As those of us who love our cranberries have discovered, Wisconsin is #1 Cranberry Grower. Above New Jersey, Massachusetts, or any other state, Wisconsin grows cranberries better than anyone, more than 300 million pounds of fruit annually. The next time you have a glass of Ocean Spray or other cranberry juice or enjoy the tart tangy goodness of a cranberry salad or relish, remember it may well have come from Wisconsin. Cranberries! They're not just for Thanksgiving anymore.
When it comes to Wisconsin Christmas Tree Farms we rank among the top six in the nation. No matter where you live in the US, the tree you bought at Christmas, may well have come from Wisconsin. Wisconsin growers harvest about 3.5 million Christmas trees each year; an industry that adds $50 million to Wisconsin's economy each year.
We have found it is not always so great to be among the top ranks. Riots on State Street on Halloween, beer parties on Mifflin Street, and being known as a party school isn't the reputation everyone wants. In the Top 10 Again! Is that Good? looks at how the University of Wisconsin earned this dubious honor and some of the thoughts on what to do about it. In 2004 University officials offered several entertainments as alternatives to partying in the bars on State Street. This year the police used officers on horseback, increased fines, and installed stadium lighting on State Street for the Halloween weekend so everyone could be seen. They also had live camera feed at their command post to help them monitor downtown Friday night and early Saturday morning for the first night of Halloween. There was only minor property damage and no significant injuries this year. The crowd was about 75,000 strong at its peak and police arrested 250 people, 82 of whom were out-of-state residents. Will this dilemma end with authorities trying to put a stop to some of these extreme parties? Mayor Dave Cieslewicz announced this year's celebration on State Street could very well be the last.
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