Friends of the Mountain Bay State Trail will have a trail tender celebration and annual gathering from 5-7 p.m. April 7 at Shawano County Park Pavilion, W5785 Lake Drive, Shawano.
The event will highlight all the work the FMBT trail Tenders group accomplished in 2025 along the Mountain Bay Trail, including repairing 22 bridge approaches and bridge decks on 11 bridges. The event will also be the kickoff of the Mountain Bay Trail’s 30th anniversary celebrations and the annual meeting and officer elections for the group.
Pizza, dessert, soda and water will be provided free. A cash bar will be available.
Attendees should register by March 30 at shawanomountainbaytrail@gmail.com.
Attendees can become an FMBT member or renew membership. The cost is $25 for individuals, $20 for seniors, $40 for business or joint membership, and $250 for lifetime.
State trail passes will be for sale for $25; 70% of these funds for passes bought in the county stays in Shawano County to pay for trail maintenance.
A 50/50 raffle will also be held.
Johnny Yoder and Steve Charlier, who were instrumental in the formation of the Mountain-Bay Trail, will talk about how the trail was converted from a railway bed to a trail. Steve Nelson, Boy Scout leader of Troop 445 who assisted in trail tender bridge projects on the west end of trail, will talk about their work.
FMBT members will talk about anniversary events planned for 2026, including section rides, guided activities, trail cleanup and the culminating celebration on Sept. 26 at the trailhead center. The party will include family walk, run and bike event, children’s games, food, a 50/50 raffle and more.
For details, call 715-851-5803 or email shawanomountainbaytrail@gmail.com.
