Beyond powder puff
During its second season, the Wisconsin Wolves - part of the Women's Professional Football League - hope to instill a Madison Mallards style of family fun at Middleton High School's Breitenbach Stadium, 2100 Bristol St. "People have a difficult time believing that women can play football at a high level. Those doubters should come and check it out," says Wolves media director Josh Satzer. The Wolves, who went 6-4 in their inaugural 2006 season, are offering free admission all season to kids under 10 accompanied by an adult. General admission tickets cost $10 each; students, seniors and military personnel $5. The Wolves will play three more home games between now and Oct. 20. For a schedule and details about special community and youth nights, click here .
Peace be with you
Considering the world's state of affairs, it wouldn't hurt to make every day Kids for Peace Day. Perhaps that's why the Madison Children's Museum is stretching its signature event into a month-long celebration with a series of related exhibits and weekend programs. On Sept. 22, the real Kids for Peace Day, admission is free. Highlights include performances by the Suzuki Strings of Madison and traditional Native American dancer Art Shegonee, followed by a noon parade around the Capitol Square featuring the Atimevu Drum & Dance Company, Mama Digdown's Brass Band, Handphibians and Yid Vicious. Since 2004, civic involvement has been a larger component of Kids for Peace Day; pre-addressed postcards will be available to send messages to state legislators. But the museum draws the line when it comes to discussing war and other current events with kids. "Our philosophy is that parents are the first and foremost educators of their children, and we do not try to interject ourselves too directly in that process," says the museum's Kia Karlen. See Madison Children's Museum site or call 256-6445 for details.
Falling into autumn
For an alternate perspective on the "Waterpark Capital of the World," head north to Wisconsin Dells' annual Wo-Zha-Wa Days Fall Festival Sept. 14-16. Named after the Native American term meaning "time of fun," this celebration will feature a street carnival and community run, an arts-and-crafts fair and antique flea market, live entertainment and a 100-unit parade in downtown Wisconsin Dells and at Bowman Park (located on Broadway Street, far away from the waterparks). For more information, see wisdells.com or call 608-254-4636.
