Gary Con, fundraiser to help animals & a Balloon Adventure begins
LOOK AHEAD
The Balloon adventure returns to Williams Bay Thursday, March 19, for 10 days of larger-than-life installations. Over 100,000 balloons are said to be used this year, which has the theme Buggin' Out. This picture was taken at last year's Balloon adventure.
Gary con XVIII activities begin Wednesday, March 18, at Grand Geneva resort & spa, in the town of Lyons, just outside of Lake Geneva.
Look Ahead lists some of the events happening in the Lake Geneva area. The following information is subject to change. Confirming details with event planners is recommended. Email Special Sections Coordinator Steve Targo at stargo@lakegenevanews.net to have an event appear in this listing.
Wednesday, March 18
Gary Con XVIII —4-8 p.m., Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, 7036 Grand Geneva Way, town of Lyons, garycon.com. Fantasy gaming convention honoring Gary Gygax, co-creator of “Dungeons & Dragons.” Numerous activities occur throughout the four-day convention. The first day is the set-up day, with badge pick-ups, registration and a Pre-Con Welcome Party that starts at 7 p.m. See website for tickets and more.
Local Live Music: Glenn Davis Blues Jam— 8:30 p.m., Hogs & Kisses, 149 Broad St., Lake Geneva. Find out more on the Facebook page for Davis.
Thursday, March 19
Buggin’ Out: The Balloon Adventure —March 19-29, times vary, Pier 290 Boat Showroom, 531fund.org/the-balloon-adven-ture. Larger-than-life balloon installations create an immersive experience for guests, with proceeds from the event to support Camp Timber-lee. There are special activities during the 10-day event, such as the March 20 Afterglow Rave, The Great Balloon Pub Crawl March 21 and the Blockbuster Adventure March 27. On the final day, March 29, guests can help pop select balloons. Prices and the schedule vary daily. Check link for more.
Gary Con XVIII —8 a.m.-8 p.m., Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, garycon.com. This is Sci-Fi Day, with activities including the Opening Ceremony between 9:30 and 10 a.m.; Chainmail Jousting during the day; a Silent Auction 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; the Diamond Dinner 6-7:30 p.m.; and the VIP Welcome Party 8 p.m.-midnight. See link for ticket prices and more.
Friday, March 20
Gary Con XVIII —8 a.m.-8 p.m., Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, garycon.com. Fantasy Day’s activities include the Gary Con Gary Adkison Memorial Magic: The Gathering Tournament 1-5 p.m.; the Gary Con Fourth Annual Cosplay Contest at 4 p.m.; and an acoustic set by Jason Charles 8-9 p.m.
Local Live Music: Matt Jaye— 6-9 p.m., Topsy Turvy Brewery, 727 Geneva St., Lake Geneva, top-syturvybrewery.com.
Saturday, March 21
Gary Con XVIII— 8 a.m.-midnight., Grand GenevaResort & Spa, garycon.com. Hawaiian Shirt Day, with the E. Gary Gygax Lifetime Achievement Award presentation at 2:30 p.m.; the GC Charity Auction 3-6 p.m.; and Stefan’s Metal ‘til Midnight Party 10 p.m.-midnight.
Scientific Weed Whacking & How to Survive the Ugly Duckling Phase— 10 a.m., South Kettle Moraine State Forest Headquarters-Eagle, S91W39091 Highway 59, Eagle. Rachel Lambert, of Tallgrass Restoration, to discuss mindsets for successful DIY work on prairies, wetlands and woodlands. No admission, open to public.
Waylon Tribute Show— 4 p.m., The Bottle Shop, 617 W. Main St., Lake Geneva, the-bot-tleshoplakegeneva.com/calendar. Tribute show to Waylon Jennings. Tickets $25 per person. Call 262348-9463 to reserve.
Sip ‘N Purr— 5-8 p.m., Hawk’s View Golf Club, 7377 Krueger Road, Lake Geneva, lakelandani-malshelter.org. Enjoy local wines, gourmet food, a silent auction, raffles and more at this fundraiser for the Lakeland Animal Shelter. Costs: $35 single, $200 group of four reserved cocktail table, $400 group of eight reserved table. Go online to register and for more details.
Local Live Music: Grant Milliren— 6-9 p.m., Topsy Turvy Brewery, topsyturvybrewery.com.
A Tribute to Chrissie Hynde & the Pretenders— March 21, doors 6:30 p.m., show 7:30 p.m., Geneva Stage. The Great Pretenders perform. Tickets $40-45.
Sunday, March 22
Gary Con XVIII— 8 a.m., Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, garycon.com. The last day of the convention is Social Sharing Day, with worship services and a Gary Con Memorial Service; and the end of gaming at 4 p.m. But at 8 p.m., the Dead Dog Party begins, with pizza, drinks and, of course, more games — for convention staff and volunteers, plus special guests.
Shelter Shiver Wisconsin— 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Turtle Lake Tap and Grill, N6513 Anderson Drive, Delavan, aliverescue.sal-salabs.org/5thannualsheltershiverwi/index.html. ALIVE Rescue fundraiser enters its fifth year. Participants will take the plunge in Turtle Lake to help homeless animals. Registration $25. Prizes to be announced during the after party at Turtle Lake Tap and Grill.
Local Live Music: Rock Central— 1-4 p.m., Topsy Turvy Brewery, topsyturvybrewery.com.
