Warm weather and sunshine are here in Packer Country and there's a wide variety of Summer Events and Activities to enjoy! Fireworks, awesome Family Festivals, Tall Ship Tours, and the 31st Annual Oneida Pow-Wow are awaiting you!

Summer tourism season is upon us, and you don’t have to be a farmer to appreciate the majestic beauty and importance of America’s barns. The Smithsonian Institution’s traveling “Barn Again!®, Celebrating an American Icon” exhibit helps celebrate these cultural icons ingrained in American history June 7 – July 27 at Heritage Farm near Kewaunee.

This exhibit filled with displays tracing the history and importance of the barn, will be accompanied by eight weeks of special weekend events, such as “Showing Wisconsin’s Farm Treasures”, “Celebrating Wisconsin’s Ethnic Heritage”, “Drama, Dance, Sings and Songs”, called Farm Fest 2003. For information, call 920/432-2737, 920/388-0604 or log on to www.farmfest.org.

The heat of the setting summer sun in July paints a vivid background for the ShopKo Fireworks Celebrate Americafest. For 33 years on July 4, ShopKo has provided enjoyment for an estimated two million people, shooting off the largest fireworks display in Northeastern Wisconsin. The event has become a community tradition, as we join together annually to celebrate our nation’s independence.

Enjoy six stages with live entertainment, children’s activities, water-ski shows and the Family VIPet Kingdom before the ShopKo Fireworks begin. Join the fun in Downtown Green Bay and check out the details at www.celebrateamericafest.org. Or, call 920/336-7817.

July 4th weekend also offers the 31st Annual Oneida Pow-Wow at the Norbert Hill Center, 7 miles west of Green Bay. Native American arts and crafts including authentic clothing, jewelry and basketry, traditional foods such as wild rice, Indian tacos and corn soup are featured along with the Native American dancing competition. The Grand Entry is a sight not to be missed, as more than 400 dancers from Native American Nations around the country, each in unique regalia, enter into the Pow-Wow grounds and compete for prize money. Come and enjoy the tradition and culture of the Native American Nations. For more information, call 1-800-236-2214 or log on to www.oneidanation.org.

The summer sun and breezes will also help the sailing efforts of Tall Ships as they enter the port of Green Bay for the annual Baylake Bank Tall Ship Tours, July 25-27 at Leicht Park, on the west side of the Fox River near the Ray Nitschke Bridge. Below deck on-board tours will be offered by the famous Pride of Baltimore II, a 157’ topsail schooner, a reproduction of a War of 1812- era Baltimore Clipper, known world-wide as one of the sleekest and most beautiful vessels afloat. Also joining the Pride is the Red Witch, a 77’ gaff schooner offering dockside interpretations and two-hour day-sails. Historical exhibits, entertainment, and food will be available. Call 920/494-9507 for more information or log on to www.pride2.org or www.redwitch.com.

If fishing is more a lure for you than sailing, then try the Shanty Days Celebration of the Lake in Algoma, August 8-10. This three-day family festival features family entertainment, community parade, arts and crafts, fireworks, great food, and, of course, plenty of fishing! Call 920/487-2041 for more information.

From baits to bayonets that same weekend, August 9 - 10, costumed actors re-create events and battles of the Civil War at the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay. This tremendous Civil War Reenactment pays tribute to America’s historic struggle to create a united nation during the 1860’s. While at the event, sit in the cab of the world's largest steam locomotive, the Union Pacific Big Boy. Or, examine Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower's World War II command train. Call 920/437-7623 for more information log on to www.nationalrrmuseum.org.

Completing the summer’s hot events is Artstreet, August 22-24, so grab the sunglasses and take to the streets of downtown Green Bay for a tantalizing array of spectacular original works from ceramics, fiber art, glass, graphic art, painting, photography, sculpture and much more. Also to enjoy are the children’s hands-on activities, artist demonstrations, live music and plenty of “edible arts.” For more information call 920/435-2787 or log on to www.newartscouncil.org/artstreet.