Racers warm up to World Championship Merrill Ice Drags

Organized and run by the Merrill Ice Draggers, the lake becomes one-eighth mile drag strips in head-to-head racing, including muscle cars, dragsters and trucks on consecutive Saturdays in February. The 57th annual season’s last race will be Feb. 25.

The track setup features frozen snow banks separating the two drag tracks, a modern timing system, a two-story race control tower and the Christmas tree. Some racers run “nailies” – tires with 3,000 to 3,500 dry wall screws protruding from the tires for the absolute best ice traction. The club notes they host “the fastest 1/8th mile drag auto racing on ice in the world.” The world record – 141.6 mph and 5.431 ET in 660 feet – was set on this track! An average of 50 racers each week compete for cash, prizes and trophies. Drivers come from as far away as Ohio, Indiana and Iowa to race.

MERRILL – Drivers and spectators with “a need for speed” are invited to take in the ice drag races on Lake Alexander off Council Grounds State Park in Merrill this winter. The World Championship Merrill Ice Drags features both modified and rubber tire classes in more than 15 car and truck categories, including the Powder Puff class.

Spectator admission and parking on the ice is free (on land requires a state park sticker). Access Lake Alexander from Council Grounds Drive (not Forest Drive) and follow signs to the boat landing. Concessions will be available on-site. For the latest updates (weather or ice conditions can cause a cancellation), phone 715-218-9668 or visit merrillicedrags.com or follow Merrill Ice Drags on Facebook.

Maple Syrup Fest is a sweet time to visit Phelps

PHELPS – Maple syrup draws humans like, well, like bees to honey – and you’ll see both at the 12th annual Maple Syrup Fest in Phelps on Saturday, April 1. It’ll be a day of tasting all things maple syrup and free educational activities. The event hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Phelps School, 4451 Old School Road.

The greater Phelps area – Phelps is the Maple Syrup Capital of Wisconsin – has an abundance of maple trees, perfect for tree-tapping demonstrations and tours of sugar bushes. Event goers can pick up maps and punch cards for self-guided sugarbush tours featuring four local sugarbushes where visitors can see maple syrup production in action. Completed tour punch cards will be entered into a drawing for prizes.

Stop by at the Maple Café for breakfast and lunch specials, as well as the delicious maple treats. You can also learn how to make maple taffy on the snow. Enjoy presentations and demonstrations including, flavors of maple syrup, honey and beekeeping, and cooking with maple syrup. The popular maple syrup judging contest will feature entries from producers in Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine and New York. Entries are evaluated on density, clarity, flavor, color and containers.

The craft fair will showcase handmade items from dozens of vendors. Children will enjoy activities just for them. Maple syrup will be sold at each sugarbush and at the Fest with $1 from each bottle going towards the Phelps Maple Syrup Fest Scholarship Fund. For more information, contact the Phelps Chamber at 715-545-3800, or visit phelpswi.us/event/maple-syrup-fest.