Winneconne – We Like It Where?

I love Winneconne, Wisconsin. It is my adopted hometown. And although I may never be a true local, my kids will be. They will have deep roots and lifelong friends, because we made the decision to move to Winneconne to raise our family. We wanted to land someplace safe, someplace small, yet also full of charm and character. I have lived everywhere from Atlanta to NYC to San Diego over the years, leaving a trail of early endings and unexplored possibilities in my wake. While I want my kids to see the world, I also want them to have a legitimate answer when someone asks them where they are from.

So when Dan and I stumbled upon Winneconne 13 years ago through a lucky twist of fate, my life forever changed. Our boat made its way to this magical establishment from another time, called The Other Place, and it drew us right in. It drew us in with shot-skis and new friends. It introduced us to Winneconne, and we never looked back.

I love so many things about Winneconne. I love the fact that it has exactly zero stoplights. I love its landmarks. Like its 60-some-year-old ice cream stand, the Well. Or the Allenville farm truck, a roadside fixture from June through October, bursting with produce goodness. I love The Fin and Feather, with its classic riverboat and never-ending entertainment. Winneconne often feels like an anachronism in the best possible way.

 

I love its institutions, like its newspaper and library. Not every public library sponsors goat yoga, partners with a local brewery for events, and has both an actual and scary-large stuffed hedgehog for a mascot. His name is Winston, in case you were wondering.

I love that I can say I am going “up river,” and folks will immediately understand what that means. And then laugh. Because they figure my head will be hurting tomorrow.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, but I love the schools and the teachers. http://jessicavanbommel.com/2018/05/08/have-you-thanked-a-teacher-today/

I love the people generally. And I love that Winneconne is small enough that you can’t go to the local grocery store without seeing at least two people you know. I love the way residents rally around each other if one is in need. I love that if (when) my kids mess up, they won’t get away with anything, because people will know who they are and rat them out. I love that I could leave my purse on a sidewalk in the middle of town all day, and it would be there waiting for me to come get it – unless, of course, some well-meaning soul turned it in to a lost and found for me.

So, in case you didn’t catch all that, I love Winneconne. All the year round. But at no time do I love it more than in July. In July, it shines.

In July, the Well’s ice cream just tastes better, the Allenville tomatoes are perfection, and the patio music at the Fin is in full force. The water that cuts through and surrounds Winneconne is bursting with activity. The kids are filling the ball diamonds with youthful triumph. And, best of all, July is the month of Sovereign State Days.

For the uninitiated, Sovereign State Days is a celebration of being forgotten – of being, quite literally, left off the map. Actually, that isn’t entirely true. It is a celebration of one small village’s incredible reaction to being left off the map. It’s a celebration of creativity and taking a stand. In 1967, Winneconne was inadvertently left off the Wisconsin state map. Mind you, this was back when people still used maps! So not only was this oversight an insult, but it had large potential economic ramifications, because one of Winneconne’s major revenue sources is the visitors and fisherman who flock here to enjoy our waterways (and our sparkling personalities). But it’s pretty hard to flock someplace if you can’t find it.

Once Winneconne discovered this gaffe, our village leadership began holding secret meetings and formulating plans for Winneconne to secede from Wisconsin. And on July 21, 1967, a new state of Winneconne was born. Our independence was short-lived, as the state realized we were (mostly) serious. The governor quickly agreed to put up highway signs directing folks to the village and to place Winneconne brochures in all state tourist centers. He also promised that village leadership would be allowed to review the 1968 map before it went to print. So, Winneconne rejoined the state a scarce few hours after making its exit.

But, in the meantime, our village forefathers had created a new government, a Sovereign State Navy, even a flag. We had an official state bird (the dodo), state fish (sheepshead), state animal (the skunk), and state flower (poison ivy). And, of course, our slogan: “Winneconne – We Like It Where?” I mean, seriously. How much cooler can one rogue village get?

Now, we celebrate our brief independence annually with a parade, beer, bounce houses, concerts, a cornhole tournament, fireworks, beer, a fishing tournament, an artisan fair, beer, 5k run, a Venetian boat parade, and, you guessed it, beer. That’s a pretty ambitious weekend schedule for a village of less than 2,500 people. But, in all seriousness, it’s a well-run event with a fun mix of family and “big people” entertainment.

I’m not going to lie. I may have to pass on at least a few of these festivities. I’m 40 now, remember? 🙂 (http://jessicavanbommel.com/2018/06/22/this-is-39-97/) And I also like a little quiet time on the weekend. A little yoga-pants-and-Netflix-on-the-porch time. But, not to worry, I’m definitely in for a chunk of the fun! Winneconne, I still love you!

Admittedly, this July won’t see Winneconne at its best. The road work and replacement of our beloved bridge has the village in tatters. But this, too, shall pass. Maybe one day we will hold a celebration of the year the DOT tore up Winneconne – it’d be an excuse for a parade, anyway. And, of course, for beer.