Spring Festival

Sunday, May 4, 2025
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Anderson Farm County Park
914 Union Road, Oregon, WI
Website: andersonparkfriends.org

Spring Magic Comes to Life at Anderson Farm County Park Festival, May 4

OREGON, Wis. — Families are invited to step into a world of whimsy and wonder at the 4^th Annual Spring Festival, happening Sunday, May 4, from 1 to 4 p.m. The event promises a joyful afternoon filled with fairy tale fun, creativity, and outdoor adventure—perfect for children ages 2 to 9.

Young explorers can search for 20 hidden fairy doors tucked along the forest and prairie trails and join the alphabet-inspired hunt for 70 hand-painted rocks, each decorated with cheerful colors, flowers, and letters. Kids are encouraged to come dressed as fairies or woodland critters to fully join in the fun!

Festival-goers won’t want to miss the towering kite activities and fairy-themed story walks. Children can let their imaginations soar with face painting by local artist Desere Mayo—back by popular demand after drawing long lines last year. Plus, enjoy bubble zones, hands-on crafts like fairy wand making and bead braiding with Boryana Hauge, and a seed-starting activity sponsored by the Oregon Nature Alliance.

Ready to take to the skies? Join the Oregon-Brooklyn Optimists and the Wisconsin Kiters for the ever-popular “Go Fly a Kite” activity. Free kites will be available while supplies last—come early to snag yours and see how high you can fly!

Live music by Randy Plunkett will keep the atmosphere lively, while families enjoy complimentary bottled water courtesy of Middleton Crossing Senior Living. Tauni Koch, Middleton Crossing’s Marketing Director, is also donating fairy houses to add a touch of enchantment to the event.

This free, community-powered event is hosted by Anderson Park Friends, Inc., and the Oregon-Brooklyn Optimists Club, with support from the Oregon Wellness Coalition and the Oregon Public Library. Art contributions are provided by 14 South Artists and others. Local businesses Inkworks (Stoughton), Culver’s, Wisco Industries, and Kwik Trip are proud supporters.

“No one wanted to leave last year,” said Roe Parker, President of Anderson Park Friends. “We were thrilled to welcome more than 150 guests, and we expect an even bigger turnout this year. With so much for kids to see and do, it’s a perfect way for families to kick off spring.”

Note: This event is weather-dependent. No rain date is scheduled.

For event details, contact Jann Kalscheur at 608-220-8716.

Learn more about Anderson Farm County Park at andersonparkfriends.org or visit Dane County Parks for general park information.

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Jeff Olson

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Jeff “Ole” Olson, a beloved member of the Oregon-Brooklyn community, who passed away on Monday, March 17, 2025, at the age of 63.

Jeff’s unwavering dedication to our community left an enduring mark. Through his business, Arbor Systems, and his personal passion for giving back, he played an instrumental role in the development of Anderson Farm County Park. As a certified arborist and long-time business partner to Chris Heise, Jeff built a successful tree service company, often providing non-profit discounts and extending a helping hand wherever needed.

The APF Board is accepting donations for a memorial in Jeff's name to be installed at Anderson Farm County Park. 

Make a Lasting Tribute

To honor Jeff’s memory, Anderson Park Friends, Inc. (APF) will work with the Olson family and the Foundation for Dane County Parks to create a meaningful memorial at Anderson Farm County Park. Jeff was a frequent partner with the Dane County Parks Department. Your donation will help bring this tribute to life. Any additional funds will support tree-related projects at the park, continuing Jeff’s legacy of care for our natural spaces.

To contribute online, please use the secure donation form on our page dedicated to the Jeff Olson Memorial. Go to: https://bit.ly/4c5U2aD or use the navigation bar. Every gift, large or small, makes a difference. Checks can be sent to APF at this address:

Barbara Hill, APF Treasurer
876 Jean Circle
Oregon, WI 53575

Donations will be used for a memorial. APF will work with the Foundation for Dane County Parks to plan and install the memorial. Any funds above the cost of the memorial, will be applied to tree projects in 2025.

Note: Tentative plans are underway for a Jeff Olson Memorial Day at Anderson Farm County Park on Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Photo Credit: Chris Heise, Arbor Systems, Arbor Day, 2023

Upcoming...

Below is a summary of work, educational and recreational events scheduled for the second quarter of 2025. Check our calendar page for more information and to R.S.V.P. for a specific event.

Additional Events

1. General Workdays: 2^nd Saturday of each month, 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (914 Union Road, Oregon, WI 53575, some locations may be different)
2. Food Pantry Workdays (Seasonal-April through November): Each Tuesday, 4/01/24-10/22/24 , 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., (805 Union Road, Oregon, WI 53575)
3. Forest, Prairie, Ames Bluebird Trail, Native Gardens Teams: Ad hoc schedule, (Seasonal-April through November)

Oregon Area Volunteers Are Special!

• Oregon Food Pantry Garden: Despite challenges, we’ve consistently delivered fresh produce to the pantry, meeting local food needs sustainably.
• Sholts Woods Restoration: Following our 2024 land management plan, we removed invasive species and thinned specific tree areas to enhance the oak woodlot. Over 40 trees have been replanted since the project started, paving the way for a healthier forest ecosystem.
• Native Flower Gardens: With our dedicated volunteers, we maintained 15 mini-gardens and collaborated with Girl Scout Troop 7720 to install a new monarch butterfly garden, supporting pollinators and native flora.
• Prairie Maintenance: Our highly acclaimed  prairies (over 40 acres) flourished, with invasive species like thistle and wild parsnip effectively managed to preserve the ecosystem’s integrity.
• Youth Engagement: We continued our tradition of sponsoring K-12 educational events, including Maple Syrup Day for Brooklyn 2nd graders and a prairie seed collection event with Oregon High School’s National Honor Society students.
• Wildlife Habitats: Our efforts to provide essential wildlife habitats continued with maintained bluebird, kestrel, and bat houses throughout the park.
• Community Events: Our annual bonfire (November 2nd) was a huge success. We parked over 240 parks and more than 810 people attended.
• Join Us in 2025

We’re excited to take these achievements even further in the coming year, but we can’t do it without your support. Letters have been mailed to current members, and renewing or joining us is simple: visit https://www.andersonparkfriends.org/joinus to secure your 2025 membership.

Stay connected with us on our website and Facebook page for updates on volunteer opportunities, upcoming events, and the latest news. Together, let’s make 2025 our most impactful year yet!