The First Taste of Spring Maple Syrup Festival is back, and it’s sweeter than ever. Join this iconic celebration of Canadian culture at the John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area on March 9&10 and 16&17.
“Each weekend is distinctly themed, this year’s Maple Fest again offers outdoor fun and unique experiences at this sweet-tasting tradition and celebration of natural and cultural heritage,” said Danielle Breault Stuebing, ERCA’s Director of Communications and Outreach. “Early Settler maple making will be the focus of the John R. Park Homestead activities, with blacksmithing demonstrations, costumed interpretation, and the ever-popular maple taffy in the snow taking place each weekend.”
Families can participate in the Lumber Games, Lumberjack Costume competition, Boast-Worthy Beard and Moustache competition, Best Butter Tart competition and so much more. On Tasters’ Weekend, guests can enjoy samples of delectable maple products, explore the artisans’ tent and watch the best Backyard Maple Maker will be awarded. Each weekend features special hikes and hands-on activities, of course, the ever-popular Maple Market. A full slate of activities offered each weekend can be found at www.essexregionconservation.ca/maple.
The Maple Trail returns, featuring nine local businesses with unique maple offerings during both Festival weekends. "Families can find unique maple baked goods, family-friendly maple food pairings, decadent food and wine specials and much more along the Maple Trail,” Breault Stuebing adds. “The #MapleTrail map will be available on the website by March 1.”
Admission to the event ranges from $6 - $8 for individuals and $30 for a family pass. ERCA’s seasonal pass also provides admission to this event, and all conservation areas and special events for the entire year. Advance ticket purchases are encouraged so you can skip the line!
For more information and to download the Maple Trail map, visit www.essexregionconservation.ca/maple. The Maple Festival is proudly sponsored by St. Clair College and the St. Clair College Alumni Association.
The Essex Region Conservation Authority is a public sector organization established by the Province of Ontario in 1973 and governed by local municipalities. For more than 50 years, it has delivered programs and services to further the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources in watersheds in the Windsor-Essex-Pelee Island region.