If you live anywhere near (or even not so near) central Wisconsin, and have never been to Cranfest in Warrens, you are totally missing out!

I can’t even tell you when this became an annual tradition for us, probably when I moved to central Wisconsin 20 years ago. Since then, my sisters and I longingly anticipate scouring the tiny town, bursting at the seams with over 1,300 vendors and 120,000 annual attendees, for unique finds and great deals.

But being the last weekend of September in Wisconsin, the weather is always a total “crap-shoot.”

We’ve experienced glorious fall days where the scents of kettle corn and cranberries float on the crisp, cool air. The sky seems to glow in pinks, reds and oranges as the trees don their fall finery and the crowds are full of good cheer and anticipation for the upcoming holiday season. Bliss!

We’ve been totally unprepared for bitter cold days when our singular priority became hunting down the first stall peddling hats and mittens and knowing just where to find the best drinks to warm our chilly bones. From there, we’d dash from stall to stall to keep dry from sleety skies. Brr!

This year, it was a face-melting 90 degrees with barely a cloud in the beautiful, blue sky. Even the breeze couldn’t muster enough energy to jostle its way through the sea of sluggish, sweaty shoppers. Ugh!

The cash still found a way to jump out of our wallets despite the heat. Thankfully we crossed things off our shopping lists, found some fun items (Cabernet Sauvignon jelly being one of my favorite finds), and made it out before we passed out from heat exhaustion. Whew!

Of course, it’s not really about the shopping though. It’s about the precious time with three of my most favorite people in the world. I’ll brave just about any elements for that.

By the way, Nolan wanted to assure everyone that while we were sweltering through the crowds, the guys were happily hanging at home in the air conditioning. Thanks for rubbing it in Nolan, but I still wouldn’t have traded places.

Have a great week!