Carpfest a busy week in Prairie du Chien, capped off with carp drop
Prairie du Chien has made quite a celebration out of dropping a carp on New Year’s Eve for the past 16 years. Carpfest, as it’s affectionately tagged, is weeks long, leading up to the official turn of the calendar.
A carp coloring contest is complete and winners were recognized Monday, including Leola Ledesma, Kaydence Comer, Zackkary Suthers. A total of 54 entries were submitted in three age groups.
The bulk of the Carpfest activities begin Monday, Dec. 26, and take place the week before the new year. the schedule includes:
•Monday, Dec. 26—Euchre tournament, city hall, 1-4 p.m.; family open gym, swim, rec room, Hoffman Hall, 1-4 p.m.
•Tuesday, Dec. 27—Bowling party, Leisure Time, 12-3 p.m.; family open gym, swim, rec room, Hoffman Hall, 1-4 p.m.
•Wednesday-Friday, Dec.28-30—Family open gym, swim, rec room, Hoffman Hall, 1-4 p.m.
•Saturday, Dec. 31—Family open gym, swim, rec room, Hoffman Hall, 1-4 p.m.; Early Bird Droppin’ of the Carp Party, Hoffman Hall, 6-7:30 p.m.; Droppin’ of the Carp, Lucky Park, 9 p.m.-midnight
Euchre tournament
Interested card players are encouraged to join in the fun at the euchre tournament, co-sponsored by the Prairie du Chien Eagles Club, at the city hall community room. Card playing begins Monday, Dec. 26, at 1 p.m. Bring your dimes and there is a small entry fee. Cash payback will be for the top five place winners. There will also be door prizes. To join, call 326-7207 or Butch Pedretti at 326-8658.
Bowling party
Attend the bowling party Tuesday, Dec. 27, from noon to 3 p.m. at Leisure Time Sports Bar and Bowl. This is a first come, first serve event (access to the bowling alley only). Everything—from the bowling games and shoe rental to French fries and pop are only $1 each.
Early bird party
On Saturday, Dec. 31 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Hoffman Hall recreation center, there will be plenty of fun for the whole family, for a small entry fee per person and discounts per family. This event is geared toward youth amd families wishing to spend some time ringing in the new year together. Activities include arts and crafts, carnival games, meet the Carp King and Queen, a pet therapy dog, snowmobile rides, noisemakers and hats, kiss Lucky Carp Jr. for good luck, carp samples, carp corn and carp pop as well as carp pizza and hot carp chocolate available for purchase. Tristan the magician will also perform at 6:45 p.m.
Droppin’ of the Carp
Beginning at 9 p.m. at Lucky Park downtown will be the area’s largest music, entertainment and light show, sponsored by Twisted Vision, from 9 p.m. to midnight. There will be a huge bonfire to keep attendees warm.
The grand finale event will be the Droppin’ of the Carp and pyrotechnics show when the clock strikes midnight.
Carpfest is sponsored by the Prairie du Chien Tourism Council, Fuller Lumber, Liberty Builders, Valley Fish and Cheese, Leisure Time, Huckleberry’s, Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce, Twisted Vision, Dan Gingerich Crane, Eagles Club and Cliffhangers Snowmobile Club.
On New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, a Rotary Club breakfast will cap the celebration, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Huckleberry’s.
All proceeds from the year-end festivities will benefit the Droppin’ of the Carp and the Prairie du Chien Parks and Recreation Department.
