Smart Living Lake Country - May 2026

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Planting Roots

It’s easy to believe the grass is greener somewhere else, but I’ve never quite bought that. In my experience, it’s greener where you water it.

For most of my life, I moved every two years. It wasn’t by choice, but it taught me home isn’t something you find, it’s something you build.

That brings us to the page you’re holding. This is the first issue of Smart Living Lake Country magazine, and I couldn’t be more excited to finally put it in your hands. Sure, Lake Country is as green as advertised, but what truly stands out are the people and businesses that call it home.

Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or arrived recently, you’re part of something that’s been growing for generations. That’s what this magazine aims to capture: the people digging in, building something meaningful and shaping what Lake Country becomes next.

In Watertown, roots run deep. Sixthgeneration owner Ryan Beyer’s Keck Furniture is as old as the town itself. Founder John Keck built the company on a legacy of custom, quality furniture when he arrived from Germany in 1851.

Restaurateur Mike Bertrand and chef Joseph Volpe are cultivating new growth with their Newport 1875 in Oconomowoc. Their Lago Su Bella wowed diners with pasta and tradition for seven years. Now, they’re cultivating a new legacy in steaks and seafood, something Bertrand’s been building toward since his early days with Hans Weissgerber at the Golden Mast Inn. Oysters, anyone?

Our cover story turns to the lakes themselves and the businesses that help locals get on the water.

Different stories, same heart; people investing in a community and making it better because they did.

I’m glad you’re here. If you have a story of your own about putting down roots, I’d like to hear it.

Steven Bonifazi Deputy Editor

Pulling Up the Roots

There’s something so satisfying about pulling an entire dandelion plant out of your lawn, from fuzzy yellow head to long, tapered root. Leave just an inch of that anemic white root in place, however, and you’re soon right back where you started.

Likewise, sins are something we must work to dig out of our souls by their deep roots. A surface mowing looks nice for a day or two, but those fuzzy yellow heads will pop back up in no time. We can fool people, but we can’t fool God.

Because he lived in a mostly agrarian society, Jesus Christ often used parables about growing plants. Rooting out the sin that distances us from God and pruning useless branches are common themes.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:1-12 NIV)

Happy Gardening! ❚

How to Spot Furniture that Lasts

By Steven Bonifazi, deputy editor

Furniture is easy to buy, but identifying a piece that will survive decades of daily use isn’t. In a market flooded with mass-produced items, price tags have become a misleading indicator of quality.

For Ryan Beyer, sixth-generation owner of Keck Furniture, in Watertown, the secret to a wise investment is found not on the price card but in the construction. It’s one of the same guiding values German cabinet maker John Keck put in place when he started the company in 1853, the same year Watertown was incorporated. Today, the family-run business partners with more than 200 Amish woodworkers across the Midwest.

The most immediate indicator of longevity is the base material. While many modern pieces use engineered woods – sawdust and glue held together by a thin veneer – these materials are

prone to warping and bubbling at the first sign of moisture. True heirloom furniture is typically made from solid wood.

“If you walk into an antique store and see a piece of furniture that’s lasted 50 or 100 years, there’s almost a guarantee it’s solid wood,” Beyer says.

Beyond wood, finish determines how a piece handles everyday accidents. Most mass-market furniture uses a spray-on lacquer that wears over time. High-quality pieces rely on conversion varnish – a finish that cures into a hardened coat similar to a two-part epoxy – creating a protective surface that resists water and scratches.

Finish aside, the value of wellmade furniture shows up in its moving parts. Beyer encourages homeowners to check the joinery of drawers. Dovetail joints, where the wood interlocks like

fingers, provide mechanical strength that staples and glue can’t match.

“Those little details take a piece from being furniture to a piece you’ll be proud to have in your house for a long time,” Beyer says. “You spend more time in your house than anywhere else, so you might as well have your house be a place where you can really feel at home in.” ❚

Keck Furniture is located at 110 E. Main St., in Watertown. To speak with a designer, call (920) 261-7214 or visit keckfurniture.com.

Newport 1875 Serves Global Flavors, History

By Steven Bonifazi, deputy editor

They say you can’t catch lightning in a bottle twice. For Michael Bertrand and Chef Joseph Volpe, the second strike was by design.

Newport 1875 is the duo’s second concept in Oconomowoc, building on the success of Lago Su Bella, their Italian flagship just steps away on Lac La Belle. The Fowler Lake steakhouse, located at 151 St. Paul St., shifts the focus from pasta to steaks, seafood, chops and a raw bar while drawing on the area’s opulent railroad-era history.

The glow of gas-lamp fixtures, heavy timber and period-inspired leather lend the space a warm, Old World feel. A zinc bar top and railroad-steel foot rail nod to the rail lines that brought wealthy visitors to Oconomowoc in the 19th century, transforming the lakeside town into a luxury summer destination known as the “Newport of the West.”

“I wanted to incorporate that history into the feel of the restaurant,” Bertrand says. “I designed and built the lounge to feel as if you’re walking into a lavish hotel lobby or perhaps a train station back in the 1800s.”

The space housed Coco’s Seafood & Steakhouse for nearly five years before Bertrand acquired the property in late 2025. To keep Newport distinct from Lago, Bertrand built what he calls an “imaginary brick wall” between them –separating cuisine, staff, atmosphere, decor and overall feel.

“It made sense for us to expand across the street and offer something entirely different,” he says.

Bertrand initially partnered with Volpe in 2019. The globally trained chef’s career spans kitchens in Paris, Rome and Barcelona, including a tenure alongside Emeril Lagasse at the famed Commander’s Palace in New Orleans.

“He has a unique grasp of comfort food from around the world,” Bertrand says.

That grasp translates into Newport’s star

dishes, like the earthy Madeira-porcini glazed 14-ounce tomahawk veal chop, served with charred asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes. The steak frites pairs a thick New York strip with savory herb compound butter, crispy pommes frites and garlic aioli.

Unique to Oconomowoc, Newport’s raw bar doubles as a classroom, where diners inspect the day’s catch and trace where their seafood is caught. Seafood towers let diners mix and match the sweet notes of West Coast royal Miyagi and the salty bite of East Coast Bevans. Sashimi and several sushi rolls unique to the restaurant are expected to be on full display in the near future, Bertrand says.

Beyond the plate, Newport’s spark isn’t in a recipe or locked in a safe. It’s in the room.

“Our people are our secret sauce,” Bertrand says. “I always say, ‘the rising tide raises all ships,’ and we move together as a team and as a family.” ❚ Newport 1875 is open Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m. For reservations, call (262) 587-1875 or visit newport1875.com.

Lake Life Has Never Been Easier

By Steven Bonifazi, deputy editor

Earlysummer in Lake Country doesn’t arrive quietly. Boat lifts drop into Lac La Belle and Nagawicka with a metallic thud. Docks stretch back into place as engines send ripples through shorelines that sat frozen months earlier.

The shift comes without warning and often with a familiar question: Did I miss the boat?

“It’s never too late,” says Rob Strauss, owner of Rob’s Performance Motor Sports, 601 Co. Road Y, in Johnson Creek. “Whether that’s now or when it’s 105 degrees out, it’s a great time to get into your dealer and look at all the great new products that are available.”

The timeline of ownership has changed. Buying a boat no longer requires a six-month lead time or a rigid winter planning cycle. Inventory sits on lots, so buyers walk in midseason, leaving with boats behind their trucks.

The New Entry Point

At Rob’s Performance Motor Sports lowers the barrier to lake life through innovation that prizes intuition over complexity. For families who want the versatility of a large pontoon without a six-figure investment, the Sea-Doo Switch has redefined the entry-level experience.

Built on a tri-hull jet-propulsion system, it replaces the traditional steering wheel with handlebars. It keeps the pontoon shape and geometry but delivers 170 to 230 horsepower – enough for towing and full-day recreation.

“Pontoons also do that, but if you look at a pontoon in that 250 to 300 horsepower range, you’re at $100,000 in the blink of an eye,” Strauss says. “It’s a legitimate entry-level pontoon platform that takes a different approach to handling and performance for a very economical price.”

Price points have also shifted. In a market where highend pontoons can easily clear six figures, hybrid models in the $30,000 to $50,000 range allow families to tow their summer home-away-from-home with a standard SUV rather than a heavy-duty truck.

Beyond the Switch, personal watercraft (PWC) have evolved into high-tech safety suites. Features like on-water

braking and programmable lanyards allow parents to dial back the adrenaline for the next generation.

“We can program a specific lanyard for the kids that restricts the vehicle to 25 miles per hour,” Strauss says. “It’s nice for peace of mind.”

Designing Your Weekend

When buyers make the leap, the focus shifts from the machine to the lifestyle. At The Boat House Lake Country, W73 E. Wisconsin Ave., in Nashotah, sales manager Dick Heckel starts with the Saturday test.

Lake Country geography varies, from the expansive reaches of Pewaukee Lake to the calm coves of Nagawicka, so the water under your dock determines the “right” boat. Heckel guides buyers through a consultative process, asking who will be on the boat, what they’ll be doing and how the family plans to spend their lake days.

“We ask the size of the family and if they are boaters or not, which is very important,” Heckel says. “Do they have an existing boat, and what did they like and not like about it? We try to put them into the correct boat.”

This personal approach leads many toward the floating living rooms of the region: pontoons and deck boats. These vessels allow families to shift from a high-energy tubing session to quiet sunset cocktail cruise without ever heading back to the slip.

To make the choice clearer, The Boat House utilizes two showrooms – one for pontoons and another for glass or fiberglass boats. This way, buyers can compare hull styles sideby-side.

While new boats come and go regularly, pre-owned inventory moves at a slightly more intense pace due to lower costs, Heckel says. In the current climate, a used boat might hit the lot on a Tuesday and be gone the following afternoon.

“Normally, I have 20 used boats; now, it’s a half-dozen,” Heckel says. “As fast as we get a good used boat, it’s gone.”

Choosing the right boat doesn’t end in the showroom. For local dealers, the handover is a hands-on experience. Similarly, Gordy’s Lake Country, 1766 Milwaukee St., in Delafield, uses “sea trials” to get buyers comfortable before they leave the dock.

how the boat drives, making sure it’s comfortable for mom, the surf wave is big enough for dad and the stereo is loud enough for the kids. Those are all things that happen on the water, so we want everyone to get out there.”

An Investment in Time

For many boat owners, time on the water is limited. How people spend that time usually matters just as much as getting there.

Many people rely on dealers not just to sell the boat but to manage everything that comes with it. This approach is known as a white-glove model, where dealers shift the burden of maintenance, storage and logistics away from the owner, freeing up more time for the water.

The Boat House has built their service model around this shift. The team handles everything from winterization and storage to spring preparation so that boaters can hit the water as soon as they’re ready.

The same approach extends to other dealers across Lake Country. The crew at Gordy’s picks up boats directly from homeowners’ docks, services them and returns them cleaned, refueled and ready for the weekend.

That level of support becomes most valuable when the boat has trouble starting or begins making strange noises.

“The dealership is everything when it comes to buying a boat,” Allamian says. “When something goes wrong with a boat, you want to know that you’re going to be taken care of.”

Customers head out with staff like salesman Dylan Allamian to learn handling, docking and control in real conditions before the team leaves them to their own devices.

“Getting people out on the water is our No. 1 priority,” Allamian says. “Seeing

That relationship between dealer and buyer points to something bigger than the boat itself. It’s about what happens once the engine cuts and the day slows down.

Boating has a way of organizing time. Weekends shift around the forecast and plans revolve around who’s coming aboard. Instead of dividing a group by age or interest, it brings people into the same space, whether that means tubing in the afternoon or drifting through a quiet sunset.

“Boating is one of the only sports that brings everybody together,” Heckel says. “All age groups can enjoy themselves on the water.”

Add a Personal Touch to Your Remodel

By Amanda Coakley, Bartelt.

The

Remodeling Resource

Trends come and go, but the most enduring spaces are shaped by something more lasting: what you’re naturally drawn to. While it’s easy to look to what’s current for direction, the most important design decisions are those that feel personal. A home should reflect the people who live in it – their routines, their history and the details that resonate with them. When selections are made with intention rather than passing influence, the result is a space that feels authentic and timeless.

At Bartelt. The Remodeling Resource, 528 Wells St., Suite B, in Delafield, a dedicated process guides homeowners toward a deeper sense of connection. The goal isn’t to follow a formula but to uncover what makes a space feel personal.

Save Inspiration

When browsing through photos online, in magazines or in books, pay attention to what consistently catches your eye. Over time, patterns begin to emerge. It might be a preference for softer contrasts, natural materials or a certain approach to lighting. A curated collection of these images creates a foundation for the design process and allows homeowners and designers to better understand common threads that can guide the space.

Consider How You Live

A well-designed home is grounded in how it functions dayto-day. Before focusing on finishes or fixtures, take time to think through how you use your space. For those who entertain frequently, the kitchen may benefit from a more open connection to adjacent living areas, an oversized island, or a secondary prep space like a pantry or wet bar. For others,

quiet corners, built-in storage or more defined rooms may feel more appropriate. When the layout and details align with how you actually live, the home begins to feel effortless.

Incorporate Meaningful Elements

The most memorable spaces often include pieces that carry a story. Whether it’s a material sourced during travel, a family heirloom, or something reimagined from a previous home, these elements bring depth and individuality to a design. Some clients integrate tile collected abroad into a kitchen backsplash, repurpose wood from family land into a mantel or ceiling detail, or weave antique furniture into custom cabinetry. Even a single meaningful piece, thoughtfully placed, can anchor a room.

Mix with Intention

A cohesive space doesn’t require strict adherence to one style. Some of the most compelling interiors are those that feel layered and collected over time. The key is balance, pairing contrasting elements in a way that feels considered rather than forced. Clean lines can sit comfortably alongside more traditional details, just as refined finishes can be softened by the texture of reclaimed materials. When thoughtfully combined, these contrasts create a sense of depth without excess. Designing a home is ultimately about creating a place that feels right to you. When personal perspective leads the process, the result is a space that looks timeless and is aligned with your daily life. ❚

To get started on your next remodel, call (262) 646-8020 or visit barteltremodel.com.

Not All Screens Are Created Equal

By Peggy Werner

When shopping for a new television or sound system, many consumers turn to big-box retailers expecting convenience. But according to the team at Primetime Audio and Video, what’s often missing from those experiences is the guidance needed to choose products that truly fit a home’s space, lighting conditions and lifestyle.

Primetime Audio and Video has been in business for more than 30 years and has the experience, training and knowledge to help customers make the right choice.

“Our locally owned business provides free in-home consultations and professional installation, and we ensure the equipment is right for the room and lifestyle of the customer,” says Keegan West, sales and system designer.

“We ask a lot of questions about room size, lighting and what people like to watch on TV,” adds General

Manager Dirk Dutton. “A lot of factors go into getting the right product for a home, and most places don’t know what questions to ask and they are not experts in the products they carry.”

Primetime specializes in televisions, TV accessories, home audio speakers and much more. They also offer a complete range of custom installation services for home theaters, media rooms and more.

“We know what products perform best based on their quality and reliability,” West says. “To stay in this business as long as we have, people have learned to value our opinion and expertise. Many of our customers have been with us for a lifetime. We sell more expensive products than a lot of box stores because we know what goes into that pricing.”

Their newest and most expensive television is a 115-inch Samsung Micro

RGB screen that sells for $30,000 and is one of only a few on display in the country. “People are just blown away by the size and picture quality,” Dutton says.

Everything the store carries is on display, and listening rooms give people a more realistic feel for how a screen or sound system will look in their home. ❚

To see current special offers, visit primetime.com.

Walk through History in Oconomowoc

By Steven Bonifazi, deputy editor

Winding shorelines, Victorian estates and a history that refuses to sit still define Oconomowoc. The Potawatomi and Ho-Chunk tribes first named the site “where the waters meet” before it transformed into a lakeside retreat for Gilded Age vacationers.

While some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks have disappeared, they live on through an augmented history walking tour, created as part of the city’s sesquicentennial in 2025.

“We have a lot of history here in Oconomowoc,” says Paige Brunclik, marketing specialist for Visit Oconomowoc. “Now, you can hold your phone up and what was there at one point reappears.”

Scannable QR codes mark each stop, featuring virtual placards and five 3-D models. The tour is currently available for iPhone, with Android development in progress.

Twenty-nine markers dot the route, winding through downtown and around Fowler Lake. The first stop, the 1886 City Hall, originally functioned as the civic center. The brick building housed city offices, police and fire departments and a second-floor auditorium.

The route also visits East Wisconsin Avenue, former site of the 1921 Strand Theatre, which hosted the world premiere of “The Wizard of Oz” in 1939. Nearby, the city leans into that history with its Wizard of Oz plaza, a stop on the tour where visitors interact with characters from the film.

“You can follow the yellow brick road, take pictures with the characters and even stand in front of flying monkey wings,” Brunclik says.

Near Veterans Memorial Park, stop No. 9 resurrects the Oconomowoc mailboat. This 1901 cable car marine railway hauled groceries, blocks of ice, bundles of mail and passengers across the 200-foot isthmus. Visitors stop, scan and watch the scene reappear. “It’s fun, and it’s free,” Brunclik says. “Just make sure your phone is fully charged.”

To experience Oconomowoc’s past firsthand, find the route and a full schedule of events at VisitOcon.com. ❚

The Most Overlooked Part of Your Home

By Steven Bonifazi, deputy editor

Most homeowners stay on top of everyday maintenance like wiping counters and sweeping high-traffic areas. The garage door, despite being one of the most-used entry points in the home, is often overlooked.

That’s a problem, says Kris Lindmark, owner of Hartland Overhead Door.

“It’s the largest moving part of your home,” she adds. “More people use their garage door than their front door, so it needs TLC.”

Unlike furnaces or AC units tucked away in basements or corners, garage doors operate in plain sight. They open multiple times a day and thousands of times a year, and the convenience of a push-button or clicker makes it easy to overlook the heavy lifting happening behind the scenes.

While that wear isn’t always visible, it adds up quickly.

“There are torsion springs that do all the lifting, rollers that go in the track and all the hinges that the door is attached with,” Lindmark says. “There are a lot of moving parts on a garage door that need to be oiled and adjusted every year.”

That annual upkeep is critical. Modern garage openers track usage in cycles, which account for one full open and close. Many garage doors run 5,000 to 10,000 cycles a year, especially in busy households.

That kind of wear often goes unnoticed until something fails. Springs handle most of the door’s lifting and are often one of the first points of failure. They can break suddenly after years of daily use.

In climates like Wisconsin, that wear is compounded by salt and road grime. Each time a car pulls in, residue drips onto the door.

“It’s like a car,” Lindmark says. “You wash your car to remove salt, so a garage door needs that same care.”

A simple seasonal routine can go a long way. Each spring, once snow and salt are gone, homeowners can rinse the door with soap and water to prevent buildup and rust.

Because of the tension involved in components like torsion springs, garage door repairs aren’t a DIY project. Improper adjustments can lead to bigger issues or safety risks. That’s where professional service becomes essential.

The team at Hartland Overhead Door has spent four decades providing those services. Founded in 1986, the family-owned company has grown from a small operation into a group of 12 technicians and office staff. Technicians install new doors and service existing ones, often years after installation. They also operate an around-the-clock service line.

That kind of access matters when a door fails late at night or just before a busy morning. Lindmark’s team maintains an annual service list, reaching out to customers for routine maintenance before small issues turn into bigger ones. Some homeowners set reminders themselves, prompted by the opener’s built-in tracking system.

“That way you’re reminded every year when we should be coming out and doing service to make sure everything is running smoothly,” Lindmark says. ❚

Hartland Overhead Door is located at N76 W30630 County Road V V, in Hartland. For more information, call (262) 966-9811 or visit hartlandoverheaddoor.com.

Nestled along the scenic shores of Delavan Lake, Lake Lawn Resort is the ultimate destination for relaxation and adventure, just minutes away from Downtown Lake Geneva. With over 275 acres of breathtaking grounds, the resort offers endless opportunities to unwind, from lakeside dining and luxurious spa treatments to golf and water sports. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, romantic retreat, or corporate event, Lake Lawn Resort delivers a perfect blend of charm, comfort, and convenience.

Nestled along the scenic shores of Delavan Lake, Lake Lawn Resort is the ultimate destination for relaxation and adventure, just minutes away from Downtown Lake Geneva. With over 275 acres of breathtaking grounds, the resort offers endless opportunities to unwind, from lakeside dining and luxurious spa treatments to golf and water sports. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, romantic retreat, or corporate event, Lake Lawn Resort delivers a perfect blend of charm, comfort, and convenience.

Recognize the Red Flags of a Leaky Roof

By Steven Bonifazi, deputy editor

Nothing reinforces the importance of a roof like springtime in Wisconsin. High winds lift shingles while hail and heavy downpours batter everything in their path. These storms often expose damage left behind by a long winter of ice, snow and subzero temperatures. Not only that, but constant cycles of warm days and freezing nights expand small cracks and weaken seals. Catching those vulnerabilities early can mean the difference between a repair and a costly interior mess.

So, where should you start? The first step is to take a look.

“If your roof looks funky, it probably is,” says Matt Smith, owner of Smith Roofing and Exteriors in Fort

Flashings are metal seals around chimneys and vents, and they’re often one of the first areas to fail after a harsh winter. When they start showing signs of damage or missing caulk, that’s when water can wreak havoc. Clogged gutters and downspouts also play a role, forcing water back under shingles. If the gutters have a large amount of asphalt granules in them, chances are your shingles may be aging.

The key, he adds, is consistency. Walk around the house a few times a year, especially after major storms, so you can catch small issues before they escalate into large repairs.

Inside the home, the warning signs are harder to ignore. Brown or yellow stains on ceilings and walls are clear indicators of a leak, and they’re

“Think about it like driving your car on the highway,” Smith says. “If you don’t check your tires beforehand, you might end up stranded. It’s the

Innovative Piers and Lifts for Waterfront Living

By Peggy Werner

Life on the water just got a lot easier.

“We are excited about the upcoming season because we are offering our customers several new products with the latest and most innovative features in piers and lifts,” says Ken Remer, who owns Midwest Marine & Barge Service, with his wife, Kristi. Midwest Marine & Barge Service specializes in custom wood piers, aluminum piers and a wide variety of lift models for boaters throughout southeastern Wisconsin.

Every wood pier is custom made on site with premium wood or composite decking and a variety of options for decorative lighting, storage racks and canopies. Annual repairs and new custom builds are done on site. Aluminum piers are also available. The type of pier a customer needs depends mostly on the terrain of the lakefront, whether it’s sandy, muddy or rocky, Ken says.

Lifts, too, come in a variety of choices depending on the size and type of boat you have and the features you want. The best ones have a hydraulic lift and a remote control, so you don’t have to get out of the boat, Ken adds.

The main purpose of a lift is to protect the boat from prolonged contact with water, violent weather and waves, algae buildup, and general wear and tear. The right lift depends on water depth, boat size and weight capacity.

For the most part, lifts and piers should be maintenance-free during the boating season, typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Ken started his business in 2019 because he has a passion for the water and is a lake homeowner. A native of the area, he has spent his whole life on lakes and saw the need for starting his “one-stop shop” business after years of voluntarily helping people.

He recommends hiring professionals to install and remove lifts because they have equipment to get the job done safely and quickly.

“We have brought a lot of new products to the lake, and we do all the work so our customers can have the best lake experience possible.” ❚

Midwest Marine & Barge Service is located at 30341 Durant Ave., in Burlington. For quality products and service for waterfront needs, visit midwestmarineandbarge.com or call (262) 716-0055.

Get Outdoors with a Picnic-Friendly Sandwich

Whenthe weather breaks and it’s time to get outdoors, there’s hardly any better place to be than resting on a deck, lounging in the backyard or curled up on a picnic blanket at a local park.

Enjoy that leisurely time with loved ones by sharing a spread that includes these Picnic Party Sandwiches, perfect for a filling lunch that provides the energy you need for kicking around a soccer ball, playing tag or flying a kite.

Find more lunch ideas fit for enjoying the sunshine by visiting Culinary.net.

Picnic Party Sandwiches

Total time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

1/4 cup salted butter

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced

1 large fresh baguette

1/4 cup fig preserves

6-8 ounces meats, such as prosciutto, salami and capocollo

6 ounces brie cheese, sliced

2 cups arugula

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 pinch kosher salt

Mash together room temperature butter with fresh parsley. Set aside.

Cut fresh baguette lengthwise and smear bottom half of the baguette with herbed butter. Smear the top of the baguette with fig preserves.

Layer on cured meats followed by slices of brie cheese. For brie, cut off any large pieces of rind.

In small bowl, toss arugula with lemon juice and salt. Add arugula to sandwich followed by top half of baguette.

Cut baguette into four even sandwiches and eat immediately or wrap each one tightly in paper or plastic wrap to preserve. ❚

(Source: Feature Impact)

Jurassic Journey

Through May 25, times vary. Step into a land of giants at the Midwest’s largest animatronic dinosaur collection featuring live presentations and more than 60 life-size dinosaurs, including a 40-foot T-Rex. Waukesha County Expo Center, 1000 Northview Road, Waukesha, (855) 975-9797, jurassicjourney.org.

Environmental Education Outdoor Classroom Sessions

Through Aug. 26, select Wed. 10-11 a.m. Kids ages 4-12 can explore seasonal nature topics through guided, hands-on activities. Retzer Nature Center, S14 W28167 Madison St., Waukesha, (262) 896-8007, waukeshacounty. gov/retzernaturecenter.

Brookfield Farmers Market

Through Oct. 31, Sat. 7:30 a.m.-noon. Shop for Wisconsin-grown produce, plants, meats and locally produced items at this rain-orshine community market. Leashed pets are welcome. Brookfield Central High School, 16900 W. Gebhardt Road, Brookfield, brookfieldfarmersmarket.com.

Summer Farmers Market

Through Oct. 31, Sat. 8 a.m.-noon. Find seasonal produce, handmade arts and crafts, baked goods, farm-fresh eggs, canned goods and more. Bank Five Nine Campus Lot, 155 Wisconsin Ave., Oconomowoc, (262) 5672666, oconomowoc.org.

Nixon Park Concert Series

May 21-Sept. 24, Thurs. 6-9 p.m. Enjoy a night of summer music and fun including a beer garden for adults and a splash pad and playground for kids. Openers start at 6 p.m. Nixon Park Fine Arts Center, 175 E. Park Ave., Hartland, (262) 367-2430, villageofhartland.wi.gov.

Inflatables in the Outfield

May 23, 9 a.m.-noon, 1-4 p.m., 6-9 p.m. More

Entertainment & Events

than 30 inflatables including bounce houses and giant slides cover Wisconsin Brewing Park’s field. Lake Country DockHounds, 1011 Blue Ribbon Cir. N., Oconomowoc, (262) 468-7750, dockhounds.com.

Concerts in the Park

May 23-Sept. 19, most shows 7 p.m. Listen to free live music from the 250th “Salute to America” patriotic series to tributes like Led Zeppelin, Luke Bryan and Fleetwood Mac. Phoenix Park Bandshell, 111 E. Wisconsin St., Delavan, pheonixparkbandshell.com.

Memorial Day Commemoration

May 25, times vary. Multi-part remembrance features an Avenue of Flags display at Prairie Home Cemetery, a riverside ceremony at Barstow Plaza, a march through downtown and service at Cutler Park. Prairie Home Cemetery, Barstow Plaza and Cutler Park, Waukesha, (262) 524-3500, waukesha-wi.gov.

Pewaukee Lake Waterski Show

May 25-Sept. 7, Thurs. 6:45-8 p.m. A Lake Country tradition since 1984, the Pewaukee Gators perform high-flying pyramids, barefooting and ballet lines. Bring chairs. Lakefront Park, 222 W. Wisconsin Ave., Pewaukee, (262) 972-1754, plwsc.org.

Family Craft Night

May 28, 6-7:30 p.m. Bring the family to assemble and paint decorative DIY birdhouses. Hartland Public Library, 110 E. Park Ave., Hartland, (262) 367-3350, villageofhartland.wi.gov.

Okauchee Lions Days

May 29-31, times vary. Celebrate

76 years of the Okauchee Lions Club with carnival rides, games, a youth baseball tournament, food trucks, vendors, cold drinks and live music. Okauchee Lions Park & Pavilion, N49 W34400 E. Wisconsin Ave., Okauchee, e-clubhouse.org/sites/okauchee.

Kids on the Farm: Become a Summer Budding Gardener

June 3-Aug. 26, Wed. 12:30-2 p.m. Independent gardeners ages 6-8 can get their hands dirty while learning the connection between farming and food through animal encounters, harvesting and garden tending. Reg. req. Stone Bank Farm Market, N68 W33208 County Road K, Stone Bank, (920) 355-4021, stonebankmarket.com.

Waterfront Wednesdays

June 3-July 29, Wed. 6-8:30 p.m. Enjoy a weekly musical series along the beachfront of Pewaukee Lake or dine al fresco across the street. Music ranges from classic rock and country to ’80s variety and party hits. Lakefront Park, 222 W. Wisconsin Ave., Pewaukee, (262) 695-9735, cityofpewaukee.us.

Ladies Night Out

June 11, 6 p.m. Grab your girlfriends and find seasonal specials at shops, restaurants and bars. Free gift bags of swag and coupons available at select locations. Downtown Delafield, (262) 646-8100, visitdelafield.org.

‘Rainbow Fish, the Musical’

June 11-21, times vary. Dive into an underwater world in this musical adaptation of the beloved children’s book by Marcus Pfister about the most beautiful fish in the ocean. Lake Country Playhouse and Academy, 221 E. Capitol Dr., Hartland, (262) 367-4697, lakecountryplayhousewi.org. ❚

ANTIQUE FLEA MARKETS

May 17, June 28, Aug 9, Sept 27

SATURDAYS ON THE SQUARE

M ay 23 - Sept 5, 2026

PORK CHOP COOK-OUT

J une 24, 2026

ELKHORN FIREWORKS

J uly 3, 2026

ELKHORN RIBFEST

J uly 15 - 19, 2026

Events Events

STEAK COOK-OUT

July 22, 2026

WALWORTH COUNTY FAIR

S ept 2 - Sept 7, 2026

ELKHORN CRAFT BASH

O ctober 3, 2026

ELKHORN OKTOBERFEST

O ctober 17, 2026

ELKHORN TREE LIGHTING

D ecember 4, 2026

45TH CHRISTMAS PARADE

D ecember 5, 2026