We've been busy. And our computer/internet hasn't been the greatest lately, so that's why it's been so long between posts. At least that's the story I'm giving - in case anyone is paying attention.
This past weekend was the Alma Center (Wisconsin) Strawberry Festival. Alma Center advertises itself as the "Strawberry Capital of Wisconsin". That's a fair boast for a town of less than 500 people. And the only producer of strawberries that we found has a Merrillan WI address, which is five miles away, and with a modest 17 acres. Hmmmmmm, Bold marketing, but it works. Their festival is THREE days long (all you festival promoters, take note) and draws thousands of visitors. We went the afternoon of the third day and there was standing room only all over town. It was a packed house. Alma Center is 3 miles from our KOA.
Here's Pat with some of the strawberries we purchased. You can believe that Grandma is going to be canning jam this week! Strawberries is what the festival is all about.
Great old car show at the Strawberry Festival. This old Studebaker is one example of the quality of the old cars on display. And the reason we can be here is because it's only 3 miles from the KOA campground we are working in for the summer. We always try to work in a little play among the work. Does that make sense?
Pat couldn't resist making her own KOA earrings to wear while on duty.
And here she is, on duty, in the Office/General Store of Hixton/Alma Center KOA. Doesn't she look just great?!
When we look out our dining room window we can see the KOA pond. I estimate it at 50' wide by 100' long. It really did have a 30" musky. It started out as a little fish that just couldn't stop eating everything else in the pond. It was almost in danger of being the ONLY fish in the pond and starving to death. Now that it's been caught, and eaten, the smaller fish are doing better.
This is part of the Comstock Strawberry Farm. U-pick, or pre-picked. Great, fresh strawberries.
Mr. Comstock and one of his sons at the Alma Center Strawberry Festival.
Old tractors as well as old cars were on display at the Festival.
Aren't these beautiful berries?
Pat and Robert Comstock looking over strawberries. Eight quart containers makes one flat.
A neighboring community, Black River Falls, has a Blue Butterfly Festival.
The Alma Center parade lasted just over one hour. Pretty good for a town of less than 500 people. Many neighboring communities offer support.
Look at "the wave". If you don't know what Spanferkel means, you're just not into Wisconsin life. It has something to do with pork, and it's another excuse for a festival. Notice it's three days. We'll be there, you betcha.
Can you believe these girls were doing the chicken dance? Here they believe in making their festivals out of whatever is available. In Eleva, it's chickens. I note, with sadness, that we have once again missed the Testicle Festival in Montana. Well, you just can't get to all of them.
Some of the Lion Club volunteers putting the dinners together on Sunday. We had the 1/4 chicken dinner (all white meat) for a mere $5, including beverage. People were lined up for a block or more waiting to be served. And it was a good meal.
The Alma Center Community Park, as seen from across one of the many fields surrounding the town. It's kind of the middle of nowhere, but just jam packed with people having a good time.
This is Sunday wear in Alma Center. Notice the button collared dress shirt. Yah, well, we just fit right in 'cause we dress to blend - and that's comfortable.Stay with us. There's a lot more summer coming. See ya.
Dave & Pat
