Artrageous Weekend marks the end of summer - WAOW - Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, Sports

For many, Wausau's Artrageous Weekend has become an end-of-summer tradition.

"It's like the big bang of the summer, the last big bang before the snow falls," said Kim Welch.

People from all over the world come to Wisconsin to enjoy it.

"My daughter, like I said, was two years old when we first started, my son was just six months old the first time he came," said Welch.

It's a time to explore works of art - paintings, carvings, even live music.

Visitors even got a chance to explore their own artistic abilities.

"I get a little creative when I see things here, I'll go home and make them myself," said Welch.

Meantime, artists showcased their skills.

"It's one of the biggest shows I do every year," said Paul Krieg.

From arts and crafts to music and food, people said it's a tradition they look forward to.

"Been coming for around 40 years, with my wife and my sons when they were growing up and I wouldn't miss it for anything," said Tom Schoone.

With the crowds, local businesses said they're enjoying having more customers.

"It gives us an enormous amount of exposure for the year," said Ken Haines.

Expanding the artist's abilities and their audience.

"I love it here, it's just a tradition for the family," said Welch.

As Wausau says farewell to summer.