Kenosha Calendar: Twelfth Night Bonfire returns

New year, new opportunities, new calendar! As Kenosha.com turns the page to 2022, we are adding more events to our weekend Kenosha Calendar. The listings will now include Thursdays to highlight even more local venues and activities for all ages and interests. 

Best Bet

On the Twelfth Night of Christmas, it’s time to take down the tree! The last night of the Twelve Days of Christmas (Jan. 6), also the date of the Epiphany celebrated in some faiths and cultures, is the traditional night to take down decorations and officially end the holiday season.

Pleasant Prairie celebrates this tradition with Twelfth Night Bonfire, a free family event set for 6 p.m. Thursday on the west side of Prairie Springs Park, 9999 Park Dr.

“The last night of the Twelve Days of Christmas is a traditional night to take down decorations and officially end the holiday season,” said Pleasant Prairie Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Michelle Williamson. “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than singing holiday favorites with family and friends around the warmth of a huge pine tree bonfire.”

A brief welcome opens the event at 6 p.m., with the tree burning to follow shortly after. Hot chocolate and treats will be available inside the beach pavilion. Attendees may park in lots on either side of the beach pavilion.

The village has participated in Twelfth Night festivities since the 1980s and is happy to celebrate in 2022 after stepping back in 2021. For more details on Thursday’s bonfire as well as the event’s history, see the Village of Pleasant Prairie website. 

Top Picks

Sure, it’s a “tale as old as time,” but when KUSD Theater Arts puts on a show, there’s always something new to love! 

“Beauty and the Beast premieres Friday (Jan. 7) at 7:30 p.m. and runs through Jan. 16 at Indian Trail Auditorium, 6800 60th St. 

The role of Belle will be played by Ali Maldonado and Alyssa Harper in alternating performances. Jonathan Rasmussen plays Beast, Tyler Boltenhouse is Gaston, Orlando Moore plays Maurice, and Kyle Larsen is the Narrator. A full cast list was published by the district earlier this year. The production is directed by Robert Allen, Nancy Anne Davis is the musical director, and Susan Ojala Myers is the choreographer. 

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday (Jan. 7), Saturday (Jan. 8), Jan. 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees Sunday (Jan. 9) and the final performance Jan. 16.

Tickets are available online. Admission is $6 for students/staff, $11 for senior citizens, and $13 for general admission.

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Looking for an opportunity to do something for our community? A public build to support Sleep in Heavenly Peace of Wisconsin (Racine/Kenosha) is set for Saturday from 9 a.m.-noon with cleanup from noon-1 p.m. at Bane Nelson, 4019 43rd  St.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace builds and provides beds to children in need in our community. Saturday’s build organizers are looking for up to 50 volunteers in several stations to measure wood, operate a chop saw, sand, mark pieces, assemble head/foot boards, and brand the beds (with a branding iron!). No experience necessary; instruction is provided.

Children 12-17 are welcome, please note ages 12-15 must have direct parental supervision. Older teens 16 and 17 can work on their own with parent permission.

Registration and required forms are available online.

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Lemon Street Gallery’s “Oh, So Appealing!” Juried Show opens Thursday (Jan. 6), followed by a reception on Saturday (Jan. 8) from 6-9 p.m. at the Lemon Street Gallery & Art Space, 4601 Sheridan Rd.

The lineup includes 38 artists from the Southeast Wisconsin and Northeast Illinois area. Trenton Baylor, sculptor and Associate Art Professor for UW-Parkside’s Art and Design Department, will serve as juror.

A reception is set for 6-9 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 8) with prizes announced at 7 p.m. Snacks and drinks will be provided. The show runs through Jan. 30. Regular gallery hours are: Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. or by appointment.

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The Kenosha Public Museum, in partnership with the local chapter of the Wild Ones, presents “Chiwaukee Prairie Plants: Rare, Colorful, Unique.” The event is set for 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 8). Admission is free. 

Photographer and Carthage College biology professor Dr. Dana Garrigan and Chiwaukee Prairie Preservation Association’s volunteer naturalist Kay McClelland will lead a photographic tour of the unique native plant species of Chiwaukee Prairie. 

Participants will learn how these native plants are uniquely suited to their prairie and wetland environments, as well as the cultural history including the traditional uses by indigenous people and contemporary uses in landscaping to promote backyard biodiversity. Following the presentation, visit the exhibit Chiwaukee Prairie – A Photojournal of Preservation which runs through March 6.

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Note: All Kenosha Public Library branches have paused their youth programming this week, resuming Jan. 9. 

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Day Tripper

“Frosty Fest,” with a lineup of free outdoor family fun, is set for 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at Bittersweet Golf Course, 875 Almond Rd., Gurnee. 

Activities will include crafting, sledding and snow play, s’mores, hot cocoa, winter games, and more. Participants should bring their own sleds. 

The event is sponsored by the Gurnee Park District, Village of Gurnee and Bittersweet Golf Club and is subject to change based on weather conditions. Please see the Gurnee Park District website for updates and more information on fun winter programming.

The Lineup

THURSDAY (Jan. 6) 

Music 

Pat Garrett’s Pick ‘n’ Pull open mic, 8 p.m. Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave. 

Art 

Annual Intercollegiate Exchange Show featuring Carthage College and UW-Parkside artists, 5-8 p.m., H.F. Johnson Gallery of Art, Carthage campus, 2001 Alford Dr. Free. 

Lemon Street Gallery Presents: Oh, So Appealing Juried Show. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Annual Winter Juried Exhibition, 1-4 p.m. Anderson Arts Center, 6603 3rd Ave, through Jan. 9, 2022. Admission is free, donations appreciated.

Potpourri 

Kitchen Myths (virtual), 6-7:30 p.m. through Kenosha Public Library. Join presenter Amy Klein and test some food hacks from the internet. Send in your favorite food hack to see if it will work or be debunked! Visit mykpl.info for more information and registration. Free. 

Open Skate, City Ice Rink at Veterans Memorial Park, 625 52nd St. Daily 9 a.m. -10 p.m. (weather permitting). Free skate rental (first-come, first-served) available 4-9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays, and noon-8 p.m. Sundays. Photo ID required for skate rental. Free. 

Family 

Village of Pleasant Prairie Twelfth Night Holiday Tree Bonfire, 6-7 -p.m. Prairie Springs Park, 9999 Park Dr. Free. (See Best Bet, above, for full details). 

FRIDAY, (Jan. 7) 

Music 

The Sipos & Young Band (Americana) 9 p.m., Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave.

Stu the Piano Guy, 7-10 p.m. Rustic Road Brewing, 5706 6th Ave.

Art 

Annual Intercollegiate Exchange Show, 5-8 p.m., H.F. Johnson Gallery of Art, Carthage College, 2001 Alford Dr. Free. 

Lemon Street Gallery Presents: Oh, So Appealing Juried Show. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Annual Winter Juried Exhibition, 1-4 p.m. Anderson Arts Center, 6603 3rd Ave, through Jan. 9, 2022. Admission is free, donations appreciated.

Theater 

KUSD Theatre Arts presents “Beauty and the Beast,” 7:30 p.m., Indian Trail Auditorium, 6800 60th St. Tickets $6 for students/staff, $11 for senior citizens, and $13 for general admission. 

Potpourri 

Free Book Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Studio Moonfall, 5031 7th Ave. 

Family 

Artsy Afternoons, 2-3 p.m. (for ages 5-6) and 3:30-4:30 p.m. (for ages 7-10), Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 1st Ave. Free. (Pre-registration appreciated). 

Open Skate, City Ice Rink at Veterans Memorial Park, 625 52nd St. Daily 9 a.m. -10 p.m. (weather permitting). Free skate rental (first-come, first-served) available 4-9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays, and noon-8 p.m. Sundays. Photo ID required for skate rental. Free. 

SATURDAY (Jan. 8) 

Music 

Toke Magic, 9 p.m., Fusion, 5014 7th Ave., $5. 

Rust Belt, 8 p.m., Public Craft Brewing, 628 58th St.

Second Hand Silver (Americana), 8-11 p.m. Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave.

Mr. E (Eric Wennerstrand guitar and vocals), 8-11 p.m., rock, Pop, Americana, cover and original songs, Rustic Road Brewing Co., 5706 6th Ave. 

Bless the Martyr, 7 p.m., The Port, 714 50th St. 

Art 

Annual Intercollegiate Exchange Show featuring Carthage College and UW-Parkside artists, 1-4 p.m., H.F. Johnson Gallery of Art, Carthage campus, 2001 Alford Dr. Free. 

Lemon Street Gallery Presents: Oh, So Appealing Juried Show. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Opening Reception 6-9 p.m. 

Annual Winter Juried Exhibition, 1-4 p.m. Anderson Arts Center, 6603 3rd Ave, through Jan. 9, 2022. Admission is free, donations appreciated.

Theater 

KUSD Theatre Arts presents “Beauty and the Beast,” 7:30 p.m., Indian Trail Auditorium, 6800 60th St. Tickets $6 for students/staff, $11 for senior citizens, and $13 for general admission. 

Potpourri 

“Chiwaukee Prairie Plants: Rare, Colorful, Unique” lecture, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 1st Ave. Admission is free. 

Historic Durkee Mansion featuring “Starry Woodland Nights” holiday decor, 1:30-4:30 p.m. at Kemper Center, 6501 3rd Ave. 

Sleep in Heavenly Peace public volunteer build, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Bane Nelson, 4019 43rd St. 

HarborMarket Indoor Season, 9-1 p.m., Kenosha Union Club, 3030 39th Ave. 

Kenosha Public Market Indoor Season, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., The Vault, 625 57th St. 

Family 

Open Skate, City Ice Rink at Veterans Memorial Park, 625 52nd St. Daily 9 a.m. -10 p.m. (weather permitting). Free skate rental (first-come, first-served) available 4-9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays, and noon-8 p.m. Sundays. Photo ID required for skate rental. Free. 

SUNDAY, Jan. 9 

Music 

Open Mic with Daniel Thompson and His 3 AM Saints, 4-8 p.m., Fusion, 5014 7th Ave. 

Cy’s Piano Jams, 4 p.m., Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave. 

Art 

Annual Winter Juried Exhibition, 1-4 p.m. Anderson Arts Center, 6603 3rd Ave, through Jan. 9, 2022. Admission is free, donations appreciated.

Potpourri 

Historic Durkee Mansion featuring “Starry Woodland Nights” holiday decor, 1:30-4:30 p.m. at Kemper Center, 6501 3rd Ave. (Final day) 

Family 

Open Skate, City Ice Rink at Veterans Memorial Park, 625 52nd St. Daily 9 a.m. -10 p.m. (weather permitting). Free skate rental (first-come, first-served) available 4-9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays, and noon-8 p.m. Sundays. Photo ID required for skate rental. Free. 

To submit an event for Kenosha.com’s Calendar, please email Laura@Kenosha.com and be sure to include contact information.