Carp Fest a cheerful countdown toward New Year’s
A family enjoys fresh carp samples, while Lucky Carp Jr. stands happy and ready to greet everyone at the Family Droppin’ of the Carp Party last New Year’s Eve. (Courier Press file photo)
By Correne Martin
It’s the time of year when even Lucky the Carp, Prairie du Chien’s famous fish, feels frozen.
But with Carp Fest, community members are invited to warm up with some free or low-cost programs, Dec. 23 and Dec. 26-30 across the city, in celebration of the impending New Year.
“Everybody’s invited, families young and old. Calls are already coming in about Carp Fest,” said Mike Ulrich, Prairie du Chien Parks and Recreation Director.
A coloring contest, featuring Lucky himself, started off the month. Pictures can still be picked up at city hall or Hoffman Hall, but must be returned to those locations by Thursday, Dec. 12, at 4:30 p.m.
For the prime week of Carp Fest, open gym, swim and rec room will be available to Hoffman Hall patrons, both current and new, for a very small fee, Dec. 23, and Dec. 26-30, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Several special events are planned for individuals and families of all ages.
On Monday, Dec. 23, there will be Family Bingo, at Hoffman Hall, from 1 to 3 p.m. Kids are encouraged to come try their hand, and their luck, while enjoying the game for a minimal user fee. Popcorn and coffee will be provided. There will be cash prizes, hard cards and paper specials, according to Ulrich.
New this Carp Fest, a Movie Marathon will take place at the Prairie du Chien Memorial Library Thursday, Dec. 26. Catch four animated fish movie favorites at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Bring your own snacks, or enjoy free popcorn from the librarians as well.
On Friday, Dec. 27, all are invited to a Bowling Party at Leisure Time Sports Bar and Bowl from 12 to 3:30 p.m. On a first-come-first-serve basis, this will be a good chance to cure kids’ boredom over Christmas break and offer a place for them to hang out with friends. Families and friends can show off their skills, and also eat French fries and pop. Bowling games, shoe rental, fries and pop will all be available for a little fee.
On Monday, Dec. 30, area residents are welcome to compete in the festival’s Euchre Tournament at Hoffman Hall from 1 to 4 p.m. This activity is sponsored by the Eagles Club, and the facility is wheelchair accessible. Bring your dimes; there will be a cash payback to the top five place winners. For more information, call Butch Pedretti at 326-8658.
The biggest day of all the Carp-themed festivities will arrive on New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 31. The annual Family Droppin’ of the Carp Party is scheduled at Hoffman Hall from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Though the real Lucky is no longer dropped from high above, outside in frigid temperatures, this celebration is an amusing and cheerful, indoor alternative. Geared more toward youth, but inviting of everyone, the Carp Party activities include arts and crafts, carnival games, face painting, Meet the Carp King and Queen, miniature dairy goats, meet Master Gardeners and Bixby the Rabbit, noisemakers and hats, kiss Lucky Carp Jr. for good luck, fresh carp samples, carp corn, pizza and hot carp chocolate all at favorable prices. Also, music and goofy entertainment will be provided by Dan Harwood and Friends.
As the year comes to a close, this is nice event intent on bringing friends, family and the community together for the New Year.
