Jersey Street Music Festival - June 2013

On June 12th, 2013 our group hosted the first block party in Horicon - the Jersey Street Music Festival. No one knew there was a Jersey Street, but there is. After months of planning and many hours of hard work, the street was closed, stages set up, and the music began.

The Milwaukee Conservatory of Music began the day with a drum march, then a show featuring their 9 ft tall puppets. The short march around the block kicked off the festival.

Food was provided by the Taste of Horicon - local vendors served a variety of yummy vittles. Kids games were available inside Discher Park Dance Hall, and the playground was near enough to hear the music while kids played.

Blessed Feathers, Vitroleum Republic, Steve Cohen, Hugh Bob and the Hustle all came to perform. The weather cooperated almost till the end where rain showers ended the last act a little early. Plans are in place to try to have this event again.

Board Walk at Horicon Marsh International Educational Center - May 2013

On May 28th, 2013 the Horicon Marsh International Education Center hosted a ribbon ceremony to open their new board walk. Many members of our community, including the Horicon Phoenix Program and John Deere, donated to help build this walk. Now visitors can walk over the water, watch turtles and tadpoles, while enjoying the lovely views from the marsh.

We were proud to sponsor this board walk, and help others to enjoy our beautiful marsh.

Winterfest January 2013

One of our most recent events was Winterfest. Coordinated by Tammy Baltzley, this event was held at the Satterly Clark House in Horicon and in conjunction with the Horicon Marsh International Educational Center.

Those who attended could tour the Clark House, see and handle historic items, visit the forge outside, and see how a blacksmith worked.

Children were able to make their own paper snowman and three winners were chosen for their creativity and design. Chili competition and later Chili Dump were a tasty way to enjoy the ice skating at Discher Park that afternoon.

Finally, the day ended with a cold but magical candle-lit walk through the Horicon Marsh. Over 1000 people attended the walk, with a roaring fire outside, fun crafts and goodies inside, and owl discussions along the trail. It was a wonderful way to end the day

The Snowman winners

Families touring the Historic Clark House

A working forge to warm up the garage

Chili Competition

Ice skating at Discher Park

The Candlelight Walk at Horicon March Center

Christmas Caroling 2012

This event was suggested by a friend of the group and wow - it sure was fun.

Residents met at City Hall, split into groups and sung carols to those who left their lights on as well as those in group and nursing homes.

It was cold, but lots of cheer was spread and tons of food was collected for local food banks.

Thanks to everyone who came and made this a success!

Jobs Fair and Small Business Seminar October 2012

In October of 2012 - the Horicon Phoenix Program put on a Jobs Fair and Small Business Seminar.

Horicon is a lovely city - but wouldn't be able to survive if it were not for the many small businesses in our community. We also know that many struggle to find jobs locally, or have to resort to commuting for work.

This event aimed to provide resources for those looking for jobs and to provide help for small businesses. Thanks to all those involved.

Many businesses and organizations set up booths for job-seekers

Dee Relyea presents the class in Job Search Strategies.

Patricia Pettey of the U.S. Small Business Administration prepares her materials for the Small Business Seminar.

These are just a few of the people who helped provide this service to the community.

Phoenix Award Winner for Fall 2012

The Fall 2012 recipient of the Horicon Phoenix Award is a true embodiment of the essence and spirit of the Phoenix in many ways. We are very pleased to present David Katsma with our latest award.

David has been a resource for those addicted and struggling with dependency, working to help them rebuild their lives through his mission at Marshview Ministries Church in Horicon.

At the same time, David was hard at work coordinating efforts with the Horicon Phoenix Program and City of Horicon to build the new disc golf course in Riverbend Park.

A common theme throughout all of David’s work is rebirth and renewal, both in a personal sense and in his community. While David was keeping his Church mission going, building the disc golf course for our town, and being a father and husband, he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Throughout last year with the support of his family, friends and his faith, he battled and beat the cancer with a grace and dignity that was nothing short of inspirational.

David is a selfless contributor to his neighbors and community, and someone we are proud to call friend. Please join us in celebrating this award with David. — with Melissa Keenan, David Katsma, Daniel Buchner, Tammy Wiard-Baltzley and Kathryn Knop.

Labor Day Weekend Celebration 2012

We did it again - we had a fabulous labor day weekend in Horicon. Only our second one. And instead of just music and fireworks we had much more!

You missed it? Well, that is a shame. It was a lot of fun, with events for everyone. Check it out!

The weekend events started on Saturday with our Flyway 5k - Run or Walk

Our Event Coordinators - Jenni, Melissa and Carmen

Some people ran, 

and some walked. It was a lovely morning for a run.

Next was the first ever Horicon Huk Disc Golf Tournament. Check our our snazzy discs...

All the competitors. It was a good time enjoyed by all.

That evening and next, families could sit and listen to live music, enjoy burgers sold by the American Legion, and ice cream from the Ice Cream Station.

Death by Cassette - Saturday's entertainment

The Soggy Prairie Boys, a favorite of the crowd

The crowd relaxing and enjoying the bands

and Ice Cream. Lets be honest, those big cones ate a hole in my pocket.

And fireworks at dusk. They were really quite amazing for our small town. Thanks to all the hard work of the people who volunteered. Hopefully this tradition will continue.