Busy weekend gives hope for future
Taylor County had one of its busiest weekends in over a year as a number of events kept both residents and visitors busy. This increase in activities ushers in a much-needed return to normal for the region which has seen many of its events canceled or postponed.
The annual running of the Pine Line Marathon and its related activities drew more than 350 participants. Organizers noted this was a record number of participants. Hats go off to the Medford Area Chamber of Commerce for ushering in the return to in-person racing after many races became virtual last year. The event would not have been successful, except for the dedication and hard work from the small army of volunteers who made it happen.
While runners were heading out on the course, the MRC Sportsmans Club was a busy place with more than 300 shooting sports enthusiasts participating in the Iron Man trap shooting competition. Participants began shooting before 7 a.m. The event was held in cooperation with Wausau Skeet and Trap with half shooting at each club in the morning and then going to the other club to shoot in the afternoon. Again, this event would not have been possible, but for the efforts of volunteers who spent the past week working at the clubs’ ranges and ensuring that everything was ready for the competition.
Saturday also saw the return of the annual Twisted Threads Quilt Show. The show typically has been held at the high school in conjunction with the Home and Business Expo in mid-March, but was canceled last year due to COVID-19 restrictions. It was great to see the show return. The organizers did a great job in getting everything to fit in at the Cutting Edge Youth Center. It was great to have an in-person show to highlight the skills and ability of area quilters.
Adding to the weekend, the Taylor County Republican Party had its annual dinner featuring Sen. Ron Johnson, former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and Rep. Tom Tiffany and state and local officials.
Meanwhile, there were dozens of volunteers busy cleaning up town and forest roads around the county in celebration of Earth Day and making the community a better place to live and visit. Their hard work is greatly appreciated.
The rain later in the day didn’t dampen the enthusiasm for the Medford Area Senior High School prom held Saturday evening. Prom is one of those keystone events in any high school experience. With other dances cancelled late last year and this school year, having an inperson prom sent an important message about moving forward.
Sunday also saw the return to large crowds at the Stetsonville Fire Department’s annual pancake breakfast. Hundreds of people came out to support the firefi ghters and eat some delicious food. Again, the event was made possible by the many volunteers from those preparing the batter to those manning the griddles or serving up the food.
The past 13 months have been hard ones as people have turned inward and have been forced to be homebodies. To all the organizers and volunteers, congratulations on a job well done and once again giving people something to do.
