Trees for Tomorrow Forest Fest

BRING YOUR FAMILY FOR A FREE DAY OF FUN, CELEBRATE THE TIMBER PRODUCTS INDUSTRY AND OUR 75-YEAR LEGACY AT FOREST FEST

EAGLE RIVER, Wis. – Trees For Tomorrow (TFT), an accredited natural resources specialty school in Eagle River, WI invites the public to celebrate Wisconsin’s forests during its 9th annual Forest Fest on Saturday, July 27, 2019. This is a free, family fun day that takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on TFT’s campus in the heart of Eagle River.

Forest Fest celebrates all the forest has to offer and will feature a lumberjack breakfast, modern logging equipment demonstrations, logging history presentations, horse-drawn wagon rides, paper-making, birds of prey presentation, chainsaw carving, interactive native village, children’s activities, arts and crafts vendors, food and more! New exhibits this year include a walk-through, hands-on education trailer highlighting north American wildlife sponsored by the Outdoor Heritage Education Center; a ‘flame game’ where participants use squirt guns to put out flames and learn about wild fire, sponsored by the Wisconsin DNR; and a guided tour of TFT’s trail system.

“Forest Fest is our way of giving back to the community while educating others about modern, sustainable forestry practices,” said Robin Ginner, TFT Executive Director. “Our program lineup is designed to provide an entertaining educational experience for all ages, focusing on the products we enjoy and rely on that come from the forest.”

The day begins with a hearty lumberjack breakfast of pancakes, sausage, biscuits, fruit and coffee from 8:30 to 10 a.m. in the historic dining hall. The cost is $8/adult or $4/child. Vendor booths open at 9 a.m., including exhibits from forestry and logging professionals, handcrafted products by artisans and crafters, and hands-on activities and information from local businesses, organizations and associations. WRJO/WERL will be onsite, covering the event live from 10 a.m. to noon. Presentations are scheduled throughout the day, including Wisconsin’s logging history at 10 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. followed by logging equipment demonstrations. A live birds of prey presentation will take place at noon in the Education Hall.

This year marks TFT’s 75th anniversary. A special ceremony, honoring TFT’s legacy, will take place at 11 a.m. along with a commemorative tree planting. TFT is partnering with the U.S. Forest Service to celebrate Smokey Bear, who is also turning 75. A special birthday party will take place all day, celebrating TFT’s and Smokey Bear’s 75th! Get your picture taken with Smokey Bear and enjoy free cake until supplies last.

Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with a selection of fresh-grilled brats, burgers or hot dogs, pasta salad, chips and fresh watermelon slices.

Forest Fest is free to the public with a suggested donation of $5/person or $20/family. Please leave pets at home for the day.

Trees For Tomorrow is an accredited nonprofit natural resources specialty school that serves school groups throughout Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois. Founded in 1944, TFT’s mission is to promote sustainable management of our natural resources through transformative educational experiences.