By Joe Bachman

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — Every July in the river cities brings skiers and fans from all over Wisconsin for the State Water Ski Show — and with that comes the tradition of visiting a local hot spot for that weekend.

Thursday, July 20 through Sunday, July 23 marks the 51st annual Wisconsin State Water Ski Show held at Lake Wazeecha, and while Wisconsin Rapids offers a plethora of entertainment for night owls, there’s one place that always stands out among the rest for ski show weekend — Johnny’s Bar.

The longstanding weekend hot spot has been taking in older ski fans for well over 10 years now, with the praxis of the weekend is that of having fun and letting go.

“I think it’s tradition now,” said Johnny’s owner Joshua Vetrone. “We’ve got live music on Friday night, S&S Distributing coming where Budweiser and Miller will have bars in the tents outside, and a DJ on Friday and Saturday nights.”

Live music will be provided by Test of Time out of Marshfield, as well as other weekend traditions known only to Johnny’s for ski show weekend. Vetrone summed up what to expect this weekend in a short, but sweet response.

“They can expect a great time.”

Johnny’s Bar is located at 2610 Eighth St. South.