Outagamie County is excited to announce its participation in the Emmy-winning series Uniquely Wisconsin, a captivating broadcast and digital series that celebrates the heartwarming, humorous, and historical stories of Wisconsin’s people and communities. This series, produced by Discover Mediaworks, highlights the rich tapestry of life in America’s Dairyland through lenses of economic development, community engagement, quality of life, and tourism.
Participation includes:
- Three (3) docuseries themed short form videos of up to six (6) minutes each. Production to take place in 2025.
- One (1) of the three (3) will be selected for approximately a four (4) – five (5) minute portion of a Discover Wisconsin production for Uniquely Wisconsin special episode/documentary. The Special episode/documentary will air one (1) time on Discover Wisconsin Regional Television Network.
Outagamie County is seeking story ideas from the community that showcase the unique traditions, rich heritage, and compelling narratives that make our region special. Whether it’s a cherished historical landmark, a dedicated community effort, or a fascinating cultural tradition, this is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the people and places that define our county.
Story ideas submitted as of March 12, 2025:
- Our Growing Trail System: From the Nelson Family Heritage Crossing to the completion of the Loop the Locks trail network in 2024, our county is becoming a premier destination for biking, hiking, and exploring. These projects, made possible through public-private partnerships, showcase how communities can come together to create accessible outdoor spaces that celebrate our history, waterways, and local heritage.
- Spring Walleye Run & Sturgeon Spawning in Shiocton: Every spring, the Wolf River transforms as anglers take to the water for the walleye run. At the same time, the sturgeon spawning at Bamboo Bend draws visitors from all over Wisconsin, offering a rare glimpse of these prehistoric fish up close. These natural events are a true spectacle and a cherished part of our local culture.
- Apple Blossoms for Appleton: Each year, 50 apple blossom trees are donated and planted along the Apple Creek Trail, creating a breathtaking corridor of flowering trees. Like the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C., this growing tradition has become a beloved annual event, drawing walkers, bikers, and nature lovers while supporting pollinators and local wildlife.
- St. Vincent de Paul Kaukauna Thrift Store: A staple in the community for over 60 years, this entirely volunteer-run thrift store not only offers affordable goods but also provides vital support for Neighbors in Need, assisting with rent, utilities, and medical expenses.
- Outagamie Conservation Club: This nonprofit organization embodies the spirit of outdoor adventure with programs such as hunter safety, trap and archery leagues, fishing and snowmobile safety classes, and even haunted hayrides and craft fairs. It’s a hub for those passionate about the outdoors and community engagement.
- Hearthstone Historic House: The world’s first private residence illuminated by hydroelectricity from a central Edison system, marking the birthplace of green energy and the origin of the phrase “turn on the lights.” It remains the only surviving building from the dawn of electricity, with a rich history beyond its pioneering role.
What is Uniquely Wisconsin?
Uniquely Wisconsin is a sub-series of Discover Wisconsin that tells the untold stories of Wisconsinites and their communities. Episodes range from emotional and heartwarming tales to humorous and historical accounts, capturing the essence of Wisconsin’s diverse communities.
Previous episodes have featured stories such as the Wisconsin 9/11 Memorial in Washington County, efforts to preserve Hmong culture in Marathon County, and the restoration of an old barn into a music studio in Monroe County. Outagamie County’s stories will join this impressive roster in an upcoming season.
For past docuseries from other counties, visit: https://discoverwisconsin.com/dw-uniquely-wisconsin/
Details
How to Submit Your Story Idea
Outagamie County is calling on residents, businesses, and organizations to submit their ideas for consideration. Ideal stories might include:
- Inspiring community initiatives
- Unique local traditions or events
- Historical landmarks or figures
- Notable cultural or economic contributions
- Submissions should include a brief description of the story, why it represents Outagamie County, and contact information for follow-up.
Submission Deadline: March 21, 2025
How to Submit: Send your story ideas to: connect@outagamie.org
What Happens Next?
Once story ideas are collected, Outagamie County will work with the Discover Mediaworks team to finalize selections. Selected stories will feature in Uniquely Wisconsin episodes, bringing Outagamie County’s unique charm to audiences across broadcast, digital, and social media platforms.
“We are thrilled to participate in Uniquely Wisconsin and highlight the stories that make Outagamie County truly special,” said County Executive, Tom Nelson. “We encourage everyone to share their ideas and help us celebrate the people and places that define our community.”
