Phelps Maple Syrup Fest returns April 11

Promising to be as sweet as ever, the 15th annual Phelps Maple Syrup Fest will return Saturday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Phelps School, 4451 Old School Road.

The event will feature a variety of maple-themed activities, demonstrations and presentations for all ages. Guests can try their hand at tapping a tree, make maple taffy on the snow, and attend sessions on maple syrup production, honey and beekeeping, and cooking with maple syrup. Featured presenters include The Tipsy Housewife and Buffy’s Northwoods Kitchen.

Festivalgoers can also take part in the popular self-guided sugarbush tours. After picking up maps and punch cards, visitors can travel to local sugarbushes to see maple syrup production in action and learn about the process directly from area producers.

Back at the fest, attendees can stop by the Maple Café for maple-inspired treats, along with breakfast served by Sunrise Lodge and lunch provided by the Lions Club.

Additionally, an arts and crafts fair will offer a selection of unique handmade items from local vendors. Vendors interested in participating can find the application at phelpswi.com/maple-syrup-fest.

The popular Maple Syrup Judging Contest will return, featuring local celebrity judges including NBC meteorologist Devin Biggs, social media cooking and travel influencer The Tipsy Housewife, and Wisconsin’s agriculture ambassador Alice in Dairyland.

Producers of all sizes are encouraged to enter their syrup for a chance to earn the title of Maple Syrup of the Year. Entry forms are available at phelpswi.com/maple-syrup-fest.

Maple syrup produced in Phelps — known as the Maple Syrup Capital of Wisconsin — will be available for purchase at each sugarbush and at the fest.

One dollar from every bottle sold will benefit the Phelps Maple Syrup Fest Scholarship Fund. Completed tour punch cards will also be entered into a prize drawing.

The Phelps Maple Syrup Fest has grown steadily over the years, attracting thousands of visitors while celebrating the heritage and history of maple syrup production in the area. The Phelps Chamber of Commerce invites local businesses to become sponsors, donate raffle items or volunteer, and area residents are also encouraged to help.

Volunteers are needed in a variety of roles. For more information, contact the Phelps Chamber at chamber-office@phelpswi.com, call 715-545-3800, or visit phelpswi.com/maple-syrup-fest.