Eagle River Cranberry Fest Oct. 4-5

The 45th annual Cranberry Fest returns Saturday, Oct. 4 and Sunday, Oct. 5 at the Vilas County Fairgrounds, with some activities taking place in downtown Eagle River on Saturday, Oct. 4. More than 45,000 visitors traditionally partake in the event, hosted by the Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce. Approximately 250 booths will either sell or showcase cranberry-inspired foods and drinks, as well as arts-and-crafts, farmers market and vintage/antique items.

An estimated 10,000 pounds of cranberries are sold during the event. They’ll be made into an array of delicious food and drink items such as juice, soda, beer, wine, meatballs, fritters, pies, breads, chutney and more.

It takes 400 volunteers and more than 2,000 hours of their time to make the festival possible each year. Anyone interested in volunteering should call the Eagle River Area Chamber at 715-479-6400.

Saturday schedule of events

• Pancake breakfast, Vilas Country Fairgrounds, 7 to 10 a.m.

• Antiques/vintage market, farmers market and arts-n-crafts, downtown Eagle River, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Weaver/fiber artists show and sale, first congregational church, downtown Eagle River, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Cranberry marsh tours, depart from the  chamber, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Cranberry and Craisins  sales, fairgrounds, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Arts and crafts fair, fairgrounds, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Bake sale, HQ tent at fairgrounds, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Live musical entertainment, fairgrounds, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday schedule of events

• Pancake breakfast, Vilas Country Fairgrounds, 7 to 10 a.m.

• Cranberry and Craisins sales, fairgrounds, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Arts and crafts fair, fairgrounds, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Cranberry marsh tours, chamber (departs), 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Live musical entertainment, fairgrounds, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Please note that pets are not allowed at the Vilas County Fairgrounds.

For a complete schedule of activities and for more information, contact the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center at 1-800-359-6315 or 1-715-479-6400 and ask for the Cranberry Country Crier, Marsh Tour and wine tasting information.