Spring is in the air and Ontario maple syrup producers are busy making plans for the 4th annual Maple Weekend, April 7 and 8.
Hosted by the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers’ Association (OMSPA), Maple Weekend is a two-day, free, family-friendly event celebrating the advent of spring and maple syrup production in Ontario.
In 2018, Maple Weekend will take place in 10 districts across Ontario, where maple syrup producers will welcome visitors to their sugar bushes April 7 and 8, offering specials and activities in honour of the occasion.
Producers in the Simcoe and District, Waterloo-Wellington, Eastern, Lanark and District, Quinte and District, Algoma and District, Southwestern, Ottawa Valley, Grey-Bruce and District, and Algonquin regions have registered to take part in the event.
“We’re pleased Maple Weekend has been embraced by so many of OMSPA’s producers,” said Leann Thompson, chair of the OMSPA Maple Weekend working group. “While only a few years old, this event continues to grow across the province, and this offers even more incentive for visitors to explore a local sugar bush each year.”
Maple Weekend is a celebration of the Canadian tradition of maple syrup production, and features two full days of activities at participating maple syrup producers across the province. Running from 10am to 4pm both days, visitors can expect to experience specials and activities ranging from pancake breakfasts, to sugar making demonstrations, sleigh rides, and more.
Launched as a pilot project in 2015 by the Lanark and District Maple Syrup Producers’ Association, Maple Weekend has since evolved into a popular weekend activity for families and individuals looking to experience the beset of Ontario’s maple syrup production. In 2017, Maple Weekend was nominated for Ontario Tourism Event of the Year, and continues to grow and expand each year.
A full list of participating producers is available on the Maple Weekend website, along with further details about specials and activities for visitors at the more than 70 locations across the province. Visitors are invited to visit the Maple Weekend website at www.mapleweekend.ca for more information.
Two area producers will be among the participating locations:
– R-Lil Golden Treats Maple Sweets, run by Ron and Lillian Grubb at 8939 Wellington Road 5 (White’s Road) in Minto; and
– the Martin family’s Royalmar Farms at Gowanstown.
R-Lil Golden Treats Maple Sweets will be serving maple syrup samples with Aebelskiver (round pancake balls) and sausage. They will also be accepting donations for Crohn’s and Colitis Canada during the event.
Royalmar Farms is offering sugar bush walking tours and horse-drawn wagon rides.
