We’re really excited about this episode because it’s about a unique piece of Grafton’s history – the Paramount Blues. If you’ve driven in our downtown, you’ve noticed our Paramount Plaza with the Walk of Fame, honoring famous and influential Blues artists. In this episode we’ll talk about the history of the Blues in Grafton, Wisconsin with Kevin Ramsey and Angie Mack-Reilly. We’ll also talk to Cara McMullin about an exciting partnership with the Milwaukee Repertory Theater!   Kevin Ramsey is the playwright and director of Chasin’ Dem Blues. Kevin has written four plays, two of which were put on at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater. He is knowledgeable of our community and the impact we had on Blues history. His love of history and music has inspired him to write Chasin’ Dem Blues. His enthusiasm for not only Chasin’ Dem Blues but also Grafton, WI! Angie Mack-Reilly is our local historian and person who literally dug up the Blues history out of the Milwaukee River. Angie has always been very active with the arts in Grafton and most importantly, instrumental in uncovering the blues history in Grafton. We were in awe of her while talking about the extent of research she did to discover the blues history in Grafton and we hope you will appreciate what she did as much as we do!   Our last guest is Cara McMullen. Cara is the Director of Marketing at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater. Cara spent the early years of her life living in an apartment on 12th Avenue right here in Grafton! She has worked with us to bring our vision of Grafton Night at Chasin’ Dem Blues to life! We are so excited to present this partnership to Grafton and our surrounding communities.   Grafton Night at Chasin’ Dem Blues is Saturday, February 29 5-11:00pm. Included in your $100 will be your ticket to the show, a three-course meal with a variety of options and transportation to and from the show via a coach bus. We will meet at the football field parking lot at Grafton High School at 5pm to get to the Milwaukee Reparatory Theater to enjoy dinner prior to the show. You can still purchase tickets online at www.grafton-wi.org! Contact Annalise with any questions celebrate@grafton-wi.org 262-377-1650.  

Episode 15: Chasin’ Dem Blues - Paramount Records in Grafton, WI

It’s season two which just makes sense to start with the holiday season! On today’s episode, we’ll be talking with three of Santa’s helpers who are instrumental in helping with Grafton’s holiday events. Our first guest is Dave Antoine, Chair of the Tree Lighting Committee, Grafton Village Trustee and the guru of everything Grafton. Join us at the Paramount Plaza on Sunday, November 24th from 4-8pm for the Outstanding Citizen and Group ceremony as well as the 20th Annual Tree Lighting. Next is one of Santa’s busy elves, Becki Schimpf. Becki is the Marketing Coordinator for Cornerstone Community Bank, who is the annual sponsor for this annual magical event for kids and their families. She’ll tell us all about Breakfast with Santa at Circle B Recreation Center. Make sure to buy tickets for Breakfast with Santa as it sells out every year! Breakfast with Santa is Saturday, November 30th 7:30-10:00am at Circle B Recreation Center. After the breakfast come to Downtown Grafton for the 40th Annual Christmas Parade sponsored by US Bank! Sarah McCraw, Administrative Assistant and Programs Coordinator at the Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce, will give us some secrets and insights about this year’s parade! The parade is Saturday, November 30th at 11am! For more information about these events, please go to www.grafton-wi.org or follow/“like” us on Facebook - @VisitGraftonWI @GraftonChamberofCommerce.

Episode 14: Holiday Events in Grafton

On this month’s episode of Get Away to Grafton, we prepare for a summer of outdoor food and drink with local experts. We’ll hear about the second ever Beer on the Bridge in Grafton, Grafton’s brand-new Traveling Food Truck Tour, and from the owners of local food truck, That Taco Guy. Let’s get started!   To begin, beer connoisseur and Grafton cheerleader Paul Alexander returns to Get Away to Grafton to talk about the second annual Beer on the Bridge tasting event. Paul, owner of 024 taproom in the Grafton Arts Mill, has always felt that Grafton is a city full of beer-lovers with no beer events. Last year, Paul organized the first ever Beer on the Bridge which was an enormous success. This year, Beer on the Bridge will take place Saturday, June 8th. General admission begins at 1pm until the festival closes at 5pm (VIP attendees can enter at 12pm). Like the name of the event suggests, the event takes place on the Bridge St. Bridge, just north of the Grafton Arts Mill. Paul’s event will boast nearly 100 beers from 35 breweries, live music from the Maple Blues Road Band, and food trucks. Tickets can be bought in advance or at the door. To purchase tickets in advance, you can visit the  Chamber of Commerce Website, or pick them up in person at the 024 Taproom or the Bottle Shop of Grafton. General admission tickets cost $50 and designated drivers get in free, but if you’re feeling adventurous you can upgrade to a VIP ticket that allows early entrance to the event and access to a VIP area featuring three rare barrels to sample. All tickets include a 5oz sampling glass and unlimited sampling of all beers for the duration of the event. The inspiration for the event came from Grafton’s festival-friendly layout and the unique location of a waterfall-spanning bridge. Back again this year is Beer on the Bridge’s Homebrewing Competition! For a small fee, contestants can bring two samples of their homebrewed beer rated by local judges. The winner of the competition will have the opportunity to brew their recipe in the Fermentorium’s brewing system!   Next, Andrew Swafford of the Traveling Food Truck Series sits down with us to give us a sneak-peak of what to expect at Graton’s Traveling Food Truck Series. Nearly four years ago, Andrew began his food truck journey while organizing the Rockin’ Food Truck tour in Franklin. The event was so successful, the organizers approached the city of Oak Creek about organizing a similar event the following year. The support was outstanding, which lead to the concept of a traveling food truck tour that visits cities around south-east Wisconsin. Andrew says the tour has grown every year and will include an expanded tap-list for this years tour with unique taps and cans from local breweries. Live music, games, and activities for children will be featured in Grafton’s leg of the tour. You can follow the event at travelingfootrucktour.com, which will release a list of all the vendors closer to the event.

Episode 13: A Food Truck and Festival Filled Summer in Grafton

On this month’s episode of Get Away to Grafton, we’re thinking spring, and for us, that means planning a special event in Grafton! Sit back, relax, and hear from our friends in and around Grafton that can help you plan the perfect wedding, shower, family event, and more! We can’t wait for you to hear from our friends at From Scratch Catering, River Room on the Milwaukee, and Bloomin’ Olive.   First, our special friend, Donna Erickson of From Scratch Catering, is joining us to share details about her delicious treats you won’t want to miss. From entrees, sides, desserts, and more, we bet you’ll be drooling and wanting to have a taste of Donna’s delicious creations after listening to her segment of the show! From Scratch Catering has a unique story to tell about their business culture and philosophy of their dishes, and offers the best options for any special occasion. For more information about From Scratch Catering, please visit them at https://www.fromscratchcatering.com/ or follow them on Facebook @fromscratchcatering   Our next guest is Tina Gotter of River Room on the Milwaukee. Tina shares with us her background, why she chose to go into the event planning business here in Grafton, and why you won’t want to pass up her venue for your special event. Once you get a look at the beautiful backdrop behind the building, the Milwaukee River, you’ll be absolutely sold! For more information about the River Room on the Milwaukee, and their event packages, please visit them at https://riverroomevents.com/ or follow them on Facebook @riverroomevents   Finally, we’ve saved the best for last. Any event needs a little pop of color, and our friends with creative minds at Bloomin’ Olive, owner Kim Meisinger and floral assistant Grace King, share their vision for their beautiful flower creations. Learn where the name Bloomin’ Olive came from, and why they are the perfect place to work with for any price point or budget. Bloomin’ Olive is also very excited to announce that they have a Facebook and Instagram account! Be sure to follow them to see the latest images of their works of art. For more information about Bloomin’ Olive, please visit them at https://www.bloominolivellc.com/ or on Facebook and Instagram @bloominolivegrafton   For more information about Grafton’s local businesses, event planning, and more, please visit us at grafton-wi.org. We have a helpful directory of all of our chamber member businesses that can help you bring your vision to life! Be sure to follow   us on our Facebook accounts; @graftonchamberofcommerce, @celebrategrafton, and @visitgraftonwi

Episode 12: The Perfect Party in Grafton

On this month’s episode of Get Away to Grafton, we share hidden and popular gems in our own backyard for thrift shopping and bargain hunting deals. Join us as we hear from our friends at Deez Dealz, Family Sharing of Ozaukee County, and Goodwill of Grafton and Southeastern Wisconsin. Our friends can tell you how to get great deals on things like toiletries, clothing, Coach Purses, and so much more!   First up is Shannon of Deez Dealz. Dealz Deelz just celebrated their one year anniversary in Grafton, and we are so excited to have them in our community. Deez Dealz is full of amazing deals because of liquidation sales or auctions for bulk items that they attend. You can find virtually anything in their store from toilet paper to Coach Purses! Be sure to stop in during their business hours and check out their rotating inventory. For more information about Deez Dealz, please follow them on their Facebook page, @deezdealzllc   Our next guest is Julie Hoover of Family Sharing of Ozaukee County. Julie shares with us a wealth of knowledge behind the concept of Family Sharing, ways to donate to keep their store full of great items for you to choose from, and when is the best time to come in for great deals and discounts on all kinds of hot items. You’ll be amazed how large their location is from the images on their Facebook and Instagram accounts! Make sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram to find out when their “color sales” are! @familysharing   Finally, for those of you who love shopping for great steals and deals at Goodwill, you’re in luck! Our friends, Cheryl Lighthouser and Gabrielle Walters of Goodwill Grafton and Goodwill of Southeastern Wisconsin, join us in the studio to tell us about their weekly and monthly discounts offered to patrons, why Goodwill is the perfect outfitter for Halloween costumes, and so much more. Stay up to date on everything Goodwill by following them on their social media platforms @Goodwill   For more information about places to get the best deals in and around Grafton, please visit us at grafton-wi.org. Be sure to “Like” and follow us on our Facebook pages, @graftonchamberofcommerce, @visitgraftonwi, and @celebrategrafton

Episode 11: Thrifty Shopping & Bargain Deals

On today’s episode of Get Away to Grafton, you’ll have the pleasure of hearing from the Ozaukee County Tourism Council, and learning about why Ozaukee County truly is a hidden gem tourism destination in the state of Wisconsin. Meet in the heart of the state, and join us any time of year for festivals, delicious food, unforgettable wineries and breweries, unique shops, and activities for all ages.   Joining us to share information about the communities of Mequon, Grafton, and Cedarburg, and why Ozaukee County is considered a beautiful nature preserve, are Tina Schwantes, 2019 Board President, and Board of Directors Elizabeth Albers, Marjie Tomter, and Pam King. We guarantee you will not be disappointed by the wealth of knowledge shared over the next 40 minutes.   For more information about Ozaukee County Tourism, please visit their website, www.ozaukeetourism.com. You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram @OzaukeeCountyTourism   Stay up to date on tourism-related information within Grafton, WI by following us on our new Facebook page, @VisitGraftonWI

Episode 10: Tour Ozaukee County

On today’s episode of Get Away to Grafton, we dive into the world of art, and the exclusive collections you will want to check out for yourself in Ozaukee County. Whether Cedarburg is right in your backyard, or you’re thinking about joining us for a weekend getaway, you won’t want to miss the exciting places we’re going to share with you!   If you’re big on quilting, crafts, and historical facts, you’ll look forward to hearing from our first guest, Melissa Wraalstad, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts. Sit back and hear about the history behind the museum, how they obtain their pieces of art, and the many classes you can take at their beautiful location! This is a great environment for those that are curious about trying an art form for the first time, or if you’re a pro and want to challenge yourself. Things are always going on throughout the year at the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts, so make sure to stay up to date on their calendar of events and exhibits! For more information about the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts, please visit them at www.wiquiltmuseum.com Be sure to follow them on Facebook at @wmquiltfiberart   Finally, Pamela Hugdahl, of the Cedarburg Art Museum, shares with us reasons why you won’t want to miss this beautiful location throughout the year located in downtown Cedarburg. From unique exhibits to summer outdoor beer gardens, the Cedarburg Art Museum has something for everyone. For more information about the Cedarburg Art Museum, and for a full calendar of their exhibits and events, please visit them at www.cedarburgartmuseum.org  Be sure to follow them on Facebook at @cedarburgartmuseum   For more information about places to explore regarding arts and history in and around Grafton, and to learn about places that were not mentioned in today’s episode, please visit us at grafton-wi.org Be sure to “Like” and follow us on our Facebook page @graftonchamberofcommerce and stay up to date on our weekly #stayandplaymoment posts!

Episode 9: The Arts in Ozaukee County

On today’s episode of Get Away to Grafton, we share details with you about unique local breweries and tasting rooms. Who wouldn’t want to hear about beer?! Any time of year is the perfect time to check out local breweries and tasting rooms for local craft beers throughout Ozaukee County. Sit back, and hear about some of our favorite places for a cold brew in and around Grafton!   Our first guest, Paul Alexander, one of the owners of The 024 Tap Room in Grafton, shares with us his passion for local brews, and why he loves to use his space in Grafton to showcase beers local to the Milwaukee area. Enjoy a unique variety of light to heavy beers in Paul’s rustic tasting room located at the Arts Mill along the Milwaukee River in downtown Grafton. For more information about The 024 Tap Room in Grafton, visit them on the web at https://www.the024craftbeer.com/ Be sure to check them out on Facebook at @acraftbeerbaringrafton   Up next, we’ll hear from Jenny Andreas, Director of Communications and Outreach at The Fermentorium Brewery and Tasting Room located in Cedarburg. Learn about the story behind the brewery, the many beers available daily, and food options and specials you won’t want to miss! There’s also some exciting news we’re sharing with all of you about The Fermentorium, so be sure to tune in to learn more! For more information about The Fermentorium Brewery and Tasting Room, visit them on the web at http://www.thefermentorium.com/ Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram at @thefermentorium   Finally, you’re going to love hearing from our friend Captain Adam from Inventors Brewpub located in Port Washington! Adam Draeger, owner and head brewmaster at Inventors Brewpub, is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to brews, and flavors that will dance on your taste buds. Learn about his location with a beautiful view of Lake Michigan, delicious food options, hilarious social media pages, and more! For more information about Inventors Brewpub, visit them on the web at https://www.inventorsbrewpub.com/ Be sure to check them out on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter    For more information about places to enjoy a cold, delicious brew in and around Grafton, and to learn about places that were not mentioned in today’s episode, please visit us at grafton-wi.org Be sure to “Like” and follow us on our Facebook page and stay up to date on our weekly #stayandplaymoment posts!

Episode 8: Best Brews and Tasting Rooms

On today’s episode of Get Away to Grafton, we’re sharing with you reasons to shop local in Grafton this holiday season for unique holiday gifts! No matter who you’re buying for, Grafton has the perfect gift. Grafton is known for its amazing variety of large commercial businesses, but did you know it also has unique small shops? Though they may be small in size, our small businesses are great places to keep in mind! Join us as we paint a picture for you of what your small business holiday shopping could look like in Grafton, WI! Don’t forget to mark your calendars for #shopsmall Saturday happening November 24th!  Our first guest, Kathleen McGlone, owner of Slow Pokes Local Foods in downtown Grafton, is sharing with us some of the exciting holiday and seasonal food items available at her healthy and friendly location. We know it can be hard to eat healthy, especially during the holiday, but with the help of Slow Pokes, it can be made simple! For more information about Slow Pokes Local Foods, please visit them on their website or on Facebook: http://www.slowpokesfood.com/  or @slowpokeswisconsin Up next, our friend Michelle Pelletier of Bentley’s Pet Stuff in Grafton, shares with us Thanksgiving and Christmas gifts for your four-legged friends you won’t want to miss! From Da Bird, to Holiday Emoji pet cookies, you’re going to want to stop in and make sure you don’t miss out on exciting deals and steals! For more information about Bentley’s Pet Stuff, please visit them on their website or on Facebook: https://petstuff.com/ or @bpsgrafton Joining us to talk chocolate, a favorite topic for anyone we think, is Tara Connelly, owner of Sweettrio in downtown Grafton. Hear about the favorites of many sold every day both online and in store. You won’t want to miss a sneak preview of holiday items hitting shelves soon! To place a special holiday order, or to learn more about Sweettrio, be sure to check them out on their website or Facebook page: www.sweettrio.com or @sweettriochocolate Finally, to end our day on a positive note with wine, cocktails, appetizers and a relaxing dinner, sit back and hear from Frank Maydak, co-owner of Pourvino Winebar & Bistro located in downtown Grafton. Hear about the weekly specials available to you, learn about the mouthwatering menu pertaining to food and drinks, and learn more about reserving Pourvino Winebar & Bistro for your holiday party! For more information about Pourvino Winebar & Bistro, be sure to check them out on their website or Facebook page: pourvino.net or @pourvinowinebareandbistro2grafton For more information about shopping local during the holidays in Grafton, and to learn about places that were not mentioned in today’s episode, please visit us at grafton-wi.org or “Like” and follow us on our Facebook page @graftonchamberofcommerce and stay up to date on our weekly #stayandplaymoment posts!

Episode 7: Shop Local in Grafton!

On today’s episode of Get Away to Grafton, we’re sharing with you reasons why you won’t want to miss the most wonderful time of the year in Grafton- our annual Holiday Events Christmas Tree Lighting, Parade, and Breakfast with Santa! Don’t miss out on all the family fun! Our tree lighting will take place in downtown Grafton from 4-8pm on November 18th. Our Breakfast with Santa, located at Circle B Recreation, and the 39th annual Christmas parade, located in downtown Grafton, will take place on November 24th. Bring your blankets, hot cocoa, and treats for the kids to get in the spirit of the holiday season! Our first guest, Dave Antoine, Chair of the Tree Lighting Committee and a Grafton Village Trustee, shares with us exciting details about the 19th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting. Join us for all the excitement on November 18th from 4-8pm. Enjoy roaming Paramount Plaza while viewing the trees decorated in different décor, watching the trees light up the downtown, enjoying holiday music, and more! For more information about the Holiday Tree Lighting, please go to grafton-wi.org Next, Becki Schimpf shares exciting details about the annual Breakfast with Santa at Circle B Recreation from 7:30-10am on November 24th. Becki is the Marketing Coordinator for Cornerstone Community Bank, who is the annual sponsor for this magical event. Plan ahead and join us for a delicious breakfast, visit with Santa and friends, and partake in holiday crafts and activities for all ages. For more information about Cornerstone Community Bank, please go to bankwithcornerstone.com Finally, the 39th Annual Christmas Parade, taking place on November 24th starting at 11am, is something you’ll want to plan ahead for! Join us in downtown Grafton at Paramount Plaza between Bridge and Beech Street for our Believe in the Magic parade! Mike Cibulka, Assistant Vice President of US Bank, and the announcer of the annual parade, shares his thoughts on what you won’t want to miss, where he feels the best place may be to enjoy the show, and so much more. For more information about US Bank, please go to usbank.com For more information about Grafton’s Holidays events during the month of November, please go to our website, grafton-wi.org, or “like” us on our Facebook page, Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce, to stay up to date.

Episode 6: Holiday Events

On today’s episode of Get Away to Grafton, we’ll be sharing with you why you won’t want to miss Grafton’s annual Fall into Grafton harvest festival! For more information about Fall into Grafton, please go to our website, celebrategrafton.org, or “like” us on our Facebook page, Celebrate Grafton.

Episode 5: Fall Into Grafton!

Tune in to August’s episode of Get Away To Grafton, our new monthly podcast, where you'll learn about upcoming events, local organizations, and why Grafton, Wisconsin is the best place to be!   On today's show, we’re taking it up a notch, and sharing with you why Grafton is a great place to stay and play. Join us as we guide you through a typical stay and play weekend here in the heart of it all.  First, Steve Smith, owner of Fire Ridge Golf Club and Flannery’s Restaurant, paints a picture for you of his beautiful course, delicious restaurant, and views of the fiery glow of the sun coming from the hillside of his location. (www.fireridgegc.com)  Next, Cheryl Nenn of Milwaukee RiverKeeper, shares with us details about the breathtaking waterways in Grafton, and throughout Ozaukee and Milwaukee County. Learn about the best places to view nature, kayak, and fish. (www.milwaukeeriverkeeper.org)   Finally, Amanda Hansen, Director of Sales for the Hampton Inn and Suites and TownePlace Suites by Marriott, shares details about their new hotel, and the fantastic amenities to make any weekend away feel like home. (http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/wisconsin/hampton-inn-and-suites-grafton-MKEGFHX/index.html    For more information about Grafton, and places to stay and play, please go to our website, grafton-wi.org. Also be sure to review, share and subscribe to Get Away To Grafton however you enjoy podcasts!

Episode 4: Stay & Play!

On July’s episode of Get Away to Grafton, we discuss one of the best nights of the year in downtown Grafton: Grafton’s Ladies Night Out! Join us as we discover details that ladies in Ozaukee County will want to know for this exciting event taking place on August 7th. Chocolate, drink specials, goodie bags, and more will be just some of the many fun things for you to share and experience with your gal pals! Our wonderful panel of women from the Grafton Ladies Night Out committee share all the in’s and out’s of the event. Sit back, and hear from Committee Chair Kim Meisinger (and owner of Bloomin Olive Flower Shop and Gifts), as well as Committee Members Becki Schimpf of Cornerstone Community Bank, Jennifer Mantooth of Partnership Bank, and Juile Hoover of Family Sharing of Ozaukee County.  Whether you’re planning to head out on the town with your family or friends, this is a night you won’t want to miss! For more information, or to register as a guest of Grafton’s Ladies Night Out, please go to grafton-wi.org and search for the event in our event calendar, or search for Grafton’s Ladies Night Out on Facebook.

Episode 3: Grafton's Ladies Night Out

On today’s episode of Get Away to Grafton, we discuss important details regarding Grillin' in Grafton and the many things it has to offer throughout the weekend. Join us on Friday, June 29th and Saturday, June 30th in Centennial Park for delicious food, outdoor family fun and the largest fireworks show in Ozaukee County! First, we'll speak with Jim Brunnquell, current Treasurer of Celebrate Grafton and one of the founding members of the organization. Jim shares with us how this popular event came to be and what activities and attractions visitors can expect. Then, Sara Grover shares with us the amazing live music line-up planned for the entire weekend. As Manager of Operations and Entertainment for K-Nation Entertainment (a part of Kapco in Grafton), Sara has been planning and executing the music line-up for Grillin' in Grafton for the last few years, with the help of Celebrate Grafton and their committee. Learn more about this year’s performers, including Chasin' Mason, the Extra Crispy Brass Band and the Bluewater Kings Band. Finally, Treasurer for the Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce Mike Donahue shares with us details about the BEST and largest fireworks show in Ozaukee County, taking place at dusk on Saturday, June 30th at Centennial Park. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie, or just looking to have a great time this Summer with your family and friends, Grillin' in Grafton is the place to be! You won’t want to miss this! For more information, visit www.celebrategrafton.org.

Episode 2: Grillin' In Grafton

On our debut episode of Get Away to Grafton, we discuss important details regarding Giro d' Grafton, taking place June 23rd! One of the stops on the popular Tour of America's Dairyland bicycle race series, this exciting six-turn course has plenty to offer all racers and spectators in Downtown Grafton.  First, we'll speak with Bill Koch, co-founder and executive director of Tour of America's Dairyland, and Bill Ochowicz, also a co-founder and partner of Tour of America's Dairyland, as well as the founder of Giro d' Grafton. They'll give us behind the scenes and “from the beginning” details about the race and T.O.A.D. Then, John Safstrom -- president and founding member of Celebrate Grafton -- takes the stage by telling us all about what to expect on race day in the Grafton community. Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast, or just looking for something to do this Summer, Giro d'Grafton is an event that is sure to please everyone in the crowd! For more information, visit www.celebrategrafton.org.

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