Travel Calumet Original Podcast

Episode 76

Santa Claus (yes, that Santa) and Clara Hedrich join host Rick Sense on Episode 76 of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast.  The three discuss an upcoming great fun-filled day celebrating the rich heritage of America's Dairyland with a Christmas twist! On Saturday, June 20, community members and families are invited to the Calumet County Dairy Pop-Up. The event kicks off at 10:00 A.M. and runs until 2:00 P.M., offering an array of free treats, games, unique seasonal surprises and special event guest Santa Mac, also known as Jeff McMullen.

Episode 75

The Fifth Friday Music Fest, taking place on May 29th represents a key regional collaboration between Dave Willems, curator of Appleton's Mile of Music Festival, and Eric Krueger, managing partner of The Crystal Ballroom in Hilbert/St. John. This concert event acts as an expansion of the "Mile of Music Presents" series, bringing original, independent live music into Calumet County’s historic 1928 dance hall. Listen in as Dave and Eric discuss with host Rick Sense, the Fifth Friday Fest event's organization, logistics, and its long-term significance for the local music community. The three talk about the performance venue from the artists perspective, what goes into producing an event like this, and what to expect during the evening's show.

Episode 74

Now that spring has sprung, people visiting Calumet County are starting to see the trees leaf out, flowers bloom, dandelions pop, and orange road construction signs appear.  The important work that the road crews do in Calumet County is the topic of this episode as discussion centers on the projects on the docket for the 2026 road construction schedule in Calumet County and their impact on tourists visiting the area. Joining host Rick Sense for this episode are Chad Scheinoha, Highway Commissioner for the Calumet County Highway Department, and Spencer Loebel, Highway Superintendent for the Calumet County Highway Department.

Episode 73

Pat Rowland from Rowland’s Calumet Brewing Company in Chilton, joins host Rick Sense to talk about the Wisconsin Microbrewers Beerfest, scheduled for May 17, 2026, from 1–6pm at the Calumet County Fairgrounds in Chilton.  Pat is the organizer of this long-running festival (celebrating its 35th year in 2026) that features up to 30 Wisconsin breweries with more than 100 craft beers on tap. Attendees can enjoy unlimited sampling, live music from bands like Copper Box, and local food. Must be 21 or older to sample.

Episode 72

Dion Block, Director of Operations, for Waverly Beach Bar & Grille and Banquets joins host Rick Sense to talk about one of Calumet County's true treasures, Waverly Beach.   Waverly Beach Bar & Grille is known for serving up some of Wisconsin’s best lunch and dinner favorites including the popular Wisconsin fish fry.  Waverly is also known for having one of the coolest beach-bar venues and atmospheres north of Florida as it is situated on the north end of Wisconsin’s largest inland lake, Lake Winnebago.  Dion and Rick discuss this atmosphere, the amenities, and Waverly Beach hosting its annual Sturgeonfest 2026, happening on February 14th.