of the best is at Tri-Norse Park in Nekoosa, which once again will host their peak-of-color event, dubbed “Colorama.” This mid-October spectacle never fails to offer unparalleled views of the changing colors in all their glory.
But it’s not just the glory of the changing leaves that makes fall our favorite season. There’s so much more to see. So much more to do. And so much more to love.
For starters the annual Swap Meet kicks off the season on Saturday, September 2 (ok, so it’s technically still summer, but we simply couldn’t wait) at the Rome Town Hall. From 8:00 am - 12:00 pm, you’ll have the opportunity to buy outdoor gear, indoor/outdoor games, garden items, tools and much more.
From there you can make a day of it by heading straight to the Lake Arrowhead Craft Show, at you guessed it, the Lake Arrowhead clubhouse. Since 1989, this craft show has been considered one of the best shows in all of central Wisconsin. With over 100 exhibitors showcasing unique hand-made crafts, you may just find yourself spending the rest of the day there. It’s a good thing food and beverages are available, including a show favorite, the Bloody Mary bar.
Even though it’s held every Friday at the Rome Town Center (from mid-May to late September), fall is a special time at the Rome Farmers’ Market. Gone until next year are the asparagus, carrots, and rhubarb that are synonymous with summer in Wisconsin only to be equaled by fall favorites like apples, melons, and of course, pumpkins. Oh, don’t worry, you’ll still be able to find baked goods and canned goods like crispy green beans, and sweet peaches. And jams, hand-poured candles and soaps, jewelry, and beautiful fresh-cut flowers. But don’t wait too long. The summer Farmers’ Market folds up its tents on September 29th.
Another fun event this year is the first annual Scarecrow Walk at the Library taking place October 1st through the 21st. Hosted by Friends of the Lester Library, the scarecrow walk will guide you along a path of incredibly creative, funny, and yes, scary scarecrows decorated in all different motifs. In preparation for the event, a friendly competition is already underway between various local groups, businesses, and community members to see who can come up with the most creative scarecrow. Your entire family will get a little competitive too as you walk along and pick your favorites.
Keeping with the walking theme, The Romemakers Home Community Educators along with Visit Rome, WI will be hosting a Family Halloween Party and Celebration on October 28. Children of all ages will enjoy trick-or-treating in the Rome Town Center and having their picture taken at the Halloween Photo Booth in the gazebo. There will be prizes to celebrate all of the wonderful costumes making this event truly SPOOKTACULAR!
So, whether you simply enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of fall, or you make your way to one of these fun and exciting events, one thing’s for sure, you’ll definitely fall in love with fall once again.
This is just a small sample of things to look forward to in Rome, Wisconsin this fall. You can find more information on these events, and a whole lot more by visiting visitromewi.com.
Written by: Lydell Capritta
