Celebrate National Trails Day at the Ice Age Trail Hike-A-Thon tomorrow!

May sure has gone quickly! We've been busy with all kinds of awesome events this month. It started with Cinco de Fido, which raised $450.00 for the Dane County Humane Society and last Friday the Headlamp Hustle, which raised over $700.00 for the Ice Age Trail Alliance. Our last event of the month is tomorrow - The Dane County Ice Age Trail Hike-a-thon. It's a really great event where you hike 21 miles on the Ice Age Trail with other outdoor enthusiasts. It raises funds for the Ice Age Trail Alliance, who maintain the trails. The forecast is sunny with a breeze, so that's wonderful! Columbia Sportswear and Top Promotions helped us with the t-shirts for the event and they look awesome as you can see in the above picture! Consider joining us or making a donation to a someone hiking the 21 miles tomorrow. Find more info about the event by visiting Fontana Sports Facebook Events page!

Bright and beautiful summer dresses!

I think it's finally safe to say that summer is here!  Ladies, stay cool and look amazing in summer dresses (just a few pictured here.)  Don't worry guys, we have plenty of great apparel for you as well. Stop by and see for yourself.

2014 Boy Scout Camporee

Fontana Sports employees, Dylan and Brint attended the Boy Scout Camporee in Cazenovia, WI a few weekends back.  We've been attending the event for 7 or 8 years now at least.  Time just goes so quickly it's hard to keep track!  The guys gave presentations to the Scouts on camping hard goods (tents, sleeping bags, packs, etc) and soft goods (apparel, footwear, accessories).  They both reported back that they had a great time and the Scouts seemed to really enjoy themselves.  We're happy we could attend!  We'll see you again next year!

Don't Forget to Register for the Headlamp Hustle next Friday!

Our Headlamp Hustle benefitting the Ice Age Trail Alliance is coming up quickly! Please join us for a fun evening on the trail with headlamps, good people, food and beer! Thank you to Lake Louie for supplying the beer and to Patagonia Footwear and Salomon Footwear for supplying the prizes! If you don't want to commit to the run/walk, we could use some volunteers and in return they will be able to enjoy in libations and well fed.

Headlamp Hustle
Friday, May 23, 2014 at 7:30 pm
5K or 10K Run / Walk
Table Bluff Segment of the Ice Age Trail, Cross Plains, WI
$45 individual or $40 per person for teams of 4 or more - $10 of each registration will go to the IATA
Come out and support the Ice Age Trail Alliance by joining in our Headlamp Hustle! Join us for the cool experience of running or walking with headlamps on the Table Bluff Segment of the Ice Age Trail in Cross Plains. Your registration includes a Princeton Tec Byte Headlamp (19.99 value), race bib, timing, 1 Lake Louie beer and trail snacks. Weather Permitting there will be a bonfire and live music going after the event. Food and additional beer will be available for purchase or with a suggested donation with all proceeds going to the IATA. The Headlamp Hustle is all about having a great time and getting some exercise with other outdoor enthusiasts and raising funds for a very important organization. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, visit here!

For more info please visit here!

2014 Ice Age Trail Atlas & Guidebook

The Ice Age Trail Alliance publishes a new Trail Guide and Atlas every three years.  We are excited to announce that the 2014 edition is out and available for purchase.

The new Guidebook features more than 100 detailed segment by segment descriptions and maps to help you connect with the thousand- mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail!

The Trail Atlas has 105 color, shaded relief style maps printed on 8.5" x 11" sheets that provide not only a detailed guide to the Ice Age Trail but a wider snapshot of the area around the trail. Icons help you identify water sources, restrooms, and camping areas (both established and primitive.)

Whether you are a day tripper looking for some beautiful hikes or you aspire to be a "thousand-miler" the Guidebook and Atlas the perfect tools to help you explore this amazing trail!

Check www.FontanaSports.com or stop by either Fontana Sports location to pick up a copy.

Cinco de Fido SUCCESS!

We had a great turnout and wonderful weather for our Cinco de Fido event on Monday evening. We raised $450.00 for the Dane County Humane Society!! Thank you to all who participated and volunteered for the event!

Here is a list of some of the awesome dogs that attended the event -
4 Black Labs - Porter, Reuben, Leinie and Ubu
1 Black Mouth Cur - Harvey
1 Shitzu - Jack
1 Pug/Boston Terrier - Lucy
1 American Eskimo - Lucky
1 Beagle - Shilo
1 Golden Retriever - Lefty
1 Golden Doodle - Lucy
1 Rottweiler Mix - Tula
1 Beagle/Chihuahua -Satchmo
2 Chihuahuas - Diego and ?
1 Eskimo Spitz
1 Chow

If you didn't get a chance to join us this year, we hope you can make it next year. Mark your calendar for May 5th - Cinco de Fido! 

A True Fly Fisherman...

Do you happen to know anyone really into fly fishing? We sure do here at the shop! One of our employees found this and we thought it was very accurate! The weather is finally going to get a little nicer here in Wisconsin, so we're guessing there will be plenty of fishing this weekend! Whatever you do, we hope you get outside and have a great one!

Events & Clinics - May 2014

PLANNING & BACKPACKING AT GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
Thursday, May 1st, 2014 at 6:00 pm
Westside Location - 231 Junction Rd., Madison, WI
Join experienced backpacker and Scout trip leader Steve Dewitt for a presentation on backpacking in Glacier National Park. He will share his experiences and photos as well as cover some of the logistics of planning and organizing a trip. Novice and experienced backpackers alike will benefit from Steve’s wealth of knowledge.


CINCO DE FIDO - Dog Jog supporting Dane County Humane Society
Monday, May 5th, 2014 at 5:30 pm
Brittingham Park, 401 S. Brittingham Pl, Madison, WI
1 Mile or 5K Walk/Run + a Fiesta!
$30 Adult/$20 Child (12 yrs & under) - $10 of each registration will go to the DCHS. Come out and support your Dane County Humane Society by joining in this Dog Jog Fiesta! Bring your Fido (or don’t, we’ll leave that up to you) and join us for a run/walk in beautiful downtown Madison. Your registration includes a sombrero (instead of a race bib – you or Fido can wear it), a Tex Tubb’s Taco or nacho bar (they’re still deciding what to serve), 1 beer or soda, and some festive music. Cinco de Fido is all about having a great time while engaging in some exercise with other animal lovers and raising funds for a very important organization. Pre-registration is required. To purchase your event tickets, please click here.

MORE ABOUT CINCO DE FIDO

TMAN'S ULTRA-LIGHT BACKPACKING DEMO

Wednesday, May 7th, 2014 at 6:00 pm
Downtown Location - 216 N. Henry St., Madison, WI
Backpacker and Eagle Scout, Todd McMahon (aka Tman) discusses the ultra-light backpacking equipment options that he uses on his weekend and weeklong backpacking trips. The equipment includes backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, cooking kits, clothes, first aid kits and more. Google “I Saw Tman” to learn more.

INTRO TO NORDIC WALKING
Tuesday, May 13th, 2014 at 10:00 am
Westside Location - 231 Junction Rd., Madison, WI
Join Judith Hutchinson, trained Leki Instructor, as she shows you how to turn your walk into a total-body workout. Enjoy a nice walk outside while learning about the physical and mental benefits of Nordic walking. Please bring appropriate clothing and shoes for walking. Leki Nordic Walking poles will be provided. Space is limited. Contact Elizabeth at 608.662.9706 to reserve your space. This is a free event.

KAYAK DEMO
Tuesday, May 13th, 2014 at 6:00 pm
Brittingham Park, 701 W. Brittingham Place, Madison
Come and try before you buy! Test different kayaks to make sure you get the perfect one for you. Pre-registration required. $20 cost that can be put toward the purchase of a boat. Contact Crystal at 608.662.9711 to reserve your space.

NORDIC WALKABOUT
Thursday, May 15th, 2014 at 9:00 am
Pheasant Branch Conservancy – Meet at County Lot (3rd parking lot on right coming from Century Ave.) on Pheasant Branch Rd., Middleton
Now that you’ve taken the Nordic Walking Intro Course, let’s meet for a real Nordic walk! Join Judith Hutchinson, trained Leki Instructor, for a total-body workout and enjoy a nice Nordic walk outside. Get any questions you may still have about Nordic Walking answered. Please bring appropriate clothing and shoes for walking on gravel. Leki Nordic Walking poles will be provided if needed. Space is limited. Contact Elizabeth at 608.662.9706 to reserve your space. This is a free event.

INTRO TO NORDIC WALKING
Monday, May 19th, 2014 at 10:00 am
Downtown Location - 216 N. Henry St., Madison, WIJoin Judith Hutchinson, trained Leki Instructor, as she shows you how to turn your walk into a total-body workout. Enjoy a nice walk outside while learning about the physical and mental benefits of Nordic walking. Please bring appropriate clothing and shoes for walking. Leki Nordic Walking poles will be provided. Space is limited. Contact Elizabeth at 608.662.9706 to reserve your space. This is a free event.

NORDIC WALKABOUT
Wednesday, May 21st, 2014 at 9:00 am
Token Creek County Park, Deforest, WI - Use 6200 Highway 51 entrance. Meet at the first shelter (on right).
Now that you’ve taken the Nordic Walking Intro Course, let’s meet for a real Nordic walk! Join Judith Hutchinson, trained Leki Instructor, for a total-body workout and enjoy a nice Nordic walk outside. Get any questions you may still have about Nordic Walking answered. Please bring appropriate clothing and shoes for walking on gravel. Leki Nordic Walking poles will be provided if needed. Space is limited. Contact Elizabeth at 608.662.9706 to reserve your space. This is a free event.

HEADLAMP HUSTLE benefitting Ice Age Trail Alliance
Friday, May 23rd, 2014 at 7:30 pm
Table Bluff Segment of the Ice Age Trail, Cross Plains, WI
5K or 10K Run / Walk
$45 individual or $40 per person for teams of 4 or more - $10 of each registration will go to the IATA Come out and support the Ice Age Trail Alliance by joining in our Headlamp Hustle! Join us for the cool experience of running or walking with headlamps on the Table Bluff Segment of the Ice Age Trail in Cross Plains. Your registration includes a Princeton Tec Byte Headlamp (19.99 value), race bib, timing, 1 Lake Louie beer and trail snacks. Weather Permitting there will be a bonfire and live music going after the event. Food and additional beer will be available for purchase or with a suggested donation with all proceeds going to the IATA. The Headlamp Hustle is all about having a great time and getting some exercise with other outdoor enthusiasts and raising funds for a very important organization. Pre-registration is required. To purchase your event tickets, please click here.

MORE ABOUT HEADLAMP HUSTLE

BOOT FITTING 101
Tuesday, May 27th, 2014 at 6:00 pm
Westside Location - 231 Junction Rd., Madison, WI
Join us as we teach you how to properly choose and fit your hiking boots. Finding the right pair of hiking boots can make all the difference in enjoying your next adventure. We’ll also give tips on accessories that make your feet more comfortable. Your feet will thank you for attending.

KAYAKING 101 COURSE
Wednesday, May 28th, 2014 at 5:00 pm
Marshall Park, 2101 Allen Boulevard, Middleton
Join us for a 45 minute class that will cover all the basics you need to get out and enjoy the beautiful waters in Madison and beyond. Participants will learn basic paddle strokes, launch techniques, and important safety tips. Expect 15-20 minutes on land and the rest of the class will be on the water. Pre-registration required. $30 cost (includes boat). Contact Crystal at 608.662.9711 to reserve your space.

KAYAK DEMO
Wednesday, May 28th, 2014 at 6:00 pm
Marshall Park, 2101 Allen Boulevard, Middleton
Come and try before you buy! Test different kayaks to make sure you get the perfect one for you. Pre-registration required. $20 cost that can be put toward the purchase of a boat. Contact Crystal at 608.662.9711 to reserve your space.

2014 DANE COUNTY ICE AGE TRAIL HIKE-A-THON
Saturday, May 31st, 2014 at 8:00 am
Ice Age Trail parking lot on County PD
Join us in support of National Trails Day, for this hiking adventure to see some of the best Ice Age Trail in the southern part of the state, and to raise some much needed funds for the Ice Age Trail Alliance. The hike will traverse 21 miles through southern Dane County, at a modest pace, and will be supported with water breaks, porta-potties, and lunch. The event fee of $50 includes a 1 year IATA membership (for the hiker or to “give” to a friend), t-shirt (first 80 registrants), trail snacks, and lunch. Plus some great exercise and a chance to meet other outdoor enthusiasts! This will be an all-day hike, starting at the Brooklyn State Wildlife Area, going north through Montrose, and along the Badger State Trail to Verona where we will have a lunch break. We’ll continue to the Prairie Moraine County Park, through Verona along the Badger Mill Creek, and lastly to Badger Prairie Park where the hike will end at the original meeting place along PD at about 4:30 pm. Shorter hike options are available for the same event fee. Half day participants can elect to stop at lunch time. Or “Teams” of up to 4 people can participate and divide up the distance. Please notify us on the registration form if you plan to hike as a Team or stop at lunch so we can arrange transportation. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO or visit http://dane.iceagetrail.org/hike-a-thon to get signed up.

Visit Fontana Sports Events page: http://www.fontanasports.com/misc_content/events