Dig Deep Band

Wausau events worth checking out for the week of Thanksgiving 2022

By Kayla Zastrow

Dig Deep

SATURDAY 11/26 |  MALARKEY’S PUB & TOWNIES GRILL, WAUSAU

Dig Deep Band

This Stevens Point string band usually gets plunked into the bluegrass genre, but their sound is more diverse than that with a well-honed and hard-edged sound. If you’re into thumping banjo, you’re sure to appreciate these four guys, who perform original, bluesy-rockin’ folk tunes as well as covers. The vocals are rough, rock-influenced and raspy, in front of plucky banjo and other strings. There’s no percussion, making the vocals all the more appreciated. These guys are energetic and dynamic performers, which has earned them the love of local fans. 9 pm. 715-819-3663.

Disney Moana Jr.

FRI.-SAT. 11/25-26 |  UW CENTER FOR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT, WAUSAU

This is Central Wisconsin Children’s Theatre’s annual Thanksgiving weekend production, which never fails to be a fabulous way to spend time with the whole family. This year they bring the adventures of Moana and her village of Motunui to life onstage. This thrilling and heartwarming coming-of-age story follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. Moana and the legendary demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as they both learn to harness the power that lies within. It features all the beloved songs from the film, written by Tony, Grammy, Emmy, and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina, including “How Far I’ll Go,” “Shiny,” and “You’re Welcome.” With empowering messages of bravery and selflessness, Moana Jr. is sure to bring out the hero within each of us. 2 pm and 7 pm. $15 adult, $13 children and seniors. Details at mycwct.org.

Shriner’s Breakfast with Santa

SATURDAY  11/26 | WAUSAU LABOR TEMPLE

Christmas is just around the corner! That means it’s time for kids to tell Santa what they want for Christmas. At this annual Breakfast with Santa, enjoy an all you can eat breakfast of pancakes, eggs, sausages, applesauce and beverages. Kids can meet Santa, get a face painting, and shop at the elf shelf. Proceeds support to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospitals. 8 am-noon. $8 adults, $4 children 5-12 and free for 5 and under. 715-848-3320.

Rotary Winter Wonderland

OPEN DAILY 11/25-12/31 |  WILDWOOD ZOO & PARK, MARSHFIELD

Rotary Winter Wonderland Marshfield

Decorating for the holidays means hours of hanging up, like, a million lights. Maybe you feel that way, but it’s not an overstatement for the Marshfield Rotary. The group, thanks to the help of over 1,000 volunteers, sets up literally 1.5 million lights throughout the zoo and park, and it really is a wonder to behold. Trees, snowflakes, pretty presents, archways, gingerbread houses, animated displays and more are wrapped in or created entirely from strings of shining lights. Visitors can enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides through the displays, and the Gingerbread Jamz return again this year with a line-up of local live musicians. The best part is, the event is held for a good cause! Since its beginning in 2006, this group has provided over 700,000 food items to food pantries in Marshfield and the surrounding areas! Open daily 5–9 pm. Admission is free, but food and monetary donations are encouraged to help local food pantries around Marshfield. Full schedule of Gingerbread Jamz performers and other details at RotaryWinterWonderland.com. 

Festival of Trees

VIEWING THRU SUN. 11/26 | CENTRAL WISCONSIN CONVENTION + EXPO CENTER, ROTHSCHILD

The Aspirus Health Foundation is excited to be celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Festival of Trees! For many years this has been the community event to kick off the holiday season, in magnificent style. Stroll through a dazzling, winter wonderland forest of more than 100 holiday trees, wreaths, mantels and specialty items, all beautifully crafted by local organizations and businesses. While you browse, enjoy a complimentary cookie and beverage while listening to local entertainers performing holiday music. Take home your favorite tree or specialty item by placing a winning bid, and get some design inspiration. All proceeds benefit Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. General viewing runs Thurs. 1-5 pm, Fri. 9 am-5 pm, Sat. 11 am-5 pm. Tickets at the door: $5 general,free under 2. Advance tickets required for Teddy Bear Breakfast. Call 715-847-2470 or purchase at aspirus.org/festival-of-trees.