Thrasher Announces Changes to Harvest of Bargains Event

Green Lake, Wis. (January 29, 2024) – After more than 20 years, the Thrasher Opera House’s Harvest of Bargains sale has come to an end. The annual sale along with the dedicated volunteers who spent countless hours working on the sale, provided steadfast and important support during the early years of the opera house.

“This strategic move was made to allow the organization to concentrate on expanding its mission-driven activities and enhance its fundraising initiatives,” according to Thrasher’s executive director Rachael Avery. “We want to thank the volunteers who selflessly contributed their time and energy to make this event the success that it was,” she said. “We’re also grateful to the public for their generous donations and purchases that contributed to the success of the sale.

“As we embark on this new chapter, we look forward to your continued support in our mission-driven endeavors. Together, we can create a positive impact and enrich the cultural landscape of our community.”

The Thrasher store, located at 510 Mill St. in Green Lake, will expand into an extension of the Art Gallery. It will provide a space for local artists to display and sell their works. “If you’re an artist looking for such an opportunity, please contact us at info@thrasheroperahouse.com,” Avery said. Include contact information, type of work you want to sell/display and photos of your artwork. Examples that would likely fit well in the space would be paintings, textiles, sculptures, photographs, jewelry, prints, etc. “In addition, we will continue to accept a limited number of donations of original art and vintage items for the expanded gallery,” Avery said. “Please contact us first before dropping off items to determine if they would be a good fit.”

The mission of the Thrasher Opera House calls for promoting the arts and the power of live performance, providing a community gathering place, and preserving the historic Opera House—a charming and intimate venue with exceptional acoustics. Built in 1910, restored in 1997, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the opera house seats 200. For more information, please visit www.thrasheroperahouse.com.

Who Is That Man?

A Passion Play with some Music Selections from

“Jesus Christ Superstar”

Palm Sunday

March 24, 2:00 and 7:00

Ripon Immanuel United Methodist Church

401 W. Fond du Lac St., Ripon

Community Invited

Jesus said “Go tell the world about me.”

What an easy way to please God and spread the Good News to this community. Ripon Immanuel Methodist Church will be presenting “Who Is That Man?” and would like YOUR help.  “Who Is That Man?” dramatizes the last week of Jesus’ life, depicting the events that led up to his crucifixion. We hope that bringing this story to life will be another opportunity for this community to experience and come to know Jesus.

We need actors, singers, behind the scenes help, advertisers, greeters, and people to spread the word.  We need YOU! You could be an actor, singer, performer in the pew, work in the sound/tech booth, help with costumes, work with advertising…bring us your God-given talent, and we will use it.

Join us as we tell the greatest story ever told to help us through this time of hopelessness, boredom and struggles that we are currently facing.

We need YOU to help out.

People Needed:

• Actors – Lots of them and only a line or two per person (12 disciples, women around Jesus, People in the crowd, Priest, Caiaphas, Pilate
• Singers – Lots of singers – We will have people on the altar as well as sitting in and around the congregation in the pews
• Props/Set Designers
• Costume Designer
• Tech Crew – Video Recording, Sound – We are always looking for more people to help.
• Advertisement – Spread the word
• Greeters, Ushers

We invite you to join us as this passion play requires a large cast.  Please invite others in the community to participate with us.  This is a great opportunity to get those who may have been hesitant to come to church to walk through those doors to participate with us or even just to attend the performance.  We welcome those who are members of other congregations to either advertise this production or come and participate in it with us.  ALL are welcome! 

Practice Schedule:  

Wednesdays from 6:00 – 7:30 pm

February 21, 28  March 6, 13, 20

A light supper will be provided for EVERYONE beginning at 5:15 every Wednesday.

March 23: Saturday Dress Rehearsal 10:00 am – 12:00

Performances on Sunday, March 24

March 24:  Meet at church in costume by 1:00 for the 2:00 performance

Meet again at church at 6:00 in costume for the 7:00 performance

Cozy Mysteries featured in February!

Ripon WI – Ripon Public Library celebrates National Mystery Month with “Cozies and Cookies!”

Cozy mysteries – lighthearted with little to no violence – are featured throughout the month of February with special events, prizes, cookies, and a display. The month-long celebration is financially sponsored by Ripon Noon Kiwanis, in honor of their 100th year of service to the community!

Throughout February, drop in to browse a delightful book display of the cozy mystery genre near the fireplace. Displayed books are available for check out or may enjoyed at the library.

SAT FEB 3 | 10 AM—NOON | KICKOFF CELEBRATION! | TEENS & ADULTS

Join us on Saturday, February 3, 10 AM- 12 PM for the kickoff celebration! Browse this diverse genre while enjoying cookies, warm beverages, and guest speakers. Enter to win book prizes and claim a free mug while supplies last!

At 10:30 AM, guest speakers, aka local mystery buffs, offer excerpts, light literary analysis, favorite quips from their own favorites, and welcome discussion from attendees. Here’s a sneak peek at speakers and their focus.

· Doug Northrop delves into Paige Shelton’s delightful Scottish Bookshop mystery series and the Edgar Award winning series, by David Handler, featuring the witty and dapper celebrity ghostwriter, Stewart Hoag.

· Robin Woods discusses the famously exciting Sherlock Holmes mystery by Sir Conan Doyle, Hound of the Baskervilles, and brings in a bit of Agatha Christie’s renowned body of work, too.

· Jeanne Williams delights with the highly entertaining and historically representative Jane Austen Mysteries series by Stephanie Barron.

MONS FEB 5, 12, 19, 26 | 4-8 PM

Monday evenings throughout February, enjoy cookies and warm beverages while exploring the “Cozies” display. Enter to win book prizes and a free mug while supplies last!

Visit the library’s website or follow Ripon Public Library on Facebook and Instagram for detailed information and the latest library news on programs and resources, or call a friendly librarian,

920-748-6160.