September 22-24, 2023, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. all three days
Though Warrens is a small village of 370 people, it is also known as the “Cranberry Capital of Wisconsin.” Each year, Warrens hosts the World’s Largest Cranberry Festival, and 2023 marks the 50th celebration! The festival is best known for its shopping and boasts 850 arts & crafts booths (unusual works of art), 350 flea and antique booths (primitives, pottery and antiques), 100 farm market booths (fresh fall produce) and 100 food vendors that make for a three-mile shopping extravaganza!
The festival has grown in popularity over the past fifty years, with attendance rising from 3,500 in 1973 to more than 145,000 in recent years. From the beginning, the purpose of the festival was to raise funds to improve the quality of life in the Village of Warrens. Over the past 50 years, the festival has donated more than $3 million to organizations including schools, fire departments, Lions Clubs and scout/youth groups. Attendance also brings millions of dollars per year benefitting the local economy and the travel and tourism industry.
On Friday, Saturday and limited time on Sunday, guests may enjoy a free walking cranberry marsh tour. Guests get an up-close-and-personal look at an actual cranberry marsh and learn about the history of the cranberry and its production in the area. The Marsh Tour Guides are devoted to the festival and cranberry industry, and committed to educating visitors on the production of cranberries, our indigenous state fruit.
One of the most sought after attractions is the Cranberries Jubilee Giant Fry Pan, available Friday and Saturday. The warm cranberry mixture served over ice cream is made in a 4½ foot spun aluminum skillet with 4½ foot handle. All of the preparation is done over a propane burner.
A variety of contests are featured including the Button Design for the 2024 Festival, Photography, Pictorial Cancellation, Biggest Berry, Be Our Guest (dress up in crazy costumes,) and a Marsh Medallion Hunt, pie eating contest and more. Prizes from blue ribbons to gift certificates and cash will be awarded to winners.
Other highlights this year include strolling entertainment, singing and dancing, a flyover before the parade on Sunday and so much more.
If you are hungry be sure to visit the food booths! Guests can enjoy American, Greek, Chinese, Italian, and Mexican cuisines, and of course don’t forget the cranberries! Be sure to sample a cranberry cream puff, cranberry covered cheesecake and deep-fried cranberries on a stick!
The festival membership, board members, office staff, volunteers and sponsors are all very proud of this great festival. People work very hard all year long to create a fun-filled festival that visitors come back to year after year. Every person involved with the festival has the passion and vision of the event in mind and that shines through when the event is in full swing and the sun is shining down on our small village, giving us all good things to be thankful for.
So mark your calendars: September 22-24, 2023. We hope to see you there!
Follow us (facebook.com/cranfest) or visit our website at www.cranfest.com.
The purpose of the Warrens Cranberry Festival shall be to promote the common good and general welfare of the community of Warrens, including holding an annual community festival and raising funds to be used exclusively for civic betterments and social improvements in the Warrens community.