Devil's Lake 100-year event draws protest

A centennial celebration held at Devil's Lake State Park near Baraboo, Wisconsin, on June 22 marked the official opening of the park in 1911. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp credited the Civilian Conservation Corps for creating the park's most prominent features and thanked past and current managers of the park, which attracts 1.8 million visitors a year.

The event was attended by some 300 people, most of which were there protesting Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who spoke at the event. On the eve of the governor signing the controversial state budget, the protesters objected to the governor's restrictions on collective bargaining and weakening of environmental conservation programs.

"The protests certainly cast a shadow over the 100 year celebration," The Skillet Creek Journal reported. But the sign wielding Walker opponents were relatively respectful. "Although the crowd of protesters could have easily shouted down the speakers, everyone, including the governor was allowed to speak with very little interruption. Between speakers, the crowd would break out in shouts of 'Shame, shame, shame' or a chant of "Recall Walker.' Maybe the most apt quote of the day was, 'Take a Hike!'"