by Garrett Fodor
From a timeless tradition to modern innovation, all things maple and maple syrup production were displayed as part of the Essex Regional Conservation Authority’s (ERCA) annual Maple Syrup Festival that took place last weekend at the John R. Park Homestead. The festivities continue this weekend, as well.
Going back decades, the tradition of the Maple Syrup Festival celebrates the history of maple syrup along with the innovation of production throughout the decades. Through the historic backdrop of John R. Park Homestead, participants were able to travel back in time, while learning the various stages of maple syrup production along with some of the modernizations along the way.
“It’s a celebration of spring. This winter we’ve had has been a more traditional one, but it gives an opportunity to get outside. The birds are singing, the trees are tapped, the sap is evaporating and finishing it into maple syrup,” Kris Ives, Homestead Curator and Education Coordinator, explained.
“Each year is always exciting as we continue to look to grow the festival. It’s the first year back in the home following the renovations that closed it. The maple trail is back once again, and it is great family fun to learn about the production of maple syrup and then also check out other businesses and their maple-centric products.”
The Maple Trail was added a few years ago, inviting event attendees to check out local businesses, which were offering a taste of maple, through various products, special menu items, and different scales of maple and tree tapping.
Each of the two weekends revolves around a theme, with this past weekend's theme revolving around lumberjacks. The weekend featured a slate of unique activities geared to the theme, ranging from the best beard and mustache competitions to costume contests and axe-throwing demonstrations. It also featured an artisan market on site in the welcome centre, showcasing local crafts and locally sourced and produced products.
Looking ahead, March 15 and 16 features the Taster’s Weekend. Ives noted that participants will once again be treated to the sweet treat of all things maple. On-site, both days, there will be local vendors, showcasing and offering a taste of maple treats. On both days, participants will be able to enjoy the timeless tradition of maple taffy, rolling it onto their sticks before indulging, something Ives noted, is always a crowd favourite.
Ives added that next weekend, they will have representatives from Caldwell First Nation on hand, as well, as a part of the celebration while highlighting the traditions and some of the items on display in the welcome centre.
She is thankful to the community for their continued support, along with the volunteers, who helped to play a part in the festivities. The event features more than 25 volunteers over the course of the weekend.
For a complete list of programming times, or participating businesses on the Maple Trail to plan a trip, visit www.essexregionconservation.ca/maple