There are a lot of fall festivals in the Northwoods, but there’s one special event that started it all. The first Colorama began in the heart of St. Germain nearly seven decades ago, and it became a fall tradition that’s treasured by generations of locals and visitors. Over the years, other Colorama events appeared in other communities, but year after year people returned to the event’s birthplace in St. Germain to gather under the pines and celebrate the season with family and friends. Join the Colorama fun September 20, 2025 – this is the 67th year for Colorama and it’s better than ever, including a lively craft fair, a wonderful beer and wine event, a fun seasonal activity for kids, a huge classic car show and more. If you’re a Colorama veteran, welcome back. If you’re new to Colorama, welcome – we can’t wait to see you in St. Germain! Here’s what’s happening this year.
Where and when. Colorama takes place in the Heart of St. Germain, in the St. Germain Community Park. There will be plenty of parking and general admission is free. Arrive early – the event begins at 9 a.m.
Find Fun for Kids at the Colorama pumpkin activity. Thanks to a generous donation from Medford Cooperative (Camp’s Fresh Market), there will be free pumpkins for kids to decorate. Supplies are limited, so arrive early to make sure you get a pumpkin – there will also be supplies that little ones can use to make their St. Germain pumpkin special, and they get to bring their creation home.
Discover Northwoods treasure at the Craft Fair. One of the highlights of Colorama is the large craft fair. Vendors and artisans from throughout the region will be on hand with offerings as vibrant as the fall colors. Find special paintings and pottery, handcrafted quilts, woodworking items, photography, and more. It’s a great place to find some Northwoods home décor, or a gift for someone special. The St. Germain Northwoods Lions Club will also have some tasty food items for sale.
Toast the season at Pints in the Park. Colorama also is home to a craft beer festival. This year, we’ll have 15 different flavors to sample, including some of the best offerings in Wisconsin and Michigan. Sample lagers, IPAs, ales, Oktoberfest flavors and more. If you’re more of a wine drinker, join the Wine Walk. We’ll have six different wines for you to sample, including some wines from Lake Nokomis Cranberries. Admission to Pints in the park is $25/adult. You must be 21 years old or older to participate.
Savor farm freshnessat The Farmers’ Market. Colorama also includes a farmers’ market that features items from the peak of the growing season, as well as some sweet treats that are hard to pass up. The selection includes pumpkins, gourds, fresh vegetables, and apples, as well as honey, maple syrup, and cookies. St. Germain is home to cranberry marshes, and Lake Nokomis will have fresh cranberries on hand for sale. They freeze well so you can set some aside for your holiday table.
Pick up some fall color to go. Make your home beautiful for the season with some big and showy mums. Colorama will have them on sale and they are gorgeous. Make room in the car!
Start your engines at the Fall Cruisin’ Car and Truck Show. As many as 100 cars, trucks and motorcycles will be on hand, and the show is fun for car lovers of all ages. There’s a big car culture in the Northwoods and many beautiful cars and trucks will be making an appearance. If you would like to show a vehicle, whether you live in St. Germain or beyond, you can register the morning of the show from 8 a.m. to noon. The show is sponsored by Cathy’s Ice Cream ‘N Candy Shoppe and Red Canoe Coffee, and participants will compete in 14 different categories. Organizer Don Elfstrom said that after Colorama, people are encouraged to enjoy St. Germain’s businesses.
“Keep the party going,” he said. “There’s a lot to do here – make St. Germain part of your plans.”
Interested in helping with this year’s Colorama? We can use more volunteers. It’s a great way to support the community and spend time with others who love St. Germain. Contact the Chamber office if you’re interested in helping out.
