Moose Fest....count down

I am putting the final touches on things in the shop, contacting news media and getting all our MOOOSE in a roww for next weekends event. The proclamation by the Governor was icing on the cake, all the hard work has been worth it. Signs are drying, Moose hats are in the works and we are drawing and cutting out the lifesize cartoon characters from Moose Lake to display around town. Helipcopters are coming as well as the hot air balloons, WIST team from Etsy has members here also. Miller is finishing the last of the banners and we have spread the word as far as possible. Bring the family and come see all the new items in the shop as well as some of the old stand bys and enjoy the fest weekend.

Final prep for Moose Fest

I am busy getting alll thoase last minute items finished , the shop spruced up and making sure there are tags on everyhting. We are still waiting on the banner I ordered for the Ladies from Wist team on Etsy who are coming to the fest.

A helicopter company just called about coming and giving helicopter rides, this should be alot of fun and if everyone who comes would bring just one person , this will be amazing. So help spread the word and come on out and do some shopping, eat at any of the amazing food booths, let the kids fish FREE and enjoy the carnival. Tickets are $2.00 and each ride is 1 ticket. We have tickets in the shop now, and advance tickets are $1.00. Juggler, cartoon auction, pancake eating contest, Come on out and stop in and say hello.

another MOOSE type recipe

“Antler Munch” Popcorn

22.5 oz Crunch and Munch® or Fiddle Faddle® Popcorn (your favorite flavor) (3 7.5 oz bozes)
1 cup Nuts (pecans, almonds, cashews), optional
12 oz Semi-sweet chocolate chips
12 oz White chocolate chips
2 tsp Crisco, divided

Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper or Silpat. Set aside.

Place semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 tsp of Crisco in a large microwave safe bowl. Microwave for about 30 seconds. Stir. Continue until chips look shiny. Remove from microwave and stir until all chips are melted.

Quickly stir in 1 box of popcorn and ? cup of nuts, if using. Note that popcorn does not have to be perfectly covered with chocolate. Spread onto the prepared cookie sheet, separating kernels as much as possible. Cool completely and break into pieces.

Repeat the process with the white chocolate chips and remaining Crisco. Stir in a second box of popcorn with another ? cup of nuts, if using. Add the white chocolate chips and put on the 2nd cookie sheet as described above.

When both pans of chocolate covered popcorn have dried, combine the white chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate and the remaining box of popcorn. Combine the nuts with the popcorn. Store in airtight container out of the heat.

In the shop I am busy finishing up painting for the fest, it is fast approaching May 1 & 2 . This has been a great opportunity for Montello and the surrounding area.FREE Icecream for the visitors, hot air ballons, carnival and 10 Pro fisherman to take kids 9-14 fishing for FREE, Bring the family out to see the natural resources we have as well as all the vendors and attractions brought here this day. Our group is busy trying to finalize plans and make this event a huge success. think FUN . The shop will be getting updated as soon as I find some spare time,

Apathy?????

This morning as I sit and work on things for the Moose Fest, I find it hard to come up with ways to jolt the people in and around town into coming out to the downton are to see all it has to offer. Don't get me wrong they are all very nice people but, they tend to drive 20 minutes to shop in Portage or maybe and hour to Madison,,,,, when right here they can find those very same things, save gas, time and build their community. The New Montello Group has been working for 3 years to get locals involved in their downtown through events like the Easter Bunny Parade and more. Well enough whining on my part. My project this morning was to create a coloring contest page to be handed out at the local school and a couple surrounding towns. I did find a MOOSE for them to color and will get this off to the printer. With that behind me and no emergency calls yet I can sit down and get some painting done. I am hoping to get the shop full to the brim before the fest. A nice weekend in May would put the season off to a good start. So today, I will stay away from the computer and paint black bears and a moose of two on some camping and cabin signs.

Living in a small town

    I grew up in a suburb of Chicago, married, raised kids then moved to a small town in Wisconsin.  Life is good, but very different.  People move at a slower pace...a good thing most of the time.  Everyone knows everyone and their whole family....ususally a good thing. There is a sense of belonging to your town.....but, over time people take for granted all they have and need to go visit a big city where they are a little fish in a big pond to appreciate what they have back home.  I belong to the local downtown business group and we put together events in the town, not just to attract shoppers and tourists but for the families who live here. Just last Saturday we had the 3rd annual easter Bunny Parade, a huge hit with the kids. Yet, the turnout could have been much better if more businesses had joined in and the school had helped spread the word.

My next pet project for during the summer is kids rock painting classes. This is a great rainy day project for kids and a great way to let them express themselves. I always like to see their faces when from that little rock they found, out comes a bunny or turtle or for the boys a snake!

We have alot of cabin and campers in the area and this is a great project for them too. Have the kids collect rocks, ( I tell them a perfect bunny rock is shaped like a baked potato) a few bottles of inexpensive acrylic paint and 2 sizes of brushes and they are off. I always draw on the areas in chalk so they are just covered up by the paint!  I really enjoy watching as these kids paint. They are fearless, unlike the adults I teach the very same class to.

But, for right now I am painting like crazy by day and crocheting all evening to have the shop full to overflowing for Moose Fest coming up May 1 & 2 , right here in downtown Montello. What a huge boost this could give our town in a time when we badly need it after the flood of 2008 and closing of our one and only boat launch downtown in 2009. So off I go now to paint and get ready.

Easter Bunny Parade

was a HUGE success. Here is a picture from the Waterfall..
to see more phots and a list of the sponsoring businesses vist the New Montello Groups Blog

Happy Easter

Much Painting Going On

With Moose Fest just 1 month away I am busy painting to get everthing done in time. From the log signs and rocks to those Dress-Me Friends and outfits. There just dont seem to be enough hours in a day anymore.
I do have some helpers, when they are not at school or their part time jobs.

This is Chris and J.J. our little leprechaun. His hair is the color of his beard!

We are adding new camping signs and some really cute painted windows to the shop. I added some of the crocheted sweaters to Etsy

Remember mark your calendars for May 1 & 2 and come out and enjoy Moose Fest and visit us at the shop.  I better get off the computer and paint, soooooo  much to do and so little time left!

Things are changing quickly here

The shop feels like spring now, bunnies and ducks and tulips galore!

We are seeing new Moose Hunters every day which is wonderful, spring has sprung up here.  People are also buzzing about The Great American Moose fest and beginning to come in and ask questions. Great bring your friends and family and join us May 1 & 2.  Maybe win a scooter finding Moose tags, alot of fun for the whoe family.'

The Easter Bunny was spotted down at The Garden Center and Teapot Quilt Cottage. WOW are they decorated. We see people up opening their places early this year, a very good sign.

My favorite new item this spring is the duck hat

this littel guy is a favorite model of mine and loves to help unlike

this litttle guy who really asked to try it on, but what a face!  Just like his Dad

Moose on the mind in Montello

Well, we have wiped the winter off the windows and are well into spring.  So, with Moose on everyones mind here in Montello, we are finding new ways to bring MOOSE into the shop.

Starting Saturdays we will have MOOSE POOP cookies, and other treats.

Something for the Moose Hunt followers and those gearing up for Moose Fest.

Hopefully I can get some Mooose Welcome Friends donae along with some Moose on cabin signs and logs.

Here is the first MOOSE POOP Cookie recipe we will try !

Ingredients

•2 sticks of butter (1 cup)

•3/4 cup brown sugar

•3/4 cup white sugar

•2 eggs

•1 tsp vanilla

•2 cups flour

•1/2 tsp salt

•1 tsp baking soda

•3 cups oatmeal

•1 cup chopped walnuts

•2 cups chocolate chips

Directions

.Mix all together, drop by 1/4 cup portions on a

.greased cookie sheet. Bake at 325 degrees for 20

minutes.
Sounds easy enough , I'll let you know

great cupcake recipe

Box-Mix Cupcakes


1 box (18.25 oz) cake mix (vanilla, devil’s food, or yellow)

1 cup buttermilk (in place of water called for on the box)

Vegetable oil (the amount on the box)

4 eggs (in place of the number called for on the box)



Preheat oven to 350F. Line muffin cups with paper liners.


I think I will try these at our nexy bake sale on April 3rd


Follow the box instructions, putting all the ingredients in a large bowl and using the buttermilk in place of the water specified on the box, using the amount of vegetable oil that is called for, and adding the eggs. Beet with an electric mixer until moistened, about 30 seconds. Increase the speed to high and beat until thick, 2 minutes longer



Fill paper liners two-thirds full. Bake 12 to 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean. Cool completely before icing.

philadelphia chocolate cheesecakes for two recipe at kraftfoods.com

philadelphia chocolate cheesecakes for two recipe at kraftfoods.com

Do you know any......

Craft Fair vendors or Festival goers.  If so tell them about this great upcoming event !

Hot Air balloons rides have just been added and the advertising is nationwide!

There is something for everyone from kids fishing ( Dad's can meet the Pros) and carnival, food vendors, shopping and an incentive for visitors to stop at every booth.  They are looking to collect 2 matching tickets to earn FREE Ice cream. Music, cartoon auction and much more.

Not a vendor.....then grab the family and come on out, campgrounds and Montells in the area for a weekend stay. See all the great natural resources we have also,

http://www.greatmoosefestival.com/

Please share this event with friends and family

SEE YOU THERE

stop in at Pattibears Place and let me know you made it !

With St. Patrick's Day Tommorrow

I thought it would be nice to share a recipe that goes great with your coffee as you read the blogs ,

Cinnamon Bun Scones
Servings: 12 Scones

Cook time: 11 to 13 minutes

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup quick oatmeal (uncooked)

1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter chilled and cut into pieces

3/4 cup whole or 2% milk

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup toasted chopped pecans, or walnuts

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Glaze

3/4 cup powdered sugar

3 to 4 teaspoons Tropicana Pure Premium orange juice or milk

Directions:

Heat oven to 425 F. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray.

In large bowl, combine flour, oats, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, baking powder and salt; mix well.

Cut in butter with pastry blender or two knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

In small bowl, combine milk, egg and vanilla; blend well.

Add to dry ingredients all at once; stir with fork or rubber spatula just until dry ingredients are moistened.

In small bowl, combine remaining 2 tablespoons granulated sugar with the pecans and cinnamon; mix well.

Sprinkle evenly over dough in bowl; gently stir batter to swirl in cinnamon mixture.

(Do not blend completely.)

Drop dough by 1/4 cupfuls 2 inches apart on cookie sheet.

Bake 11 to 13 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire rack; cool 5 minutes.

In small bowl, combine powdered sugar and enough orange juice for desired consistency; mix until smooth.

Drizzle over tops of warm scones.

Serve warm.

Recipe - Shamrock Cupcake Pops - MixingBowl.com

Recipe - Shamrock Cupcake Pops - MixingBowl.com

New items for Spring

This is not to the face I was going for.  J.J. ASKED to model but this face looks more like"Grandma made me wear this "

I have just added a Duck hat, hooded duck sweater, hooded frog sweater and a duck sweater and hat to the Etsy shop. Hopefully today when my little helpers go home I will have time to add them to my site as well. They are on hand in the shop in Montello and the first duck hat sold yesterday. That LITTLE GUY DID'NT LOOK NEARLY AS UPSET.

I am still between ducks busy contacting crafters for our upcoming Great American Moose Fest, space is still available and it is a huge family fun event.

Spring is starting early here!

    Our windows have daffoldils and spring sweaters to brighten these last few grey weeks of winter. Adorable little duck and lamb hats and sweaters are appearing in the shop daily. Of course those little frogs are back with sweaters and a new hooded frog sweater. From the littlest baby to 4 toddler these are a must this spring. Our log signs are filling the shop for thos cabina nd camper visitor who will be stopping in trying to break up the cabin fever blues.
   And will all this to do we are still very busy helping to get The Great American Moose Fest all settled in here in Montello. What a fun family event this will be, with Pro Fisherman taking the kids out for a fishing lesson to carnival rides food and tons of great shopping.

Excited about MOOSE !!!

We are busy making plans for our part in The Great American Moose Fest . The February posters came yesterday with the photos of all ten pro fisherman. WOW what a treat for the kids to get a chance to go out in a boat and fish with a Pro. New vendors are signing in every day and we are amazed at how well this all came together and what it can do for the area, not just Montello. Not just us (Pattibears), but all the businesses can help make this a huge event

Need a gift?

       Valentines Day is coming fast and already signs of hearts and cupids can be found around town. This year take a few minutes to see what great Valentines Day gift ideas you can find right here in town. Flowers, handmade gifts, gift certificates, sporting goods, dinner out,or maybe a little of each. Shops around town are getting those Valentine Specials ready and are also holding a Valentines Day Bake Sale on Februaury 13th at the Teapot Quilt Cottage. Stop in and pick up a sweet for your sweetie. The New Montello Group is sponsoring the Bake Sale .Cupcakes and more for your holiday treat.
     
    Our Dress-Me Welcome Friends have their Valentine outfits ready to go, what a cute way to greet your guests.


     While you are out and about , do not forget to collect your Moose Hunt tickets. Anywhere that is playing has a ticket for you, no purchase necessary from Subway and the hardware store to Yahooz and Tambears, Hometown Florist, Montello Beauty Salon, Rustic Bar & Grill, Teapot Quilt Cottage and Pattibears Place .If by chance someone doesnt offer you one, JUST ASK!!!!! The more you collect the better your chancing of winning one of the great prizes.


     Also keep an eye out for updates on Moose Fest May 1 & 2. This will be a wonderful family fun event right in downtown Montello. Carnival rides, pro fishing with the kids, crafts, food, music and more. So, mark your calendars and join us in starting the season off with a bank.

Gearing up for Valentines Day

Great American Moose Fest


We are bringing out the hearts and cupids and getting ready for our Valentines Day Bake Sale on February 13th. The New Montello Group is hosating this sale to raise funds for advertising and such to promote The Great American Moose Fest, on May 1st and 2nd. This is going to be a huge event for Montello and the surrounding area. With something for everyone to do and see, this will be a sure hit with families. Carnival rides, pro fishing for kids, crafts, food, vendors... and a chance to win a scooter. So mark you calendars and stop in town. If you are a crafter, check out the site and come set up and get your year off to a great start.
     Here is an ad for Moose Fest...........Saturday, May 1, 2010 through Sunday, May 2, 2010. 9 am, 8 pm. A fun festival that transforms an entire city around the nationally syndicated cartoon Moose Lake. With free ice cream for the public, a hidden scooter give away, carnival rides by Calkins Midways, craft vendors, food vendors, antique vendors, pro fishermen to take kids out fishing, music, national author Linda Godfrey, national entertainer Dan Kirk, National cartoonist Steve Krueger. Something for everyone and fun galore all while raising proceeds for the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. Free. Montello, WI, Montello, Marquette County. Call 920-809-0636. E-mail: themoosehunt@yahoo.com Web: www.greatmoosefestival.com Subjects: Festivals, Crafts, Kids [E-70779]

Winter clearance Sale

Join us for a huge winter clearance sale going on. Everything that even looks like winter is 50% off. We are gearing up for spring . While you are here don't forget to pick up your Moose Hunt ticket and then collect them around town. Before you know it , it will be time for Moose Fest so mark your calendars and bring the family out for a fun weekend. May 1 & 2