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June 12, 2013
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Latest News from MK Appleton-Waupaca-Oshkosh

Hi everyone,

How was your week? Little One and I went to a local farm to learn how to identify and harvest stinging nettles! Did you know they're edible once you cook them? Little One loves them! I was kind of surprised! We have made soup, tea, stir fry, and scrambled eggs with them so far! We also went to the Waupaca Farmer's Market and city-wide rummage.

Today we're going to Day Out with Thomas and Little One was so excited last night that she could not fall asleep! We put her to bed early and she was up for three more hours! Maybe I should not have told her til this morning! Saturday we are excited for the Butterfly Festival, Appleton Farmer's Market and Strawberry Fest in Waupaca! Last year we made it to all three, so we're hoping to pull it off again!

Just a couple more days for new subscribers to be entered in Macaroni Kid National's mini iPad giveaway... tell your friends to subscribe to their local edition by June 15th to be entered automatically!


Here's what's in the newsletter this week:


Here are some ongoing activities you might enjoy:

You can read about the events this week by scrolling down to "This Week's Calendar" or you can click into the calendar right here on the calendar image below, or by using the link at the top of the page:

If you're planning an event or know of one I missed, please use the Submit an Event button and tell me about it! I do my best to find as many great family events as I can, but I'm just one mom working in the corner of my living room, while entertaining a preschooler, so I really appreciate all of you who help me out!

I'd like to remind you to please support our sponsors who make this site possible. Without them, I would not be able to keep doing this week after week-- this newsletter is solely supported by the sponsors, so big thanks to them AND all of you readers! You will find information about the sponsors in the ads on the site, and there are even more businesses listed in the "Biz Directory". The Biz Directory is kind of like the yellow pages for Macaroni Kid readers, but with direct links to the sponsors' websites. If you'd like to see your business info in there, email me for details - [email protected]

Finally, if you're new here (or haven't read it yet), check out the article on Making the Most of Your Macaroni. There are some helpful tips in there for making this site work for you. I have always loved the "My Macaroni" feature and now we have a Google Calendar option too! Go ahead and play around with either of those-- they're so handy!

And that's the newsletter this week-- have a great fun-filled week!

Laura


Father's Day Gift Ideas

Macaroni Celebrates

Father's Day gifts are always a struggle. Dads have it easy on Mother's Day -- flowers, jewelry, a beautiful trinket, a few hours of quiet time -- we're easy to please. But Father's Day gifts are hard. Do we go sentimental? Do we go manly? Do we encourage a new hobby? (That hardly ever works out for me... the beer making kit is STILL sitting in the basement two years later and don't even get me started on the Dremel tool.)  

Just like Moms, Dads just want ...


Annual Father's Day Tea

Our Tradition..What's Yours?

Every Father's Day my girls and I wake up to hurriedly ready the living room for our super special Father's Day Tea Party. We take the old beat up Ikea kids table and quickly haul it into the living room before Daddy wakes up. Then we begin the special preparations! 

1. Super beautiful table cloth. CHECK!

2. Mommy pulls out the, GASP, "pretty plates and forks that we aren't allowed to touch on regular days." CHECK.

3. We bust open a can of cinnamon rolls and put ...


Because I'm Your Dad - A New Book by Ahmet Zappa

“Because I’m Your Dad” sounds a bit like “because I said so”. But in this case it’s a great new children’s book by Ahmet Zappa (name sound familiar? More on that in a moment).

In this book, “Because I’m Your Dad” is followed up with “You can have spaghetti for dinner.” And other neat things. The dad shares his love, and his wish for a special relationship with his child in a series of rolicing activities. The book is festooned with monsters, robots, mud-forts and more ...

Movie Deals for Kids All Summer!

This summer Marcus Theatres is once again offering $2 movies for kids! Be sure to check the locations since not all locations are participating! Here's the scoop:


Marcus Theatres:
Kids Dream Summer Film Series
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings 10:00am
June 18 through August 15

At participating theatres: 
Appleton East Cinema, Appleton; 
Bay Park Cinema, Green Bay;
Campus Cinema, Ripon; 
Cedar Creek Cinema, Rothschild; 
Green Bay East Cinema, Green Bay;
Hollywood Cinema, Grand Chute; and 
Oshkosh Cinema, Oshkosh

If you have an American Family Insurance agent, you can ...

This Week's Picks:

June 12th through June 15th

Wednesday, June 12 through Sunday, June 16 - WORTH THE DRIVE, GREEN BAY - Day Out with Thomas

A 25 minute ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt, play at the Thomas & Friends Imagination Station, which includes stamps, temporary tattoos, arts and crafts. Also story telling, live music by Mr. Billy, explore the world's largest steam locomotive, big train bean bag toss, make sand castles in a giant sandbox, bounce in two inflatables, assemble big puzzles, misting and bubble fun and June Dairy Month games.
Where: National Railroad Museum, Green Bay
When: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM (Rain or shine)
Who: Anyone
How: It's strongly recommended that you purchase tickets in advance.
Cost: $18/ person for ages 2 and up
For more info: http://www.nationalrrmuseum.org/en-Us/default.aspx
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, June 15 - APPLETON - Butterfly Festival

Face painting, crafts, inflatables, Kids' Experience Zone, butterfly demonstrations, food, beverage, raffle ($10/ticket), group butterfly release at 11:15 (price includes one butterfly per family). This is a fundraiser for The Parent Connection, a child abuse prevention program serving the Fox Valley.
Where: City Park, Downtown Appleton
When: 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: Families
How: Register online, or at the event
Cost: $10 per family, purchase additional butterflies for $10 each.
For more info: http://www.familyservicesnew.org/parent-connection/butterfly-festival/
Add to My Macaroni

This Week's Calendar:

June 12th through June 16th

Wednesday, June 12 through Sunday, June 16 - WORTH THE DRIVE, GREEN BAY - Day Out with Thomas

A 25 minute ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt, play at the Thomas & Friends Imagination Station, which includes stamps, temporary tattoos, arts and crafts. Also story telling, live music by Mr. Billy, explore the world's largest steam locomotive, big train bean bag toss, make sand castles in a giant sandbox, bounce in two inflatables, assemble big puzzles, misting and bubble fun and June Dairy Month games.
Where: National Railroad Museum, Green Bay
When: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM (Rain or shine)
Who: Anyone
How: It's strongly recommended that you purchase tickets in advance.
Cost: $18/ person for ages 2 and up
For more info: http://www.nationalrrmuseum.org/en-Us/default.aspx
Add to My Macaroni

Wednesday, June 12 - SHIOCTON - Fun in the Sun: Exploring Solar Power

Explore the possibilities of the sun. Make a cardboard solar cooker, cook cookies in a solar oven, see how solar powered vehicles work, and create a mini-solar array to power electronic devices. Bring a sack lunch.
Where: Navarino Nature Center, Shiocton
When: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Who: Anyone
How: RSVP by June 12
Cost: $5 per person
For more info: http://www.navarino.org/
Add to My Macaroni

Thursday, June 13 - SHERWOOD - Scoop the Goop

What lives at the bottom of the pond? Bring a net or borrow one to find living creatures in the goopy bottom of the Butterfly Pond. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the park office.
Where: High Cliff State Park, Park Office
When: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: Kids
How: Just show up
Cost: Free, state park vehicle admission sticker required
For more info: http://friendsofhighcliff.org/event/scoop-the-goop/
Add to My Macaroni

Thursday, June 13 - DARBOY - Summer Kick Off Luau Party

Make your own lei, carnival games, bounce house, clown, DJ and more.
Where: Darboy Community Park
When: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Who: Anyone
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.townofbuchanan.org/media/61103/2013%20master%20flyer.pdf
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Friday, June 14 through Saturday, June 15 - MACKVILLE - Mackville Nationals Truck & Tractor Pull

Truck and tractor pulls. See their website for details on what is featured. Free admission onto grounds for the band, food and midway. Ticket prices are for the pulls. Parking is free. Pancake & porkie breakfast Saturday ($5). Fri & Sat has a Dash for Cash at intermission for kids 10 & under. Adult & children's pedal pull Sunday. Pulls at noon Sunday.
Where: St. Edward Parish - Mackville, WI (Three miles north of Appleton on 47)
When: 4:00 PM - 11:59 PM (Pulls start at 7pm)
Who: Anyone
How: Buy tickets at the gate
Cost: Fri & Sat: 10 & under free, ages 11-14 $10 and adults $15. Sat afternoon admission is $5 for adults, under 16 free. Sun admission is free for Family Day.
For more info: http://www.mackvillenationals.com/
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Friday, June 14 - OSHKOSH - Dive-In Movie

Bring the whole family and float around the pool while watching a movie on the big screen! The movie June 14 is Tangled.
Where: Oshkosh Community YMCA, 324 Washington Ave., Oshkosh
When: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: Free for members, $5.25/family for general public.
For more info: http://www.oshkoshymca.org/programs/family--special-events/dive-in-movies.html
Add to My Macaroni

Friday, June 14 - APPLETON - Songs-N-S'Mores

Songs, stories, nature crafts, family time and S'Mores around the campfire.
Where: Apple Creek YMCA, 2815 E. Apple Creek Rd., Appleton
When: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Who: Families
How: Register at www.ymcafoxcities.org.
Cost: $2 for members and non-members
For more info: http://www.ymcafoxcities.org/ymca/programs/upcomingevents.asp
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, June 15 - GREENVILLE - Mom's Run & Sprinkle Sprint

2-mile non-competitive run/walk and 1/4 mile kid's fun run to support women's health.
Where: Fox West YMCA, W6931 School Rd., Greenville
When: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Moms and kids
How: Register at the YMCA or print the form
Cost: Mom's Run $15 before 6/7, $20 after; Sprinkle Sprint $5 before 6/7, $8 after
For more info: http://www.ymcafoxcities.org/ymca/programs/yraceinfo.asp
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, June 15 - APPLETON - Butterfly Festival

Face painting, crafts, inflatables, Kids' Experience Zone, butterfly demonstrations, food, beverage, raffle ($10/ticket), group butterfly release at 11:15 (price includes one butterfly per family). This is a fundraiser for The Parent Connection, a child abuse prevention program serving the Fox Valley.
Where: City Park, Downtown Appleton
When: 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: Families
How: Register online, or at the event
Cost: $10 per family, purchase additional butterflies for $10 each.
For more info: http://www.familyservicesnew.org/parent-connection/butterfly-festival/
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, June 15 - WAUPACA - Strawberry Fest

Kids Alley in Riverview Park behind Main St. Dizzy D Clown (9-3), Lil' Strawberry Sally & Sam Contest (11am). Other activities include Taste of Waupaca in the Strawberry Lane Cafe (9-4), arts & crafts show, bands, trivia, shortcake tent (9 til gone), Model Railroad Show at Rec Center (10-5), strawberry shortcake eating contest (noon, Fulton St.), strawberry activities at Turner's Farm Market (hayrides, pick your own strawberries, kids berry smile photo contest, barrel train rides, chocolate covered berries).

Friday Night: City Band concert in the bandstand, 7pm.
Where: Main and Fulton Streets, Waupaca
When: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up
Cost: Free to attend
For more info: http://www.waupacaareachamber.com/event/strawberry-fest/
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, June 15 - APPLETON - Reptile Fest

Join the Fox Valley Herp Club and all their critters. Stop in any time between 11 and 2. Learn about snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs and other reptiles and amphibians up close and personal.
Where: Bubolz Nature Preserve, 4815 N. Lynndale Dr., Appleton
When: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Who: Anyone
How: Just show up
Cost: $3/person or $7/family
For more info: http://www.bubolzpreserve.org
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Sunday, June 16 - WAUPACA - Lion's Fly-In, Drive-In Breakfast

Annual Father's Day pancake breakfast. Fly or drive in, shop the bake sale, buy raffle tickets, view the planes, or maybe even take an airplane ride.
Where: Waupaca Municipal Airport
When: 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up
Cost: Adults $7, kids $4
For more info: http://www.waupacalions.com/
Add to My Macaroni

Sunday, June 16 - MACKVILLE - Mackville Nationals Truck & Tractor Pull

Truck and tractor pulls. See their website for details on what is featured. Free admission onto grounds for the band, food and midway. Ticket prices are for the pulls. Parking is free. Pancake & porkie breakfast Saturday ($5). Fri & Sat has a Dash for Cash at intermission for kids 10 & under. Adult & children's pedal pull Sunday. Pulls at noon Sunday.
Where: St. Edward Parish - Mackville, WI (Three miles north of Appleton on 47)
When: 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM (Pulls start at noon)
Who: Anyone
How: Buy tickets at the gate
Cost: Fri & Sat: 10 & under free, ages 11-14 $10 and adults $15. Sat afternoon admission is $5 for adults, under 16 free. Sun admission is free for Family Day.
For more info: http://www.mackvillenationals.com/
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Sunday, June 16 - NEENAH - Summer Fun Runs

The 18th year for the Fun Runs. There are 5 runs for ages 14 and under. Refreshements after each race. All finishers get a ribbon. After completing 3 races, participant gets a T-shirt. Medals for competing in all 5 races. Ages 6 & under may run 400 or 800 meters, ages 7-9 800 meters, ages 10-14 1600 meters.
Where: South Pavillion, Memorial Park, Neenah. Enter park from Appleblossom Drive.
When: 7:00 PM ((Reg begins at 6pm, but online registration preferred))
Who: Kids 14 and under
How: Online registration recommended.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.neenahfunrun.com/Site/Neenah_Summer_Fun_Runs.html
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Plan Ahead:

June 20th through June 26th

Thursday, June 20 - DARBOY - Chickenfest

Thursday is family night! Lots of family fun all weekend, including rides and amusements, music, food, and more. See website for the schedule of events.
Where: Darboy Community Park, N9334 Noe Road, Appleton (1 mile south of Darboy Club)
When: 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM (Rain or shine-- huge tents)
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up
Cost: Free (no admission)
For more info: http://www.darboychickenfest.com/index.
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Friday, June 21 - OSHKOSH - Summer Celebration & Ice Cream Social

Celebrate school being out. Concession item specials, build your own sundaes, special entertainment, water games and more.
Where: Pollock Community Water Park, Oshkosh
When: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: Anyone
How: Just show up
Cost: Free for season pass holders, otherwise regular admission
For more info: http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/Parks/Pollock_Community_Water_Park/
Add to My Macaroni

Friday, June 21 - DARBOY - Chickenfest

Thursday is family night! Lots of family fun all weekend, including rides and amusements, music, food, and more. See website for the schedule of events.
Where: Darboy Community Park, N9334 Noe Road, Appleton (1 mile south of Darboy Club)
When: 5:00 PM - 11:59 PM (Rain or shine-- huge tents)
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up
Cost: Free (no admission)
For more info: http://www.darboychickenfest.com/index.asp
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Friday, June 21 - NEW LONDON - Leave No Family Inside: Going Batty!

Registration and payment due by June 13. Bats get a bad rap as rabies-infested nuisances, but they are actually insect-eating machines. Learn about Wisconsin's bats at an indoor presentation and then hike outside to see live bats in action. A hand-held bat detector will be used to record their echolocation signals.
Where: Mosquito Hill Nature Center, New London
When: 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Who: Anyone
How: Register by 6/13
Cost: $6 per person or $10 per family
For more info: http://www.outagamie.org/index.aspx?page=259
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Saturday, June 22 - DARBOY - Chickenfest

Thursday is family night! Lots of family fun all weekend, including rides and amusements, music, food, and more. See website for the schedule of events. Parade at 11am.
Where: Darboy Community Park, N9334 Noe Road, Appleton (1 mile south of Darboy Club)
When: 10:00 AM - 11:59 PM (Rain or shine-- huge tents)
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up
Cost: Free (no admission)
For more info: http://www.darboychickenfest.com/index.asp
Add to My Macaroni

Sunday, June 23 - APPLETON - Juneteenth Celebration

A celebration of African American Emancipation Day to celebrate freedom, unity and community. Enjoy soul food, fun, games, prizes, informational exhibitor booths, Children's Village with storytelling, games, and fun.
Where: City Park, 500 E. Franklin St., Downtown Appleton
When: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Who: Anyone - open to the public
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Juneteenth-Appleton/123431784357556
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Wednesday, June 26 - GREENVILLE - Ice Cream Sillies

Family-friendly ice cream social with music by D.B. Rouse & Silly Man Alex Knox.
Where: South Greenville Grange, W6920 Winnegamie Rd., Greenville
When: 6:14 PM
Who: Anyone
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/179752698855390/
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Daddy's Footsteps Gift

My husband is an amazing Father and I wrack my brain to try to come up with something that will show him how much we appreciate all he does for his family! I am so excited this year to have come up with a gift that I believe does just that!! I enlisted the help of a wonderfully talented photographer.

My mission was to capture my kids wearing their Dad’s shoes! These aren’t just any shoes though… my husband was in the Army and served in Iraq and ...

Shadow Picture for Dad

This portrait gift is simply put -- easy peasy!

You will need:
poster board, cardstock or foam board
camera
kiddos
scissors

Directions:
Using posterboard, cardstock or a sturdier prop, cut or carve out the letters to the message you want to send. You can write out the letters as normal. No need to turn them inside out or backwards! 

Notes To Selves: 
Don't use paper.
I tried paper first and found it entirely too flimsy in the wind outside. 



 So we moved on to what I had in my garage ...

Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin

There’s really no way you can mess up a pork tenderloin! I always buy mine at Costco – comes two to a pack and there are two packs! I cook one pack and freeze the other for another day.

What you need:
Pork Tenderloin
Bottled Italian Dressing

What you do:
Line your crock pot with a liner (best tip ever!) and place the pork tenderloin inside.

Shake the bottle of dressing and squirt some in there. I don’t measure – I just give it several squirts. I might use about ...


Fox Cities Passport to Nature: Digging Into Nature

Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day 2013

Fox Cities Passport to Nature: Digging Into Nature
Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day 2013

Fox Valley Nature Centers, High Cliff State Park, Gardens of the Fox Cities and area Public Libraries are collaborating once again to bring back the FREE summer program entitled, Fox Cities Passport to Nature. This program will give area youth an incentive to spend well needed time outdoors with family and friends and start drawing children back out into nature.

It is well known that today’s children spend too much time inside. Research shows that ...

Farmer's Market Schedules

2013 Summer Farmer's Markets

There are a lot of great Farmer's Markets in our area and in order to keep the events listings on the calendar easy to navigate, I have compiled a list of local Markets here for you. If you know of any I missed, please comment below or email me at [email protected]

Appleton

Every Saturday, 8:00am - 12:30pm

June 15 through October 26

College Avenue from Appleton Street to Durkee Street, plus Houdini Plaza

Rain or Shine

More Information

 

Berlin

Every Tuesday, 4:00pm - 7:00pm

June ...


Kids Bowl FREE All Summer

Macaroni Fun

Want to escape the heat this summer? Want the kids to get some excercise? Then you need to check out this FREE bowling program at kidsbowlfree.com. Your kids can bowl 2 FREE games of bowling each and every day of summer for FREE. 

SOME MORE INFORMATION ON THE PROGRAM
  • You can sign the kids up at multiple centers but you will need to create another account. Only one unique email address can be used to open an account, so you will need to register with another email address.
  • If ...

Blue Star Museum Program for Active Duty Military

Free admission to over 1800 museums nationwide!

Calling all active duty military! If you are looking for family vacation ideas this summer, you can visit over 1800 museums nationwide for free through the Blue Star Museums program!

Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 1,800 museums across America to offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day, May 27, through Labor Day, September 2, 2013.

This year, more than 1,800 (and counting ...

Biz Directory: What it is and How to Use it!

Support the Friends of Macaroni (FOM)!

The Biz Directory is a great feature to help you easily support your Macaroni Kid newsletter by supporting Friends of Macaroni, who sponsor the site. It’s kind of like the yellow pages of Macaroni Kid sponsors. Looking for a gift for your sister? Check the Biz Directory—there’s jewelry, candles, purses and so much more. Need a few trinkets to fill an Easter basket or Christmas stocking? There’s hair decorations and jewelry for your little lady too, plus lots more!

Here’s some tips for navigating the ...


Making the Most of Your Macaroni

Here are some tips to help you get the most of your subscription.

1. The white bar on the left side of the page is the table of contents for this week. You can jump to any of the articles or the events listings by clicking in there and you will still be in the current issue.

2. If you would like to look back at previous issues, scroll down a bit until you see "Past Appleton-Stevens Point News" in the side bar on the left. This is below the ...


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Updates, Contests and More!

Please Like MacKidAppleton on Facebook for the latest infomation on events, plus reminders and any cancellations I hear about. You can post photos from the events you attended, share your ideas for the newsletter and get the lastest on giveaways, news from our sponsors and other special offers.


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