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

September 22 - September 29

The weather-- Rain this weekend and continued cooler all week!  I am still in denial that summer is coming to a close, but the weather is starting be bring me back to reality!

Note: Madison public schools will be closed on Tuesday, September 26 - http://www.madison.k12.wi.us/calendar.htm.  Do you have alternative child care?  Try:

• http://mscr.org/working/kidsdayout06.pdf

• http://www.ymcadanecounty.org/programs/sacc.asp#schoolsout 

Fall Crawl
Wisconsin Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Association
Sunday, September 24, 8:30am Registration
http://www.wiimh.org/fallcrawl.htm 
Promoting the Healthy Social-Emotional Development of Infants & Young Children

Healthy social and emotional development is instrumental for a child’s success. The Fall Crawl is a 3-mile charitable walk (with a 1-mile “Walk in the Park” option) to support and promote infant and young children social and emotional development.

The walk will originate in Madison’s own Tenney Park where parents, child care providers, professionals, and will have a chance to participate in many fun and exciting activities, talk to child development specialists, and get promotional materials from our sponsors. For those participating in the full “Fall Crawl,” the walk will continue along Lake Mendota with a “Nap Stop” in James Madison Park. For those interested in just a “Walk in the Park,” individuals will walk the 1-mile route within Tenney Park, using the paths already set out.

Though pre-registration is highly encourage, we will be accepting registrations the day of the race. The registration fee is $20/adult. If you walk as part of a team, the fee is $20 for the first adult and $10 per adult after that. Children walk for FREE! Registration at the event starts at 8:30 AM on September 24th, 2006. To pre-register, email Julie Lussier at julie.infantmh@tds.net or click on the link above. You can download a registration brochure here and fax it to (608) 441-8920.

Donations and pledges from the event will go to support WIECMHA projects that promote and support the healthy social and emotional development of infants and young children. If you pre-register, pledge information will be sent to you via e-mail, fax, or snail mail. Participants are encouraged to collect pledges to support infants and young children.

If you would like more information on WIECMHA’s Fall Crawl contact the walk coordinators, Julie Lussier (julie.infantmh@tds.net) and Lana Nenide (lana.infantmh@tds.net), at (608) 442-0360.

Madison World Music Festival
UW Memorial Union 
Thursday, September 21-Saturday, September 23
All events are FREE and open to the public

Schedule
Madison World Music Festival Guide

Thursday, September 21

• Tlen Huicani (Mexico), 6 pm, Terrace (rain: 6 pm, Wisconsin Union Theater)
• Rodrigo y Gabriella (Mexico), 8 pm, Terrace (rain: 8 pm, Wisconsin Union Theater)
• Forro for All (Northeast Brazil) 10 pm, Terrace (rain: 10 pm, Wisconsin Union Theater)

Friday, September 22

• Gjallarhorn (Scandinavia), 4:30 pm, Terrace (rain: 4:30 pm, Wisconsin Union Theater)
• Carmen Consoli (Sicily), 6:30 pm, Terrace (rain: 6:30 pm, Wisconsin Union Theater)
• Culture Musical Club of Zanzibar-Kidumbak, 8:30 pm, Terrace, (rain: 8:30 pm, Wisconsin Union Theater)
• Curumin (Brazil), 10:30 pm, Terrace, (rain: 10:30 pm, Wisconsin Union Theater)

Saturday, September 23

• Aza (Morocco, Berber), 5:30 pm, Terrace (rain: 7 pm, Music Hall)
• Whirling Dervishes (Turkey), 7 pm, Wisconsin Union Theater (rain: 6:30 pm, Wisconsin Union Theater)
• Alaev Family (Tajik, Uzbek, Israeli), 7:30 pm, Terrace (rain: 8:30 pm, Wisconsin Union Theater)
• Culture Musical Club of Zanzibar-Taarab, 9 pm, Wisconsin Union Theater (rain: 9 pm, Music Hall)
• Les Yeux Noirs (France, Gypsy/Klezmer), 10 pm, Terrace (rain: 10:30 pm, Wisconsin Union Theater)

Kids in the Rotunda
Overture Center - 201 State St, Madison WI 53703  608-258-4177
Saturdays at 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, and 1:00 PM
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 9:30 AM, 11 AM and 1 PM. The popular performing arts series for children and families offers a relaxed, kid-friendly 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.  All 1 PM shows are sign language interpreted.

September 23 Corinne Rockow Musician & Storyteller
September 30 Wayne the Wizard Magician
October 7 Ken Lonnquist Folksinger & Songwriter
October 14 Meenakshi Ganesan & Kalaanjali Dancers Classical Indian Dance
October 21 Will Hale Folksinger
October 28 Yid Vicious Klezmer Costume Party
November 4 Truly Remarkable Loon Juggler & Comedian
November 11 Cash Box Kings '40s & '50s Blues
November 18 Clare Norelle Multilingual Folksinger
November 25 Circus Boy Prop Comic & Stuntman
December 2 The Figureheads Hip-Hop from Kiddo Publishing
December 9 Atimevu Ghanaian Drum & Dance

Moon Over Monona Terrace
Monona Terrace, One John Nolen Drive Madison, WI 53703 261-4000
Friday, September 29, 7-9:30PM - Rooftop
Moon Lecture 7:30-8PM - Lecture Hall
Rain/cloud date Saturday, September 30, 7-9:30PM - Rooftop
Moon Lecture 7:30-8PM - Lecture Hall
http://www.mononaterrace.com/community/community_events.html 
If you have an older child that is into astronomy this may be for you...

Spend a moonlit autumn evening gazing at the sky! Join members of the Madison Astronomical Society in a special evening of viewing the moon. Members will have telescopes for viewing and information to assist "backyard astronomers." From 7:30 to 8PM join Dr. Jim Lattis, Director of UW Space Place for the presentation "Musings over the Moon" in the Lecture Hall and learn why the moon changes shape and what connection the moon has to calendars, tides, and Stonehenge? Both events are free and open to the public of all ages. In the case of inclement weather, please call (608) 261-4042 after 4PM the day of event for cancellation information.

Tunes At Monona Terrace
Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
One John Nolen Dr. Madison, WI 608-261-4042
Wednesdays, 5:30-7:00PM
http://www.mononaterrace.com/community/community_events.html
Free and open to the public - The Evjue Foundation, Inc., the charitable arm of The Capital Times, and Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center are proud to sponsor these free community concerts. Concessions and cocktails are available for purchase beginning at 5PM.

SEPTEMBER
27 The Lucas Cates Band - Acoustic Rock/Blues

OCTOBER
4 Little Vito & The Torpedoes - 50s & 60s

NOVEMBER
1 Chris Plata w/ Extra Hot - Tex-Mex
15 Ladies Must Swing - Big Band Swing -Held in Ballroom with dance floor
29 Clyde Stubblefield and the Clyde Stubblefield Band - Funk/R&B -Please bring non-perishable food items or cash donation to this concert for the Share Your Holidays to Eliminate Hunger Food Drive

DECEMBER
6 Yid Vicious - Klezmer -Please bring non-perishable food items or cash donation to this concert for the Share Your Holidays to Eliminate Hunger Food Drive
13 All That Jazz - 20pc. Jazz Band -Held in Ballroom with dance floor

YMCA Family Theatre Production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast
Middleton High School Performing Arts Center 2100 Bristol Street Middleton, WI
September 16 7:30pm, September 17 2:00pm, September 22 7:30pm, September 23 7:30pm
http://www.ymcadanecounty.org/programs/family.asp#september 
Come see the YMCA’s first full scale musical production at the Middleton High School Performing Arts Center. You’ll be amazed by our 57 cast members ranging in age 8 to 59 as they sing and dance to Disney classics.  General Admission, $10. Tickets available at West YMCA and prior to show at Middleton's PAC (Performing Arts Center).  Proceeds directly benefit the YMCA of Dane County. For more show or ticket information, please call 276-6606 or email us at argallagher@charter.net. 

YMCA Activate America
Lussier Family YMCA West Program Center, 5515 Medical Circle 276-6606 Map
Lussier Family YMCA East Program Center, 711 Cottage Grove Road 221-1571 Map
Friday September 22 - Sunday, September 24
http://www.ymcadanecounty.org/programs/family.asp 
Get active this fall at the YMCA. Special activities on Friday, September 22 from 6:30-8:30pm at the West and East Program Centers. It’s FREE for everyone! Bring a friend! Free tours and facility use will continue all day on Saturday and Sunday.

Friday, Sept. 22 - Special Activities 6:30pm -8:30pm
Saturday, Sept. 23 6:00am -7:00pm
Sunday, Sept. 24 9:00am -7:00pm

2nd Annual NE YMCA Fall Festival
YMCA Sun Prairie Program Center, 160 South Street Sun Prairie, 837-8221 Map
Saturday September 23
http://www.ymcadanecounty.org/programs/family.asp 
The Sun Prairie YMCA is “On the Move”! Join us at Smith’s Crossing, site of the new Northeast Branch YMCA for a morning of fun, fitness & fabulous prizes! The 1 or 2 mile Family Fun Walk starts at 9 am at Smiths Crossing. Please pre-register. Click for walk registration form. Walk-ups welcome but not guaranteed a medal.

Schedule of events:

8:30am - Day of registration for 1 - 2 mile Family Fun Walk.
Cost is $1.00 per child, accompanying adults FREE
9:00am - Family Fun Walk (every preregistered child who finishes the walk receives a medal)
9:45am - 11:00am - Family Challenge Events*
11:00am - Drawing for Prizes - Each family who completes all challenges, including the Fun Walk gets entered to win a prize.

*Family Challenge Events include participation in demos of Dance (with the new Miss Teen Wisconsin & the Sun Prairie High School Dance Team), Karate, Aerobics, Obstacle Course and a chance to Exercise your brain.

Door Prizes include:
• Free Classes at the YMCA
• 1 Night Stay at the Wilderness Resort
• Kids Schwinn bicycle from Physicians Plus
• T-Shirts and much more

Each child who registers for the Family Fun Walk receives a FREE pedometer.  Concessions available throughout the event!  Get active this fall at the YMCA. Bring a friend! Call 837-8221 for more information.

Headrush
Blue Mound State Park, Blue Mounds 4350 Mounds Park Rd 608-437-5711 Blue Mounds  [MAP]
Saturday, September 23, 9:30AM - 4:00PM info:469-8304
http://www.headrushevent.org
On September 23 from 9:30 am to 4 p.m., rain or shine, Blue Mound State Park will be home to the third annual HEADRUSH event.  Celebrity emcee Carleen Wild will host the all-day celebration featuring live music, a health fair, kids' activities, organized mountain bike rides, and guided nature hikes. Admission is $20 per individual or $45 per family, and includes a T-shirt and healthy lunch. Proceeds from the event benefit brain tumor research at the University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center.

McFarland Family Festival
McFarland High School 5103 Farwell Drive (Map)
Friday, September 22 - Sunday, September 24
http://www.mcfarlandfamilyfestival.org
The 21st McFarland Family Festival continues the celebration of McFarland's Sesquicentennial! The weekend Festival takes place September 22-24 at the High School. The alcohol-free event has an entertainment stage, food court, booth exhibitors, carnival, adult & youth triathlon,Talent Showcase, Battle of the Bands, and Sunday noon parade. Check our website for schedule and other details www.mcfarlandfamilyfestival.org.  Download the full schedule at http://www.mcfarlandfamilyfestival.org/schedule.htm. 

Madison Children's Museum 
100 State Street 
http://www.madisonchildrensmuseum.com

Preschool Spanish Club Fall Sessions
New sessions of our popular Spanish Club for ages 3-5 begin in October. Eight week sessions meet from 9:30-10 a.m., with Wednesday classes beginning Oct. 4 and Tuesday classess beginning Oct. 10 (note new start date). Call 608.256.6445, ext. 18 or email Stephanie Michaels to register.

Here's the schedule of events at the Children's Museum this week.  

Barnes & Noble Activities
#1 East Towne Mall Madison, WI 53704 241-4695
West Towne Mall 7433 Mineral Point Road Madison, WI 53717 827-0809
http://storelocator.barnesandnoble.com/events.do

Sep 21, 2006 07:00 PM		Young Reader Book Club		Book Group		Young Readers (ages 8-12)		Barnes & Noble Booksellers East Towne Mall East Towne Mall
Sep 23, 2006 10:30 AM		Magic Tree House Club New book each month		Book Group		Children's, Beginning Readers (ages 5-8)		Barnes & Noble Booksellers Madison West Towne Mall
Sep 23, 2006 10:30 AM		Meet Froggy!		Costume Character		Children's		Barnes & Noble Booksellers East Towne Mall East Towne Mall
Sep 23, 2006 11:15 AM		Learn Spanish Club		Conversation Group		Children's, Beginning Readers (ages 5-8)		Barnes & Noble Booksellers Madison West Towne Mall

Sep 25, 2006 10:30 AM		Amy's Story Corner		Storytime		Toddlers (age 3 and under), Pre-school (ages 3-6)		Barnes & Noble Booksellers East Towne Mall East Towne Mall
Sep 26, 2006 10:30 AM		Various Themes		Storytime		Toddlers (age 3 and under), Pre-school (ages 3-6)		Barnes & Noble Booksellers Madison West Towne Mall
Sep 26, 2006 10:30 AM		Super Sarah Storytime		Storytime		Toddlers (age 3 and under), Pre-school (ages 3-6)		Barnes & Noble Booksellers East Towne Mall East Towne Mall

Sep 27, 2006 07:00 PM		Pajamarama		Storytime		Toddlers (age 3 and under), Pre-school (ages 3-6)		Barnes & Noble Booksellers East Towne Mall East Towne Mall

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

Orchards, Pumpkins, Corn Mazes, etc...

Harvest at Hinchley’s Dairy Farm
Tina and Duane Hinchley 2844 Hwy 73, Cambridge WI [Map] 608-764-5090 
Tina@DairyFarmTours.Com 
http://dairyfarmtours.com
Of all of the farm tours, my wife loves this one the most.  We have both been really impressed at both the educational and family values that Tina and Duane emphasize when we visit their farm.  You really feel like part of the family at Hinchley's. 

October is Harvest at the Farm
Hinchley’s have worked all summer for this time of year. The Harvest! Corn is dry, soybeans are being combined, and pumpkins are ready to be picked! Take a Hayride to the pumpkin patch to pick a
free pumpkin!

Family Tours
Weekends in October, or with reservations during the week.

Autumn is a special time at Hinchley’s Dairy Farm.  The cool air, rustling corn leaves, and the soft mooing of cows surround your family when you go to the farm to get your pumpkins. If short on time take a quick Hayride to the field to pick one with out seeing the animals first. Plan on spending a while to find the right pumpkin though! The patch has 1000’s to choose from. Hinchley’s sells specialty pumpkins in a range of sizes from 6 ounces to 200+ pounds!  Family time is during the weekends in October, or with reservations during the weekdays.

Eplegaarden Farm
2227 Fitchburg Road, Fitchburg, Wisconsin
(608)845-5966
Hours through October 31 - Mon. – Sat. 9 AM – 5 PM Sunday 11 AM – 5 PM
Live folk music Sundays 1:00pm-4:00pm
http://www.eplegaarden.com/happenings.html

Horse Drawn Hayrides & Pony Rides
Every weekend beginning Sept. 9 & Oct. 29, horse drawn hayrides around the orchard and to the pumpkin patch from 11:00am – 4:00pm.

Model A Antique Truck and Car Show
Sunday, Sept. 17, 2006 beginning at 11:00am. Come and enjoy the past.

Halloween Fun
Through out September and October we celebrate Halloween with haunted decorations, pumpkin plukkin, an old barn loft possibly haunted, and fun activities for kids of all ages.

Harold Potterson’s Horrific Halloween Haunts for little Wizards and Trolls
Weekends beginning Sept 30-Oct 29, 2006

Folk Music Under the Apple Trees
Sunday Afternoons from 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Sept. 23(Sat.) Dark of the Moon and Inna Larson – Hardanger Fiddle
Sept. 24 Buttons & Banjo Trio
Oct. 01 Jefferson County Bluegrass
Oct. 08 Buttons & Banjo Trio
Oct. 15 Jefferson County Bluegrass

Door Creek Orchard
3252 Vilas Rd. Cottage Grove, WI 53527 608-838-4762
http://www.doorcreekorchard.com
Horse and Buggy Rides - Tentative dates for Horse and Buggy Rides are: Saturday 9/23, Sunday 10/8, Sunday 10/22

Mayr Family Farm
3680 Egre Rd. DeForest, Wisconsin 53532
http://www.mayrfamilyfarm.com/

Corn Maze
Our 7 acre corn maze is fun for all ages! The design changes every year, so it's never the same maze twice! A great place to bring the family, or a group, and find your way out. With or without a map, it is FUN for everyone!  Our maze is open on September 1st. Our hours are Fridays 4pm to 9pm, Saturdays from 11am to 9pm and Sundays from 11am to 5pm.  Starting October 6th, we stay open later for the "Haunted" maze. Fridays we are open from 4pm to 10:00pm & Saturdays our hours are 11am to 10:00pm. Our Sunday hours stay the same, 11am to 5pm. Last ticket sold one hour before closing time.  Rates: Adults & 12+ $6.00 Kids 6-11 $4.00 Under 5 FREE

Horse Drawn Wagon Ride to the Pumpkin Patch and pick your own pumpkin!
Our Team of Percherons will take you out to our Pumpkin Patch, where you can find your perfect pumpkin. Take as much time as you need searching the field and when you find the pumpkin you desire, we will cut it off the stem for you. The only rule is you must be able to carry out your own pumpkin and load it onto the wagon. This rule also applies to children.  The Pumpkin Patch is open on Saturday's and Sunday's in October from 11am to 5pm. We do accept appointments for schools, groups, and parties during the week. Come enjoy the country for the day, whether it be to just find your ideal pumpkin or to enjoy all our farm has to offer, everyone of any age is welcome!

Haunted Maze
October 6th & 7th, 13th & 14th, 20th & 21st, and 27th & 28th.
Admission is $8.00 per person (young & old)
Every Friday & Saturday night in October our maze is "haunted" by our live "spooks." You may bring a flashlight, but it just makes you easier prey for the ghosts & goblins. Come sit by the bonfire and listen to the screams, before or after you go through the maze.  Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. One adult per group of 5 kids is required. The maze is "haunted" from 7pm to 10:30pm. Last ticket sold at 10pm.

Petting Zoo
This year's animals include baby goats, a lamb, a calf, and baby pigs.

Schuster's Playtime Farm, Inc.
1326 Hwy. 12 & 18, Deerfield, WI 53531 (608) 764-8488 playtime@chorus.net 
Open daily 9/16-10/31 Hours Mon-Sat: 9am-7pm, Sunday: 10am-6pm, Evening hours Fri. & Sat.
http://schustersplaytimefarm.com 

Are you a Maze Maniac?
You must check out what the world of college hockey is buzzing about-- Bucky's Tribute to UW Hockey Corn Maze Daylight or Flashlight Fun!

Hayrides
Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 am - 5:00 pm or by appointment
Also, Thursday and Friday 10/26 and 10/27 hayrides will run from 10:00 am-5:00 pm  $2/person or $6/family
Our 225-acre farm offers the perfect backdrop for this 20 minute hayride through rolling hills, pasture, woods and cropland. Stop in the pumpkin patch to find your perfect pumpkin. Don't miss this wonderful, relaxing ride that gave us our start in the market of bringing the customer to the farm.

All the fun begins Sat. 9/16!!! Busy Sat.? Join Madison-area Urban Ministry in the round barn for a fundraising auction and GREAT free music Sun. 2-5 pm.

Schuster's Barnyard Activity Area
This is THE place to greet the animals and enjoy the activities on the farm!  Admission is $2.00/person.  Season opens 9/16 and runs through 10/31.

Animals
These animals are our families year-round farming highlight. Please come enjoy and love them. Animals are one of God's greatest healing gifts to humans and believe me our animals know and enjoy their role on this earth.  Animals to meet and greet:

Miniature donkeys
Alpine and fainting goats
Jersey calf
Sheep
Baby Dahl lambs
Pygmy goats and kid
Llamas and crias
Potbellied pigs
Kittens, yes kittens
And some pretty poultry with chicks

Activities
The Activity Area of Schuster's Barnyard promises fun and entertainment for everyone. We have revived open space behind and within our farm buildings and converted it into fun and educational space.

PVC slide
croquet
farm implement tire maze
Christian's Clubhouse
wooden pick-up truck & tractor play structures
shelled corn box
wooden playground
wood maze in tobacco shed with play zones
straw jump
picnic area

Schuster's Barnyard Animal Train
This beautiful creation by Lindsey LaPlant (former teen farmhand gone college Art Education major) has captured the hearts of young and old on and off the farm. Come smile at these imaginative yet realistic renditions of our very own farm animals as children (and adults) take the animal train ride of their life.

Corn Cannon
This air pressurized corn cob blaster is the farm alternative to traditional target practice. A definite must on the farm adventure circuit

Appleberry Farm
8079 Maurer Road, Cross Plains 798-2780
http://www.theappleberryfarm.com/ 
Fall Opening Fall Hours:
Sat Sept 9 thru Nov 5
9:00 a.m. - 12:00pm Fri,
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sat & Sun
Call 608-798-2780 for special Harvest events.

Upcoming Events...

Giant Pumpkin Regatta
Location Memorial Union Lakefront 800 Langdon St.
Saturday, September 30, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
http://www.horticulture.wisc.edu/faculty/faculty_pages/Nienhuis/giantpumpkinregatta.php 
UW-Madison students with help from the Hoofer Sailing Club will launch and race several giant pumpkins off of the Memorial Union lakeshore. The pumpkin pilots are from a horticulture class on world vegetable crops taught by professors Jim Nienhuis and Irwin Goldman. The students will paddle the hollowed-out three-foot wide Atlantic Giant pumpkins - mounted on tractor tires for stability - between the piers behind Memorial Union.

All About Herbs
Olbrich Gardens 3330 Atwood Ave. 608-246-4550
Class for ages 6+, set for  $8. RSVP by 9/21: 246-4550
September 30, 10:00am - 11:30am
http://www.olbrich.org
Registration deadline: September 21
Kids will let their sense of smell take over as they explore Olbrich's Herb Garden at the All About Herbs class on Saturday, September 30 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Olbrich's Herb Garden is home to different specialty gardens such as the Kitchen Garden featuring fragrant herbs used for cooking, and the Touch and Smell Garden where children can touch and smell many herbs like chocolate mint, lemon, or apple scented geraniums. Children will also plant their own herb pot and make a scented sachet to take home.

The cost of the class is $6 for Olbrich members and $8 for the general public. The class is designed for kids ages 6 and up. An adult must accompany children, and adults attend free. Maximum of two children per adult. Registration is required by September 21. For more information or to register call 608-246-4550.

Ongoing Activities...

At-Home Dads
Happy Bambino 2045 Atwood Ave. 204-6147 [MAP]
Every Thursday, 9:30-10:45 am
http://www.HappyBambino.com
Come join a community of dads who have made the choice to stay at home with their child/children. The discussion will be led by the group, but topics may range from fatherhood and the novelty of being a stay-at-home-dad to topics completely unrelated to being a parent, like sports, music, and movies.  Snacks and drinks available for purchase or BYO.

New Mom's Group
Madison Birth Center 6720 Frank Lloyd Wright Ave., Suite 103Middleton  821-0123 [MAP]
Free drop-in group for mothers, babies & pregnant women
11 am-12:30 pm Thursdays
jody@madisonbirthcenter.com
Led by Jen Perfetti, MA, LPC and the Madison Birth Center midwives, this drop-in group is for mothers, babies and pregnant women. Each week a topic is discussed along with open discussion. Breastfeeding support is always available. You need not have given birth at the Madison Birth Center to attend.  When: Thursday mornings from 11 AM-12:30 PM  Cost: No charge

Storytimes Ages 2-6
University Book Store-Hilldale 702 N. Midvale Blvd. (in the Hilldale Mall) 238-8455 Madison  [MAP]
Fridays - 10:00am 238-8455
Story Time for Children
The University Book Store - Hilldale Shopping Center

Weekly Crafts at Michaels Craft Store
Michael's Craft Stores - locations
Every Saturday, 10:00am - Noon - $2
http://www.michaels.com/art/online/static?page=kids_events
10:00am-Noon $2

Latte Da Espresso Lounge Preschool Storytime
864 Jupiter Drive Madison, WI 222-8817 
Fridays, 10:00 am to 11:00 am
http://www.lattedaespresso.net/

Tuesdays at the Castle - Avol's Bookstore
315 W. Gorham St. 255-4730  [MAP]
ages 3-6, 11 am Tuesdays. 255-4730
Trudy Barash reads stories for children ages 3-6 years at Avol's Bookstore, (formerly Canterbury Booksellers).

Preschool Crafts
Eager Free Library, Evansville 39 W. Main St. 608-882-2260
Tuesdays, 8:00am
This is a great way to ensure that your child is getting some great experiences with eye-hand coordination. Registration is not necessary for these craft programs.  Year Around Preschool Craft Time every Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Muddy Moose Espresso
449 W. Cottage Grove Rd in Cottage Grove (in the Piggly Wiggly Mall, next to the Post Office) 839-5900
YOU ARE INVITED to have fun, get creative, learn something new, and widen your horizons!

NOTE: You must register in advance for fee-based classes (limited space available). Free events are first come, first served.

MONDAY
AP PRESCHOOL PLAYGROUP - 2nd Monday each month, 9:30 - 11:00. An Attachment Parenting playgroup for preschoolers/older toddlers (28 mos and up). Younger siblings are welcome. Contact kristenok18@yahoo.com for more information.

PJ STORY TIME - 3rd Monday each month, 6:30 - 7:15 p.m. sponsored by the Friends of the Library with stories read by Interim Library Director, Lisa Selje, bring your teddy bear! Donations toward CG Library accepted.

TUESDAY
KID CRAFTS ~ TWO NEW TIMES! Every Tuesday, 9:30 - 10:15 AND 10:15 - 11:00 a.m., only $3 for supplies. Different craft project each week. Ages 2 and up. Room for 15 kids in each session.

PARENT-TO-PARENT SUPPORT GROUP ~ For parents of children on the Autism Spectrum, Fourth Tuesday each month, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. An informal gathering where parents get together to share experiences, ideas and information. For more info call Christine Pavelko at 608-839-8067 or e-mail jcpav@verizon.net. Free.

THURSDAY
STORY TIME, (Thursday mornings), 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Fun stories for toddlers and preschoolers led by a very fun and energetic mom - Lynn Cooper. Ages 2 and up. Free - but donations toward future CG Library accepted.

FRIDAY
COMING SOON - FRIDAY NIGHT STUDENT I.D. SPECIALS!!! Special menu, special discounts, special music - all for anyone with a student ID.
GAME NIGHT every Friday 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. Board games, puzzles, cards - hang out with family and friends for a fun time in our cozy cabin environment.

September 15 - September 22

The weather-- Wow!  Who turned off the heat?  I hope your back-to-school shopping included some sweatshirts and jackets because you'll need them by midweek!

Mexican Independence Day Festival
Warner Park 2930 N. Sherman Ave. Madison  [MAP]
Saturday, September 16, 10:00 am-9:00 pm, 9/16
with jalapeno contest, music, dance, food, crafts & activities for all ages. Free admission. 628-7960 
http://www.festivalmexicano.com
SECOND ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF MEXICO, 2006.  "A non profit community festival for all the family"

To all the general public! You are invited to participate in this Celebration of a historic date for the Mexicans and all of Latin America.

--- MAIN STAGE ---
11:00 a 11:20am "Olin" Mexican Dance Kids Troupe
11:25 a 11:55am Dando Mambo : Salsa and Merengue
12:00 a 12:45pm Grupo Tempestad
12:50 a 1:35pm Brisas del Perú
1:40 a 2:25pm "Grito" and Chile Jalapeño eating contests
2:30 a 3:00pm EL GATTY & Off The Street Records
3:05 a 3:30pm Griselda Barajas: Mexican Folk music ("ranchera")
3:35 a 4:20pm Balazo Norteño
4:25 a 5:25pm Ballet Folklórico México de los Hermanos Avila
5:30 a 6:15pm Official Civic Ceremony "Grito de Independencia
Scholarship Awards
5:30 a 7:00pm Mariachi Real Azteca
7:15 a 8:00pm Nahuales Underground: Latino Rock

--- Also at the SHELTER: Youth and kids corner---
11:00 a 1:35pm Piñata breaking!, clowns and face painting
1:40 a 2:10pm Hip Hop
6:20 a 7:00pm Mexican typical dresses and the "Pasito duranguense"

The Mission of the Festival is to provide educational scholarships for students in High school or college to enable them to continue their studies and be the future professionals of this country. Two $1,000.00 educational scholarships will be awarded at the festival donated by the Fiesta Garibaldi Restaurant.

For more information on this festival and our organization please contact us at pedro@festivalmexicano.com or call Pedro R. Albiter at (608) 628-7960 / 347-8208. We await your presence at WARNER PARK! or visit our website www.festivalmexicano.com

Wisconsin Chinese Culture Day
Saturday, September 16, 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
http://www.MadisonChinese.org/wccd 
The first-ever Chinese Culture Day in the history of the state of Wisconsin will be held at the Capitol Square from 9:30AM – 2:30PM. Peking Operas, Chinese folk dances and music will be performed at front of Capital building (North Hamilton entrance). In addition to opera and music performances WCCD also features exhibits of Chinese traditional medicine, arts and crafts, shows and practice sessions on martial arts and folk music instruments. 

Kids in the Rotunda
Overture Center - 201 State St, Madison WI 53703  608-258-4177
Saturdays at 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, and 1:00 PM
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 9:30 AM, 11 AM and 1 PM. The popular performing arts series for children and families offers a relaxed, kid-friendly 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.  All 1 PM shows are sign language interpreted.

September 16 Bob Kann Juggler & Comedian
September 23 Corinne Rockow Musician & Storyteller
September 30 Wayne the Wizard Magician
October 7 Ken Lonnquist Folksinger & Songwriter
October 14 Meenakshi Ganesan & Kalaanjali Dancers Classical Indian Dance
October 21 Will Hale Folksinger
October 28 Yi