Make plans to visit the Marathon County Historical Society on May 19. It’s Downtown Open House day, and they are starting early.

The Wausau Area Garden Club’s annual plant sale begins at 8 a.m. in the Carriage House at the Yawkey House Museum, 403 McIndoe St., Wausau. Club members are selling annuals, perennials, herbs, grasses, hanging baskets and compost until 1 p.m.

Beginning at 10 a.m., visit the Marathon County Historical Society during Wausau’s Downtown Open House. This event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 19. View photos and artifacts from the early days of the Wisconsin Valley Fair, visit our free exhibits, then pick up a map of other locations offering special activities during the Downtown Open House. Consider taking a walking tour of downtown or the Andrew Warren Historic District, self-guided with printed booklets.

At 2 p.m., Archivist Ben Clark will present “150 Years of Wisconsin Valley Fair History” as the next installment in the History Speaks series at the Woodson History Center. Throughout county history, the Fair has been woven into the social and economic fabric of local life. Ben will tell this story, including 4-H projects, auto and harness racing, beer tent politics, the midway and other entertainment.

The event also will feature a cow judging opportunity! Pick up your token to vote for your favorite cow (photo) from the early 1900s, then watch the Facebook page to find out which cow wins!

Communities all across Wisconsin are joining together to highlight our state’s vibrant, unique downtowns. This statewide open house will help people fall in love or rediscover hidden gems and well-known treasures in their local communities. Venues across Wisconsin downtowns will be opening little-seen areas or hosting special events to showcase what they have to offer.

In addition, visitors can browse the exhibits: Our Stories: The History of Marathon County, and Rural Electrification: Outlet for Change. Tickets will be available to tour the Yawkey House Museum, and visitors may decide to pick up free booklets for a self-guided walking tour of Wausau’s historic districts.

Other sites that will be open for touring – with special events and displays – during the Downtown Open House include the Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art, Center for the Visual Arts, Downtown Grocery, Stewart Inn, YWCA, St. John’s Episcopal Church, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, and St. Stephen Lutheran Church, and the Wausau Center mall.

For more information, please call the Marathon County Historical Society at 715-842-5750.