In Ozaukee County as the long days of summer decline and cooler temperatures gradually move in, we’re all very much aware that it will soon be time for popular Cedarburg Wine and Harvest Festival. Celebrating its 42nd year on Sept. 20 and 21, visitors staying at the Washington House Inn have only to wander out of the inn’s front door to realize they are smack dab in the midst of the celebration. And there’s so much to see and do. In addition to checking out Arts of the Avenue featuring hundreds of talented artisans on both sides of Washington Avenue, there’ll be a variety of special activities and exhibits to enjoy at local museums.
Visitors will be tempted to sample an abundance of Wisconsin’s homegrown produce and artisan food products, locally produced wines from Cedar Creek Winery, and tap their toes to some pretty great bands all over town.
There are fun contests to enter, including the hilarious Grape Stomp at Cedar Creek Winery, whimsical scarecrows to admire and on Saturday there’s a Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off open to growers and gardeners who compete to take the ribbon for the largest pumpkin ever produced.
Another event, and one that’s been a favorite on YouTube in years gone by, is the Giant Pumpkin Charity Regatta on Sunday when giant, hollowed-out pumpkins piloted by fearless paddlers race across Cedar Creek to benefit local charities. Come cheer on our first ever entry in this event! At the end of a fun day at the Cedarburg Wine and Harvest Festival, guests will surely be glad to return to our hotel in downtown Cedarburg, relax and have a glass of wine, and then head out to a local restaurant for a delicious dinner.