Festival season!

The short Wisconsin summer is packed with festivals! Of course, there are the giant ones in Milwaukee: Summerfest, the Ethnic festivals, Pride Fest, the State Fair. I give most of those a miss. There are others, however, that I attend every year. I rate them according to the photo opportunities afforded. Although
Summer is a busy time for my business, I'm always ready to take pictures for fun!

First among them, is the Bristol Renaissance Faire. This is a crazy mash up of "historical" characters and cosplay/steampunk. As well as jousting and Queen Elizabeth (the 1st) parading through the village, there are wonderful artisans selling their creations and a variety of shows which are included in the fairly steep entry price. Because I live in Bristol, I apply for a few free tickets every year and try to take someone who has never been before. The Faire runs on weekends from early July through Labor Day, although the free entry tickets are only valid for a few of those days. This event rates very highly for people watching and I take my camera more for the fellow attendees than the performers!

Kenosha County's Dairy breakfast is over for this year. It takes place in mid June at a different dairy farm each year. This year, we took a granddaughter which provided for photo-opportunities with cows. It's incredibly well run; parking is at central locations and free shuttle buses run to the farm. The food is good and plentiful although the price was up a bit this year. 

EAA Airventure at Oshkosh's Whittman Field is a bit of a drive but my husband and I make the trek almost every year. We are members of the EAA, and, although Rick doesn't fly any more, he has had a life-long love affair with aviation. There are classes and speakers, a bunch of vendors selling everything from real estate at pricy fly-in communities to ear protectors for your dog (Mutt Muffs), so you can take your pet flying with you!  We have heard Sully Sullenberger and Jeff Skiles (think Miracle on the Hudson) and Chuck Yeager speak, among other famous names from Aviation and Space. The best part for a photographer is the air show and the vintage planes. Airventure is the last week of July. Whitman Field is the world's busiest airport for that one week of the year!

Kenosha Kingfish Northwoods League baseball is a local institution. The players are college kids who stay with local families for the season and the games are entertainment for the whole family. Between innings, there are toilet races (sponsored by a plumbing company), the Dancing Elvi (the plural of Elvis) and lots of audience participation. The Kingfish mascot is a giant fish called Elvis who arrives on the field by zip line to start the game. It's a lot cheaper than a Brewers game and I am currently invited to at least 3 Kingfish outings this summer! 

Kenosha Harbor Market takes place every Saturday from May to October. There is free entertainment, lots of good food and all kinds of goods for sale. It's a beautiful location, by the museums and the marina. It has been going for 20 years. Get there early or be prepared for a hike as parking in surrounding streets goes fast! Photo ops include the trolley, the boats and the lake.

With Independence Day upon us, there will be parades and fireworks. Have you ever taken pictures of fireworks? A lower ISO and a longer shutter will get the best pictures-just make sure to have a tripod or brace your camera on something, to control camera shake. Summer will be over soon, so get busy!!