It’s time for all things fall to begin in Door County, and Sturgeon Bay kicks off the festivities with the county’s first festival of the season: Harvest Festival and Bench Art Auction, Saturday, September 16. Festivities on Third Avenue run 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; the auction begins at 5:30 p.m. New this year: Chalk the Bay! AND a special appearance from the Milwaukee Bucks Statewide Tour Showcase.
The fun begins on Third Avenue at 9 a.m. with a variety of art and craft vendors, fall store specials citywide, live music and more. Bring your appetite for breakfast and lunch!
Artists of all ages are invited to participate in the first Chalk the Bay! Chalk art will be created on the block of Third Avenue between Jefferson & Kentucky Streets, and on the sidewalks around the Door County Library-Sturgeon Bay/Miller Art Museum (weather permitting). Watching amazing chalk artists Craig and Jamie Rogers create a special Harvest Festival chalk piece.
The Milwaukee Bucks 2017 Statewide Tour Showcase is scheduled to make a late afternoon stop in Sturgeon Bay! First round draft pick D.J. Wilson will sign autographs and take photos, the Rim Rockers team will perform amazing dunk tricks, and the Milwaukee Bucks Dancers will entertain you. Follow us on Facebook for details on performance times.
Live music by 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Third Ave. in front of Third Avenue Playhouse and the Door County Advocate.
The Old Bolts Car Club will host the 12th annual Harvest Festival Classic Car Show on Third Ave., between Michigan Ave. and Oregon St. from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m., with the awards ceremony at 3 p.m. Proceeds from the show go to: Boys & Girls Club of Door County, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and Adopt-a-Soldier. Be part of the fun and register for the car show: www.oldboltscarclub.org.
As Harvest Festival winds down, Dow Jones, will shake up Martin Park (207 S. Third Ave.) from 4-5:30 p.m. with covers of everybody’s favorite rock n’ roll songs. Come down, buy a beer or glass of wine, and find a seat for the auction.
Pre-registration for the 17th annual Sturgeon Bay Bench Art Auction begins at 4 p.m. at the Sturgeon Bay Visitor Center Auction Registration table in Martin Park. This year’s auction, presented by Associated Bank, features 17 unique 2-seat straight-back benches and 8 free-form creations including the ‘French Curve’ by Henry Holt, and hooked ‘Scaturo’s By the Bay’ by Tom Hauterbrook. All of the benches up for auction will be on display in Martin Park beginning Monday, Sept. 11. The auction begins at 5:30 p.m.
Can’t attend the auction? Absentee bids are being accepted for those unable to attend. Cast your absentee bid at: www.sturgeonbay.net; call the Sturgeon Bay Visitor Center: 920-743-6246. Or stop by the Visitor Center, 36 S. Third Ave., Sturgeon Bay. All events are open to the public free of charge.
Come to Sturgeon Bay for fall fun and create a lifetime of memories!