48th Annual Bayfield Festival of the Arts

Don't forget the annual festival of the Arts at Memorial Park on the waterfront in Bayfield this weekend. And the Fish Boil is excellent down at the Pavilion. It's summertime!

http://bayfield.org/festivals_events_festival_arts.php

Tall ships in Bayfield

Last weekend the Roseway and the Zeeto were in the harbor also before going on their way to Duluth for the big tall ships festival weekend. This morning two more departed after spending the night at Bayfield harbor. You don't have to fight crowds in Duluth on the weekend, just come to Bayfield for a taste of the tall ships! And it's free to walk down to City Dock. I'm not much for large crowds and parking problems so Bayfield is the spot to see ships days prior to the Duluth event. Something to remember next July when planning a vacation to Bayfield.

Big weekend down at the City Dock.

The city dock in Bayfield is always a big attraction for locals and visitors alike. As the Riding the Wind program said in song. See what is coming in and what is going out. This past weekend it was the Duluth Power Squadron. The big attraction was the decommissioned Sundew. If it's large it draws attention at the dock. The Rosemary tall ship was also down at the dock but was dwarfed by the Sundew. And it only got better, there was a full moon shining on the water on a wonderful evening. Scores of people walked up and down the city dock to look at the ships. Tours during the day were given. The Sundew took a spin around the islands on the weekend. One crew member told me of the plans and the updating to be done to the ship. A Superior Trucking company owner purchased the ship last year from the City of Duluth. It was once part of the attractions down at Canal Park. It is the ultimate toy and he is also preserving a piece of history.

Summertime trip to Madeline Island

It's July and a great time to visit Madeline Island. Enjoy the water and the ferry ride.

But don't forget your wallet......

Bears are active and around town....

Island Queen Ferry Boat

My favorite Ferry boat is the Island Queen. Not quite sure it's age but guessing it's from the early 1980's. I think I recall riding it during that time. The earliest ferry I can recall being on was the GarHow II. Which is short for Gary and Howard.

http://madferry.com/

On the comeback trail....

Angling Wayne is trolling back again!


By Mike Simonson, Wisconsin Public Radio
BAYFIELD (WPR) The founder of Big Top Chautauqua has been released from the Bayfield County Jail. And Warren Nelson says he’s already got plans to make a comeback after separating from his old organization.
Things came to a head for Nelson last year. After starting Big Top Chautauqua 25 years earlier, he was forced to leave the Big Top after misdemeanor convictions of resisting arrest, disorderly contact, battery and fourth degree sexual assault. After being released from jail June 18th after nine and a half months on the Huber Law, Nelson says he wants to move on. He says he’s paid his public debt, and has made apologies “two miles deep to everybody.”
But Nelson says part of his public comeback includes talking about his battle with alcoholism and jail time. He says being off the booze since September has turned things around for him, but makes no excuses.
Later this week, he’ll release a 12 song CD called “Song in Your Hat” with his new band “The Nelson Outfit”. Soon, he hopes to being touring.
--

Information from Wisconsin Public Radio, www.wpr.

High season

It may be the busy high season but there still are peaceful moments and scenes.

Busy but not overcrowded or overwhelmed might be the way to describe Bayfield during

July.

Take a Sail

Down at City Dock you have a real collection of sailboats. Some offering charters for day cruises and sunset cruises. The Fireworks were a real success again this year, the rain held off and it was a nice evening. There was a huge crowd this year with barely a spot open on the grass.

You have to wonder if Madeline Island is in a contest with Bayfield for the biggest and best fireworks. Both looked quite nice and different types of displays never seen before.