The Wisconsin Community
There are over 14,000 licensed establishments in the state of Wisconsin which provides the state with over 24,000 jobs and over $1 billion to the state's economy.
Think that there's nothing more than "evil" big corporations and seedy bars that cater to drunks and low-lifes at work here?
Think again.
A vast majority of these taverns and bars are mom and pop establishments that have been part of the community for many years. In many rural Wisconsin areas these places are the community - a place for people to gather and have a good time after work or a place for the older residents to come together and trade stories of the good old days.
To many of the owners, these places are their legacy. They have been the family owned and operated cornerstones of the community - where the children grew up in the upstairs apartment and were the smiling faces that patrons called by name when they came down to help fill salt shakers or wipe out glasses alongside their parents.
These people don't often have much aside from their tiny establishment and rely on the community to keep them afloat. Through good times and bad times, people congregate to their community bar or tavern for support or just to share a good day with their neighbors. They go there because it's a place where they can relax and enjoy themselves amongst friends.
Of course, the story doesn't end with just bars and taverns as Wisconsin communities also know a thing or two about bowling! Even out here in the sticks, a bowling alley isn't far away... In fact, there are usually several just around the corner.