Like many businesses, we took time to look back on the past year. As we continue rebuilding, I am incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received along the way. Over the past few months, I’ve seen several posts that really stayed with me. One was from a multi-generational farming family announcing a hiatus while they figure out their next steps. I’ve also seen far too many local businesses share that they won’t be joining us on the journey into 2026, including one that is hosting free movies all day Christmas Eve.
Another post came from a family that creates one of those magical holiday light displays — complete with Santa visits. They shared that their annual costs exceed $22,000 and that the experience is entirely donation-based. They understand that not every family can afford admission fees, but they also recognize how deeply families need the hope, joy, and sense of wonder those lights bring.
In many ways, my business isn’t all that different. I don’t use paywalls, and I don’t charge businesses or organizations to list their events on our calendar. You never know when someone needs something — especially when they don’t yet know what they’re looking for — until they see it. Sometimes, that something is the perfect event at just the right moment.
Our website is family-friendly, but everyone’s definition of “family” is different — and I do my best to reflect all of those definitions on the calendar. Sometimes it’s a single parent with kids in tow looking for a welcoming, judgment-free space. Other times, it’s a single parent whose kids are away for the night or weekend, and being around children feels too painful. It may be parents whose kids are grown, searching for connection with others in the same season of life. It could be an adult child looking for something meaningful for their parent, or a family new to the area trying to find their people.
It might also be someone navigating a new chapter — newly retired, recently widowed, recently divorced, a new parent, a new grandparent, starting a new job, or simply someone who woke up and decided, I need to try something new.
Like that holiday light display, my goal is to continue offering this resource at no cost. I know how important it is — and I know how much I needed it when we first moved here. But I can’t do it alone.
If this calendar has ever helped you find something to do, discover a new place, or feel a little more connected, there are simple ways to help keep it going. Sharing the site, submitting events, supporting our directory, or choosing to sponsor the calendar all make a real difference. I invite you to support it in whatever way makes sense for you — even small actions help keep it available for everyone. Together, we can continue making sure this remains a free, welcoming resource for every kind of family in our community.
I’ve also heard from a few folks who’ve expressed frustration with the calendar. I hear you, and I want to help. I plan to host more calendar-help sessions so we can work together to make it easier and more useful for everyone. Keep an eye on our Facebook page and event listings for upcoming sessions. Once my HVAC issue is resolved, I’ll also be spending more time in my office in the new year — and I look forward to connecting more in person.
Upcoming Events
Hopefully, we’ll be able to offer more Epi-Pen Anaphylaxis classes this year too.
As you’re getting ready for Holidays Round 3, it might not be a bad idea to refresh yourself on things kids might say if they’re experiencing an allergic reaction. You never know, you could be too and not even know it.
Do It for Dillon Memorial Fund has some excellent resources on their website. FARE is also an excellent resource. If you want me to host another class and have a preference in location, let me know. I have hosted classes in Clintonville and Marion. I’m open to suggestions as well.
As we get ready to head into the New Year, we want to help you find those things that will help with your New Year’s Resolutions.
On our event calendar, we have classes – Tractor Safety, CPR and more.
We also have a category for Libraries and Museums. (Did you know we have FREE admission for several of our local museums?) and Park & Rec Events. We have a category for Community Events and Youth and Family Events. We also have a category reserved only for Veterans and Community Resources. As a family with kids aged 12 to 25, we also have a section for Teens and Home School/ Virtual School families. As much as we try to avoid it, they do affect our families and communities, so I also have unbiased Election-related events on the calendar. We don’t want you to miss the one I consider the most important: our Plan Ahead category. Is there a category you were looking for but can’t find? Let us know.
My other suggestion, refresh the calendar often. I enter new events every day, throughout the day so refreshing ensures you get the most current events and won’t MISS OUT!
Do you have an event you want listed? Fill out our Super Easy Form here
Find us on Social Media
- Rural Northeast Wisconsin Families Facebook page
- RuralNEWfamilies Instagram
- Clintonville Area Information and Discussion (public)
- Outagamie, Waupaca, Shawano County Political Discussion (so far we have one candidate for governor posting there fairly regularly).
Due to Facebook algorithms and rules, I generally don’t post in other groups very often.
The best way to find us and remember to check the calendar — follow us at the links above. (Be sure to interact so FB continues to show us in your newsfeed) And Add Our Calendar as as App to your Phone.
Signing up for our newsletter will send you e-mail notifications when we post new articles.
2026 Business Card Directory Sale
2026 Business Card Directory Sale
Just $20.26 for a FULL Year Listing
We’re bringing back our Pay-The-Year Business Card Directory Sale — and it’s better than ever!
From now through January 14, businesses can secure a full-year listing in our Business Card Directory for only $20.26.
📈 Why it matters:
In 2025, our website welcomed 24,000 visitors (up from 16,000 in 2024). That’s thousands of local families discovering businesses just like yours — for about $20 and change for the entire year.
🍽️ Restaurants & Grills — We’ve Got You Covered Too
While our Restaurant Guide listings can’t be offered at the $20.26 rate, we still want to support you.
➡️ Enjoy 20.26% off your Restaurant or Grill listing during this sale window. Use Code RNF2026
Household and Winter Travel Essentials
For those who wanted an easier time finding my favorite products, Household Favorites and Winter Travel Favorites. We made it a lot easier. These are the items that are available on Amazon. Remember, these are affiliate links so I may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases.
For more products and partners, visit our Shop Small Event
Amazon Promo Codes
As Amazon affiliates, we have access to some promo codes on select products. We’ve sorted through the products and chose the ones we think would be the best fit for our readers. The expiration dates vary so be sure to look carefully.
Mrs. Wordsmith products 5% off
Save 5.0% on select products from Mrs. Wordsmith with promo code PVF9J7OJ, through 3/31 while supplies last.LED Strip Lights with remote and music sync 50% off
Save 50.0% on select products from APSPOW with promo code 68FB7HKV, through 6/5 while supplies last.Birthday Club
Thank you for your help with the Birthday Club. It’s been on my project list for several years. Hopefully 2026 is the year we can make it happen!
As always– keep an eye on the calendar. We’re updating it constantly! Hopefully, I can create a product that is easy to use and helps you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Maybe we’ll see you out there “in the wild”.
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