First Taste of Spring Maple Syrup Festival returns to Essex

Source: Essex Region Conservation Authority.

The First Taste of Spring Maple Syrup Festival is making its return to John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area on March 8 and 9 and March 15 and 16.

Featured at the event will be the Lumber Games, a lumberjack costume competition, boast-worthy beard and moustache competition, the best butter tart competition, and more.

“Each weekend is distinctly themed,” said Kris Ives, Homestead Curator.

“This year’s Maple Fest again offers outdoor fun and unique experiences at this sweet tasting tradition and celebration of natural and cultural heritage. As an Early Settler site, 1850s maple making will be the focus of the John R. Park Homestead activities, with the additional old-fashioned fun of blacksmithing demonstrations, pioneer toys and games, costumed interpretation, and the ever-popular maple taffy in the snow taking place each weekend.”

Various maple products will be available, as well as an artisans’ area. The Best Backyard Maple Maker award will also be given out.

“Families can find unique maple baked goods, family-friendly maple food pairings, decadent food and wine specials, and much more along the Maple Trail,” added Ives.

“The #MapleTrail map will be available on the website by March 1.”

If you’d like to participate, admission ranges from $6 to $8 per person, or a family pass can be bought for $30.

The full list of activities and more is available here.