Warrens, the “Cranberry Capital of Wisconsin”, is a small village with a population of 400, located in the northeastern corner of Monroe County.
It is transformed every year when Warrens welcomes over 100,000 visitors to the World’s Largest Cranberry Festival. This year’s, from September 28 to 30, marks the 40th annual celebration.
The Festival is perhaps best known for its shopping and boasts over 800 arts & crafts booths (unusual works of art), 300 flea & antique booths (primitives, pottery and antiques), 100 farm market booths (fresh fall produce) and 100 food vendors that make for a three-mile shopping extravaganza.
The Festival brings in excess of $2 million per year, contributing to the local economy and benefiting the travel and tourism industry. The purpose of the Festival has always been to raise funds to improve the quality of life in Warrens.
In honor of the 40th Festival the World’s Largest Cranberry Craisin™ Whoopie Pie will be unveiled on Friday September 28. The Festival is partnering with Kentucky Whoopie to make this huge dessert, which will weigh one ton.
On Friday and Saturday the Cranberries Jubilee Giant Fry Pan will be available. It is one of the most sought after attractions and people stand in line for hours waiting to purchase the warm cranberry mixture that is served over ice cream.
Other highlights at this year’s Festival are Gilbert’s Foundation Games (Gilbert Brown raising money for charities), a pumpkin carver who will be carving several hundred pound pumpkins, and a variety of entertainment acts. The 100 food booths will provide American, Greek, Chinese, Italian, and Mexican cuisines.
The gigantic parade is always at 12pm (noon) on Sunday.
Visit www.cranfest.com for details.
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