Scott Murphy writes: The iceCube/PolarTrec team descended upon River Falls, Wisconsin on July 6th for two weeks full of science, Midwestern hospitality, and good old-fashioned fun. We were lucky enough to be hosted by Dr. Jim Madsen and the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. We stayed at Parker Hall on the campus and got our fill to eat at two university favorites, Freddy’s and the Commons. In addition to learning from Dr. Madsen, Eric Muhs and Steve Stevenowski, two outstanding science teachers, joined us at River Falls to lend their expertise in being a teacher scientist and incorporating current science into your classroom. Also, Dr. Kurt Woschnagg from the University of California - Berkeley came all the way from California to give a guest lecture. Taking the course with us were five other River Falls students who contributed to our understanding of teaching and science, while making the class much more enjoyable. It just so happened that during our time in River Falls, we were able to participate in River Falls Days, a once a year event! The culminating event for this celebration was the parade. People set out their chairs and blankets well in advance of this parade. But, since it is the Midwest, there is no reason to fear that your things will be moved or stolen! Everyone from Wisconsin is so nice. Frequently, cars would stop on Main Street to let us cross, even though they did not have a stop sign. The night before the parade, there was a burrito eating contest and mechanical bull riding. I attempted to enter the burrito eating contest but apparently I missed the registration deadline. Katey and I also participated in the mechanical bull riding. Katey’s times far outpaced mine. We also visited several of the local eateries and all were delicious. The parade was full of small town fun. All of the participants were lively and dressed to the nines. Those watching appreciated the participants with warm applause and were often rewarded with cheese curds or chocolate milk. I was able to join the parade to make a quick basketball shot before I retreated back into the crowd. The parade lasted for three hours, but it hardly seemed it because the time was flying by. After the parade is when the party really got started. There was an 80’s cover band, called Hairball, playing in the main part of town. The band was amazing and it seemed like the whole town was out enjoying the night. Intermittent rain could not faze this crowd and the band played into the night. River Falls certainly knows how to have a good time and I am sure that the entire IceCube/PolarTrec team would love a chance to go back.