Forget the World Series… Since the early 2000’s Madeline Island has had its own Fall classic: the “LA Codgers vs. the Island Women.

Every year, this September fundraiser for MIHPA brings the community out to the Harry Nelson Recreation ball field for another rousing match between the Island women and the “over 50” men’s team.

The two teams come together for a day of wacky softball fun, juicy cheeseburgers, cold beer and the laughter associated with softball antics, the 7th Inning Dog Parade, and aching hamstrings!

Men, if you're over 50 and want to play, come on down to the ball field and help represent the infamous Codgers Men's Team—they need YOU!!!

Women we need You too!!!

For those who just want to watch—this is a big fundraiser for us—we hope for your support and a good turnout! Proceeds from the annual event support the continued preservation work of the Madeline Island Historical Preservation Association. Popcorn, peanuts, burgers, refreshments, 50/50 raffle, music and more!

The fun starts at Noon and the game starts at 1:00pm. Cheer on your favorite players!

Dinner and an auction! All are welcome for this fun, family event!

Hunting on Madeline island has a long and rich history, going back generations. Dubbed “holy week” by the hunters, the tradition continues today with many deer camps returning to the Island each Fall season.

In November of 1986, islander Jack Nelson, a founding member of the Madeline Island Historical Preservation Association — MIHPA, and Lee Jensen Bujold, a third generation hunter, started the “Wild Game Feast” as a fundraiser for MIHPA and the winter Deer Feed Fund. It was a potluck event held at the Pub Restaurant and each camp brought a variety of wild game to share.

Over the years, the Feast has been held at the Pub, the Beach Club, the Bell Street Tavern and even once in St. John’s Church basement.

The fundraiser has been ramped up to include auction items and a “Hunter of the Year” award, given to a hunter from the Island one year, followed by a visiting hunter the next year. Each year a trophy, with name plaques of the honored hunters, resides on the Island and is displayed at the event, now called “The Hunters’ Feast”.

Today, the event no longer is a potluck, nor does it include wild game, but there is still a “feast” — a family friendly meal catered by The Beach Club restaurant!