By Correne Martin
Prairie du Chien's annual Carp Fest
celebration is officially underway. The Lucky the Carp Coloring
Contest started Dec. 9 and, next week, various entertainment will be
provided nearly every day, leading up to the Droppin' of the Carp on
New Year's Eve.
On Monday, Dec. 23 and Thursday, Dec.
26, Hoffman Hall will offer family open gym and swim from 1 to 4 p.m.
at a reduced price.
Friday, Dec. 27, will give area
residents the opportunity to get involved in several ways. There will
be a bowling party from noon to 3 p.m. at Leisure Time Sports Bar and
Bowl, family open gym and swim from 1 to 4 p.m. at Hoffman Hall, and
a Torchlight Ski, Hike and Sledding Night from 6 to 9 p.m. at
LaRiviere Park.
Get up early Saturday, Dec. 28, and
find a spot on the ice for the Youth Ice Fishing Derby, which will
take place from 9 to 11 a.m. at Washington Street Park. Equipment and
bait will be available if needed. Family open gym and swim will
happen at Hoffman Hall from 2 to 5 p.m.
The highlight of the day, Sunday, Dec.
29, will be the Adult/Youth Disc Golf Tourney from noon to 2 p.m. at
the Rotary Disc Golf Course on St. Feriole Island. All ages are
welcome. The family open gym and swim will be from 1 to 5 p.m. at
Hoffman Hall.
On Monday, Dec. 30, all ages will have
opportunities to have some fun thanks to a Euchre Tournament from 1
to 4 p.m. at City Hall, family open gym and swim as well as arts and
crafts from 1 to 4 p.m. at Hoffman Hall, and a Teen Dance Party from
8 p.m. to Midnight at Hoffman Hall. “Live DJ from Dubuque” will
be playing top 40 music and a mix of favorite tunes all night long.
This event is open to high schoolers only; it will be a lock-in
event.
On the big day, New Year's Eve, the
10th annual Carp Bowl football game will pit the Prairie du Chien
firemen against McGregor and Marquette firemen. The game will kick
off at 3 p.m. on St. Feriole Island. Family open gym and swim will be
from 1 to 4 .m. at Hoffman Hall once again.
The grand finale of Tuesday, Dec. 31,
will be the Droppin' of the Carp at Midnight at Lucky Park. The
public is encouraged to come out in their warmest and most seasonal
attire, to make merry and have fun with community members, family and
friends. Don't miss out on your chance to kiss Lucky the Carp for a
year's worth of good fortune in 2014. The carp drop will feature
music and a pyrotechnics show, as well as a huge bonfire.
On New Year's Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1,
the new year will be started appropriately with the Rotary Club
Breakfast from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Huckleberry's Restaurant. The
general public is invited.
Carp Fest is sure to bring the
community together with fun and festivities. For most of the Carp
Fest events, there will be admission or entry fees.
For more information, contact the
Prairie du Chien Parks and Rec Department at 326-7207 or Tom Nelson
at 326-8602.
