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35º | Cloudy | 15% chance of sleet | Sunrise 7:28 a.m. | Sunset 4:39 p.m.
 

👻 Keep reading, if you dare

Keep an eye out for these cryptids lurking about Wisconsin
Hodag statue
It wouldn’t be a visit to Rhinelander without paying a visit to the city’s mascot. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
August is here, which means September is right around the corner, which means it’s basically Halloween, right? We’re checking out a few creepy cryptids that call Wisconsin home.

Cryptids: a creature whose reported existence is unproved, such as Bigfoot or the Loch Ness monster.

Hodag | Rhinelander
In 1893, known prankster Eugene Shepard insisted on the existence of this dragon-like creature, going as far as creating a Hodag for display which he charged locals 10 cents to bear witness to. While eventually Eugene admitted his Hodag antics were fictional, Rhinelander has embraced the cryptid making it an integral part of the city’s identity.

Beast of Bray Road | Elkhorn
Referred to as a modern American werewolf, residents of Elkhorn and Delevan have reported seeing this bear/wolf-like creature. Sightings peaked in the 1990s, garnering national attention and inspiration for a 2005 film and 2018 documentary.

bray road beast rendition

“The Bray Road Beast” documentary premiered at the 2018 Milwaukee Paracon. | Still by Small Town Monsters Production Co.

Trolls | Mount Horeb
Did you know that Mount Horeb is the troll capital of the world? The city earned this title due to legends of underground trolls emerging from the nearby Cave of the Mounds and becoming enamored with the community. Visitors can take a self-guided tour to search for the 34 trolls along the downtown Trollway.

Troll statue

Keep your eyes peeled for trolls all around Mount Horeb. | Photo by City of Mount Horeb

Phantom Chickens | Seymour
Just north of Seymour, you’ll find Chicken Alley. Here, drivers have reported seeing chickens run across the road only to seemingly disappear into thin air. We think this cryptid adventure would be well-suited for those who are averse to more intense frights.

Upcoming adventures

Interested in learning more about cryptids? The Wisconsin Cryptids, Anomalies, and the Paranormal Society (CAPS) has got you covered.

Wisconsin CAPS is a group of curious investigators dedicated to understanding the unknown. Connect with them online or at one of these upcoming regional events:
Asked

Have you had an unexplained cryptid or paranormal experience in the 608?
Let us know
Big Top Sports and Entertainment
 
Events
Wednesday, Aug. 9
Thursday, Aug. 10
  • Madison Night Market | Thursday, Aug. 10 | 4-9 p.m. | 100 Block of State Street, 100 State St., Madison | Cost of purchase | Shop your favorite local vendors.
  • Pride Paddle | Thursday, Aug. 10 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Brittingham Boats, 701 W. Brittingham Pl., Madison | $30-$45 | A kayak lake tour followed by on-shore entertainment.
  • Madison Mallards vs. Wisconsin Rapids | Thursday, Aug. 10 | 6:05 p.m. | Warner Park, 2920 N. Sherman Ave., Madison | $6.08 | Calling all Badgers: You’re invited to On Wisconsin Night! at the ballpark.*
Friday, Aug. 11
  • Beer and Chicken Wing Pairing | Friday, Aug. 11 | 5-7 p.m. | Starkweather Brewing Co., 2439 Atwood Ave., Madison | $25 | Your tastebuds will thank you.
  • Dane Dances | Friday, Aug. 11 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | Monona Terrace, 1 John Nolen Dr., Madison | Free | Get your groove on at this outdoor community dance event.
Saturday, Aug. 12
  • Madison Mini Marathon | Saturday, Aug. 12 | 7 a.m.-12 p.m. | Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St., Madison | $90 | Sign up by tomorrow to participate.
  • Ju-Ju’s Block Party | Saturday, Aug. 12 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Penn Park, 2101 Fisher St., Madison | Free | This annual event aims to promote Black Excellence through music, resources, family-friendly activities, and more.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
Big Top Sports and Entertainment
 
News Notes
Edu
  • Madison Metropolitan School District seeks community input while hiring a new superintendent. This survey will help shape a leadership profile, similar to a job description, by gathering info from student guardians on desired qualities, priorities, and concerns.
Health
  • The state’s Department of Health Services (DHS) plans to train 10,000 state-certified caregivers through a free online course. The program takes about 30 hours to complete and offers job connections and up to $500 bonuses for eligible employers. (Channel 3000)
Environment
  • City officials invite communities to participate in Wisconsin’s inaugural Stormwater Week to raise awareness about how stormwater runoff impacts water quality. Get involved by entering your selfie contest submission or registering for an upcoming livestream event.
Feel Good
  • It’s Comedy Week in the 608. Grab tickets for one of the remaining 22 events including performances by Bob the Drag Queen, Johnny Beehner, and the “Burning the Light” podcast.
Sports
  • Forward Madison FC has signed 25-year-old Pierre da Silva for the rest of the 2023 season, pending league and federation approval. Pierre brings his experience from clubs including Brazil’s Athletico Paranaense and Miami FC.
Shop
Finance
  • Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*
Job
  • We’re hiring a Branded Copywriter. This team member will directly support the strategy, creation, and placement of branded content campaigns for 6AM City’s clients, including creating dynamic content (including written articles and social) within the 6AM tone and style. Learn more + apply.
Big Top Sports and Entertainment
 
Sports

👋 Farewell, fittest on Earth

Madison says goodbye to the CrossFit Games
608 crossfit
CrossFit athletes beat the heat during the outdoor events. | Photo by 608today
Last week, Madison hosted the 2023 CrossFit Games.

Fast facts

  • 14,000 — average daily attendees
  • 450 — participating athletes
  • Fittest woman — Laura Horvath
  • Fittest man — Jeffrey Adler
  • Fittest team — CrossFit Invictus

Workouts

Here are a few workouts exhibited at this year’s games to try out at your CrossFit Gym:

Olympic Total, for load
1-rep-max snatch
1-rep-max clean and jerk

Helena, for time
400-meter run
12 bar muscle-ups
21 dumbbell snatches

Ride
Complete as many laps as possible in 40 minutes on a mountain bike. One lap = 2,400 meters on the bike, and 200 meters off the bike.

What’s next for the CrossFit Games?

ICYMI, the CrossFit Games has had quite the back-and-forth with Madison when it comes to future hosting opportunities.

Fall of last year, CrossFit named Birmingham, Alabama as the 2024 host. Then in January, it was announced that the games would actually be staying in Madison.

Most recently, organizers released a statement rescinding Madison’s hosting title, promising a host city announcement sometime after the games wrap up. So, stay tuned.
Shop
Read
  • The latest Kindle model — the Kindle Paperwhite — boasts a glare-free display, warm light options for night, and is waterproof from the beach to the bath.
Trending
  • The buzziest deodorant in the beauty scene: Lume whole body deodorant. Free of aluminum or baking soda, it offers odor protection anywhere and everywhere.
Award
  • The 2023 Etsy Design Award Winners are here. Check out extraordinary, imaginative items including cactus leather bags, whimsical dandelion lamps, and donut mugs.
Pets
  • Want to give your pup a paw-sitive surprise? Spoil them with treats from Botanical Bones – guaranteed to fit any pup’s personality.
 
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The Wrap
 
Ally Geiger.jpg

Today’s edition by:
Ally
From the editor
I’m a big fan of all things creepy — horror movies, ghost stories, creepypastas — so I’m very interested to hear from you guys about any eerie experiences you may have had or heard about around town.
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