Welcome to Maple Fest!

On Saturday, April 27, 2024, the Taylor County Lions will be hosting their 10th Annual Maple Festival. It will be held in a new location this year—at the Simek Recreation Center in Medford, Wisconsin.

With the Sugar Maple being the Wisconsin State Tree, the celebration will focus on attributes of the Maple tree, which include Maple syrup production, Maple flavored food products, wood crafts, tourism and green space beautification. Maple syrup judging, cooking with pure Maple syrup and Maple syrup tapping techniques are just a few of the day's events. The Chequamegon National Forest abounds with Sugar Maples and Taylor County is home to many "Sugar Shacks" that process Maple syrup.

The day's events start at 7:30 am with a pancake breakfast - topped with pure Maple syrup and supplemented with maple sausage and ham.

Crafters will be present at 7:30 with many of their items featuring products from the Sugar Maple. There will be a Maple syrup judging contest showcasing products using Maple flavoring. There will also be demonstrations on tapping Maple trees and dealers displaying items to get you started in tapping your own Maple trees.

Other features of the day include Sugar Shack tours; food stands featuring Maple flavored products; a variety of music throughout the day; chainsaw sculture demonstrations; free children's bike drawing and peddle tractor fun. Door prizes will include the giving away of 500 Sugar Maple trees!

The Taylor County Lions Clubs invite youth, ages 12 and under, to participate in their Maple Festival Float/Rolling Billboard Competition. This age group includes Classrooms and their teachers/ parents and Members of Youth Groups (Scouts, 4-H, etc.) and their leaders/parents.

This event is a collaborative effort of the Gilman, Jump River, Medford, Rib Lake and Whittlesey Lions Clubs. Monies raised during this event support many of the community projects that the clubs participate in as well as State and International Lions projects.