It is officially one of the most grueling times of year for college students. The intensely boring and agonizing week before Thanksgiving break, which, for many students, is one of their few chances to head back home for a couple of days. Wading through the long wait till break, it’s easy to fall into a seasonal depression of sorts without having anything to do. But if you look in the right place, you may find some fun events lingering around this weekend in Menomonie. Here are a few of them. 

For those readers out there, the Friends of the Library Book Sale kicks off this Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. From November 21st through 26th, the Menomonie Public Library is hosting a fundraising book sale focused mainly on children’s and teen classics. A great place to find books at low prices and to connect with a community of other avid readers. It’s also perfect for gift giving and a nice nostalgia trip, with some mainstay classic reads thrown in. Whether you’re an avid reader or a paperback enthusiast wanting to keep the art alive, it’s worth making the trip to check out the program. 

Also, starting on the 21st is the Holiday Artisan Market sale at the Mabel Tainter Theater. A fun holiday-themed craft show—perfect for finding those carefully hand-crafted pieces for the holidays to decorate a home or dorm room. Hosted since 1999, this event never fails to bring out the creativity and charm that lies in a cared-for project made by hand. From 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. this Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, it’s the perfect opportunity to check out what passion projects Menomonie has to offer.  

For all the deer hunters gearing up for the Wisconsin season opener on the 22nd, make sure to stop at WoodWind Park on the way up to the deer stand for their Orange You Glad You’re Not A Deer? Event. Happening from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., the park is hosting live music, specialty orange-themed drinks, and fresh baked goods from the LumberJax Bakehouse. This event is a perfect chance to socialize and strategize with fellow hunters and those with a passion for the outdoors. A perfect way to fire off the season and see that last bit of fall scenery before the snow rolls in. 

It’s rough enduring that last bit of waiting for turkey and pumpkin pie; filling your time with some new and engaging activities is a great way to stave off that boredom before the break. For more information on any of these events and those to come in the future, check out the Explore Menomonie website. The best way to stay tapped into all the upcoming events in town and cast off that stale gloom that lingers over the last week before Thanksgiving. So, if you find yourself wandering campus this weekend, check out some of the best boredom cures Menomonie has to offer.