Milwaukee Post
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/932684
OUTDOORS 14 • Milwaukee County Post • January 26, 2018 Post staff MILWAUKEE — You might want to call ahead for conditions as some of the more than 30 candlelight events scheduled for this winter at Wisconsin state park, forest, recreation area and trail properties are held this weekend, with tempera- tures near 50 forecast Saturday. "Winter candlelight events have become some of the most popular activities at Wisconsin State Park System properties," said Paul Holtan, communica- tions specialist for the state parks program. "We have had candlelight skis and hikes in the last few winters that have attracted hun- dreds and even over a thou- sand visitors." The largest number of events will be held Saturday as well as Feb. 3 and Feb. 10. Skiing, snowshoeing and hiking by candlelight have been attracting more visi- tors to properties each win- ter. Events at Lapham Peak Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest and Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center attract so many visitors that all of the available parking fills. "We will use our Twitter social media platform to alert people when an event has reached capacity or has been cancelled due to inclement weather," Holtan said. Some properties offer ski- ing, snowshoeing and hik- ing, while others offer just skiing or just snowshoeing and hiking. Most events begin around sunset and run until 8:30 p.m. or 9 p.m. Many of the events include additional activities such as bonfires, and hot chocolate and other refresh- ments may be available for sale. Some events offer grills for cooking food or roasting marshmallows. Some prop- erties have warming shel- ters that are open for the events. Many of the events are organized by the friends groups of the parks, which provide much of the volun- teer labor for the events. People can check on the details of each event by going to the Department of Natural Resources website, dnr.wi.gov, and searching keyword "candlelight." For more information on park or forest properties and loca- tions, search for keywords "find a park." Regular park and trail fees apply for the events unless otherwise noted. While most events will not be cancelled due to lack of snow, they still could be can- celled if conditions are icy, extremely cold or have severe wind chills, so people are encouraged to check the website, follow the DNR Twitter feed, or call proper- ties directly to confirm the event will be held if threat- ening weather is in the fore- cast. Upcoming area events include: Saturday ■ Kettle Moraine State Forest — Lapham Peak Unit — Friends of Lapham Peak Annual Candlelight Ski/Hike: The Friends of Lapham Peak will host the park's annual Candlelight Ski/Hike at the Homestead Hollow Picnic Area. Ski, snowshoe or hike by candle- light on a 1-mile trail! Afterward, hang out by the campfire where a large grill will be available for use, and hot beverages and treats will be available for a small dona- tion in the Trecker Lodge. Parking inside of the prop- erty is limited to about 450 vehicles. Parking for cars and pickup trucks only — no trailer, bus or RV parking. There is no roadside park- ing. A 2018 Wisconsin State Park annual vehicle admis- sion sticker or a $5 Special Event daily vehicle admis- sion fee is required per car. In addition to the vehicle admission, a free ticket voucher is required for each vehicle that wishes to attend the event. Vouchers are available first-come, first- served. Limit one per person at time of pickup. Park staff encourages people wishing to participate in the candle- light hike to pick up a vouch- er at the Lapham Peak office prior to 6 p.m. Friday in order to ensure access to the event. Carpooling is encour- aged. Please call ahead at 262-646-3025 to ensure vouch- ers are still available. Ticket vouchers will specify the admission time and will need to be printed by the entrant and presented at the gate for access. Entrants should arrive during the time frame specified. Ticket voucher time frames: 6 to 7 p.m., Max 250 cars with reservation: 7 to 8 p.m., Max 150 cars with reservation; 8 to 8:30 p.m., Entrance gate discretion (Late skiers must start by 8:45 p.m.) For more information, visit the Friends of Lapham Peak website (exit DNR) or call the Lapham Peak office at 262-646-3025. Feb. 3 ■ Kettle Moraine State Forest — Northern Unit — Candlelight Ski/Hike: Cross-country ski or hike in the Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit by candlelight. At the bonfire join fellow hikers and skiers for hot drinks and snacks provided by the Friends of the Kettle Moraine. The trail is perfect for novice skiers with no steep hills or sharp turns. The Zillmer shelter building will be open, lit, and heated. A Wisconsin State Park vehicle admis- sion sticker is required. Meet at the Zillmer Trail Area (located off County Road SS between County Road G and Hwy 67 near New Prospect A winter stargazing event will also be held on Feb. 3 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Ice Age Visitor Center. Feb. 9 ■ Kettle Moraine State Forest — Pike Lake Unit — 29th annual Pike Lake Candlelight Ski and Hike: Hike, snowshoe or cross- country ski two 1-mile loops lit by more than 350 lumi- naries. Warm up at the North Shelter and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and snacks at the bonfire out- side. Northern Cross Astronomy will have their telescopes out to view the crystal clear winter sky. Dogs on a leash are welcome. A vehicle admission sticker is required. ■ Richard Bong State Recreation Area — Return to Romance: Warm some- one's heart this Valentine's Day with a visit to the park. Enjoy a candlelit walk, fine homemade desserts, warm drinks, a fire and live music from Wilde Thyme. Call to register at 262-878-5601. This program is for adults only and cost is $6 per person. A state park admission sticker is required on your vehicle. Meet at the Visitor Center. This program fills quickly. Busy three weekends for candlelight ski events Hundreds of luminaries are placed out along trails for candle- light events. These are in ice buckets at the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine. DNR HOW TO SUBMIT A 258791031 The Milwaukee County Post will publish the wedding, anniversary and engagement announcements of people who have some connection with Milwaukee County. FORMS: Announcement forms will be available at the Milwaukee County Post, 3397 S. Howell Ave., Milwaukee,WI 53207. Call 414-744-6370 ext 10. COST: The cost of publishing an announcement is $20 per mod, (size 2.58" by 2.55" is one mod) Build your ad by mod size, payable by cash, check (payable to Milwaukee County Post) or credit card. Payment is required before publication. DATE OF PUBLICATION: Although the Milwaukee County Post tries to run all announcements in as timely a manner as possible, spatial constraints occasionally prevent the publication of every announcement received in a certain week. To ensure your announcement runs on a specific date, please submit it at least two weeks beforehand. SUBMITTED PHOTOS: Please provide a photo with your announcements. Black and white pictures are preferred, but color pictures are acceptable. If desired, photos can be emailed if they are saved in a .jpg format. Do not submit computer printouts of photos, as they do not reproduce clearly. RETURNING PHOTOS: Photos can be picked up at the Milwaukee County Post office after publication. Photos will be returned by mail only if a self- addressed, stamped envelope is provided with the announcement. Please allow four weeks for photos to be returned by mail.The Milwaukee County Post is not responsible for pictures left with wedding, anniversary and engagement announcements. CONTACT INFORMATION: For further information call 414-744-6370 ext. 10 or 262-513-2626 or email dmuck@conleynet.com. FOR THE Wedding, Anniversary or Engagement Announcement