9/29/2025

VILAS COUNTY - The 45th annual Cranberry Fest is set to return to the Vilas County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Oct. 4, and Sunday, Oct. 5. This popular event, hosted by the Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce, traditionally draws over 45,000 visitors. Downtown Eagle River will also host some activities on Saturday, Oct. 4. Attendees can explore approximately 250 booths offering a wide variety of cranberry-inspired foods and drinks, as well as arts-and-crafts, farmers market goods, and vintage/antique items. An estimated 10,000 pounds of cranberries are sold during the festival, transformed into delectable treats. The success of Cranberry Fest relies on the dedication of 400 volunteers, who contribute over 2,000 hours of their time each year. Those interested in volunteering can contact the Eagle River Area Chamber.

9/26/2025

BOULDER JUNCTION - The Boulder Junction Town board, discussed opening town roads to ATV and UTV use. Boulder Junction ATV club president Dennis Duke supported the proposal, citing increased tourism and resident usage, while acknowledging the need for compromise. A town survey revealed a 55% opposition to 45% in favor, with both sides disputing the survey’s validity. Safety and noise concerns were raised by homeowner Tom Basting Sr., who also noted that town road approval is a prerequisite for forest access. Both sides are urging the Town Board to make a decision on the formal ordinance.

9/26/2025

PARK FALLS - Park Theatre in Park Falls, a long-standing movie theater that first opened its doors in June 1950, is set to close on November 30. Owners Paul and Katie Freiburger, who purchased the theater in 2020 with plans for restoration, announced on Facebook that financial difficulties are forcing its closure. In their statement, the Freiburgers explained, “While we have enjoyed bringing entertainment to Park Falls, we unfortunately cannot financially keep going. In full transparency, not only has the movie industry dramatically changed over the years but rising costs of supplies and utilities has led us to make this incredibly hard decision. The theater’s history dates back 75 years to its opening by Jim and George Esterl, who later passed it to Pete and Marge Esterl. After a period of closure, Jim and Kathy Billek bought the Park Theatre in 1996 and operated it until the Freiburgers’ purchase in 2020. This closure marks the end of the only movie theater in Park Falls.