December 17, 2024 • 21 mins
Noelle Brown joins Fuzz Martin to discuss the exciting and festive events happening in Downtown West Bend, particularly during the holiday season. As the executive director of the Downtown West Bend Association, Noelle highlights the importance of supporting local businesses through various events, including the Downtown Polar Express, which offers winter-themed cocktails while benefiting the Full Shelf Food Pantry. She also shares details about the upcoming Winter Warmup event, featuring stunning ice sculptures and activities designed to draw the community out during the cold winter months. Noelle emphasizes the community's charm during the holidays, with beautifully decorated areas that evoke the spirit of a Hallmark Christmas movie. Listeners will gain insights into how they can participate in these events and support local initiatives while enjoying the vibrant downtown atmosphere.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Fuzz Martin (00:08):
Hey, what's happening?
I'm Fuzz Martin, and this is FifteenMinutes with Fuzz, a show about the
things happening in our community.
That are good.
Each week I feature a local organizationor event that is doing something
positive in Washington County, Wisconsin.
And if you ever have an idea for aguest for the show that fits those
criteria, don't hesitate to reach out.
(00:30):
You can email me fuzz at fuzzmartin.
com.
That is fuzz at fuzzmartin.
com.
And by the way, FuzzMartin.
com is where you can find all of theepisodes of this show, along with links
to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
Though the show is on pretty much anyplatform you would ever like to listen on.
And, if you're listening on the daythat this episode was released, it is
(00:51):
exactly one week until Christmas Eve.
Noelle Braun of the Downtown West BendAssociation is joining me this week
to talk all about the festive winterhappenings in Downtown West Bend.
Not just this week.
Christmas happenings.
We're going to talk about thingshappening after the holidays as well,
and how you can have a great timeeven during the coldest winter months.
And with that, here are 15 minuteson Downtown West Bend events with
(01:14):
Noelle Braun on 15 Minutes with Fuzz.
Noelle, as the executive director ofthe Downtown West Bend Association, can
you give us a quick overview of whatthe Downtown West Bend Association does
(01:35):
to support So, we're going to go aheadand enhance the downtown community.
Noelle Braun (01:39):
Absolutely.
So, the Downtown West Bend Association,it's been around for decades and it's
really become known as an organization,we're a non profit now, an organization
that creates some really wonderfulevents that bring visitors near
and far to our beautiful downtown.
And, Everything that we do, we want todo it in mind with the local businesses,
(02:02):
too, because we know when we havelike a thriving downtown community
that contributes to the economy, thewell being of our wonderful city.
So we do plan some really greatevents that, are for everyone.
They're very family friendlyevents, and just highlight
what's great about West Bend.
Fuzz Martin (02:21):
Sure, and it's, it's the big ones that everyone knows too, right?
The, Farmers Market, the Music on Main,those kind of things, and then a whole
bunch of other like, one day events.
Noelle Braun (02:30):
Absolutely, absolutely.
It's, it is never a dull moment.
There is always something going on.
something happening.
Yes, we have some really bigevents throughout the year.
But we also again supportthe small businesses and like
different shopping events.
But the ones you mentioned for sure, thefarmer's market, music on main, those
are the top two that people think of,when they think of downtown West Bend.
Fuzz Martin (02:48):
Perfect.
So can you, speaking of downtown, aswe will do often on this episode, how
It's obviously, it's very charming,during the holiday season especially,
you know, they've got the tree andall of the decorations and such.
Can you paint a picture forour listeners of what makes
downtown great this time of year?
Noelle Braun (03:05):
Absolutely.
The beautiful lights, thebeautiful tree at Old Settlers
Park, that is such an attraction.
It reminds a lot of peopleof being transported into
a Hallmark Christmas movie.
You know, you're walking throughand, it's a gorgeous glittering tree.
And we love that it's right inour downtown, in our community.
(03:26):
I enjoy being so closeto it every day to see.
It makes everything feelso festive down there.
Fuzz Martin (03:32):
It definitely does feel like a Hallmark Christmas movie
or Christmas card scene as well.
You know, this holiday season, everyholiday season, is such an important
time for businesses where a lot ofthem Make their year, they're able
to, become, you know, profitable atthis time and really pay that off.
So how does the Downtown WestBend Association, help that and
(03:53):
encourage residents and visitorsto shop, dine, visit downtown?
Noelle Braun (03:58):
Absolutely.
We work very closely with a lotof the shops throughout the year.
And you're right, this is a crucial timeof year for these small business owners.
We have so many storefronts that arefull, that are vibrant, Small shops
with such a variety too, that's whatI really love about them as well, is
(04:18):
that people can walk from shop to shopand see different things in each one.
We've been helping the small shopspromote the holidays and the holiday
shopping season, whether that wasthrough their holiday open houses back
in November, Small Business Saturday.
There's something that we do.
I've learned about called PinkFriday, which is always the
Friday before Thanksgiving.
That's more for likeboutiques, um, promoting that.
(04:41):
Then getting into December, we, um,did our second annual Midnight on Main
on December 6th, which was really fun.
And just encouraging peopleto, dress up in their Christmas
pajamas if they'd like to do that.
Add to the festival.
West Bend, Kewaskum, Slinger, WestBend, Kewaskum, Slinger, West Bend,
(05:12):
Kewaskum, Slinger, West One of themthought, hey, how about we do like a late
night shopping, like shops open until8pm on Thursdays until Christmas, like
the first three Thursdays of December.
And so we ended up calling itMerry and Bright Shopping Nights.
And so each night too hasa little different theme.
So this is the first year.
(05:33):
So we're, you know, getting the word out.
We had like free Christmas gift wrapping,yesterday and then coming up like December
19th, Santa's going to be downtown inour office for kids to take pictures
with while people are out shopping too.
Fuzz Martin (05:47):
And your office is in the, is it the Centrum Building?
It is in the Centrum Building,
Noelle Braun (05:50):
120 North Main Street, Suite 120, facing right
out there in the Main Street.
Our neighbors across thestreet are the Bend Theater.
Fuzz Martin (05:58):
And
Noelle Braun (05:58):
who's ourself?
Yeah, we're right in the thick of it.
Fuzz Martin (06:00):
Very easy to find.
Yes.
And so Santa will be thereon Thursday the 19th.
This comes out on Tuesday the 17th.
So, you know, if you're listening todayor tomorrow or even Thursday morning, make
sure you get there on Thursday the 19th.
And if you're listening after that.
You missed out, but it was great,and everybody had a great time.
Noelle Braun (06:18):
Next year will be even bigger.
Yes, exactly,
Fuzz Martin (06:20):
exactly.
Let's talk about some of the holidayseason events that you have going on.
So, there's the Downtown PolarExpress, which sounds like a
fun time for adults, right?
So, can you tell us about thePolar Express, what that is, what
businesses are participating?
You don't have to, obviously, Rememberthem all, and, and who it benefits.
Noelle Braun (06:42):
Absolutely.
There's a lot of businesses participating.
We love that.
We love the collaboration downtown.
So, I believe this is the third yearthat the Downtown West Bend Association
is doing the Downtown Polar Express.
Definitely more geared for adults.
Instead, the Downtown PolarExpress is like a winter cocktail.
Fundraiser, that the, there are 16local bars and restaurants downtown
(07:03):
that are participating this year.
Each of them comes up with theirown version of a Polar Express.
Like a fun wintry themed cocktail.
And, In years past, it was onlyabout a month that we would do this.
We are extending it this year.
So it started on December 1st.
We're having that train just chugalong all the way into the new year
and we're going to be ending it,the weekend of winter warmup, which
(07:26):
I know we'll be talking about soon,but the last day will be Sunday.
January 19th.
So there's a lot of opportunities.
So at all these differentbars and restaurants, again,
they have these cocktails.
Two dollars from each of the cocktailswill be going towards the Full Shelf
Food Pantry, which is the largest foodpantry in Washington County, serving
a lot of families and individuals.
So it's just a fun way to giveback and Make an impact, too.
(07:51):
I know the food pantry, I'm sure,gets inundated around the holidays.
So we're hoping like, okay, a littleafter the holidays, that donation
can be really impactful for gettinga variety of food over there.
So yes, we have All of the barsand restaurants listed on our
website, so downtownwestbend.
com, there's a tab called events, youjust click on it, see all of our events at
(08:14):
the bottom, it's in chronological order.
You can click on Downtown PolarExpress and check them all out.
We're also featuring specific barsand restaurants, social media on
our Facebook page, periodicallyand highlighting their drinks too.
Fuzz Martin (08:26):
Excellent.
And speaking of your website, it'sgreat when you click on events
because, you know, you It's avery long menu that you have.
It is.
Noelle Braun (08:32):
It's been growing in the short time that I've been downtown.
Yes, yes, it
Fuzz Martin (08:36):
has.
One of those events, other events onthere is Chocolate Around the Bend.
Actually, let me skip forwardbecause I skipped the big one.
One of those events on there is theWest Bend Winter Warm Up, which is
Coming up, of course, and as we'rerecording this, I think it's like
negative three degrees outside.
Hopefully it's warmer whenyou're listening, but what's
(08:56):
the story behind winter warm up?
What can people expect there?
Anything new this year?
And, and really, how does itencourage people to come downtown?
Noelle Braun (09:05):
Yeah, so Winter Warm Up has been going on downtown
West Bend since, I believe, 2019.
So it just continues to gainin popularity, more and more
people wanting to come downtownfor that fun winter weekend.
So this coming year, it'll beJanuary 17th, 18th, and 19th.
And it is our, a fun event where Thebiggest highlight is the ice sculptures.
(09:28):
So we have such a variety ofbusinesses that partner and say, Hey,
I want to sponsor an ice sculpture.
They get some recognition.
They also add to the beauty of the event.
We have an ice sculpture artistthat has so many different
sculptures to choose from.
So they're going to belined on Main Street.
Summon 6th Avenue and then theRiverwalk too, highlighting
(09:49):
their beautiful Riverwalk.
So they'll be delivered that Fridayand then a lot of activities, the first
day on Friday, January 17th, we'llhave some more evening activities.
There's always going to be fire pitsat Old Settlers Park, being tended.
This year we are going to add, somemarshmallows, like every day, actually.
So if people want to roast a marshmallow,they can do that around the fire pits.
(10:12):
Old Settlers Park is alsowhere we have the ice sculpture
demonstration, like the live demo.
So Max from Art Below Zero willbe there on Saturday, January
18th at Old Settlers Park at 11 a.
m.
And we'll be carvingsomething really beautiful.
We think Delta Defense, they arethe the top, called the iceberg
sponsor this year, but yeah,they're helping with the ice demo.
(10:34):
We have so many wonderful sponsorsthough that are going to be recognized
throughout the event and before.
Then we are going to alsobe selling hot cocoa.
That's a little new this year.
There's gonna be warming stations up anddown Main Street that whole weekend, but
we decided we're gonna have an area nearOld Settlers Park where people can stop,
(10:54):
get some hot cocoa, some hot apple cider.
walk around and look at all the beauty.
So on that Saturday from between 10 a.
m.
to 4 p.
m.
is when a lot of the activitiesare going to be going on.
The Bend Theater is going tobe doing some free showings of
Ice Age, the first one at 11 a.
m.
and 1 p.
m.
on that Saturday.
And then that Saturday evening,there's going to be the Luminary
(11:18):
Walk at Lac Lawrann Conservancy.
That's really beautiful.
If people haven't donethat, I recommend it.
Even if you aren't a wintry, wintryperson, like I For sure, winter is
beautiful, but it is my least favoriteseason, but I am, I'm out there.
And if you bundle up enough, if you wearenough layers, like you can handle it.
And the luminary walk is reallybeautiful, especially when
(11:39):
there is snow on the ground.
So we'll see what January brings us.
But they light up the path, ofcourse, with those lanterns,
those illuminated lanterns.
And so that's open tothe public, that's free.
And then the next day on Sunday,January 19th, we are going
to have the sled dogs return.
So those are always a great hit.
They, it's through a nonprofitcalled H2M2 and they rescue huskies
(12:02):
and malamutes and they also doadoptions and they're out there.
They got these cutelittle stuffed animals.
They got, dogs, super friendly dogs forlike photo ops and pet them a little bit.
The Bend Theater will be doing Ice Age2, The Meltdown, free showings on Sunday.
11 a.
m.
and 1 p.
m.
And yeah, it's just a reallyfun event to bring people out,
(12:22):
especially, you know, it is winter.
It's, it's good to have those activitiesto, to draw people out of their homes.
Fuzz Martin (12:28):
Yes, absolutely.
And the Huskies bring us back every year.
I mean, we come every yearbecause we, I love the sculptures.
Our kids love the sculptures,you know, those kind of things.
But.
The Huskies are the big hit, inour family, so we, we always come
on, on Sunday when they're there.
Also, it's always a tradition here at EpicCreative where we have a committee that
(12:50):
picks the, four different, or four or fivedifferent sculptures that we, because that
list that you talked about is super long.
It was like 400 different things.
It was
Noelle Braun (12:57):
over 400 sculptures that you can choose from.
Fuzz Martin (13:00):
And so we, we narrow it down to like four or five.
And then we let the employees vote on 'em.
And I forget what we voted or what weended up with this year, but, uh, I
Noelle Braun (13:08):
should have come prepared with that.
Yeah, I, uh, I rememberwhat you did last year.
You did a T-Rex last year?
Yeah, we
Fuzz Martin (13:13):
did a T-Rex.
We've done a unicorn in the past.
Yeah.
Uh, let's see, winter warmup,uh, see if it comes up.
Definitely think about the
Noelle Braun (13:20):
creative for your continued support.
Yes.
Fuzz Martin (13:23):
So this year we, uh.
We had the Cladagh Ring, the, the Lab, aDragon, a Honeybee, or Rosie the Riveter.
And I think Rosie theRiveter is the winner.
Yes.
Noelle Braun (13:33):
Right when you said it, I'm like, that's the one.
I'm excited to see whatthat one looks like.
Yeah, me too.
Yeah.
Yeah.
It's always awesome, like, justseeing, you see the name, and then that
weekend you actually, you know, yousee it come to life in ice form, and
you're like, oh, that's really great.
Fuzz Martin (13:47):
Exactly.
And Dragon was second place, so that was,
Noelle Braun (13:49):
Next
Fuzz Martin (13:50):
time.
That was, yes, but it wasn't even close.
So, Rosie won.
Yes.
Let's talk aboutChocolate Around the Bend.
That's coming up in February.
What can you share aboutChocolate Around the Bend?
How does it bring life to downtownduring like the dead of winter?
Noelle Braun (14:05):
Right.
So, it is a great event.
It's been going on for someyears now, 2025 is going to
bring some changes to the event.
In the past, it has been afree event, which it's always
great when things are free.
I get that for sure.
But this is also hand in hand meantto bring people downtown to just enjoy
(14:25):
something to do in the dead of winter.
But we're also focusinga lot on our shops.
Bringing some people into thoseshops, seeing what they have to offer.
Mm-hmm . Hopefully, you know, theyget some sales through this too,
and supporting our local economy.
So what we have determined, afterspeaking with the shops is we are
going to elevate this experience.
(14:46):
So it's still gonna be ashopping event, still gonna be,
anyone is welcome to come out.
It's gonna actually be a littledifferent timing this year.
Okay.
It's gonna start on a Friday evening.
or Friday, like afternoon intothe evening, like from 2 to 8 p.
m.
on Friday, February 7th.
And then Saturday, February8th, it'll be from 10 a.
m.
to 4 p.
m.
So people can do both days.
They could do one day.
(15:06):
You know, our goal is we wouldlove for people to come and do
both days and experience it.
Turn it into a date night or adate weekend if they wanted to.
But we are ticketing the event this year.
So, elevating the experience., similar tosome of the other events we've done too
for the shopping events, but, it's alsogoing to bring in some higher quality
chocolates too, which we're excitedabout., We've been working closely with
(15:29):
Candy Man on Main, they're so great.
And so at the 20 ticket, there'sgoing to be between 17 to 20 stops.
We're determining right now, justfinalizing the list of all the
shops that are going to participate.
But at each of those stops, if youget your 20 ticket, you're going to
get a box, like a chocolate box, andthe Candyman is sponsoring those.
(15:51):
And then people are going to be able,of course, to walk around each of the
locations, get, you know, their locationschecked off, and they'll get a unique
gourmet high end piece of chocolate thatthey can eat right away, or it's a lot
of chocolate, so you can like put them inthe box and save them for a little later,
gift it to someone if you wanted to.
So really looking forward to that.
We're going to be talking to the barsand restaurants, of course, see if
(16:13):
any of them last year, this past year,they had like 10 of them, or it's like,
yeah, I'll do a chocolate themed drink.
Oh, yeah.
dessert and appetizer,something like that.
Sure.
That people can go and, youknow, take advantage of that.
And on the Saturday, there is going tobe like a pop up, like, vendor market
in 6 Ave Bar and Grills event space.
Okay.
We did that for a couple years now.
Some of them are like chocolatevendors and, you know, or just
(16:35):
a variety of great, things.
Small businesses or makers, you know, justfor something else, you know, for people
to do during Chocolate Around the Bend.
Yeah, but we're reallylooking forward to it.
And then if people do visit all ofthe locations, they can return, their
punch card and then they'll be in the,the drawing then to win a great prize.
So tickets are available right now.
(16:56):
We did just recently create theFacebook event, and then we're
gonna be updating our website.
And you can get tickets soonwith all of the details as well.
Okay.
Where people can just clickon it and get their tickets.
Fuzz Martin (17:05):
On DowntownWestBend.
com?
DowntownWestBendAssociation?
Actually,
Noelle Braun (17:09):
it's just DowntownWestBend.
com.
Fuzz Martin (17:11):
DowntownWestBend.
com.
Perfect.
And then, yeah, so that'll be upsoon for people to get tickets.
Noelle Braun (17:16):
Absolutely.
By the time people arelistening to this, for sure.
Yep, the link will be out there.
Fuzz Martin (17:21):
And speaking of all that, it obviously takes a lot of effort
to make all of these things happen.
And, Everything that you've said to me,you're doing this without notes, which
is mind blowing to me, remembering datesand all the different places and things.
But there's a lot of detailsthat you put into it.
What goes into gettingall these events together?
How do you do it?
Noelle Braun (17:40):
Oh, wow, yes.
We are a small but mighty team.
We do have committees, you know, we,we meet regularly with the shops.
bars and restaurants to getthings on people's radar.
Sending out the calendars, likehere's all the events coming up.
We have our 2025 pretty much planned out.
Yes, it is right up there.
The calendar is in my head.
But it is a lot.
It's a lot of follow up, right?
(18:01):
It's, but ensuring, you know, that wehave a high quality, Quality event that
we want as many collaborators as possible,to make it a great experience for those
that are visiting and participating.
So yes, it's just, yep.
Emails, text messages, phone calls,mm-hmm . Just, again, the follow ups and
the communication is so key when you'reputting events like this together, to
make sure that it's just a seamlessevent that people who come just.
(18:24):
We don't want them to realize all thework that goes into it on the back end.
Awesome.
Fuzz Martin (18:28):
Well, you do a great job and you and the team do it.
Is there any opportunityfor people to help out?
Is there, are there volunteeropportunities or anything like
that with downtown West Bend?
Noelle Braun (18:37):
Absolutely.
Thank you.
Right now on the top ofmy mind is winter warmup.
Okay.
So we do have, we go through signup.
link and we just posted it onrecently on our Facebook page.
about our need for volunteers.
And here's the link to do it.
And we just updated on the website.
So the variety of opportunities are,tending the fire and like handing out the,
the marshmallows for roasting, handingout the brochures because we're creating
(19:01):
the map and the brochures that peopleare going to use as they're wanting to
see like which sculptures are where.
We, now that we're going to be doingsome, more hot cocoa and hot apple cider
sales, we do need some volunteers thatare going to be, helping to do that.
So mixing up the.
The drinks, serving them, our goalis we, we have a connection with
someone that may have a heatedtrailer, to be able to sell the hot
(19:25):
cocoa because I know it's a cold day.
I really get that.
All of our volunteers will getfree hot cocoa and apple cider
and hand warmers and all of that.
I mean, we will see what the weatherbrings, but we're, we're prepared.
So that's a big volunteer need right now.
And there's always volunteer needsthat come up throughout the year, but
that's the main one I want to focus on.
(19:46):
All right,
Fuzz Martin (19:46):
perfect.
And again, people can find all thisinformation on downtownwestbend.
com, if you want to volunteer.
You could be a fire tender,which is the coolest volunteer
title that you can get, by far.
So, uh, well, thank youso much for coming in.
Obviously, the holidays, great timein downtown West Bend and the Downtown
West Bend Association is, contributeshighly to making that happen.
(20:08):
So thanks for all you do,and thanks for coming in.
Noelle Braun (20:11):
Thank you so much.
Fuzz Martin (20:14):
Well, thank you again to Noelle Braun of the Downtown West Bend
Association for joining me on this week'sepisode of Fifteen Minutes with Fuzz.
Again, you can emailme fuzz at fuzzmartin.
com if you ever have an ideafor a guest for this show.
That email again, it's real easy.
Fuzz at fuzzmartin.
com.
New episodes coming on Tuesdays,but we're going to take a little
(20:35):
break for the holidays, though.
I might have a littlepresent for you next week.
If I can make it happen, we'll seeagain, you can find all the episodes
of the show on Apple podcasts, Spotify.
You too.
I hope, I hope I showed up insome of your Spotify Wrapped.
Uh, that would be really nice.
Uh, as well as at fuzzmartin.
(20:56):
com, you can listen there as well.
Have the merriest of Christmases.
And thank you so much for listeningto Fifteen Minutes with Fuzz.
Hey, what's happening?
I'm Fuzz Martin, and this is FifteenMinutes with Fuzz, a show about the
things happening in our community.
That are good.
Each week I feature a local organizationor event that is doing something
positive in Washington County, Wisconsin.
And if you ever have an idea for aguest for the show that fits those
criteria, don't hesitate to reach out.
(00:30):
You can email me fuzz at fuzzmartin.
com.
That is fuzz at fuzzmartin.
com.
And by the way, FuzzMartin.
com is where you can find all of theepisodes of this show, along with links
to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
Though the show is on pretty much anyplatform you would ever like to listen on.
And, if you're listening on the daythat this episode was released, it is
(00:51):
exactly one week until Christmas Eve.
Noelle Braun of the Downtown West BendAssociation is joining me this week
to talk all about the festive winterhappenings in Downtown West Bend.
Not just this week.
Christmas happenings.
We're going to talk about thingshappening after the holidays as well,
and how you can have a great timeeven during the coldest winter months.
And with that, here are 15 minuteson Downtown West Bend events with
(01:14):
Noelle Braun on 15 Minutes with Fuzz.
Noelle, as the executive director ofthe Downtown West Bend Association, can
you give us a quick overview of whatthe Downtown West Bend Association does
(01:35):
to support So, we're going to go aheadand enhance the downtown community.
Noelle Braun (01:39):
Absolutely.
So, the Downtown West Bend Association,it's been around for decades and it's
really become known as an organization,we're a non profit now, an organization
that creates some really wonderfulevents that bring visitors near
and far to our beautiful downtown.
And, Everything that we do, we want todo it in mind with the local businesses,
(02:02):
too, because we know when we havelike a thriving downtown community
that contributes to the economy, thewell being of our wonderful city.
So we do plan some really greatevents that, are for everyone.
They're very family friendlyevents, and just highlight
what's great about West Bend.
Fuzz Martin (02:21):
Sure, and it's, it's the big ones that everyone knows too, right?
The, Farmers Market, the Music on Main,those kind of things, and then a whole
bunch of other like, one day events.
Noelle Braun (02:30):
Absolutely, absolutely.
It's, it is never a dull moment.
There is always something going on.
something happening.
Yes, we have some really bigevents throughout the year.
But we also again supportthe small businesses and like
different shopping events.
But the ones you mentioned for sure, thefarmer's market, music on main, those
are the top two that people think of,when they think of downtown West Bend.
Fuzz Martin (02:48):
Perfect.
So can you, speaking of downtown, aswe will do often on this episode, how
It's obviously, it's very charming,during the holiday season especially,
you know, they've got the tree andall of the decorations and such.
Can you paint a picture forour listeners of what makes
downtown great this time of year?
Noelle Braun (03:05):
Absolutely.
The beautiful lights, thebeautiful tree at Old Settlers
Park, that is such an attraction.
It reminds a lot of peopleof being transported into
a Hallmark Christmas movie.
You know, you're walking throughand, it's a gorgeous glittering tree.
And we love that it's right inour downtown, in our community.
(03:26):
I enjoy being so closeto it every day to see.
It makes everything feelso festive down there.
Fuzz Martin (03:32):
It definitely does feel like a Hallmark Christmas movie
or Christmas card scene as well.
You know, this holiday season, everyholiday season, is such an important
time for businesses where a lot ofthem Make their year, they're able
to, become, you know, profitable atthis time and really pay that off.
So how does the Downtown WestBend Association, help that and
(03:53):
encourage residents and visitorsto shop, dine, visit downtown?
Noelle Braun (03:58):
Absolutely.
We work very closely with a lotof the shops throughout the year.
And you're right, this is a crucial timeof year for these small business owners.
We have so many storefronts that arefull, that are vibrant, Small shops
with such a variety too, that's whatI really love about them as well, is
(04:18):
that people can walk from shop to shopand see different things in each one.
We've been helping the small shopspromote the holidays and the holiday
shopping season, whether that wasthrough their holiday open houses back
in November, Small Business Saturday.
There's something that we do.
I've learned about called PinkFriday, which is always the
Friday before Thanksgiving.
That's more for likeboutiques, um, promoting that.
(04:41):
Then getting into December, we, um,did our second annual Midnight on Main
on December 6th, which was really fun.
And just encouraging peopleto, dress up in their Christmas
pajamas if they'd like to do that.
Add to the festival.
West Bend, Kewaskum, Slinger, WestBend, Kewaskum, Slinger, West Bend,
(05:12):
Kewaskum, Slinger, West One of themthought, hey, how about we do like a late
night shopping, like shops open until8pm on Thursdays until Christmas, like
the first three Thursdays of December.
And so we ended up calling itMerry and Bright Shopping Nights.
And so each night too hasa little different theme.
So this is the first year.
(05:33):
So we're, you know, getting the word out.
We had like free Christmas gift wrapping,yesterday and then coming up like December
19th, Santa's going to be downtown inour office for kids to take pictures
with while people are out shopping too.
Fuzz Martin (05:47):
And your office is in the, is it the Centrum Building?
It is in the Centrum Building,
Noelle Braun (05:50):
120 North Main Street, Suite 120, facing right
out there in the Main Street.
Our neighbors across thestreet are the Bend Theater.
Fuzz Martin (05:58):
And
Noelle Braun (05:58):
who's ourself?
Yeah, we're right in the thick of it.
Fuzz Martin (06:00):
Very easy to find.
Yes.
And so Santa will be thereon Thursday the 19th.
This comes out on Tuesday the 17th.
So, you know, if you're listening todayor tomorrow or even Thursday morning, make
sure you get there on Thursday the 19th.
And if you're listening after that.
You missed out, but it was great,and everybody had a great time.
Noelle Braun (06:18):
Next year will be even bigger.
Yes, exactly,
Fuzz Martin (06:20):
exactly.
Let's talk about some of the holidayseason events that you have going on.
So, there's the Downtown PolarExpress, which sounds like a
fun time for adults, right?
So, can you tell us about thePolar Express, what that is, what
businesses are participating?
You don't have to, obviously, Rememberthem all, and, and who it benefits.
Noelle Braun (06:42):
Absolutely.
There's a lot of businesses participating.
We love that.
We love the collaboration downtown.
So, I believe this is the third yearthat the Downtown West Bend Association
is doing the Downtown Polar Express.
Definitely more geared for adults.
Instead, the Downtown PolarExpress is like a winter cocktail.
Fundraiser, that the, there are 16local bars and restaurants downtown
(07:03):
that are participating this year.
Each of them comes up with theirown version of a Polar Express.
Like a fun wintry themed cocktail.
And, In years past, it was onlyabout a month that we would do this.
We are extending it this year.
So it started on December 1st.
We're having that train just chugalong all the way into the new year
and we're going to be ending it,the weekend of winter warmup, which
(07:26):
I know we'll be talking about soon,but the last day will be Sunday.
January 19th.
So there's a lot of opportunities.
So at all these differentbars and restaurants, again,
they have these cocktails.
Two dollars from each of the cocktailswill be going towards the Full Shelf
Food Pantry, which is the largest foodpantry in Washington County, serving
a lot of families and individuals.
So it's just a fun way to giveback and Make an impact, too.
(07:51):
I know the food pantry, I'm sure,gets inundated around the holidays.
So we're hoping like, okay, a littleafter the holidays, that donation
can be really impactful for gettinga variety of food over there.
So yes, we have All of the barsand restaurants listed on our
website, so downtownwestbend.
com, there's a tab called events, youjust click on it, see all of our events at
(08:14):
the bottom, it's in chronological order.
You can click on Downtown PolarExpress and check them all out.
We're also featuring specific barsand restaurants, social media on
our Facebook page, periodicallyand highlighting their drinks too.
Fuzz Martin (08:26):
Excellent.
And speaking of your website, it'sgreat when you click on events
because, you know, you It's avery long menu that you have.
It is.
Noelle Braun (08:32):
It's been growing in the short time that I've been downtown.
Yes, yes, it
Fuzz Martin (08:36):
has.
One of those events, other events onthere is Chocolate Around the Bend.
Actually, let me skip forwardbecause I skipped the big one.
One of those events on there is theWest Bend Winter Warm Up, which is
Coming up, of course, and as we'rerecording this, I think it's like
negative three degrees outside.
Hopefully it's warmer whenyou're listening, but what's
(08:56):
the story behind winter warm up?
What can people expect there?
Anything new this year?
And, and really, how does itencourage people to come downtown?
Noelle Braun (09:05):
Yeah, so Winter Warm Up has been going on downtown
West Bend since, I believe, 2019.
So it just continues to gainin popularity, more and more
people wanting to come downtownfor that fun winter weekend.
So this coming year, it'll beJanuary 17th, 18th, and 19th.
And it is our, a fun event where Thebiggest highlight is the ice sculptures.
(09:28):
So we have such a variety ofbusinesses that partner and say, Hey,
I want to sponsor an ice sculpture.
They get some recognition.
They also add to the beauty of the event.
We have an ice sculpture artistthat has so many different
sculptures to choose from.
So they're going to belined on Main Street.
Summon 6th Avenue and then theRiverwalk too, highlighting
(09:49):
their beautiful Riverwalk.
So they'll be delivered that Fridayand then a lot of activities, the first
day on Friday, January 17th, we'llhave some more evening activities.
There's always going to be fire pitsat Old Settlers Park, being tended.
This year we are going to add, somemarshmallows, like every day, actually.
So if people want to roast a marshmallow,they can do that around the fire pits.
(10:12):
Old Settlers Park is alsowhere we have the ice sculpture
demonstration, like the live demo.
So Max from Art Below Zero willbe there on Saturday, January
18th at Old Settlers Park at 11 a.
m.
And we'll be carvingsomething really beautiful.
We think Delta Defense, they arethe the top, called the iceberg
sponsor this year, but yeah,they're helping with the ice demo.
(10:34):
We have so many wonderful sponsorsthough that are going to be recognized
throughout the event and before.
Then we are going to alsobe selling hot cocoa.
That's a little new this year.
There's gonna be warming stations up anddown Main Street that whole weekend, but
we decided we're gonna have an area nearOld Settlers Park where people can stop,
(10:54):
get some hot cocoa, some hot apple cider.
walk around and look at all the beauty.
So on that Saturday from between 10 a.
m.
to 4 p.
m.
is when a lot of the activitiesare going to be going on.
The Bend Theater is going tobe doing some free showings of
Ice Age, the first one at 11 a.
m.
and 1 p.
m.
on that Saturday.
And then that Saturday evening,there's going to be the Luminary
(11:18):
Walk at Lac Lawrann Conservancy.
That's really beautiful.
If people haven't donethat, I recommend it.
Even if you aren't a wintry, wintryperson, like I For sure, winter is
beautiful, but it is my least favoriteseason, but I am, I'm out there.
And if you bundle up enough, if you wearenough layers, like you can handle it.
And the luminary walk is reallybeautiful, especially when
(11:39):
there is snow on the ground.
So we'll see what January brings us.
But they light up the path, ofcourse, with those lanterns,
those illuminated lanterns.
And so that's open tothe public, that's free.
And then the next day on Sunday,January 19th, we are going
to have the sled dogs return.
So those are always a great hit.
They, it's through a nonprofitcalled H2M2 and they rescue huskies
(12:02):
and malamutes and they also doadoptions and they're out there.
They got these cutelittle stuffed animals.
They got, dogs, super friendly dogs forlike photo ops and pet them a little bit.
The Bend Theater will be doing Ice Age2, The Meltdown, free showings on Sunday.
11 a.
m.
and 1 p.
m.
And yeah, it's just a reallyfun event to bring people out,
(12:22):
especially, you know, it is winter.
It's, it's good to have those activitiesto, to draw people out of their homes.
Fuzz Martin (12:28):
Yes, absolutely.
And the Huskies bring us back every year.
I mean, we come every yearbecause we, I love the sculptures.
Our kids love the sculptures,you know, those kind of things.
But.
The Huskies are the big hit, inour family, so we, we always come
on, on Sunday when they're there.
Also, it's always a tradition here at EpicCreative where we have a committee that
(12:50):
picks the, four different, or four or fivedifferent sculptures that we, because that
list that you talked about is super long.
It was like 400 different things.
It was
Noelle Braun (12:57):
over 400 sculptures that you can choose from.
Fuzz Martin (13:00):
And so we, we narrow it down to like four or five.
And then we let the employees vote on 'em.
And I forget what we voted or what weended up with this year, but, uh, I
Noelle Braun (13:08):
should have come prepared with that.
Yeah, I, uh, I rememberwhat you did last year.
You did a T-Rex last year?
Yeah, we
Fuzz Martin (13:13):
did a T-Rex.
We've done a unicorn in the past.
Yeah.
Uh, let's see, winter warmup,uh, see if it comes up.
Definitely think about the
Noelle Braun (13:20):
creative for your continued support.
Yes.
Fuzz Martin (13:23):
So this year we, uh.
We had the Cladagh Ring, the, the Lab, aDragon, a Honeybee, or Rosie the Riveter.
And I think Rosie theRiveter is the winner.
Yes.
Noelle Braun (13:33):
Right when you said it, I'm like, that's the one.
I'm excited to see whatthat one looks like.
Yeah, me too.
Yeah.
Yeah.
It's always awesome, like, justseeing, you see the name, and then that
weekend you actually, you know, yousee it come to life in ice form, and
you're like, oh, that's really great.
Fuzz Martin (13:47):
Exactly.
And Dragon was second place, so that was,
Noelle Braun (13:49):
Next
Fuzz Martin (13:50):
time.
That was, yes, but it wasn't even close.
So, Rosie won.
Yes.
Let's talk aboutChocolate Around the Bend.
That's coming up in February.
What can you share aboutChocolate Around the Bend?
How does it bring life to downtownduring like the dead of winter?
Noelle Braun (14:05):
Right.
So, it is a great event.
It's been going on for someyears now, 2025 is going to
bring some changes to the event.
In the past, it has been afree event, which it's always
great when things are free.
I get that for sure.
But this is also hand in hand meantto bring people downtown to just enjoy
(14:25):
something to do in the dead of winter.
But we're also focusinga lot on our shops.
Bringing some people into thoseshops, seeing what they have to offer.
Mm-hmm . Hopefully, you know, theyget some sales through this too,
and supporting our local economy.
So what we have determined, afterspeaking with the shops is we are
going to elevate this experience.
(14:46):
So it's still gonna be ashopping event, still gonna be,
anyone is welcome to come out.
It's gonna actually be a littledifferent timing this year.
Okay.
It's gonna start on a Friday evening.
or Friday, like afternoon intothe evening, like from 2 to 8 p.
m.
on Friday, February 7th.
And then Saturday, February8th, it'll be from 10 a.
m.
to 4 p.
m.
So people can do both days.
They could do one day.
(15:06):
You know, our goal is we wouldlove for people to come and do
both days and experience it.
Turn it into a date night or adate weekend if they wanted to.
But we are ticketing the event this year.
So, elevating the experience., similar tosome of the other events we've done too
for the shopping events, but, it's alsogoing to bring in some higher quality
chocolates too, which we're excitedabout., We've been working closely with
(15:29):
Candy Man on Main, they're so great.
And so at the 20 ticket, there'sgoing to be between 17 to 20 stops.
We're determining right now, justfinalizing the list of all the
shops that are going to participate.
But at each of those stops, if youget your 20 ticket, you're going to
get a box, like a chocolate box, andthe Candyman is sponsoring those.
(15:51):
And then people are going to be able,of course, to walk around each of the
locations, get, you know, their locationschecked off, and they'll get a unique
gourmet high end piece of chocolate thatthey can eat right away, or it's a lot
of chocolate, so you can like put them inthe box and save them for a little later,
gift it to someone if you wanted to.
So really looking forward to that.
We're going to be talking to the barsand restaurants, of course, see if
(16:13):
any of them last year, this past year,they had like 10 of them, or it's like,
yeah, I'll do a chocolate themed drink.
Oh, yeah.
dessert and appetizer,something like that.
Sure.
That people can go and, youknow, take advantage of that.
And on the Saturday, there is going tobe like a pop up, like, vendor market
in 6 Ave Bar and Grills event space.
Okay.
We did that for a couple years now.
Some of them are like chocolatevendors and, you know, or just
(16:35):
a variety of great, things.
Small businesses or makers, you know, justfor something else, you know, for people
to do during Chocolate Around the Bend.
Yeah, but we're reallylooking forward to it.
And then if people do visit all ofthe locations, they can return, their
punch card and then they'll be in the,the drawing then to win a great prize.
So tickets are available right now.
(16:56):
We did just recently create theFacebook event, and then we're
gonna be updating our website.
And you can get tickets soonwith all of the details as well.
Okay.
Where people can just clickon it and get their tickets.
Fuzz Martin (17:05):
On DowntownWestBend.
com?
DowntownWestBendAssociation?
Actually,
Noelle Braun (17:09):
it's just DowntownWestBend.
com.
Fuzz Martin (17:11):
DowntownWestBend.
com.
Perfect.
And then, yeah, so that'll be upsoon for people to get tickets.
Noelle Braun (17:16):
Absolutely.
By the time people arelistening to this, for sure.
Yep, the link will be out there.
Fuzz Martin (17:21):
And speaking of all that, it obviously takes a lot of effort
to make all of these things happen.
And, Everything that you've said to me,you're doing this without notes, which
is mind blowing to me, remembering datesand all the different places and things.
But there's a lot of detailsthat you put into it.
What goes into gettingall these events together?
How do you do it?
Noelle Braun (17:40):
Oh, wow, yes.
We are a small but mighty team.
We do have committees, you know, we,we meet regularly with the shops.
bars and restaurants to getthings on people's radar.
Sending out the calendars, likehere's all the events coming up.
We have our 2025 pretty much planned out.
Yes, it is right up there.
The calendar is in my head.
But it is a lot.
It's a lot of follow up, right?
(18:01):
It's, but ensuring, you know, that wehave a high quality, Quality event that
we want as many collaborators as possible,to make it a great experience for those
that are visiting and participating.
So yes, it's just, yep.
Emails, text messages, phone calls,mm-hmm . Just, again, the follow ups and
the communication is so key when you'reputting events like this together, to
make sure that it's just a seamlessevent that people who come just.
(18:24):
We don't want them to realize all thework that goes into it on the back end.
Awesome.
Fuzz Martin (18:28):
Well, you do a great job and you and the team do it.
Is there any opportunityfor people to help out?
Is there, are there volunteeropportunities or anything like
that with downtown West Bend?
Noelle Braun (18:37):
Absolutely.
Thank you.
Right now on the top ofmy mind is winter warmup.
Okay.
So we do have, we go through signup.
link and we just posted it onrecently on our Facebook page.
about our need for volunteers.
And here's the link to do it.
And we just updated on the website.
So the variety of opportunities are,tending the fire and like handing out the,
the marshmallows for roasting, handingout the brochures because we're creating
(19:01):
the map and the brochures that peopleare going to use as they're wanting to
see like which sculptures are where.
We, now that we're going to be doingsome, more hot cocoa and hot apple cider
sales, we do need some volunteers thatare going to be, helping to do that.
So mixing up the.
The drinks, serving them, our goalis we, we have a connection with
someone that may have a heatedtrailer, to be able to sell the hot
(19:25):
cocoa because I know it's a cold day.
I really get that.
All of our volunteers will getfree hot cocoa and apple cider
and hand warmers and all of that.
I mean, we will see what the weatherbrings, but we're, we're prepared.
So that's a big volunteer need right now.
And there's always volunteer needsthat come up throughout the year, but
that's the main one I want to focus on.
(19:46):
All right,
Fuzz Martin (19:46):
perfect.
And again, people can find all thisinformation on downtownwestbend.
com, if you want to volunteer.
You could be a fire tender,which is the coolest volunteer
title that you can get, by far.
So, uh, well, thank youso much for coming in.
Obviously, the holidays, great timein downtown West Bend and the Downtown
West Bend Association is, contributeshighly to making that happen.
(20:08):
So thanks for all you do,and thanks for coming in.
Noelle Braun (20:11):
Thank you so much.
Fuzz Martin (20:14):
Well, thank you again to Noelle Braun of the Downtown West Bend
Association for joining me on this week'sepisode of Fifteen Minutes with Fuzz.
Again, you can emailme fuzz at fuzzmartin.
com if you ever have an ideafor a guest for this show.
That email again, it's real easy.
Fuzz at fuzzmartin.
com.
New episodes coming on Tuesdays,but we're going to take a little
(20:35):
break for the holidays, though.
I might have a littlepresent for you next week.
If I can make it happen, we'll seeagain, you can find all the episodes
of the show on Apple podcasts, Spotify.
You too.
I hope, I hope I showed up insome of your Spotify Wrapped.
Uh, that would be really nice.
Uh, as well as at fuzzmartin.
(20:56):
com, you can listen there as well.
Have the merriest of Christmases.
And thank you so much for listeningto Fifteen Minutes with Fuzz.
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