In the Loop: Plenty to do over the first official weekend of summer in Kenosha

Check out all of the interesting events coming up!

By Laura Marran

After two decades in journalism, Marran earned her Master’s degree in Exceptional Education from UW-Milwaukee and has served as a special education teacher with Kenosha Unified School District since 2006. A Marquette University School of Journalism alum, Marran has lived in Kenosha since 1987.

Top things to do in Kenosha this weekend:

Boats & Doughs

Noon-5 p.m. Saturday (June 24)

Kenosha Yacht Club, 5130 4th Ave.

Boats & Doughs is a lakeside party featuring live music by Spirit Shakers, and food by Mr. Wings and Cut Stone Pizza (fire engine pizza truck). The event will raise funds towards repairs to the devastating recent fire at the Kenosha Yacht Club.

More information


Pike River Benefit Concert Series

6 p.m. Friday (June 23)

Hawthorn Hollow Amphitheater, 880 Green Bay Rd.

Jazz Trumpeter Yves François with Rhythm de Vie jazz His Rocambu Jazz project draws on influences of his family’s connection to Tunisia and North Africa and also explores world jazz genres including retro Afro-Caribbean grooves, congas, high life, rumbas, soukous, and New Orleans jazz. Admission is $10 per person at the gates, which open at 5 p.m. Food and beverages such as soda, wine, and craft beer will be available for purchase, as will produce from the Heritage Farmstead at Hawthorn Hollow (while supplies last). Carry in food and beverages are not allowed.

More information


The Kenosha Book Festival Chapter Three

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday (June 25)

Studio Moonfall, 5031 7th Ave. Meet authors: Jessie Rose, T.R. Nickel, Sean Sorce, Kaitlyn Bolyard, Ana Michelle, Al Lytle & Toi Blasier, Debra Oas, Phyllis Fadness, Greta Kelly, Meg Bonney, Michelle Novak, Natasa Zoubouridis, Anne Hambrock, Sylviya Rankova, Randi Moxi, M.P. McDonald, Anthony Wedgeworth, Riley Preston, Kyra Cheese, and Donovan Scherer. Hourly gift card give-aways, local food vendors The Lumpia Lady and That’s a Wrap. Goodie bags and THOUSANDS of $1 used books waiting for your perusal. And the best part? Purchases contribute to the Little Library Fund, supporting theri passion for spreading the joy of reading.

More information


Tallies

8 p.m. Friday (June 23)

Pavle’s Lounge, 1724 52nd St.

Two years after the release of their critically acclaimed, self-titled debut album, Toronto-based indie pop band Tallies are debuting their new single, “No Dreams of Fayres”. Touring worldwide, Tallies make a stop in Kenosha for a free show.

More information


THE LINEUP

Thursday, June 22

Music

Gravity of Youth (Rock), Rhythm on the Lake, 6-8 p.m., Old Settlers Park, 24100 75th St. Paddock Lake.

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Rhythm Dogs Blues Jam, 8:30 p.m., Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave.

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Create @ The Space Open Stage with Haven B. Wells, 8-11 p.m. Kenosha Creative Space, 624 57th St. Work on an art project from available supply of materials, or bring your own project to share. Bring an instrument and see what happens! The music starts at 8:00 pm. Donations and new ideas are always welcome.

Art

I Am a Man: Photographs of the Civil Rights Movement 1960-70 Exhibit Opening, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Civil War Museum, 5400 1st Ave. This historic decade unleashed both hope for the future and profound change as public spaces were desegregated and as African Americans secured their right to vote. I AM A MAN: Photographs of the Civil Rights Movement, 1960–1970 displays a wide range of photographs taken by amateurs, local photojournalists, and internationally known photographers. Through August 11.

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Transparent Watercolor Society of America Annual National Juried Exhibition, Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 1st Ave. Paintings from transparent watercolor artists from across the country will be on display. Works include a wide variety of subjects from landscapes and portraits to abstracts. Through August 6.

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28th Parkside National Print Exhibition, Emile H. Mathis Gallery, UW-Parkside, 900 Wood Rd. More than 80 award-winning prints are on display. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. each Tuesday-Friday through July 28.

Potpourri

Pollinator Walk, 10-11 a.m., Hawthorn Hollow, 880 Green Bay Rd. Meet up at Hawthorn Hollow for a special Wildflower Pollinator walk with Ecologist Emily Leonard to learn more about the pollinators in our area and the plants they pollinate. Learn about native species and what they can tell us about the health of our ecosystems. This event is put on in conjunction with the Kenosha Public Library and is designed for ages 12-19. Registration required.

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Southport Light Station Museum – Climb a Lighthouse from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, 5117 4th Ave. Free admission for the keeper’s house tour; donations are welcome. The lighthouse climb costs $10 for ages 12 and over and $5 for children ages 8-11 years old. (Must be 8 or older to climb.)

Family

Kenosha Kingfish vs. Battle Creek doubleheader: Kids Day at 11:35 a.m., Bark in the Park Day at 6:35 p.m., Historic Simmons Field, 7817 Sheridan Rd. Tickets range from $8-29.

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Library Field Day, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., Uptown Neighborhood Library, 2419 63rd St. It’s Field Day at the library! Join us for classic outdoor games like a three-legged race, an obstacle course, and more! In the event of inclement weather, this program will be canceled.

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Rock Out Rock Painting, 5-6 p.m., Northside Library, 1500 27th Ave. Are you ready to rock?! Jam along to classic rock ‘n roll music while painting rocks. Designed for families with children.

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Comic Collage Photo Frame craft, 3-4 p.m., Simmons Library, 711 59th Pl. Decorate a wood photo frame with a collage of your favorite comics! It’s as easy as A, B, DC and will leave you MARVELing at the results.

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Family Storytime, 6-6:30 p.m., The whole family is invited to storytime! Come read stories, sing songs, and have fun!

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Family Club, 10-11:30 a.m., Richard Bong State Recreation Center, 26313 Burlington Rd.  Create your very own story. Go for a walk in nature. Look for a place that catches your attention. Use your imagination and what you know about nature to create a story. Meet at Gathering 1 in the Nature Explore Classroom. Vehicle admission sticker is required: $8 per day for vehicles with Wisconsin plates (age 65 and over $3) / $11 for vehicles with out-of-state plates. Annual state park vehicle admission sticker is also available.


Friday, June 23

Music

The Tallies (indie-pop), 8 p.m., Pavle’s Lounge, 172 52nd St.

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Stu the Piano Guy, 8 p.m., 24’s Rumor’s Lounge, 1402 52nd St.

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Ivy Ford, 6-9 p.m., Union Park Tavern Biergarten, 4520 8th Ave.

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Doublecross of Milwaukee (Classic rock), 8 p.m.-midnight, 58 Below, 504 58th St.

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Smith-Nelson Project, 9 p.m., Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave.

Art

I Am a Man: Photographs of the Civil Rights Movement 1960-70 Exhibit Opening, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Civil War Museum, 5400 1st Ave. This historic decade unleashed both hope for the future and profound change as public spaces were desegregated and as African Americans secured their right to vote. I AM A MAN: Photographs of the Civil Rights Movement, 1960–1970 displays a wide range of photographs taken by amateurs, local photojournalists, and internationally known photographers. Through August 11.

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Transparent Watercolor Society of America Annual National Juried Exhibition, Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 1st Ave. Paintings from transparent watercolor artists from across the country will be on display. Works include a wide variety of subjects from landscapes and portraits to abstracts. Through Aug. 6.

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28th Parkside National Print Exhibition, Emile H. Mathis Gallery, UW-Parkside, 900 Wood Rd. More than 80 award-winning prints on display. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Tuesdays – Fridays through July 28.

Potpourri

Comedian Vince Maranto

Comedian Vince Maranto, 8 p.m., Kenosha Comedy Club, Wyndham Garden Hotel, 5125 6th Ave. Tickets are $14.

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Southport Light Station Museum – Climb a Lighthouse, open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Thursdays-Sundays, 5117 4th Ave. Free admission for the keeper’s house tour; donations are welcome. Lighthouse climb costs $10 for ages 12 and over, $5 for children 8-11 years old (must be 8 or older to climb).

Family

Movie Night in the Park: “Lightyear,” 8 p.m. Petrifying Springs Park, 5555 7th St. Free Movies begin at dusk.

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Movies in the Park, “The Rise of GRU,” beginning at dusk, Lance Park Amphitheater, 55 Lance Dr., Twin Lakes.

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Kenosha Kingfish vs. Battle Creek, Visor Giveaway Day, 6:35 p.m., Historic Simmons Field, 7817 Sheridan Rd. Tickets $8-29.


Saturday, June 24

Music

Party On The Patio, 5 p.m.,  Kenosha Brewing Company, 4017 80th St. 4 bands: Dimensions, Dropping Daisies, Venganza and The Masquerade! All ages. Bring lawn chairs. Free. Presented by Tribute Entertainment.

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Sun Silo with Evan Steidtman, 8 p.m., Public Craft Brewing, 628 58th St.

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Big Style Brass Band (New Orleans jazz), 6-9 p.m., Petrifying Springs Biergarten, 5555 7th St.

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BarrCasters, 6-9 p.m., Union Park Tavern Biergarten, 4520 8th Ave.

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Pat McCurdy, 8 p.m., doors 7:30 p.m., Lakeside Deck at Wyndham Garden Hotel, 5125 6th Ave. Tickets $10.

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Twin Rivers Band, 2 p.m., Uke’s Harley Davidson, 5995 120th Ave.

Art

I Am a Man: Photographs of the Civil Rights Movement 1960-70 Exhibit Opening, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Civil War Museum, 5400 1st Ave. This historic decade unleashed both hope for the future and profound change as public spaces were desegregated and as African Americans secured their right to vote. I AM A MAN: Photographs of the Civil Rights Movement, 1960–1970 displays a wide range of photographs taken by amateurs, local photojournalists, and internationally known photographers. Through August 11.

***

Transparent Watercolor Society of America Annual National Juried Exhibition, Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 1st Ave. Paintings from transparent watercolor artists from across the country will be on display. Works include a wide variety of subjects from landscapes and portraits to abstracts. Through Aug. 6.

Potpourri

Boats & Dough, noon – 5 p.m., Kenosha Yacht Club, 5130 4th Ave. Featuring music by Spirit Shakers, and food by Mr. Wings and Cut Stone Pizza (fire engine pizza truck). This is a fundraiser for repairs following a fire at the Kenosha Yacht Club.

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Old Northside Neighborhood Historic Walking Tour, 1 – 2:30 p.m., Veterans Memorial Park, 5220 6th Ave. This new addition to historic Kenosha tours will meet at Veterans Memorial Park then make its way through the old north side of Kenosha: “over the Rhine.” The tours are led by volunteer historians, who grew up in the neighborhood. Reservations $10 per person. Contact the Kenosha History Center 262-654-5770 or email, kchs@kenoshahistorycenter.org.

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Sip N Stroll, 1 – 5 p.m. at businesses throughout Downtown Kenosha. Check-in begins at noon at the Wyndham Garden Hotel, 5125 6th Ave. Participants can sample more than 40 wine, beer, and seltzer offerings at 20+ participating venues, enjoy discounts and give-aways, and will receive a goody bag with promotional items and coupons. Click links for a  map and list of vendors/specials.

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Kenosha HarborMarket, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., 2nd Avenue & 56th Street. The original HarborMarket’s 21st season includes more than 120 vendor booths. Find fresh local vegetables and fruit; locally raised meat, poultry and eggs; cheeses; baked goods; pastas; honey; dozens of prepared food options; soaps & body care products; artisan creations; on-site knife sharpening and much more! Live music at two booths and the Kenosha Public Library’s Bookmobile.

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Kenosha Public Market  9 a.m. – 2 p.m., 625 52nd St. Vendors present a variety of fresh local products including fruits, vegetables, flowers, artisan pastries and confections, locally sourced meats, poultry and eggs, fine cheeses, prepared foods & handmade gifts. Early bird shopping (8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.) will be dedicated to seniors and those with disabilities. An online store, KPM2GO, is also available.

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Comedian Vince Maranto, 8 p.m., Kenosha Comedy Club, Wyndham Garden Hotel, 5125 6th Ave. Tickets are $14.

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Sail on Red Witch II, Day Sail 2:30 – 3:45 p.m., Sunset Sail 7:30 – 8:45 p.m.Board at 5th Avenue and 54th Street. Red Witch II is a world-class sailing vessel, a 1930-design “12-Meter” America’s Cup racing sloop. Tickets $32.

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Kenosha Awakening Spiritual Market, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Rhode Center for the Arts, 514 56th St. The seasonal holistic and metaphysical market features vendors, demonstrations, and more. Free admission.

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Caffeine & Chrome, 9 a.m. – noon, Gateway Classic Cars. 9949 58th Pl. This event is free and  open to the public Cruise in with your collectible car or daily driver and bring your appetite. Indulge in pastries and coffee* (while supplies last).  All makes and models are welcome, with plenty of parking space. This is a family and pet friendly event! See you there!

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Pedals & Pints, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Public Craft Brewing, 628 58th St. Join fellow cyclists and beer aficionados for a ride to another local brew pub and back.

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Southport Light Station Museum – Climb a Lighthouse, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, 5117 4th Ave. Free admission for the keeper’s house tour; donations are welcome. Lighthouse climb costs $10 for ages 12 and over, $5 for children ages 8-11 years old (must be 8 or older to climb).

Family

Laura Doherty and the Heartbeats, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Southwest Library, 7979 38th Ave. This children’s music show will be interactive and silly with plenty of opportunities to sing and dance along!

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Reptiles in Bristol Woods, 2 – 3 p.m.; Pringle Nature Center, 9800 160th Ave. Come and learn about the reptiles living in Bristol Woods with Pringle Nature Center expert Chris Kubic. We will begin inside the nature center by learning about the fascinating lives of reptiles, then head out on the trails to search for animals living in the park. No registration required; for all ages; donations appreciated.

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Native Bees, 9 – 11:30 a.m., Richard Bong State Recreation Area, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville. Learn about the amazing bees native to our area. Learn how to identify bees and what plants these special creatures need to survive. This program will have an indoor presentation followed by an outdoor walk to search for bees and bee plants. This class is suggested for ages 10 and older, all children should be accompanied by an adult. Meet in the Visitor Center Auditorium. Vehicle admission sticker is required: $8 per day for vehicles with Wisconsin plates (age 65 and over $3) / $11 for vehicles with out-of-state plates. Annual state park vehicle admission sticker is also available.

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Toddler Storytime, 10:30 – 11 a.m., Northside Library, 1500 27th Ave. Toddler storytime is for walking one and two-year-old children and their caregivers. Early listening and literacy skills are developed during 20 minutes of books, fingerplays, and songs.

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Preschool Storytime, 10:30 – 11 a.m Southwest Library, 7979 38th Ave. Preschool Storytime is designed for three to five-year-old children. Children enjoy 30 minutes of books, songs, fingerplays, and more during this classic storytime.

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Wings of Fire Celebration, 2 – 4 p.m., Northside Library, 1500 27th Ave. Celebrate the Wings of Fire book series with crafts, games, and adventures.

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Hunt a Killer: Mystery at Magnolia Garden, 3 – 4:30 p.m., Northside Library, 1500 27th Ave. While investigating at a botanical garden, Nancy Drew falls ill. Is someone using dangerous plants for nefarious purposes? Nancy needs your help to find the culprit before they strike again!

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Pistons for Hope Car Show to benefit the Shalom Center, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., St Anne Church, 9091 Prairie Ridge Blvd. The public will vote for their favorite car—NEW School VS. OLD School. We will have games, food trucks, a DJ, a beer tent, and much more. Community members are asked to bring non-perishable items to support the Shalom Center’s Food Pantry programs. Car Pre-Registration is only $5 ($10 at the door).

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Aquanuts Watershow, 6 p.m. Lance Park, 55 Lance Dr. Twin Lakes. Family-focused choreographed Water Ski Show Team performs on Lake Mary throughout the summer most Wednesdays and Saturdays. Free admission and free parking. Concessions are sold on-site. Seating and restrooms are available.

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Mickey the Fox Snake Encounter, 2 – 3 p.m., Richard Bong State Recreation Area, 26313 Burlington Rd. Learn all about snakes and watch as the education snake Mickey is fed, and even get the chance to hold or touch Mickey. Meet in the Visitor Center Auditorium. Vehicle admission sticker is required: $8 per day for vehicles with Wisconsin plates (seniors $3) / $11 for vehicles with out-of-state plates. Annual state park vehicle admission sticker is also available.


Sunday, June 25

Music

Old Brown Shoes, 6 p.m. Port of Kenosha, 714 50th St.

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Marr’Lo (singer/songwriter), 3 – 6 p.m., Petrifying Springs Biergarten, 5555 7th Ave.

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Ron Starr, 1 p.m., Lakeside Deck at Wyndham Garden Hotel, 5125 6th Ave.

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South of Disorder Duo, 2 p.m. Lakeside Deck at Wyndham Garden Hotel, 5125 6th Ave., Tickets $3.50.

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Cy’s Piano Jams, 4 – 7 p.m., Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave.

Art

I Am a Man: Photographs of the Civil Rights Movement 1960-70 Exhibit Opening, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Civil War Museum, 5400 1st Ave. This historic decade unleashed both hope for the future and profound change as public spaces were desegregated and as African Americans secured their right to vote. I AM A MAN: Photographs of the Civil Rights Movement, 1960–1970 displays a wide range of photographs taken by amateurs, local photojournalists, and internationally known photographers. Through August 11.

***

Transparent Watercolor Society of America Annual National Juried Exhibition, Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 1st Ave. Paintings from transparent watercolor artists from across the country will be on display. Works include a wide variety of subjects from landscapes and portraits to abstracts. Through Aug. 6.

***

28th Parkside National Print Exhibition, Emile H. Mathis Gallery, UW-Parkside, 900 Wood Rd. More than 80 award-winning prints on display. Gallery hours 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. Through July 28.

Potpourri

The Kenosha Book Festival Chapter Three, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Studio Moonfall, 5031 7th Ave. Meet authors: Jessie Rose, T.R. Nickel, Sean Sorce, Kaitlyn Bolyard, Ana Michelle, Al Lytle & Toi Blasier, Debra Oas, Phyllis Fadness, Greta Kelly, Meg Bonney, Michelle Novak, Natasa Zoubouridis, Anne Hambrock, Sylviya Rankova, Randi Moxi, M.P. McDonald, Anthony Wedgeworth, Riley Preston, Kyra Cheese, and Donovan Scherer. Hourly gift card give-aways, local food vendors The Lumpia Lady and That’s a Wrap. Goodie bags and THOUSANDS of $1 used books waiting for your perusal. And the best part? Purchases contribute to our Little Library Fund, supporting our passion for spreading the joy of reading.

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Southport Light Station Museum – Climb a Lighthouse, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, 5117 4th Ave. Free admission for the keeper’s house tour; donations are welcome. Lighthouse climb costs $10 for ages 12 and over, $5 for children 8-11 years old. (Must be 8 or older to climb.)

Family

Summer Fair, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., St. Catherine’s Commons,  3524 7th Ave.  Featuring an ice cream truck from 11 a.m. – noon, The Funkin Farm Fresh Fruit Stand from noon – 1 p.m., and farm animals at 1 p.m. You can also expect music, games and a raffle. The cost is $5 per person – residents and volunteers enter for free.

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28th Annual Kenosha Car Club Car Show, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Fireside Restaurant, 2801 30th Ave. Featuring live music, food & drinks, silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and goodie bags. All makes and models of cars are welcome. Proceeds benefit Stars and Stripes Honor Flight of Wisconsin. Sponsored by Anastos Motors.

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