Ripon, Wisconsin

Beth, please put this is the comment section of the wall post below. If we all answered the question with a brand new wall post, this space would quickly become cluttered and it would be unclear what the original question is. That said, "cruisin' the loop" was great in 1984. I wasn't alive, but my conception was a direct result.

I like also but make sure Ripon keeps it Tree City title! GO TIGERS!

I have nice memories of my home town.

Not certain what to get that special person on you list? Consider giving a gift certificate to one of the locally owned businesses listed below:

A Simpler Time (www.simplertime.com)
214 Jefferson Street, (920) 748-5793
A Simpler Time offers a unique blend of classic country & primitive folkart accents to bring added warmth to your home decor.... See More

Ben Franklin
324 Watson Street, (920) 748-3223
The variety store with more for your craft, sewing, and creative home decorating projects. Their custom framing department can assist you with selecting the perfect frame and matting options for paintings, photographs and more.

Bluemke's Appliances & Furniture (www.bluemkes.com)
323 Watson Street, (920) 748-4848
Serving all of your appliance needs including Maytag, Amana, Frigidaire, and more.

Book World
318 Watson Street, (920) 748-7680
For the latest best-seller, your favorite paperback, as well as every major magazine you desire, Book World is your one stop shop.

Carley House
124 W. Jackson Street, (920) 748-1555
Ripon's charming gift house features a wide selection of unique children's gifts and home decorating items. Stop by for some home-made fudge. Whether you are shopping or just browsing, stop in to see what is new or enjoy some friendly conversation!

Campus Theatre
103 Watson Street, (920) 748-2506
The Marcus Campus Theatre in Ripon features digital surround sound to enhance your movie-going experience. Holiday Gift Cards are a fun and affordable gift this holiday season! FREE Movie Tickets with purchase of a $25 Holiday Gift Card!

Community Thrift Store & Food Pantry
109 Watson Street, (920) 748-5756
Clothing, appliances, bedding, furniture -- name it, we probably have it, and at the right price.

Crafts Tucked Back
109 E. Jackson Street, (920) 748-2456
Goodies for hearth, home and soul.

Diedrich Jewelers
212 Watson Street, (920) 748-6198
Mid-Wisconsin's diamond center, with our own artists in ring design, as well as silver, crystal, pewter and Hummel figurines.

Farrell's Fine Furnishings
214 Watson Street, (920) 748-6370
Your complete furniture store offering old fashioned quality and friendly personal service. Stop in and experience the difference. Farrell's features over 7,000 square feet of distinctly displayed home furnishings and accessories.

Flower Basket (www.riponflowerbasket.com)
307 Watson Street, (920) 748-5246
Share nature's bounty with our wide variety of green and blooming plants, fresh flowers, silk and dried arrangements, and special gifts.

Fox River Glove Outlet
113 W. Fond du Lac St., (920) 748-5845
The area's largest outlet store for leather gloves, mittens, purses, Minnetonka moccasins and woolen socks at low outlet prices.

Goosebeary's Coffee & Quilt Shop (www.goosebearys.com)
3 Harris Street (Lower Level of The Carley House), (920) 748-1233
Take a break with a steaming hot cup of gourmet coffee, cappuccino, tea, or one of our ice cold drinks. Relax, enjoy the soothing music, and browse through our unique selection of gifts and jewelry.

Grant Pack-N-Ship
117 Watson Street, (920) 273-3044
Grant Pack-N-Ship carries office supplies and a large selection of resale items.

Hamilton's Ladies Apparel
206 Watson Street, (920) 745-2829
Chic women's clothing for all occasions and seasons.

Holly & Ivy (www.hollyandivyonline.com)
204 Watson Street, (920) 539-1013
Holly & Ivy features Mary Flanagan woolens for rug hooking and penny rugs, punch needle, and needle felting. Books, patterns and classes are also offered.

Imagineers
219 Watson Street, (920) 748-6599
Browse through professional and collegiate sports apparel. Custom screen printing and embroidery is also available.

Marigold Yoga Shop (www.marigoldyoga.com)
321 Watson Street, (920) 858-1078
Marigold Yoga carries yoga and casual wear, featuring organic cotton and breathable fabrics; earth-friendly yoga mats; incense, organic soaps, and other products to support a healthy lifestyle.

Monster Rummage & Antiques
105 W. Fond du Lac St., (920) 748-2491
When you're looking for that special antique to round out your decorating needs. Open by chance, call for an appointment.

Only Her (www.onlyherboutique.com)
213 Watson Street, (920) 748-3004
Only Her is an upscale women's clothing boutique located in the Watson Street Historic District in downtown Ripon. Browse through the latest fashions in designer brands. Only Her can help you find the perfect ensemble for any occasion.

Paula's Custom Color & Flooring
208 Watson Street, (920) 748-2818
Featuring Pratt & Lambert Paint, Mohawk carpeting, and Congoleum flooring.

Radio Shack
326 Watson Street, (920) 748-5178
For the latest in audio, computer, video, and electronic products to assist you in the 21st Century.

Reflections
210 Watson Street, (920) 748-1231
A pleasant boutique offering Victorian era accessories for your home. Pleasures for sight, sound and scent can be discovered here in a variety of items for varied decorating taste.

Ripon Technology (www.ripontechnology.com)
110 Blackburn Street, (920) 748-9762
Ripon Technology understands how frustrating it can be when your computer doesn't work properly. We repair a vast number of computer brands, servers, laptops and printers. Our pricing is very competitive and we provide FREE estimates.

Ripon Drug
328 Watson Street, (920) 748-5174
Serving all of your family's prescription needs for over 40 years, with better quality and great customer service. Ripon Drug also carries a vast selection of gifts, cards, toys, home supplies, and other retail products.

Suki's Teddy Bear Store
322 Watson Street, (920) 745-2223
Suki Lee, one of the areas finest furrier's, handcrafts one of a kind fur teddy bears and other unique creatures. These works of art are a must-have for the serious collector. You can also have your furs and leathers repaired, restyled, or relined.

Sweet Treatz (www.treatz.biz)
314 Watson Street, (920) 896-0444
Sweet Treatz is a neighborhood coffee shop featuring Alterra Coffee. Sweet Treatz produces quality gourmet coffee, espresso and iced blended coffee drinks, and other delicious dessert items such as cannoli cheese cake, muffins and cookies.

Tango/Uncorked Wine Market
211 Watson Street, (920) 748-3422
Whimsical gifts and unique home decor. Open Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 10 to 5 and occasionally on Wednesdays.

Treasure's
320 Watson Street, (920) 748-9306
You'll find a unique blend of antiques, collectibles, glassware, books, dolls and many more difficult to find items.

Vox Coffee Co.
225 Watson Street, (920) 290-2216
Located in the heart of downtown Ripon, the Vox caters to the discriminating coffee connoisseur. Featuring organic, fair trade coffees, teas, and chocolates, as well as tasteful coffee-related merchandise, the Vox is serious about delivering an exceptional coffee experience in a hip, adult friendly atmosphere. Free WIFI available.

Watson StreetWear
115 Watson Street, (920) 748-6367
Express yourself and impress others with the latest in men's and ladies' fashions. Quality clothing at affordable prices, specializing in casual, dress and formal wear.

Still not certain? You can't go wrong with a gift certificate to a great restaurant!! We have provided a few ideas below to assist you.

A&W Restaurant
401 Blackburn Street, (920) 748-5769
A&W Restaurants, Inc., a chain of fast-food restaurants distinguished by its draft root beer and root beer floats, offers fine family food at reasonable prices, serving a typical fast food menu of hamburgers and french fries, as well as hot dogs. A&W is open for lunch and dinner.... See More

America (www.americaripon.com)
329-333 Watson Street, (920) 748-3524
America provides carefully prepared, classic American fare in a warm, comfortable environment focusing on local producers and professional service. America’s menu features seasonal selections and its service is sparkling, personal, and offered with a smile.

Domino's Pizza
120 Blackburn Street, (920) 748-7272
We choose our ingredients on the basis of safety, taste and nutritional content to bring our consumers what they want. Domino’s Pizza dedicates its attention, energy and resources to one mission: Deliver a delicious, hot and fresh pizza made with the highest quality ingredients, every time.

Dos Gringo's (www.dosgringosripon.com)
119 Watson Street, (920) 748-7700
Dos Gringos provides authentic Southwest cuisine in a warm, comfortable, and friendly environment. The restaurant focuses on consistently prepared food and drinks in a fun, family friendly atmosphere.

Fat Bruce's (www.fatbruces.com)
221 Watson Street, (920) 748-5188
Fat Bruce's offers freshly baked breads, breakfast items, salads, freshly roasted meats and hot lunch sandwiches, prepared right before your eyes in our eating kitchen. Whether dining in or taking out, Fat Bruce's offers something for everyone.

Kristina's Family Cafe
317 Watson Street, (920) 748-5890
For good old fashioned home cooked meals at affordable prices, look no farther than the Sunrise Restaurant.

Miller's Tavern
102 E. Fond du Lac Street, (920) 748-2249
A great place for food, fun and friends. Live entertainment occasionally featured.

Pastimes Pub & Grille (www.pastimespubandgrille.com)
120 Scott Street, (920) 748-8222
Formerly Ripon's Post Office annex and a liquor store, this recently renovated Pub offers the best steak sandwich around along with many other char-broiled favorites, appetizers, and spirits.

Roadhouse Pizza (www.roadhousepizzaripon.com)
102 Watson Street, (920) 748-3322
Roadhouse Pizza provides traditional, original thin crust pizza in a warm, neighborhood environment. Roadhouse’s food is perfectly and consistently prepared, served hot, and on time.

The Sub Shop
205 Watson Street, (920) 748-5353
The Sub Shop creates the finest gourmet sandwiches in the area. Enjoy a delicious, made to order sub, served on fresh baked bread, with the finest meats & cheeses, and the freshest vegetables available.

Wow, that's quite a list. For all you visitors out there, you can't go wrong with a Suki's bear. They have the nicest, most knowledgeable teddy bear experts in all of Wisco.

In addition, we had several people sign up as “Friends of the Green.” They didn’t get much for their contribution, but we are sincerely grateful to have their support. Friends of the Green included: Alling Enterprises, Bluemkes, Ripon Window & Door, Donald & Kim Ellingson, Bill & Judy Neill, Holly & Ivy, Jane & Harland Hilke, Ann Jurkowski, Derk & Paula Lesniak, Julie & Lyle Mathias, and Sue & Ron Silber.

thanks to all the supporters, please patronize their businesses. also if you have the chance thank them individually.

Thanks, as well to all that come out to see the bands!

Bands that performed last year at the summer concert series included:

Ripon Middle & High School Jazz Bands
Andy's Automatics
Groove Hogs... See More
Reverend Raven
Vic Ferrari
Bent
Road Trip
Dave Steffen
Tuba Dan Band
1st Degree
Whisky River
Rings

What bands would you like to see on perform on the Village Green this summer? Jeff Walsh has put in a vote for Sweet Tarts and Jennifer Aither has recommended The Sandcarvers. Depending on how fund raising goes, we might be able to fit in some new bands. Let us know.

The windows were fantastically adorned. Next year (according to rumors) should be even better!

(I know, I didn't think it was possible either)

Awww that's one of the things I miss about Ripon. Being in the windows or even walking around seeing them. Great atmoshere at Dicken's.

Will city council be putting on a performance of A Christmas Carol?

Actually, I think we should reenact the story on the square next year, with community actors portraying the parts of Scrooge along with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Ghost of Christmas Present, and Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come. We could start nominations for the various parts…What do you think?

Excellent idea. I think I'd be a perfect ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Obviously I'd need a great costume, because I'm just not that scary in real life.

Why wouldn't Ripoin have trick or treating on Saturday anyway? Plus, to reschedule any events due to a football game....it's a game people. Life does not revolve around the Packers.

I agree 100% to that!