CWBF: “Wisconsin Idols” with Author Dean Robbins

Meet the legends – Wisconsin style! Adults are invited to join us at the Marathon County Historical Society as we welcome Dean Robbins, celebrating his new essay collection “Wisconsin Idols: 100 Heroes Who Changed the State, the World, and Me.”

Dean Robbins offers a unique perspective on legendary figures with often surprising connections to the state, including Jackie Robinson, Oprah Winfrey, Harrison Ford, Elvis Presley, Orson Welles, Ann Landers and Joni Mitchell. With photos, video clips, and humorous anecdotes, the presentation establishes Wisconsin as a notably influential place: a crossroads for people who changed the world. Attendees will learn more about the Wisconsin heroes they know and discover new heroes to fall in love with.

Dean Robbins is a journalist who has contributed to USA Today, The New York Daily News, GRAMMY magazine, and other national media outlets, as well as serving as editor in chief of Isthmus and On Wisconsin magazine. He is also a children’s author whose books have appeared on many best-of-the-year lists, earning praise in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal. NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar calls his essay collection Wisconsin Idols “insightful and entertaining: a passionate and poetic homage.”

This free event is open to adults, and no registration is required. Don’t miss this entertaining journey through Wisconsin’s star-studded history! For more information, please contact us at 715-261-7230.

The Central Wisconsin Book Festival would not happen without the support from several organizations, foundations, and businesses. Support for the 2025 Central Wisconsin Book Festival was provided through the Marathon County Public Library, Portage County Public Library, and McMillan Memorial Library, and the Community Arts Grant Program of the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin and the B.A. & Esther Greenheck Foundation. Additional support was provided by the MURCO Foundation, Ruder Ware Law Firm, the Marathon County Public Library Foundation, and the Portage County Public Library Foundation, as well as Bound to Happen Books, Janke Book Store, Sojourn Booksellers, Red Eye Brewing Company, the Hmong American Center Inc., the Marathon County Historical Society, Timekeeper Distillery, Wisconsin Public Radio, and the UW Center for Civic Engagement.