Merkes Message

ART ON THE STREET

2012-05-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

IN DOWNTOWN MENASHA
June 21st from 6-9pm
Artists will exhibit their works along Main Street from the
Wreath Factory to the WeatherVane Restaurant.

Live Music and Refreshments.

Contact Wild Apple Gallery for details about the event or how you can participate 920-886-6636 or email wildapple@new.rr.com

MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS

2012-05-27T11:45:00.001-05:00

Menasha's heritage is rich in culture and service to both the community and country. Remembering those that served our county on Memorial Day is a Menasha tradition, for decades Menasha and Neenah have joined together with ceremonies and a parade remembering those who have served their country. The Memorial Day services are organized by four Veterans Service Organizations: American Legion Post 152-Menasha and Post 33-Neenah; and Veterans Of Foreign Wars Post 2126-Menasha and Post 10893-Neenah.

This year's joint Menasha & Neenah Memorial Day events include:

A waterfront service at 8 a.m. Monday along the canal at Main and Mill streets in Menasha. The service will include the placing of flowers in the canal by the Ladies Auxiliary, music by the Neenah High School band, a 21-gun salute, playing of Taps and a prayer led by Chaplain Dave Thiede.

The parade begins at 9 a.m. in Menasha. It heads south on Milwaukee Street to Main Street to Tayco Street to Washington Street into Neenah, and continues south on Commercial Street to Wisconsin Avenue, Main Street and ends on Doty Avenue. The parade marshall is retired Navy Captain Mark Englebert.

A memorial ceremony will be held at 10:45 a.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery in Neenah. The ceremony will include music performed by the Neenah High School Band, an invocation, guest and student speakers, a 21-gun salute and playing of echo Taps. The address will be by Winnebago County Executive Mark Harris.

Following the parade, American Legion Hawley-Dieckhoff Post 33 is sponsoring a cookout at Mahler Park on S.Park Avenue. Food, refreshments, music and other activities.

SUMMER HOURS BEGIN AT THE MENASHA LIBRARY MAY 29th

2012-05-25T10:19:00.001-05:00

SUMMER LIBRARY HOURS:

Monday through Thursday 8:30 to 8:30

Friday 8:30 to 6:00

Saturday 9:00 to 1:00

Sunday closed

COMMUNITYFIRST - FREE FISHING DAY AT JEFFERSON PARK

2012-05-15T19:20:00.010-05:00

Join in on the fun lakeside at Jefferson Park in Menasha to celebrate the beginning of Wisconsin's free fishing weekend. Heckrodt Wetland Reserve, A Fish Tale and More, and the City of Menasha Park and Recreation Department have teamed up to bring you a fun morning of family fishing.

June 2nd, 2012
8:00AM - Noon
Registration Required

Bait will be provided. Rods and reels will also be available to borrow.
Free t-shirts, fun kids activities, door prizes
Small scale fishing tournament for young shore fishers up to age 12 - with prizes in several categories
Free food

Get more information on the Heckrodt Wetland Reserve Website or call 720-9349

GOLD CROSS AMBULANCE TO HOST OPEN HOUSE

2012-05-15T09:04:00.000-05:00

In celebration of Emergency Medical Services Week Gold Cross Ambulance will be hosting an open house at their Menasha location. A fun slate of events for children and adults alike with Ambulances, Fire Trucks, Police Cars, EMS Bike Team, and ThedaStar Helicopter. Stop by for refreshments and prizes and learn about the systems and people that are on call when you need them.

OPEN HOUSE
May 19, 2012
10:00am - 3:00pm

10:00-12:00 Bike Safety Check/Helmet Giveaway
11:00-1:00 ThedaStar Aeromedical Helicopter
1:00-2:00 Vehicle Extrication/Jaws of Life Demo

Gold Cross Ambulance
1055 Wittmann Drive, Menasha

20th ANNUAL DOTY ISLAND CLEAN-UP MAY 5th

2012-05-04T09:40:00.003-05:00

The story of cooperation between island residents is a great one, 20 years ago coming together to make thier neighborhood stronger. One of the most pressing needs way back then had been litter throughout the railroad corridors, parking lots, and commercial corridor. In years back we had collected trailer loads of trash often times tires and an occasional couch. As the years progressed we've picked up a lot less large items (that we believed were dumped from people outside the neighborhood) but we still need your help!

You can help us make the Menasha and Neenah island shiny and clean!

Here's what you can do, meet us at:

YouthGo 213 Nicolet Blvd (across from St. Pats Church)
8AM Saturday May 5th
the Doty Island neighborhood group provides trash bags and assigns areas to clean
have a snack as a thank you!

The clean up will end by Noon (likely a lot earlier)

Help continue this great story of cooperation and pride between two cities and one great neighborhood. Doty Island has a website at www.dotyisland.com

UPDATE:

Great group of people came to this year's clean up helping in the Shepard Park area, Seton School area, and along the railroad tracks crossing Commercial Street. Started the morning with some great sweets from Manderfield's and Shelatte's coffee. Thanks to the scout groups, Seton students, and Maplewood student. Without everyone's help Doty Island wouldn't be as great of a neighborhood. Working together we can do great things!

MENASHA THE INDUSTRIAL CITY

2012-05-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

Menasha was carved from the northeastern Wisconsin wilderness in the late 1840s. At the confluence of the Fox River and Lake Winnebago, the town’s early entrepreneurs and industrialists sought the promise of waterpower to fuel their mills and kick-start the engine of commerce. Taming the Fox with dams, canals, and a lock, Menasha initially made its mark with flour mills and lumber-based industry. At one time, the city was home to the largest manufacturer of wood-turned products in the world. In the late 19th century, however, the tides of change once again washed upon the city and industrial focus shifted to the paper industry. What made Menasha great were dependable waterpower, plentiful rail connections to centers of commerce in Milwaukee and Chicago, and a prolific labor force that coincided with an influx of European immigrants.

Check out the new book Menasha by David Galassie available from Arcadia Publishing June 25th, and keep track of David's Blog on the book where he posts stories and photos leading up to the release.

GET ON YOUR BIKE AND RIDE

2012-05-02T15:07:00.003-05:00

Scott Reilly from the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin will be at the Menasha Public Library this Saturday afternoon with a program called "Bike Safety for Kids & Adults"to remind us how to bike safely. He will also answer our questions about the rules of the road.

Register to win a gift certificate from either Wheel & Sprocket or Gear 'N Up. And be sure to bring your bike and helmet -- following the presentation we will take a group ride to the Trestle Trail. Call 967-3690 for more information.

Bring Your Bike and Helmet!
Saturday, May 5
2 to 4 p.m.

GARLIC MUSTARD MENASHA's MOST UNWANTED PLANT

2012-05-01T08:29:00.001-05:00

What is garlic mustard?

Garlic Mustard is a cool-weather perennial herb. European settlers brought it with them to help season food. Google ‘Garlic Mustard recipes’ and you will find a wealth of recipes. The on-line cookbook Garlic Mustard from Pest to Pesto is a collection of almost 20 culinary delights featuring this tasty herb. However, while garlic mustard is so palatable that Europeans wouldn’t leave the Old World without it, animals won’t eat it – not even deer. Therefore, it marches unchecked through forests choking out native plants and altering soil nutrients prohibiting growth of native shrubs and trees.

Garlic Mustard is a biennial plant. This means that it takes two years for it to flower.    The first year it may go unnoticed as it begins as a patch of heart-shaped toothed leaves growing close to the ground.   The following year these minute plants become 2 to 3 1/2 foot giants towering over woodland natives, choking off life.

What can we do?

One thing that people of all ages can do is pull it. Yes, get your hand right down by the base of the plant, give it a yank, and bag it. Don’t just leave it on the ground as it won’t die until it completes the cycle of producing and spreading seed. In one hour’s time you could easily collect two bags stuffed with the invader and ready for the trash.   It is vital that we get as much of this plant pulled in the next few weeks. Currently it is estimated that 75% of the garlic mustard is in flower. With the forecasted warm weather, seed pods will be developing soon. There are approximately thirty pods per plant
times five seeds per pod. Multiply that number by hundreds of plants and you will understand why this plant can blanket a pristine and diverse forest in a short amount of time. It is a silent army that
shouldn’t be ignored

As concerned citizens we need to work toward eradicating this invader. The battle won’t be won in a single year. However, if everyone who uses a trail or park would take an hour or two to contribute to this effort, over the course of time garlic mustard could be eradicated or kept at bay thus preserving and restoring our forest ecosystem.

IGNITE FOX CITIES: A BLUEPRINT FOR ECONOMIC PROSPERITY - WHAT'S NEXT?

2012-04-28T20:53:00.000-05:00

Since the Ignite Fox Cities: A Blueprint for Economic Prosperity Garner Study was released in November 2011, the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce has been focusing on the report's outlined recommendations, including increased efforts for business retention and expansion as well as efforts to obtain a sustainable funding source for economic development infrastructure and programs.

Shannon Full, President/CEO of the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce, kicked off the implementation phase by hiring Resource Development Group, a campaign investment firm, to make investment goal recommendations based on comparisons between Economic Development Organizations (EDOs) of varying sizes, capacities and locations all over the country. The Chamber and Resource Development Group came up with a budget goal of $800,000 to $1 million dollars. The Chamber plans to begin the campaign process in May 2012 and will focus efforts to include the Counties of Calumet, Outagamie, and Northern Winnebago. Shannon will present the report to the Menasha Common Council and share economic development key concepts on immediately before the May 7th Common Council meeting starting at 5PM

The Fox Cities Chamber is also focusing efforts on updating their current website and working with the Fox Cities Economic Development Partnership (FCEDP) to create a streamlined permitting process, eventually resulting in a shared website containing a common permitting form for use by all municipalities within the Fox Cities.

Please contact the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce for a complete listing of the Chamber's current activities.

Don't miss this exciting possibility to hear more about how the Fox Cities Chamber works to strengthen our regional economy

KEEPING IT GREEN ELECTRONICS RECYCLING EVENT

2012-04-27T15:02:00.001-05:00

Second Update:

In total we collected 18,530 lbs of computers, electronics, and appliances from the Menasha Utilities location. We had a count of 218 residents who stopped by the days event. At the Town of Menasha there was a total of 16,950 lbs collected, along with a head count of 183 residents who participated in this years event. In total the collection between the two locations totaled 35,480 lbs of recyclable materials, with a head count of 401 residents. Both events were very successful! There were a lot of positive things to say the day of from residents stopping by to recycle what they had.

Update:

231 people came to drop of their old electronics, there was some pretty interesting stuff including a lot of imac monitors in all colors, a great pocket radio from the 60's or 70's, turntables, vacuums, and so much more. We filled two box trucks (picture of the first one to the left) and a dumpster. Thanks to Scott, Dick, Paula, Chris, Linda, Rodger, and Kathy for their help. Nice to know that all of these things won't end up in a landfill but will become something useful once again. If you didn't make it today check out Recycle that Stuff's Webpage for a listing of their upcoming recycle events in the area.

JOIN US SATURDAY!

Recycle your old electronics and small appliances at with the City of Menasha! Most electronics contain hazardous or toxic materials which can cause an environmental problem if discarded in the trash. Safely recycling and reusing electronics helps keep substances like lead and mercury from harming people or the environment.

At this recycling event, many items including most household electronics, computers, and CFLs, will
be accepted for recycling at no charge to the public. There is a small fee for some small appliances
and other items, like dehumidiﬁers, microwaves and televisions.

When: April 28, 2012
Time: 8:00 am - Noon
Where: Menasha Utilities 321 Milwaukee St.

NEENAH MENASHA FIRE RESCUE OPEN HOUSE

2012-04-23T15:32:00.002-05:00

Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue Welcomes The Citizens of Neenah and Menasha to a

FIRE STATION OPEN HOUSE
SATURDAY, May 5, 2012
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Station 32 – 125 E. Columbian Ave., Neenah

Activites include:
-Station Tours
-Magic Fire Safety Show (11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.)
-Activities for the Children
-Snacks

MENASHA RESTAURANT INSPECTION REPORTS AVAILABLE FOR ONLINE VIEWING

2012-04-19T13:22:00.000-05:00

The City of Menasha is now posting inspection reports on-line. This will include Restaurants, Pools, Tattoo, Retail Food and Weights and Measures. The public will now be able see reports within a half day as well as any critical violations and corrective measures.

Weights and Measures will show the rate of compliance including gas pumps.

You can view the reports here: Inspection Reports
additional links will be added as inspections are made at each place of buisness. The most current inspection will then be available for public viewing.

James Balog Presents the Extreme Ice Survey April 18th 5:30PM

2012-04-17T23:16:00.000-05:00

James Balog has been a leader in photographing, understanding and interpreting the natural environment for three decades. Extensively published in National Geographic and other international media, James and the Extreme Ice Survey team are the subjects of the award-winning feature documentary, “Chasing Ice,” which premiered at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.

James tells his story as part of the Fox Cities Book Festival Wed April 18th at the UW Fox Valley Student Union 5:30PM

Braving treacherous conditions—crevasses, rockslides, avalanches, temperatures down to -40 F., and frigid river crossings—James takes us on an inspiring quest to document spectacular arctic and alpine glaciers. He and his Extreme Ice Survey team bring back to civilization extraordinary documentation of how quickly the ice is vanishing. This is a passionate story of devotion, commitment and creativity. But it goes even further: it alters our perception of what it means to be human at this historic moment of geologic time.Balog's work has received international acclaim, including the Leica Medal of Excellence and the premier awards for nature and science photography at World Press Photo in Amsterdam. His exhibitions have been shown at more than a hundred museums and galleries around the world. He was the first photographer ever commissioned to create a full plate of stamps for the U.S. Postal Service; the 1996 release featured America's endangered wildlife.Many major magazines, including National Geographic, the New Yorker, Life, Vanity Fair, the New York Times Magazine, Audubon, and Outside, have published his work. He is a contributing editor to National Geographic Adventure and is the subject of the short film A Redwood Grows in Brooklyn. Balog is the author of six books, including Tree: A New Vision of the American Forest and Survivors: A New Vision of Endangered Wildlife, which was widely hailed as a major conceptual breakthrough in nature photography. Recent work includes the Extreme Ice Survey, a project that brings image-makers and scientists together to create a photographic record of global climate change.

THEORY OF EVERYTHING

2012-04-11T08:10:00.000-05:00

Don't miss the opening of another fascinating exhibit at the Wild Apple Gallery in downtown Menasha.

Andrew Linskens was born in Appleton, Wisconsin and currently lives and works in Green Bay. He received a BA from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay. He has been exhibiting his art for well over a decade has received numerous awards for his work. He artwork is in collections from the U.S. to Japan. Linskens is also a animator, editor, cinematographer and graphic designer. Prior to a career in art he was a meteorologist in the USAF. www.andrewlinskens.com

"In my new paintings I am influenced by chaos, culture and science. I painted using some rules of graffiti such as, initial outline first, then fill-ins, designs, 3D and final outline. There is also a similarity to interlocking tessellations. However these paintings are not mathematical. They are intuitive. Each piece of the puzzle has its place in the chaos. At a distance the works seem to take on an abstract quality. After a closer inspection the viewer is invited into their own imagination."

FOOD FOR FINES AT THE MENASHA LIBRARY

2012-04-10T17:50:00.003-05:00

The Menasha Public Library collecting Food for Fines during National Library Week through Sunday, April 15.

Bring non-perishable food items to the Circulation Desk at either library. Food items will be given to Double Portions Soup Kitchen.

General Guidelines:

1. $1 worth of food will pay off $2 in fines.
2. No damaged or expired food items will be

accepted.
3. Food items will be applied toward fines only,

not lost or damaged materials or other fees.

Call 967-3680 for more information.

MENASHA CREDIT RATING INCREASES TWO STEPS

2012-04-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

The City of Menasha received positive news Friday from Moody's Investors Service, recognizing the city's ongoing efforts to recover from the failure of its steam utility project. Taking into account the final settlement with investors who held the Revenue Bond Anticipation Notes (BAN’s) issued to fund construction of the plant in 2005-6, Moody's declared that the resolution of this matter has "strengthened and stabilized the city's general obligation credit profile," leading to a Ba2 rating issued today, with a stable outlook. This represents a 2-point improvement in the city's credit rating, though it still remains below investment grade. Moody's also recognized that the city has not defaulted on general obligation debt, and noted that holders of the Revenue BANs received 75% of their principal returned under the terms of the court approved settlement finalized in December 2011. This amount was in addition to interest payments made prior to the settlement.

The City of Menasha had an excellent credit history before the decision to convert its decommissioned electric plant to provide steam to industrial customers in order to reduce their costs of manufacturing. A combination of factors, including volatility in energy markets and fuel costs, failure to fully subscribe the plant's output, and cost overruns in the design and build of the plant led to the collapse of the enterprise. It was deemed unsustainable and shut down in late 2009, at which time there was no income to repay the Revenue BANs. After lengthy negotiations, the city was able to raise funds for a settlement through the sale of the assets of its community-owned electric utility. This solution was backed by the citizens who overwhelmingly voted to authorize the sale in a referendum in April 2010.

According to Moody's, "The stable outlook reflects our expectation that the city’s tax base and financial position will not materially change over the medium term." They base this conclusion on the fact that there will continue to be sizable debt payments made by the city in 2012, 2013, and 2014, along with their opinion about the regional economy and how that impacts likely growth in the city's tax base. Their report also notes that Menasha's tax base increased in 2011, our local unemployment rate is significantly below both the state and national rate, and our residential property values are stable. Moody's also recognizes that the city's General Fund Reserve balance is adequate, and there was an operating surplus in 2011 with current operations tracking to budget in 2012.

The Moody's report confirms that the City of Menasha has taken appropriate steps to address the financial fall-out from the collapse of the steam utility, and should bolster the confidence of all who have a stake in the future of Menasha. The City of Menasha is moving forward, taking positive steps toward fiscal health, and building a foundation for sustainable growth.

HISTORY OF THE BRIN AND VALLEY THEATERS

2012-04-08T10:24:00.005-05:00

The Valley Theater is but a memory however the Brin still stands proudly on the corner of Main and Tayco Streets. A National Register Building (since 1986), the Brin was one of the bigest and grandest buildings of its day in Menasha holding special memories for many who grew up in our fair city in the 1960's. Closing in 1969 it holds a magnificent secret for many in the community who have never known there to be a theater downtown, much less a theater that featured vaudville and movies in such a grand setting.

On April 12th, at 7:00PM, Nancy Barker will present the history of the Brin and Valley Theaters at the Smith Park Memorial Building. It will be an evening to go back in time and remember the good old days with opportunities to share your memories and unusual events that happened here.

The event is sponsored by the Menasha Historical Society and open to the public.

Update:

Nancy Barker and others spoke to a full house, so full in fact that the event had to be moved to the second floor of the Memorial Building rather than the traditional first floor Historical Society Museum. Stories and memories were shared and we all learned a little more about our community.

PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT CELEBRATES 35 YEARS WITH MENASHA

2012-04-05T16:12:00.000-05:00

Public works superintendent Tim Jacobson celebrates his 35th anniversary with the City of Menasha in 2012. Tim started his career in Menasha in 1973 as summer help in the park department, his starting wage was $1.60hr. In 1977 Tim began working as a laborer in the public works department and was promoted to Assistant Street Superintendent in 1985 and again to Street Superintendent in 1990. He has helped assemble a professional team providing vital services to our community.

Mark Radtke, Director of Public Works, adds: "Tim has shown to be very innovative within the public works field. Examples include the introduction of "on board" pre-wetting of salt for enhanced effectiveness of salting operations; the initiation of automated refuse collection and subsequently recycling; the use of "anti-icing" techniques in advance of winter storm events; the "ag-bag" compost system resulting in the ability to turn yard wast into compost on site at the Public Works Facility; and the specifying of specialized equipment, such as the portable aggregate/compost sifter, allowing Public Works to maximize its operational cost efficiency."

Tim has contributed to the accomplishments and worked through the struggles of the City throughout the years. He is an employee who has given Menasha loyal support along the way. Congradulations to Tim for his service to the community.

Annual Spring Clean-up Begins April 17th

2012-04-02T11:11:00.000-05:00

With the beautiful spring weather that we've been having we've had a jump on the usual spring cleaning schedule for our yards. Remember last year's snowstorm on April 19th??? Yard waste collection will begin Tuesday, April 17, 2012 for a 2-week period on the working day following your regular refuse collection day. Yard waste can also be brought to the public works facility on Baldwin St.

Please observe the following guidelines for the spring yard waste program:

Yard waste must be separated from refuse, placed in containers such as garbage cans, plastic bags, or state approved biodegradable bags, and placed on the terrace, not in the street.
Corrugated boxes are not acceptable containers.
Containers shall not exceed 36 gallons or 50 pounds when filled.
Leaves not collected last fall should be placed in a container for collection or brought to the Public Works Facility during operating hours.
Brush should be placed loose on the terrace and will be collected during brush collection

Public Works Facility Yard Waste drop off site hours are:

The PWF yard summer hours are Saturday, April 28, 2012 through Wednesday, November 21, 2012 , Monday through Friday 7:00am until 5:00pm and Saturday from 8:00am until 1:00pm .
The PWF yard winter hours Monday, November 28, 2011 through Friday, April 27, 2012 are Monday through Friday 7:00am until 3:00pm .

Please note that the drop off site is for city of Menasha residents only and only for yardwaste originating in the city of Menasha. You may be asked for identification upon arrival. Non-residents should contact their municipality for the location of thier facility.

JUST DESSERTS BENIFIT FOR REACH COUNSELING APRIL 13th

2012-04-01T13:21:00.002-05:00

You're invited to sample scrumptious desserts that make a difference! That's what Reach Counseling Services annual event, Just Desserts, offers. Guests are invited to spend an evening sampling unique desserts by talented chefs from local restaurants and bakeries while celebrity judges award trophies in six categories. A live auction, silent auction, extravagant raffles and a jazz quartet will make this the perfect evening for you and your friends. All proceeds from the evening benefit local children and families affected by sexual abuse .

Friday April 13th 2012 6:30-11:00PM
Bridgewood Resort Hotel & Conference Center

MENASHA POLICE AUXILIARY EASTER EGG HUNT

2012-03-28T14:00:00.002-05:00

Saturday, March 31

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The annual Menasha Police Auxiliary Easter Egg Hunt will be Saturday, March 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Smith Park in Menasha. In addition to the egg hunt, there will be raffle prizes and other activities at no cost to the public. This event is for these age groups: newborn - 4 years old and 5 - 8 years old.

Update: hundreds showed up for this year's hunt including the Easter Bunnie shuttled in by a Menasha Police Department squad car. Everyone had a great time and four lucky children went home with either a razor scooter or bike. The Police Auxiliary deserves a big thank you for putting on such a great event year after year! See you all again next year!

JOB SEEKER SATURDAY AT MENASHA PUBLIC LIBRARY

2012-03-22T11:12:00.001-05:00

Saturday, March 27

Job Seeker Saturday begins at 9:30 a.m. in all three of the library's meeting rooms downstairs. Presentations and workshops will be offered on a wide range of topics. These programs are offered in collaboration with Wisconsin's Workforce Development Department. If you are looking for a job, this event is for you!

9:30 am -10:30 am

The Job Search Process

WISCareers

11:00 am -12:00 am

Barriers to Employment

KeyTrain and the NCRC

1:00 pm -2:00 pm

Résumé Writing

Job Searching for Spanish Speakers

2:30 pm-3:30 pm

Library Resources for Job Seekers

All Day

Résumé Review

Practice Interviews

Check the signs outside the meeting rooms to see where each program is held. Light refreshments will be served. To register or for more information, please contact the Reference Desk at 967-3690.

LAKES COUNCIL SPEAKERS SERIES "WHITE PELICANS AND DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS"

2012-03-21T15:20:00.001-05:00

Art Techlow III, DNR Biologist, will discuss the exploding populations of white pelicans and double crested cormorants in the area -- what's true, and what's not -- and what the DNR is doing to help manage these large birds. This is a Lakes Council Speaker Series event. The public is invited.

Wed March 28th 2012 at 6:30PM
Stone Toad Bar & Grill, Menasha

MARDI GRAS

2012-02-20T14:00:00.002-06:00

Fat Tuesday is this Tuesday February 22nd, if you're looking to have some fun before the first day of Lent you might want to consider two restaurants with Menasha ties.

The Menasha Grill, a downtown favorite at 204 Main St. hosts its annual Mardi Gras festivities again this year. Co-owner Charlie Cross said it’s the biggest day of the year at the New Orleans-theme restaurant. This year's event starts at 7 p.m incudes a Cajun buffet and the music of Big Daddy’s Dixieland Five Jazz Band. The buffet includes crawfish etouffee, gumbo, red beans and rice, jambalaya and blackened pork chops. Cost: $25 per person for buffet and music make reservations as the venue fills up fast. 722-6873

Spats, 733 W. College Ave., Appleton will be hosting its first ever Mardi Gras night on Tuesday. Menasha residents Bill & Julie Neubert the owners of Spats will be serving cajun specials at both lunch and dinner. Specials include crawfish etouffee, Bourbon Street shrimp and blackened Cajun catfish.