On August 25 and 26, wander into the forest for a magical adventure… or into Carson Park for the 30th annual Festival in the Pines. Benefiting local non-profits and bringing the community together (for longer than I’ve been alive), Festival in the Pines combines shopping, entertainment, games and food. Taking the stage this year in celebration of the event’s 30th birthday will be a range of acts including comedian and magician Jerry Frasier, ventriloquist James Wedgewood, musician Matt Wahl, and demonstrations done by Karate American. Delicious cuisine from HuHot Mongolian Grill to Erbert and Gerbert’s and Bellatoria’s Pizza will be served. Be prepared to play some traditional fair games, including everyone’s personal favorite: Pluck a Duck! Amongst the trees will also be shopping booths filled with arts and crafts courtesy of Wisconsin Indian Head Country. And if none of this is tickling your fancy yet, who doesn’t love a petting zoo? Larry and Diana Rickard, owners of Woodville, WI’s Corral Fantasy will have miniature horses and donkeys, chinchillas, and even a wallaby for your petting pleasure! Pony rides will also be available for $3. Just up the road from the main festival experience, the Paul Bunyan Logging Camp and Chippewa Valley Museum on the Carson Park grounds will both have free admission. A new addition to the festival this year will be a Celebrity Dunk Tank featuring area media representatives, local officials and business leaders.