Come and enjoy "Big Food, Big Drinks & Big Music" with our friends and neighbors from adjoining communities as we celebrate Spring in the Northwoods. Event includes: live music; hors d’oeuvres; wine and beer tastings; home-made desserts; fire-side stories; art exhibit, great raffle & door prizes; and giveaways for all! A cooperative offering by Red Crown Lodge, MAVWACC and The Discovery Center, the event is co- sponsored by Howard Young Medical Center, Marshfield Clinic, Miller Beer of the Northwoods; Minocqua Brewing Co; Rynder's Design/Build; Schmidt-Haus Realty; and South Shore Brewery. Tickets are $ 35 in advance or $40 at the door. All proceeds will benefit The Discovery Center.

A sincere thanks to our 2008 Birding Festival sponsors, listed below:

Our annual “FUNraiser” is one of our most popular events. Join us for the fun and fund-filled two and a half hours that launches our summer season. Catered by Skyview Lodge and Supper Club and featuring new vintages from Dennis Kohl of Trig’s Cellar 70, the evening is an opportunity to renew Discovery Center friendships and to support the Center by bidding on an array of silent auction items donated by our area’s businesses and artists. Or take a chance at our overflowing raffle table. Some of this year’s prizes include a Colorado ski condo getaway, Badger football tickets, fishing gear, fabulous gift certificates, and much more! The event is open to Discovery Center members and the general public. Tickets to this event are $15 and can be ordered by calling the Discovery Center at 715-53-2085. Please purchase your tickets before May 19th. There will be a limited number of tickets at the door for $20.

Each year, the triathlon has grown in popularity, drawing over 200 participants from the beginner to the experienced tri-athlete. This year’s race will be held on Saturday, June 28th. Check-in same day (limited) registration from 7:00 – 8:00 a.m. and racer orientation at 8:30 a.m. The course consists of a 300 yard swim, a 10 kilometer mountain bike, and a 5 kilometer trail run – in that order. Racers may compete individually, or may choose to participate as a team of two or three racers, with each team member competing in their event(s) of choice.

Racers are encouraged to register by June 20th to assure a spot, to receive a discount rate, and to claim a complementary 2007 “Just Tri It” Triathlon t-shirt. All racers are automatically entered in our raffle and grand prize bike giveaway.

Fees are $30 for individual racers; $55 for teams of two; and $80 for teams of three. Join in the competitive fun and experience the Northwoods’ beautiful natural settings and friendly hospitality.

CLICK HERE FOR 2007 RACE RESULTS AND HIGHLIGHTS

Discovery Center Dinner & Derby At the Discovery Center ~ Sunday, July 20th, 2008

The event that’s become a runaway favorite! Join us for the third annual Run for the Northwoods Wild Roses, an indoor gallop for glory and glamorous giveaways.  The evening is both rollicking and elegant, featuring a sit-down dinner catered by Pine Barons and wines donated by Trig’s Cellar 70.  Fortunately for our cleaning staff, the horses aren’t real, but they’re ever so cleverly decorated by the owners who pony up for them.  Owners and spectators alike can make wagers (real ones! $5 a piece) for a cornucopia of giveaways. Tickets are $35 each and are limited, so reserve yours early.

The races: Last year’s event was so much fun, we had to repeat…and improve it. No, they’re not real horses, but you can bet on them with real cash at $5 a ticket. Horses advance by roll of the dice. All photo finishes decided by our (usually) impartial judges. Winners will receive their choice of an abundance of donated items.

How to Own a Horse: We’re encouraging the largest possible field this year. You can buy a horse in any of three ways: become a Discovery Center Voyageur between now and the race, be a $200 business sponsor, or pony up $200 just for the love of the races, the honor of naming, decorating and jockeying your horse and a guaranteed grand prize. Please visit this site later in the summer for this year's prizes and a detailed itinerary.