On the Fourth of July, make sure to stop by The Natural Step Monona’s booth at the Monona Community Festival (opening at 10:00 a.m.) and purchase some tickets for the “All Things Monona” raffle. The drawing is at 4:00 and, although one need not be present to win, you might want to be there to hear your name called if you win one of these valuable prizes:

Grand Prize: Gary Fisher “Monona” Bicycle ($890). This is the perfect bicycle for fitness, commuting, or riding to the Monona Farmers’ Market. The “Monona” hybrid works on paved surfaces, hard-packed dirt trails, and even gravel. “Doing the Loop” or riding to the coffee shop – this bike is for you. Donated by Monona’s Mead family, with accessories from Trek Bicycles.

(http://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/model/monona/detail)

Second Prize: Wilderness Systems Pamlico 100 kayak ($525). The Pamlico series offers excellent stability while the soft-chinned, flat-bottom hull gives the paddler outstanding control. It’s the perfect kayak for children and smaller adults for navigating currents and calm waters. 10’ long, 42 pounds. Donated by Rutabaga. (http://www.rutabaga.com/product.asp?pid=1016437)

Third Prize: Weekly Autumn Share (September and October) CSA ($210). Chris & Juli McGuire’s vegetables are raised under the best conditions, harvested at the peak of ripeness, handled carefully, and not touched by chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Pick up is on Tuesdays from 4:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Rutabaga, 220 W. Broadway, Monona. Donated by Two Onion Farm, Belmont, WI. (http://www.twoonionfarm.com/)

Other Green Prizes:

Willy Street Co-op recycled cotton grocery tote filled with a bunch of locally produced products. Worth $120.

Five subscriptions to the Herald-Independent. Read local news and The Natural Step columns on recycled paper. Five separate prizes, worth $37 each.

A “Garden Family” Membership from Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Enjoy, learn, & grow. Worth $50.

Madison Gas & Electric Energy Conservation Package. CLFs, hot water gauge, water-saving faucet aerator, window insulator kit, outlet caps, and thermometer strip in a reusable bag. Worth $35.

Monona Motors gift certificate. A regularly-serviced car reduces fuel use and emissions. Get quality care from a highly regarded local auto repair shop. Worth $50.

Party Platter from Cousins Subs. Feed a crowd with great sub sandwiches from a locally-owned and operated business. Worth $50.

Signed copy of Living Like Ed, by Ed Begley, Jr. Get tips & tricks for living lightly on the earth. Worth $20.

Earth Machine Compost  Bin. Recycle your yard waste and kitchen scraps into a valuable soil amendment. Worth $45.

Crema Cafe gift card. Enjoy creative foods made largely with local, organic ingredients. Worth $50.

Four shares of MGEE stock. Own a piece (four pieces!) of our local energy provider. Worth fluctuates.

One-hour garden consultation from Permaculturist Kate Heiber-Cobb of Sustainability on Stilts, LLC. Worth $45.

Sustain Dane Dual-Flush Toilet Converter Kit. Help save precious water resources with this simple DIY dual-flush kit. Worth $55.

Savings Bond from locally-owned and operated Monona State Bank. Worth $50.

Monona Public Library “Get out of Jail Free” card. Waive up to $10 in overdue fines with this “magic” card. Worth $10.

Mad City Chickens DVD. Wisconsin filmmakers take a sometimes wacky, sometimes serious look at backyard chicken-keeping. Worth $21.95.

Energy Star 3-Way CFL Torchiere Lamp from Madison Gas and Electric. This floor lamp uses 70 watts to give the equivalent of 300 watts of light. Worth $60.

Thank you to the prize donors — business owners, individuals, and organizations — who gave twenty-three items for this raffle, for a total prize value of over $2,500. Without their generosity this raffle would not have been possible. Thanks also to everyone who purchased (or will purchase!) tickets — you’re supporting the continued good works of The Natural Step Monona and its volunteer members!

If you cannot make it to the Monona Community Festival, but want to buy a ticket or two, email us at info@tnsmonona.org by Thursday, July 2 and we’ll work to get some tickets in your hands.