Phelps Maple Syrup Fest returns April 11

The 15th annual Phelps Maple Syrup Fest will return Saturday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Phelps School, celebrating the sweet tradition of maple syrup production in the Northwoods.

Known as the Maple Syrup Capital of Wisconsin, Phelps hosts the annual spring event featuring a variety of activities for all ages.

“The event is great for our area because it brings so many people to Phelps during a time of the year when things are slower,” said Laura Richart, executive director of the Phelps Chamber of Commerce. “It brings overnight visitors and day visitors who learn about our town, the agriculture of maple syrup in the area, and patronizes our local businesses as well.”

Visitors can enjoy hands-on activities such as tapping a maple tree. A favorite activity among children is making — and tasting — maple taffy on snow.

Educational sessions will also be offered, including cooking demonstrations. Presentations will be given by The Tipsy Housewife at 10 a.m. and Buffy’s Northwoods Kitchen at noon, which Richart said she is personally looking forward to.

“I’m most excited for our cooking with maple syrup demos with The Tipsy Housewife and Buffy’s Northwoods Kitchen,” she said. “They bring such cool ideas of how to use maple syrup that we would never think of. Our judging contest is also always a big draw.”

During the Maple Syrup Judging Contest, local producers compete for the title of Maple Syrup of the Year. Judges this year include WJFW’s Devin Biggs, The Tipsy Housewife, and Wisconsin’s agriculture ambassador Alice in Dairyland.

An arts and crafts fair will feature handmade items from local vendors and attendees can stock up on bottles of maple syrup. Breakfast and maple-inspired treats will be served by Sunrise Lodge at the “Maple Cafe.”

Visitors interested in seeing syrup production firsthand can participate in self-guided sugarbush tours. Maps and punch cards will be available at the school, allowing guests to visit local sugarbushes, watch maple syrup production in action and learn directly from producers. Completed tour punch cards can be entered into a prize drawing.

The community can also participate in the Business Passport Promotion, running through April 11. Free passport cards are available at participating businesses, and visitors receive a stamp for every $5 spent. The more stamps collected before the festival, the more chances participants have to win.

Participating businesses include Great Escape Bar, Phelps Convenience Center, Phelps Hillside Restaurant, Dublin’s Mimosas, Sunrise Lodge, Twin Lake Pub, Northern Exposure Bar & Restaurant, The Alley Lanes & Tavern, The Pine Cone Cafe and Gateway Lodge Restaurant & Lounge.

The festival has grown steadily over the years, attracting thousands of visitors while celebrating the heritage and history of maple syrup production in the area.

“The whole community really comes out for the event,” said Richart. “It’s finally spring and it’s a great opportunity to get together and have fun and learn.”

All festival activities and sugarbush tours are free. A portion of the proceeds supports continuing education scholarships for area high school graduates.

Phelps School is located at 4451 Old School Road in Phelps.

For more information, contact the Phelps Chamber of Commerce at chamber-office@phelpswi.com, call 715-545-3800, or visit phelpswi.com/maple-syrup-fest.