An extra thanks to April Swe who helps make this weekly update a possibility each week.

February 25 - March 3
The weather-- With the exception of Wednesday, it's going to be dry and seasonable-- great snow fort building weather!

Ride a Horse for Interfaith Hospitality Network
Green Meadows Horse Farm's indoor riding arena, 6412 Hwy. A, Belleville
Demonstrations, refreshments and $5 horse rides. 698-4363
February 25, 11:00am - 4:00pm 698-4363
Email: cantordm@sbcglobal.net or Purplemonkey811@yahoo.com
OK, I had to do a bit of digging to find the scoop on this event.  It sounds like a really cool activity for the kids, and a great way to give back to our community all at once.  I can't make any guarantees on this event, but I will definitely be there to check it out.

The Interfaith Hospitality Network is an organization that gives food and shelter to homeless families in Wisconsin. They help parents find better jobs, gain job skills, and find housing. This event is a student's school project to raise money for a worthy cause.

They are offering $5 horse rides and lunch/snack foods for sale. They will also have natural Horsemanship demonstrations by Lori Wegner, Parelli instructor. No need to worry about the weather. They are in an indoor riding arena.  Come by anytime between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

Directions: From Midvale/Verona Road, take Verona Rd. (Hwy 151) to exit 79 (Hwys M and PB) turn left, taking Hwy PB south, go to end of the road and turn left onto Hwy 69, go about 1 mile and turn left onto Hwy A .Green meadows is about 1 mile on the left.

Directions: From Fish Hatchery Road: Take Fish Hatchery Rd (Hwy D) south until it ends at Lincoln Road. turn right on Lincoln road. Lincoln Road rejoins Hwy D. Turn left to continue with Hwy D, then turn right on Hwy A. Green Meadows is about 1 mile down on the Right.

UW Space Place - Make A Moon Clock
Workshop for children ages 6-10
UW Space Place - 2300 S. Park St., Suite LL-100 - 608-262-4779  [MAP]
Saturday, February 25, 10:00 AM - FREE
http://www.spaceplace.wisc.edu/
Space Place family workshops are for children ages 6-10 and their parents, and are offered the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month. The workshops are free and open to the public. No registration is required for any of the workshops.

Pinocchio
Overture Center - State Street, Tickets $15, $13, $11
Sunday, February 26, 3:00 PM
http://www.overturecenter.com/Performances/pinocchio.htm
It isn’t easy being a kid—especially when you’re made out of a hunk of wood! Weaving together original music, theater, masks, puppetry, and magic, Pinocchio traces the fantastic journey of a rambunctious puppet who longs to become a real boy, and who strays in the most human of ways. Pinocchio skips school to attend a marvelous puppet theater and is almost burned as firewood. He lies to the Blue Fairy and his nose grows impossibly long. Yet at each juncture of the story, his kind heart and his love for Geppetto and the Blue Fairy guide him to learn and grow, finding out what it means to be human.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Overture Center - State Street, Tickets $25, $19, $16, All ages admitted. $3 lap seats available
Tuesday, February 28, 7:30 PM
http://www.overturecenter.com/Performances/ladysmith.htm
Born in the mining camps of South Africa, the traditional music sung by Ladysmith Black Mambazo is called isicathamiya (Is-Cot-A-Me-Ya). Black workers were taken by rail to work far from their homes and families where they would entertain themselves after a six-day week by singing songs into the wee hours every Sunday morning.

Widely regarded as South Africa’s cultural emissaries to the world, the ten-member a cappella ensemble Ladysmith Black Mambazo has brought this unique sound to international prominence. Breaking cultural barriers, Ladysmith Black Mambazo use distinctive, hauntingly beautiful songs to convey an inspirational message of love for all peoples.

UW Women's Basketball
Kohl Center - 601 West Dayton
Sunday, February 26, 7:00 PM
http://www.uwbadgers.com/misc/event_calendar/event_calendar.aspx?day=26&month=2&year=2006
A great alternative to the Men's Basketball team.  The UW Women's Basketball events are a bit more kid friendly and easier to find seats.

Madison Fishing Expo
Exhibition Hall, Alliant Energy Center 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way
Friday, February 24 - Sunday, February 26
Friday - 4:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
Saturday - 9:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
Sunday - 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Admission Price: $8.00 for Adult (Kids 12 and under are FREE)
http://www.madfishexpo.com/
Expected to draw over 20,000 visitors, the Madison Fishing Expo features a diverse lineup of fishing tackle, equipment and boats from the industries' leading manufacturers and dealers.  On Saturday afternoon they have a seminar entitled "Kids Teaching Kids How To Fish".  So if you have a budding young fisher-person in your family, check this one out.

Dr. Seuss Birthday Party 102
McFarland Public Library, 5920 Milwaukee Street
Thursday, March 2, 6:15 PM - 8:00 PM
http://www.mcfarland.wi.us/Calendar.asp?nMonth=3&nYear=2006
Dr. Seuss Birthday Party: Year 102 and Counting! Stories, games and other birthday fun! Register in advance, beginning Monday, 2/20. 6:15-7:00 p.m., Activities for Preschool-Grade 2 7:00 p.m., Dr. Seuss Animated Short on the Big Screen (meeting room) 7:15-8:00 p.m., Activities for Grades 3-5

Barnes & Noble Events
Barnes & Noble Booksellers West Towne Mall, 7433 Mineral Point Rd, 608-827-0809

Magic Tree House Book Club
Discussing "Night of the Ninjas," 
February 25, 10:30 am
Beginning readers will experience fun and adventure when they come to our Magic Tree House Club! Each month explore a new book, activities and a snack. Bring a friend and enjoy Night of the Ninjas.

Learn Spanish Club
February 25, 11:15 am
Kids interested in learning simple words in Spanish with stories & games discuss "Pan y Mermelada Para Francisca" ("Bread & Jam for Frances"), by Russell & Lillian Hoban  

This fun program is designed for children interested in learning simple words in Spanish. By combining a story time with an exciting game, kids will be on their way to learning Spanish. 

Madison Area Builders Home Products Show
Exhibition Hall, Alliant Energy Center 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way
Friday March 3 - Sunday, March 5
Friday 1-7pm; Saturday 9am-7pm; Sunday 9am-5pm
Admission: Adults $7/$6 in Advance; 65+ $6/$5 in Advance; Children 12 & Under are free 
http://www.maba.org/folder.2005-09-12.7462658841/home-products-show/
I wouldn't have normally put this event on the list because it really isn't as interactive as some of the other shows (like the RV show was).  However, the Home Depot Kid's Workshop is being held at the show instead of at Home Depot for the month of March.  Here is the scoop:

Home Depot Kids’ Workshop
Saturday, March 4 and Sunday, March 5
Build a small woodworking project with your child at the Home Depot Kids’
Workshop. Children MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Madison Public Libraries
See below for dates, times, and locations
http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/calendar/events_feb.html
Here is all of the fun stuff going on through the Madison Public Libraries for this week.

Madison Children's Museum 
100 State Street 
http://www.madisonchildrensmuseum.com
Here's the schedule of events at the Children's Museum this week.  

Ongoing Activites...

Kids in the Rotunda
Overture Center
Saturdays, January 21 - May 6, 11:00am and 1:00pm - FREE
http://www.overturecenter.com/rotunda.htm
Every Saturday during the school year from fall through spring, Overture Center offers free arts programs designed for children and families at 11 AM and 1 PM.  Our popular performing arts series for children and families, offers a relaxed environment in which to enjoy a diverse lineup of local and regional storytellers, musicians, juggler, theater troupes, magicians and dancers. The 1 PM performances are sign language interpreted.  Kids in the Rotunda takes place on the Rotunda Stage.

	Feb 25	Magic Morgan  Magician   www.magicmorgan.com
	Mar 4	Trinity Academy of Irish Dance   www.trinity-dancers.com
	Mar 11	Bovee and Heil  Traditional American Musicians   www.boveeheil.com
	Mar 18	Ace Willie  Magician
	Mar 25	The Handphibians  Brazilian Rhythms & Songs   www.handphibians.com

Weekly Toddler Story and Stroll
Olbrich Botanical Gardens 3330 Atwood Ave. Madison, WI
Tuesday, February 7, 9:00 AM
http://www.olbrich.org
Look, listen, smell, and feel the beauty of nature. The Weekly Toddler Story & Stroll at Olbrich Botanical Gardens introduces toddlers to nature through stories and a stroll through the fragrances, textures, sounds, and colors of a tropical rainforest.

Muddy Moose Espresso, Cottage Grove
449 W. Cottage Grove Rd. 608-839-5900 Cottage Grove  [MAP]
http://www.muddymooseespresso.com/workshops.htm
Every Tuesday, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m., only $3 for supplies
Space is limited to 15 kids - sign up in advance to reserve your spot! $3 for supplies.

Sitting Snowmen Craft
Michael's Craft Stores - locations
Saturday, February 18, 10:00am - Noon - $2
http://www.michaels.com/art/online/static?page=kids_events
10:00am-Noon $2

On the Horizon...

Giggle, Jiggle, Wiggle…Baby Does Disco! With DJ Nick Nice
A Family Affair for Tykes, Tots & Toddlers at Café Montmartre
Café Montmartre 127 E. Mifflin St. 608-255-5900 Madison  [MAP]
Sunday, March 5, 2:00pm - 5:30pm $4 ($12 family of four)
We went to this event last month and had a blast!  One tip-- do not rely on Cafe Monmartre's menu to feed your kids-- there's no mac 'n cheese or plain old hamburgers to be found (I have picky eaters in my house).  Also, don't let the name fool you-- my 8 year old loved it as much as his younger siblings.  Oh, and one last thing-- if you have a child with noise sensitivity (my 7 year old is autistic), bring hearing protection.  Enough of my personal editorial-- here is what they say online:

Montmartre will open its doors to an entirely new generation of customers (and their parents) for its pint sized dance party. Neither Mickey or Barney will be present at this affair, Baby Does Disco is a Sunday afternoon of "get on down and party' music spun by Madison' s own DJ Nick Nice featuring disco tunes from the 70's & 80" along with a few tunes known only to the 5 and under set.

At its core this event is all about fun and getting folks out of the house to mingle and mix (and dance) with other parents and kids. There will be lot's of dancing, free snacks & juice for the kiddos and yes Virginia…the bar & kitchen will be open!

Register Now For...

Indoor Herb Garden
Olbrich Gardens 3330 Atwood Ave. 608-246-4550 Madison  [MAP]
March 11, 10:00am - 11:30am, Ages 5+. $8. RSVP by 3/2: 246-4550
http://www.olbrich.org
Imagine having a garden full of fresh herbs for cooking and tasting all year long. Plant your own herbs to take home and grow on a sunny windowsill. All supplies included. For ages 6 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult and adults attend free. Cost: $8 Olbrich member/$10 general public.

February 18 - February 24
The weather-- Hmmmm, what is there to say?  We finally got every kids' dream come true-- a snow day!  Woo hoo!  The snow is going to stick around; cold this weekend and gradually getting warmer.  So enjoy, but bundle up!

Children of the Rainforest: Ballet Folklorico Mexico
Olbrich Gardens 3330 Atwood Ave. 608-246-4550 Madison
February 18 - 10:30 am & 1:30 pm $3 adults, $2 kids, under 2 free
http://www.olbrich.org
Come out of the cold and into the tropics for a lively performance by the Ballet Folklorico Mexico as part of the Children of the Rainforest series at Olbrich Botanical Gardens on Saturday, February 18. The Madison-based Mexican dance troupe will give a dazzling, high-energy performance featuring ancient Mayan and Aztec dances that bring to life the cultures of the people who lived in the rainforests of Mexico and Central America long ago.

Members of Ballet Folklorico are adorned with lavish traditional costumes made of beads, suede, and colorful pheasant tails. The feathers, which can measure up to six feet in length, create a spectacle of color and movement. Members of the dance troupe will perform Mayan and Aztec dances that focus on the natural environment, play live music using traditional instruments, and demonstrate traditional Mexican games.

The Children of the Rainforest series celebrates the cultures of rainforest regions around the world and fosters an attitude of stewardship toward the natural environment. The series is sponsored by William Wartmann.

UW Space Place - Science is Fun!
Workshop for middle school students and their families
UW Space Place - 2300 S. Park St., Suite LL-100 - 608-262-4779  [MAP]
Saturday, February 18, 10:00 AM - FREE
http://www.spaceplace.wisc.edu/
Space Place family workshops are for children ages 6-10 and their parents, and are offered the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month. The workshops are free and open to the public. No registration is required for any of the workshops.

A-Z Farm Sheep Shearing Demonstration
A-Z Farm Tours 1820 Schuster Rd. Oregon, WI 608-835-5553
Saturday, February 18, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
http://www.oregonwi.com
See where your wool sweater first started. Learn how wool, one of the oldest fibers used by mankind, is produced and harvested. See the shearing process, an explanation of wool types and colors, care of wool and how it is transformed into various articles. Fleeces can be purchased for spinning, crafts and to be made into custom blankets. Children under 2 Free.

The Peking Acrobats
Overture Hall, Overture Center for the Arts 201 State St. Madison, WI 608.258.4141
Sunday, February 19, 3:00 PM Tickets: $25, $20, $17, $3 lap seats available
http://www.overturecenter.com
With colorful costumes, amazing feats, crowd-pleasing humor and authentic live music, the Peking Acrobats bring the festive atmosphere of a Chinese circus wherever they perform. The largest and most prestigious troupe of its kind, these rigorously trained gymnasts, jugglers, cyclists and tumblers leave audiences spellbound by the graceful athleticism of their ancient folk art.  “The troupe gathered thousands of hushed ‘ooohs’ and won insistent applause for a two-hour exhibition of physical dexterity that often seemed near impossible,” writes the Anchorage Daily News.

Arboretum Family Walk: “Animal Tracks”
University of Wisconsin Madison-Arboretum 1207 Seminole Hwy Madison 608.263.7888
Sunday, February 12, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
http://uwarboretum.org/
Animal tracks are easy to spot in the snow and mud. If neither are present, look for trails/traces animals make through the vegetation.

Charity Model Building Contest/Event
Ronald McDonald House charity event
Contact:Eric Johnson 
Email:ballbreaker@mindspring.com
I don't know much about this event, but it appears to be a charity model building contest/event with profits going to the Ronald McDonald House. There will be a raffle, demonstrations and guest speakers. Fri from 9-7 and Sat from 8-4 at the Radisson hotel on Grand Canyon and Odana. This is a great opportunity to help families is our own community, and discover a new or revisit an old hobby!

UW Women's Basketball
Kohl Center - 601 West Dayton
Sunday, February 19, 1:30 PM
http://www.uwbadgers.com/misc/event_calendar/event_calendar.aspx?day=19&month=2&year=2006
A great alternative to the Men's Basketball team.  The UW Women's Basketball events are a bit more kid friendly and easier to find seats.

The Stinky Cheese Man
Overture Hall, Overture Center for the Arts 201 State St. Madison, WI 608.258.4141
Friday, February 17, 7:00 PM Tickets: $15, $13, $11
http://www.overturecenter.com
This whirlwind of whimsical wisecracks pals up an array of the usual fairy tale suspects - Cinderella, Rumplestiltskin, the Little Red Hen, Foxy Loxy, the Ugly Stepmother and Stepsister - to produce preposterous vignettes like "Cinderumplestiltskin or The Girl Who Really Blew It," "The Other Frog Prince," "The REALLY Ugly Duckling," and the malodorous "Stinky Cheese Man." Amusing, absurd anthems in styles ranging from vaudeville to Trockadarro enmesh the manic nonsense of these twisted tales. Based on the Caldecott Award-winning book, it's happily ever laughter when familiar fairytales are told with an offbeat, irreverent and zany flare.

Zor Shrine Circus
Alliant Energy Center 1919 Alliant Energy Way - Madison, WI
General Admission $12, Reserved $15 or $17
http://www.alliantenergycenter.com
http://shrinecircusinfo.com/
Friday, February. 17th - 7:00PM
Saturday, February 18th - 10:00AM, 3:00PM, 7:00PM
Sunday, February 19th - 1:00PM,  5:00PM
In my past experience the circus is great but a bit long for the 5 and under crowd.  We ended up in the past staying until the intermission.  This gets to be a bit expensive of an outing.

Madison Fishing Expo
Exhibition Hall, Alliant Energy Center 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way
Friday, February 24 - Sunday, February 26
Friday - 4:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
Saturday - 9:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
Sunday - 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Admission Price: $8.00 for Adult (Kids 12 and under are FREE)
http://www.madfishexpo.com/
Expected to draw over 20,000 visitors, the Madison Fishing Expo features a diverse lineup of fishing tackle, equipment and boats from the industries' leading manufacturers and dealers.  On Saturday afternoon they have a seminar entitled "Kids Teaching Kids How To Fish".  So if you have a budding young fisher-person in your family, check this one out.

Children's Classes: Nighttime in the Jungle: Bugs in the Rainforest
Olbrich Botanical Gardens 3330 Atwood Ave. 246-4550
Thursday, February 23, 2006, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
http://www.olbrich.org/
Follow a flashlight tour through Olbrich's Bolz Conservatory while learning about the rainforest. The Nighttime in the Jungle classes offer a unique opportunity to see the Conservatory after dark when it's not normally open to the public.

Madison Public Libraries
See below for dates, times, and locations
http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/calendar/events_feb.html
Here is all of the fun stuff going on through the Madison Public Libraries for this week.

Madison Children's Museum 
100 State Street 
http://www.madisonchildrensmuseum.com
Here's the schedule of events at the Children's Museum this week.  

Ongoing Activites...

Kids in the Rotunda
Overture Center
Saturdays, January 21 - May 6, 11:00am and 1:00pm - FREE
http://www.overturecenter.com/rotunda.htm
Every Saturday during the school year from fall through spring, Overture Center offers free arts programs designed for children and families at 11 AM and 1 PM.  Our popular performing arts series for children and families, offers a relaxed environment in which to enjoy a diverse lineup of local and regional storytellers, musicians, juggler, theater troupes, magicians and dancers. The 1 PM performances are sign language interpreted.  Kids in the Rotunda takes place on the Rotunda Stage.

	Feb 18	Stuart Stotts  Folksinger & Storyteller   www.stuart.stotts.com
	Feb 25	Magic Morgan  Magician   www.magicmorgan.com
	Mar 4	Trinity Academy of Irish Dance   www.trinity-dancers.com
	Mar 11	Bovee and Heil  Traditional American Musicians   www.boveeheil.com
	Mar 18	Ace Willie  Magician
	Mar 25	The Handphibians  Brazilian Rhythms & Songs   www.handphibians.com

Weekly Toddler Story and Stroll
Olbrich Botanical Gardens 3330 Atwood Ave. Madison, WI
Tuesday, February 7, 9:00 AM
http://www.olbrich.org
Look, listen, smell, and feel the beauty of nature. The Weekly Toddler Story & Stroll at Olbrich Botanical Gardens introduces toddlers to nature through stories and a stroll through the fragrances, textures, sounds, and colors of a tropical rainforest.

Muddy Moose Espresso, Cottage Grove
449 W. Cottage Grove Rd. 608-839-5900 Cottage Grove  [MAP]
http://www.muddymooseespresso.com/workshops.htm
Every Tuesday, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m., only $3 for supplies
Space is limited to 15 kids - sign up in advance to reserve your spot! $3 for supplies.

Feathered Mask
Michael's Craft Stores - locations
Saturday, February 18, 10:00am - Noon - $2
http://www.michaels.com/art/online/static?page=kids_events
10:00am-Noon $2

February 11 - February 17
The weather is finally starting to look a bit like winter.  Highs in the upper 20s to lower 30s all week with on and off snow showers.  Enjoy this brief period of winter while we have it.  Now on to our events...

International Festival
Overture Center
Sunday, February 12,  11:00-5:00 PM - FREE
http://www.overturecenter.com/international.htm
Festival Performance Schedule  (printable pdf format)     
The International Festival promises a lively celebration of more than forty cultures represented in our community. This day of music, dance and storytelling features free performances throughout the building. As in past years, there will be an international bazaar where people can browse and shop for unique hand-crafted items from around the world. In conjunction with the International Festival, Overture Center is presenting a ticketed event that's fun for all ages: A performance by the internationally acclaimed Paco Pena Flamenco Dance Company in Overture Hall at 3 PM.

Stoughton's Norse Afternoon of Fun
Stoughton High School, 600 Lincoln Ave., Stoughton
February 12 - 1:30pm
http://www.stoughtonwi.com/norsefun.shtml
This annual event is known to be the Norwegian's answer to "Cabin Fever". The combination of colorful Norwegian costumes, rousing music, and exuberant ethnic folk dancing produces the necessary elements to relieve the winter-time blues. This event offers food, dancing, music and fun for the whole family. Taste Norwegian pastries at the bake sale or participate in folk dances led by the Stoughton Norwegian Dancers. Enter the raffle to win big prizes or look at all the traditional Norwegian costumes. Admission: Adults (Age 14+) $5 advance/$5.50 door, Ages 13 and younger $1 (888) 873-7912

"Children's American Indian Storytime"
Saturday, February 11 10:00-11:00 AM
Main Lounge - Pres House, 731 State Street
http://www.wisc.edu/amindian/storytelling/storytelling.html
Bring your curiosity and visit two American Indian storytellers who will share traditional stories with children of all ages in indigenous and English languages. Stories will be followed by an activity. Parents or other adult must attend with their children. Pre-registration appreciated, but not required.
For more info please call 608-263-3106 or email aisp@mailplus.wisc.edu

Fitchburg Sleigh Rides
McKee Farms Park Fitchburg, WI 608-274-6413
Saturday, February 11, 2006 12:00 PM -
Sunday, February 12, 2006 3:00 PM
http://www.fitchburgchamber.com
I haven't called to see if this is still happening seeing as we are lacking an appropriate amount of snow, but you never know.  Hosted by the Lions Club.

Oregon Community Bank & Trust Free Valentines Fun Day
Oregon Community Bank & Trust 101 S. Alpine Parkway Oregon, WI
Sunday, February 12, 2006
http://www.oregonwi.com
Oregon Community Bank & Trust and the Oregon Youth Center welcome parents & kids of all ages to make Valentines, decorate cookies, play games, watch movies and facepaint. The bank will donate $5 for every child that attends to the Youth Center.

Tunes at Monona Terrace
Exhibition Hall, Monona Terrace Community and Convnention Center
One John Nolen Dr. Madison, WI 608-261-4042
Wednesday, February 15, 2006 5:00 PM