Maple Weekend, April 1 and 2

Mar 22, 2017

Get ready for some maple-inspired fun on April 1 and 2, during Maple Weekend’s third annual sweet celebratory event. Taking place right in the heart of maple season, Maple Weekend is the perfect time to plan a trip to a local participating sugar bush and sample maple treats while experiencing some old-fashioned family activities!

Hosted by the Lanark & District Maple Syrup Producers’ Association (LDMSPA), Maple Weekend celebrates the maple season at local participating sugar bushes throughout the Lanark, Mississippi Mills, Portland, Brockville, Frankville, North Frontenac, Sharbot Lake and Perth areas. During this popular two-day event, participating maple producers host activities, specials and events to draw visitors to their operation.

LDMSPA President, Mel Conboy, explained this year will see many returning maple producers, and a new addition to the group, all with special activities planned for Maple Weekend, including educational exhibits, interactive activities, and of course, maple taffy.

“You can expect to see some fun activities this year, we really want people to come out and enjoy a day at the sugar bush,” Conboy said.

Visitors can head out to a participating maple sugar bushes on April 1 and 2 anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and explore how maple syrup is made, from tree to table. Make it a day trip or drop by for a few hours at a time; visit one sugar bush or visit multiple locations!

Whether it’s boiling sap in a cauldron over an open fire or processing it through high-tech RO systems and modern fuel efficient evaporators, the results always taste great. Visitors are invited to chat with a local maple syrup producer and find out everything there is to know about how maple syrup is made and its long history in Canada.

With Canada celebrating its 150th year in 2017, there has never been a better time to participate in such a quintessentially Canadian activity like a visit to a local sugar bush, snacking on maple taffy or even enjoying a pancake meal with fresh-from-the-evaporator maple syrup. Maple Weekend visitors can also learn more about the history of maple syrup and the impact it’s had on Canadian culture, and the local economy.

“Making maple syrup is something that has a special meaning to Canadians,” Conboy explained, “A springtime visit to a local sugar bush, and even the smell of fresh maple syrup can bring back so many memories for people…it’s a special time of the year.”

Check the Maple Weekend website for a full list of participating sugar bushes, and bring your family and your sweet tooth for some maple-inspired fun. Maple Weekend activities vary at each participating sugar bush; in past years, activities have ranged from pancake breakfasts to sugar bush trail adventures, sugar making demonstrations, taffy on snow, sleigh-rides and more.

Visit www.mapleweekend.ca to find out what each participating producer has in store for this popular springtime event!