Ever wonder how maple syrup gets from tree to table? The community is invited to learn all about sap and syrup at the third-annual Sappy Days: A Wisconsin Maple Syrup Experience this weekend. Activities run from Friday through Sunday in the Goodman and Armstrong Creek, Wis., area. A highlight Saturday is nine sugar camps will open their doors for tours from noon to 5 p.m. Shown is Kevin Kowalkowski at Lumberjack Maple Syrup Co. in Armstrong Creek. (Courtesy photo)

GOODMAN, Wis. — A sweet tradition will be celebrated this weekend.

The third-annual Sappy Days: A Wisconsin Maple Syrup Experience takes place Friday through Sunday in the Goodman and Armstrong Creek, Wis., area.

“It’s going to be a weekend packed with family fun,” event organizer Linda Stankevich said.

Guests will be able to join in a number of activities, including a hike, maple syrup production tours, a pancake breakfast, a bean bag toss tournament and bingo.

The weekend activities kick off at 6 p.m. Friday with an evening hike along the Laura Lake trail. Hikers are welcome to gather at the lake boat landing in Armstrong Creek. Everyone is asked to bring their own headlamps.

A bonfire will be lit for guests to keep warm, and hot dogs and hot chocolate will be available.

On Saturday, nine local sugar camps will open their doors for public tours to demonstrate the centuries-old craft of maple sugaring.

Tours run from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. Those wishing for a sap cooking time can inquire at each location.

“This unique opportunity will allow guests to see how maple syrup production can vary from a family-owned operation to a commercial business operation,” Stankevich said.

Syrup will be available to sample and purchase, along with other maple-infused treats and offerings.

Participating operations include —

≤ Fence, Wis.: Hedmark’s Maple Ridge, 6748 Lunds Road.

≤ Armstrong Creek: Lumberjack Maple Syrup Co., 8698 Wall Road; Maple Syrup from Forest’s Forest, 9607 W. Forest Lake Lane; and Marsh’s Place, 9349 W. Forest Lake Lane.

≤ Goodman: Flannery’s Sap Shack, W16084 Twin Lake Road; Snowshoe Maples, N18926 Snowshoe Road; Stonewall Sugar Bush, W16020 Highway 8; and Jeff Nooyen’s Sugar Hill, N20123 County H.

≤ Blackwell, Wis.: Northwoods Unicorn, 764 Moonlight Lane.

The event has grown each year, Stankevich said, with the first year featuring five producers and add two more last year.

After visiting the sugar camps, those attending can turn to local establishments that plan to offer specials with a maple syrup flare.

Other businesses will also have specials for the weekend, along with door prizes.

Local participating businesses are Armstrong Creek Pub, The White House, The Little White Fence, Trails End, 8-Hi, The Blue Roof Saloon, Otter Bar, The Green Shack, Stoney Ridge Restaurant and Goodman Clubhouse/Ruby’s.

Sunday, the Lions Club will sponsor a pancake and porky breakfast featuring local maple syrup from 8 a.m. to noon at the Armstrong Creek Community Center.

They will also have syrup for sale on site and other local vendors will have items as well.

After breakfast, a bean bag tournament will take place at the community center. Registration starts at noon, with an entry fee of $25 per team.

Prizes for the tournament are provided by Millan’s Custom Butchering.

They will also have bingo at 8-Hi in Goodman starting at 1 p.m.

Proceeds will go to the fire and rescue departments.

Stankevich expects they will surpass last year’s attendance of about 400 visitors to the area, which was doubled from the first event.

Sappy Days will continue to be an annual event, she added.

Everyone is reminded to dress appropriately for the weather conditions, as well as the muddy terrains in the woods.

A detailed map and list of participants can be found on the Sappy Days: A Wisconsin Maple Syrup Experience Facebook page or at local businesses.