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Smart Living Lakeside - April 2026

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Executive

Senior

Managing Editor

Assistant Editor

Graphics Director Samantha Behling

Graphic Designer

Costello

Contributing Writers

Stephanie

Grimoldby, Janine Pumilia, Peggy Werner

General Sales Manager

Advertising Sales Representatives

Welcome Back!

All winter long, I look forward to returning to the lakes. Once Christmas is over, I start actively daydreaming about warmer weather. I open my phone’s calendar app and count down the days until our family’s cottage is open once again for the season. To me, nothing beats the uncovering of boats and return of flip flops.

With the days getting longer, the Lake Geneva region begins to feel like itself again. That sense of renewal makes this moment especially meaningful for Smart Living Lakeside. After a wonderful first season, our magazine is back for year two, ready to once again celebrate the communities that make this area so special. From Lake Geneva to Elkhorn to Delavan and beyond, each town offers its own personality, yet together they create a shared lifestyle centered on a deep appreciation for the beauty of the lakes.

Seasonal living invites the return of patio dining, the excitement of weekend markets, the anticipation of summer festivals, and the simple pleasure of watching sunlight dance across the water. So many people treasure this region because of these features. Whether you are a yearround resident or someone who eagerly awaits your first warm-weather visit, there is comfort in the coming months and all they promise.

From now until September, Smart Living Lakeside will continue highlighting the people, businesses and experiences that shape life here. We will introduce readers to local expertise, share stories that inspire, and offer ideas to help you make the most of the season ahead. This magazine exists because of the entrepreneurs opening their doors each spring, the artists sharing their talents, and the families returning year after year. Their stories are the heartbeat of this publication, and we are grateful to continue telling them.

So, as the shoreline comes back to life and the familiar energy returns, we simply want to say: welcome back!

Trusting God

In the middle of our Bibles is a collection of 150 psalms that offer a jarring roller coaster ride of human emotion directed toward God. Several authors wrote the psalms over a period of about 1,000 years; King David penned roughly half of them.

While we gravitate toward the psalms that reassure us (like the 23rd), many were composed during times of deep disappointment with God. Feelings of abandonment, anger and frustration are laid bare.

If we’re honest, all of us have been disappointed with God. Most of us have experienced or witnessed hardship, oppression, sickness, injustice, unanswered prayers. We may feel that our acknowledgement of reality conflicts with our faith life.

This is when the emotional poetry of the psalmists shows us what a healthy relationship with God looks like, suggests author Philip Yancey. We’re like third parties “peering over the shoulders” of these diary-writers. We witness their rants, but we also see them “talk themselves down from the ledge” as they journey from rage to a calm acknowledgement of what they know for sure about God: He is good, wise, powerful, loving.

The psalmists force themselves to recall the times God rescued ungrateful Israel from its self-inflicted messes and it helps them to regain perspective. Without God they would be nothing, have nothing.

The psalmists find God in the starry skies and fertile earth. Their rants turn to flights of praise – in spite of everything.

In “The Bible Jesus Read,” Yancey writes: “The odd mixture of psalms of cursing, psalms of praise and psalms of confession no longer jars me as it once did. Instead, I am continually amazed by the spiritual wholeness of the Hebrew poets, who sought to include God in every area of life by bringing to God every emotion experienced in daily activity. One need not ‘dress up’ or ‘put on a face’ to meet God. There are no walled-off areas; God can be trusted with reality.”

To experience Psalms is to feel kinship with people through the ages whose struggles were not so different from our own. ❚ – Janine Pumilia

The Tulips are Aglow at Richardson Farm

At a time when the landscape feels muddy and drab, the 10-acre tulip field at Richardson Adventure Farm, in Spring Grove, Ill., is fully aglow. Vibrant flowers greet visitors to this annual gathering, which now enters its sixth year.

“The colors are just wow. It’s really amazing to see,” says George Richardson, who owns the farm with his wife, Wendy; his brother and sister-inlaw, Robert and Carol; and his son and daughter-in-law, Ryan and Kristen.

Visitors from years past will recognize rows upon rows of colorful tulip blossoms, more than 43 varieties in all and totaling nearly 1 million flowers. New this year, there’s also a fresh arrangement of tulips planted in the shape of a butterfly and tulip blossom. With nearly 450,000 bulbs planted on this sloping terrain, it’s sure to catch a few eyes, says Richardson.

“It’ll be pretty noticeable from a distance,” he adds.

Since it started in 2021 with 300,000 tulips, Richardson Adventure Farm’s spring gathering has become a mustsee attraction for families throughout northern Illinois and southeast Wisconsin. It now boasts more than 1 million tulip blooms, a colorful sight that beckons people to take photos at the many “selfie stations” posted throughout the field. Dogs are invited, too, so long as they’re on a leash and they play well with others.

Down near the pond, there’s a collection of lawn games – think Connect Four and giant Jenga – set amongst food trucks serving everything from gourmet poutine to pizza, burgers, smoothies and Ninth Hour Brewing draft beer, produced at a local brewery co-owned by Robert Richardson’s sonin-law.

“We try to keep things family-friendly and low tech, so people can just enjoy being outdoors,” says Wendy Richardson. “You can walk around the lake and feel the springtime excitement.”

Tulip Festival opens in late April and runs Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The gift shop is open 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is $20 for anyone 13 and older, $17 for ages 4 to 12, and free for children 3 and under. Parking is free. ❚

Tulip Festival opens in late April at Richardson Farm in Spring Grove.
(Tom Funk photo)

A Tuesday Tradition in Whitewater

Summer evenings in Whitewater, Wis., take on a different pace near Cravath Lakefront Park. As the workday winds down, tents pop up in the parking lot, music drifts through the air and the scent of fresh food signals the start of the Whitewater City Market’s outdoor season.

Held Tuesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. beginning the first Tuesday in May and continuing through October, the City Market brings together farmers, makers and families for a weekly dose of local flavor.

“It’s smaller than a lot of the other ones, but it’s a lot more local,” says market manager Kristie Rose. “All of our vendors that come are all within usually a 15-to-12-mile radius of Whitewater.”

That close-to-home focus means shoppers know exactly where their

food comes from – and who raised, grew or made it. Throughout the season, visitors can expect tomatoes, peppers, sweet corn and potatoes, along with fresh-cut flowers and specialty apples from nearby orchards. Meats, baked goods, handmade crafts and specialty items including jams and pickled vegetables round out the selection. Some vendors whip up food on site weekly like pupusas, giving many visitors a ready-made dinner option.

Last summer, as many as 40 vendors participated throughout the season, with 20 to 25 typically setting up on a given Tuesday. Live music from a nearby performance space adds to the relaxed atmosphere.

Following the Fourth of July, the City Market partners with Whitewater Parks and Recreation to host family fun nights. Children can play lawn

games, decorate the pavement with sidewalk chalk and take part in themed activities, including the crowd-favorite “Messy Fest,” where kids slide down syrup-covered slip ’n slides before firefighters hose them off.

The event is a great excuse for families to get out and enjoy the evening together. ❚

Whitewater City Market is located at 341 S. Fremont Street.

To find the latest updates, visit the market’s Facebook page or see downtownwhitewater.com.

Whitewater City Market happens every Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m.

Spring Awakens in Lake Geneva

Afterseveral months of quiet shores, spring’s arrival in the Lake Geneva region signals something special. The air feels lighter, the days stretch longer, and the lakes begin to shimmer once again. For many Midwesterners, this season marks the long-awaited return to cherished traditions, such as morning walks along the water, afternoons exploring charming downtown shops, and evenings spent dining outdoors with friends and family.

“Spring is actually one of the best-kept secrets for visiting the Lake Geneva area,” says Deanna Goodwin, vice president of marketing, communications and development for Visit Lake Geneva. “You get a mix of natural beauty and a leisurely pace as the lakes thaw and winter fades into early blooms of color and warmth.”

The Lake Geneva community seems to collectively exhale as sunshine replaces gray skies and outdoor life begins again. Locals eagerly anticipate the moment piers are reinstalled, boats return to the water and patios fill with laughter. Visitors feel it too: the sense that something fresh and exciting is just beginning.

One of the first signs of spring’s return is renewed activity on the water. Early season tours from Lake Geneva Cruise Line offer a scenic reminder of why the region has long been a favorite getaway destination. Nearby, the historic Black Point Estate & Gardens reopens its doors, inviting guests to explore a beautifully preserved mansion overlooking Geneva

Lake. Families also look forward to visiting Safari Lake Geneva, where a drive-thru wildlife experience delights visitors of all ages.

Spring also invites exploration beyond the shoreline. The iconic Geneva Lake Shore Path, a 21-mile walking path that winds past historic estates and scenic vistas, becomes a favorite destination for both casual strolls and bucket-list hikes. Some ambitious visitors attempt to complete the entire path in one day, an eight-hour journey that rewards walkers with unforgettable views of the lake’s sparkling waters and budding greenery.

Nature lovers also gravitate toward peaceful outdoor spaces such as Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy, Big Foot Beach State Park and Linn Nature Park, where early wildflowers and migratory birds create a colorful reminder that warmer days are here to stay.

“There is a noticeable energy that takes over as winter ends,” Goodwin says. “Seasonal attractions, outdoor dining and a growing event calendar open up a whole new world of opportunities for a spring getaway.”

That renewed energy is reflected in the region’s event lineup, which brings both visitors and locals together to celebrate the season. Food lovers look forward to Lake Geneva Restaurant Week, happening April 18-26, when local chefs showcase special menus and seasonal ingredients. The popular Wee Whiskey Fest, happening April 17-19, offers a

Boats return to the sparkling waters of Geneva Lake as spring marks the long-awaited start of another lakeside season.
(Visit Lake Geneva photos)

spirited tasting experience, while Lake Geneva Women’s Weekend, happening April 24-26, provides opportunities for relaxation, shopping and connection. Another favorite, the Downtown Spring Wine Walk, this year on May 17, invites guests to stroll through the charming downtown district while sampling wines and exploring boutiques.

Downtown Lake Geneva plays a key role in shaping the region’s welcoming personality. Independent shops offer everything from stylish apparel and jewelry to unique home decor and lake-inspired gifts. The walkable streets encourage leisurely browsing, making shopping part of the overall experience rather than simply a task to complete.

Goodwin describes the community as having a warmth that resonates with first-time visitors and longtime vacationers alike.

“Lake Geneva has the kind of personality that wins people over with its warmth, quiet elegance and welcoming spirit,” she says. “It’s both relaxed and refined. It feels like a getaway and a hometown at the same time.”

Spring also signals the return of the region’s vibrant dining scene. Restaurants reopen patios and terraces, allowing guests to enjoy fresh air alongside seasonal menus featuring local ingredients. Lake-view dining becomes especially appealing this time of year, as the water reflects pastel sunsets and early greenery. Seasonal cocktails, fresh fish dishes and Wisconsin classics reappear, while live music begins filling outdoor spaces with an unmistakable sense of celebration. A few favorite destinations include 1878 on the Lake, Pier 290, Oak & Oar, and Next Door Pub Lakeside.

Farmers markets also begin their seasonal return, with the Lake Geneva Farmers Market opening May 7 and bringing locally grown produce, baked goods and artisan products to the community.

Outdoor recreation remains one of the region’s biggest draws. Spring temperatures provide the perfect balance for

kayaking, paddleboarding, biking and golfing. Area golf courses welcome their first players of the season, including new offerings such as the Wee Nip Golf Course at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa.

Visitors also enjoy programs at Yerkes Observatory, where star-gazing events, educational tours and nature walks provide opportunities to connect with both science and the natural world.

As spring unfolds, anticipation builds for beloved summer traditions that bring generations of families back to the lakes year after year. Signature events such as the Venetian Festival, this year from Aug.19-23, and Art in the Park, from Aug. 8-9, create lasting memories for visitors of all ages. There’s also “Concerts in the Park” on Thursday evenings beginning June 25 at Flat Iron Park, inviting music lovers to relax and enjoy multiple genres throughout the summer.

Looking ahead, the 2026 season brings new reasons to celebrate. Liberty on the Lake, happening July 4, commemorates America’s 250th anniversary with live music, family-friendly activities and a drone light show over Geneva Lake. Later in the year, adrenaline meets tradition with Red Bull Rush Delivery on Sept. 19, a highspeed competition inspired by the historic mail jumpers who leap from moving boats to deliver letters to lakeside residents.

Despite the exciting additions, the essence of Lake Geneva remains rooted in simple pleasures: the sound of gentle waves, the sight of sailboats drifting across the horizon and the feeling of reconnecting with nature after a long winter.

“Come experience Lake Geneva this spring,” Goodwin says, “where the lakes sparkle, nature awakens and every day feels like a breath of fresh air with new opportunities for fun and relaxation.” ❚

For more information about events, activities and recreation in the Lake Geneva region, go to visitlakegeneva.com.

Outdoor patios fill with conversation as diners welcome the return of spring.
Cyclists enjoy the fresh spring air while exploring scenic trails throughout the Lake Geneva region.

Asphalt or Stone Drive? For Some, It’s Both

With choices like asphalt and durable paver stones, it’s easy to dress up a home’s entrance in a hurry.

Perhaps the easiest place to revitalize a driveway is with a fresh sealcoat. It restores that slate-black appearance to a driveway, and it has other benefits. Because it smooths the surface of asphalt, sealcoat makes the driveway easier to sweep and plow, and it resists things like gas, oil and road salt.

“Best of all, properly sealed asphalt will more than double the life of your pavement,” says Megan Miller, marketing manager for Kaplan Paving, in Ingleside.

Once cracks, ruts and damage place a driveway’s condition beyond repair, it’s time to look at replacement. Traditionally, asphalt and concrete were always top-of-mind, but with recent advancements in asphalt, this

product has risen to the top of many families’ preferences.

Asphalt also tends to be one of the most affordable and cost-effective options in the long run, says Miller.

But asphalt is by no means the only choice. Durable paver stones, like those produced by Unilock, create attractive surfaces on everything from driveways and walkways to retaining walls, pool decks and outdoor kitchens. A homeowner can use them across the whole drive or create a “ribbon” of bricks to frame an asphalt stretch.

What product is right for your home? Miller believes there are several factors to consider when selecting a surface. It starts with budget, durability and design, but it’s also important to consider drainage, timeline and personal preference.

Timing is another important consideration. Kaplan offers significant

discounts when jobs are contracted at the beginning of the season. These may not be available later in the year.

Perhaps the most important factor, though, is whom you hire, because disreputable companies proliferate in this industry. Kaplan Paving has stood by its work since 1979.

“When you hire the right people, you ensure quality workmanship and timely completion on your job,” says Miller. ❚

To schedule a free estimate or learn more about a new driveway, call Kaplan Paving at (262) 294-3847.

Kaplan Paving offers significant discounts on jobs that are contracted during the spring.

Warm Months Are the Best Time for Repairs

Although this winter is bidding farewell, some smart planning right now will ensure your roofing, siding, windows, doors and furnace are in top condition when winter returns.

Think of your roofing, siding, windows and gutters like an envelope, wrapping your entire house in a protective layer. Each part blocks cold air and water from entering. Though they appear to work independently, they’re also an interconnected system. A weakness in one place can cause problems down the line.

Here’s an example: Justin Swanson, owner of JM Construction Group, took a call this winter from someone who thought he had a small problem with his roof. When the crew showed up, they saw a big problem: the roof was covered in ice.

“We looked at all of the other roofs around him, and they had snow.

There were no problems,” says Swanson, whose team specializes in roofing, siding, windows and gutters. “So, we called in an insulation expert and he said there was insulation missing everywhere. So, the heat was just going right through the house, melting all the snow on the roof. Then, at night it froze and turned the whole house into one huge icicle.”

Chances are, your home doesn’t have such an extreme issue, but it could have a smaller problem you might not recognize.

If you do notice a problem this late in the season, a roofing professional can still intervene. Most repairs are better done in the warm months, Swanson says, but there are emergency measures that will help right away.

Heat tape, placed along the gutter, will help to reduce ice damming. On warmer days, crews can make minor

repairs to shingles. But the best way to guard against winter’s chill is still a good dose of prevention.

“The best precaution is to make sure you know the age of your roof and you’re checking for signs of damage,” says Swanson. “Make sure you have proper attic insulation and ventilation. Make sure all penetrations are sealed and transitions are good. Your roof, siding, gutters, insulation, they all rely on each other, so if one is off they affect all of the others.” ❚

The best way to guard against winter’s chill is to repair your roof, siding and gutters now.

Innovative Piers and Lifts for Waterfront Living

Life on the water just got a lot easier. Ken Remer, co-owner of Midwest Marine & Barge Service, with his wife, Kristi, says, “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.”

Midwest Marine & Barge Service, 30341 Durant Ave., Burlington, supplies quality products and service for waterfront needs, specializing 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, with a variety of options for decorative lighting, storage racks and canopies. Annual repairs and new custom builds are all 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.

“Ninety percent of customers with piers have boat lifts to protect their investment,” he adds. 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 to get in and out of the lift, 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 caused by fluctuating water levels. Getting 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 provides piers and lifts that make waterfront living easy.

How Gut Health Impacts Your Well-Being

Your gut tells you a lot. Sometimes it’s just an instinct or a reaction to news. Or maybe it’s a gut punch when something has gone wrong. There may actually be a scientific reason for those feelings.

“That ‘gut feeling,’ that ‘gut reaction,’ isn’t just a figure of speech – it’s rooted in science,” says Dr. Roger Kapoor, senior vice president of Beloit Health System, a practicing dermatologist and a clinical assistant professor at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford. “It’s kind of an interesting phenomenon. Your digestive system literally connects to your brain through what’s called the ‘gut-brain axis.’ It’s almost like a direct phone line between your intestines and your central nervous system, and that’s why people have that ‘gut feeling.’ That’s how important your gut health is.”

Gut health has more of an impact on overall health than most people know, Kapoor adds. For example, the majority of serotonin in the body is made in the gut, not the brain.

“Serotonin is the main chemical that regulates mood, sleep, appetite and even how we process pain,” Kapoor says. “It’s often referred to as the ‘feel-good hormone.’ And 90% of that is made in the gut. It’s incredible what a major role gut health plays in our wellbeing, not only our physical well-being but our emotional well-being and our overall appearance, as well.”

Your skin is a window to your inner health, Kapoor adds.

“Eczema and overall dullness of the skin sometimes can be reflected by eating processed foods. If the gut – and the bacteria within it – get out of balance, this can trigger skin inflammation.”

Certain foods, however, will not only help balance your gut health but also benefit your skin health, Kapoor says.

“Fatty fish, like salmon, contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier,” he says. “Berries and carrots – and of course all of your greens – are loaded with antioxidants, which protect against free radicals produced by the sun and by pollution.” ❚

Gut health has a big impact on overall health, says Dr. Roger Kapoor.

What is Design-Build All About?

With many things in life, there’s more than one way to get the right answer. And so it goes with remodeling: Every contractor has their way of getting to the finished product. Which method is right for you? That depends entirely upon your needs and interests.

For many homeowners, the answer is design-build, an approach that brings everything under one roof for a smooth, seamless flow. It’s made many a successful remodel for clients of Macktown Construction Group.

“Design-build creates clarity from the beginning,” says Taylor Bible, client experience director for Macktown. “Rather than asking homeowners to coordinate multiple professionals, we guide them through a single, unified process. From the first conversation to the final walkthrough, clients work with one integrated team.”

The big idea with design-build is to bring sales, design, project management and construction all under one roof. What the client gets in return is a smooth flow of communication without the headaches that come with coordinating lots of separate services.

At Macktown Construction Group, clients meet with project director Chad Beasley for a simple conversation. It can be in-person, over the phone, on video – whatever’s easiest. This is a chance to talk about your needs and the scope of your project.

The design phase is where designbuild remodelers depart from their peers. Some firms simply offer “allowances,” a generic estimate for a given line item, like flooring. Firms like Macktown go a different way, removing all of the guesswork upfront.

“Our major advantage is that we use the real pricing tied to actual selections,

rather than broad allowances, so that means clients understand the true cost of their choices before construction begins, and not after,” says Bible. For clients, it all adds up to consistency, accountability and peace of mind.

“By investing time upfront in design and planning, we reduce unknowns during construction,” Bible says. ❚

Design-build allows clients to work with one team versus coordinating separate services.

Senior Living: Your Brain Health & Well-Being

Rockford, Ill., was recently recognized as the first dementia-friendly community in northern Illinois, making it an ideal setting for seniors with memory care needs. Three senior living communities rooted in the Rockford region are doing their part to keep it that way.

Wesley Willows, Peterson Meadows and Highview in the Woodlands make up the Wesley Willows family of communities. The senior living organization’s vision is to inspire the well-being and life journey of every person who lives and works in its communities. So, families of residents don’t have to wonder whether Wesley Willows communities provide personalized and holistic care for their loved ones’ brain health and well-being.

A major part of this vision is a renewed emphasis on whole-person wellness. Wesley Willows recognizes that well-being involves far more than physical health alone – it includes the mind, body, spirit, and emotional life of every resident and staff member. To support this, the organization is cultivating a culture of well-being, developing an integrated health care system, and building a strong cognitive wellness brand grounded in research and compassion.

Central to this approach is an emphasis on brain health, a growing priority for older adults and families. Wesley Willows’ Brain Health and Well-Being initiatives help older adults live with clarity, confidence and purpose by supporting cognitive wellness at every stage, from proactive prevention to advanced memory support. These programs blend research-based practices with a human-centered, ability-focused philosophy.

Balanced brain health and well-being is shaped by eight

dimensions of daily life: physical, vocational, emotional, financial, intellectual, social, spiritual and environmental. By offering programs focused on these pillars, Wesley Willows helps residents build resilience, preserve independence and remain engaged in their life journeys.

What makes this vision especially meaningful is how these initiatives align with the organization’s five-year strategic plan for lifelong, holistic care. The plan includes investing in tech-based lifestyle applications, embracing Montessori-inspired and Eden Alternative lifestyle principles, and making brain health education available to residents and the Greater Rockford region. This reflects Wesley Willows’ longstanding belief that senior living should be about celebrating life, not merely preserving it.

These values come alive every day across Wesley Willows, Peterson Meadows and Highview in the Woodlands – three communities that continue to grow as vibrant, supportive environments where each resident’s strengths and preferences guide their wellness journey. As Wesley Willows expands its integrated health services and brain health programming, it is positioning itself as a leader in senior wellness for years to come.

Wesley Willows’ vision for the next five years is more than a strategic plan. It is an invitation – for seniors to enjoy independence without burden, purpose without stress, community without isolation, and a place where families feel confident and supported. Ultimately, it is an invitation to celebrate life every day. ❚

If you’d like to experience how Wesley Willows is redefining senior living, call (815) 316-1500 or visit wesleywillows.org to schedule a tour.

Wesley Willows exists to inspire the well-being and life journey of its residents and staff.
Residents engage in a variety of activities to promote brain health, including woodworking.

Lake Geneva Magic Show

Recurring event; see website for times. Enjoy magic, comedy and illusions in an entertaining performance. Tristan Crist Magic Theatre, 100 N. Edwards Blvd., Lake Geneva, (262) 2480505, lakegenevamagic.com.

‘Hairspray’

April 16-May 31, see website for times. Winner of eight Tony Awards, “Hairspray” is a story about acceptance and inclusion during the early days of the civil rights movement. It’s a story of equality told with humor and heart, ‘60’s rock and roll, and high-energy dancing. Fireside Dinner Theater, 1131 Janesville Ave., Fort Atkinson, firesidetheatre.com.

Comedy Night | Lucas Bohn

April 17, 7 p.m. Enjoy a night of laughs and fun. Geneva Stage, 244 Broad St, Lake Geneva, genevastage.com.

Wee Whiskey Fest

April 17-19. Whiskey lovers can immerse themselves in a weekend of spirited festivities, including live music, a bourbon & burlesque show, lively parties and boat rides. The grand tasting offers 150+ bourbon/whiskey samples from more than 50 distilleries. See weewhiskeyfest.com for locations and times.

‘Just One Look’ | Linda Ronstadt Tribute

Entertainment & Events

April 17-18, 7 p.m. Holly Aprecio returns with her tribute to Linda Ronstadt in “Just One Look,” a Seattle-area act including Holly’s father, Arny Bailey, celebrating the iconic 70s vocalist with hits like “When Will I Be Loved,” “Silver Threads and Golden Needles,” and “Heat Wave”. Belfry Music Theatre, 3601 WI67, Delavan, belfrymusictheatre.com.

Lake Geneva Restaurant Week

April 18-26. Make plans to enjoy a culinary adventure around the Lake Geneva region. Dozens of the area’s finest restaurants feature exclusive breakfast, lunch and dinner menus created just for Restaurant Week. See visitlakegeneva.com for locations.

Healthy Kids Day

April 25, 10:30 a.m.-noon. “Healthy Kids Day” is a national YMCA initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids and families. Expect a variety of vendors, snacks and free activities. Geneva Lakes Family YMCA, 203 Wells St., Lake Geneva, genevalakesymca.org.

Yerkes Observatory Open House

April 25, 5-7 p.m. This open house has telescopes on the South Lawn, presentations,

food and educational activities. Yerkes Observatory, 373 W. Geneva St., Williams Bay, yerkesobservatory.org.

In-Water Demo Days

May 2-3 & 9. Experience the boats you have been thinking about buying the way they are meant to be experienced… on the water. Get behind the wheel, explore features, and feel how different boats handle before making a decision. Jerry’s Majestic Marine, 352 Lake St., Fontana, jerrysmajestic.com. ❚

Restaurant Week kicks off on April 18 in Lake Geneva. Dozens of the area’s finest restaurants, including 1878 On The Lake (pictured above), feature exclusive menus.

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