If you are looking for a truly unique Mother’s Day experience, look no further than the Kickapoo River village of Gays Mills, Wisconsin. From May 6 through May 8, 2011 this picturesque village will hold its 19th annual Folk Festival of Music and Dance. Gays Mills is located in Southwest Wisconsin, thirty minutes northeast of Prairie du Chien, or a little more than one hour south of La Crosse. Highlights of this year’s Festival include a Friday evening Square Dance and a Saturday Rodeo. Music workshops are also scheduled for Saturday, including fiddle, banjo, and clogging; a writers workshop is also on tap. You also won’t want to miss the Saturday chili dinner and evening concert.
This event is such a natural fit to the Kickapoo Valley. Take time to drive along Hwy 131 which follows the entire length of the Kickapoo River. You will be treated to spectacular scenery, quaint villages, and even an Amish settlement that stretches frtom Ontario, WI to Cashton, WI. Visit the Amish shops and bakeries to find a special Mother’s Day gift.
Early May of 2011 promises to offer an explosion of nature in Southwest Wisconsin. Trees and shrubs will be greening, woodland wildflowers will abundantly decorate area trails, lilacs and apple blossoms will be on display. Five area state/national parks offer superb hiking. Camping is offered in both Gays Mills and Soldiers Grove, and wonderful lodging is available at a couple of area B&Bs. You will not be disappointed in the many offerings of Mother’s Day weekend in the Kickapoo Valley.
Tags: Folk Music, Gays Mills, Mother's Day Weekend, Music Events


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