by Prince Edward County, a ‘Certified Good Food Fighter’

Melting snow and longer days indicate the coming of spring and the first harvest of the year, Maple Syrup. Prince Edward County residents and visitors will celebrate and enjoy some good ol’ fashion fun at the award-winning 10th Annual Maple in the County Festival with trips to sugar bushes, farms, wineries, restaurants and shops across the area on Saturday, March 26 and Sunday, March 27.

Presented by The Waring House and the Prince Edward County Maple Syrup Producers, Maple in the County was named a Top 100 Festival by Festivals & Events Ontario. Featuring forty local businesses and organizations, it is a program jam-packed with activities for young and old. “The Waring House is proud to have helped sponsor this event since its inception. We salute the maple syrup producers and invite visitors to learn about one of the oldest agricultural traditions in Canada.” notes the Waring House’s Norah Rogers.

Every year over 8,000 visitors and locals enjoy a trip to one of our sugar bushes to experience everything from lip-smacking pancake breakfasts, sugar shack demonstrations, sugar bush tours, taffy on snow, maple kettle corn, wagon rides, lumberjack shows, baby animals or an antique tractor display. When your belly is full, head out to the wineries and breweries to try some maple inspired wine, or Barley Days Brewery’s new Sugar Shack Ale, using Fosterholm Farms maple syrup. Check out the Spring Craft Market above Books & Co., and purchase a locally made souvenir — from beauty products to clothing to local food.

Kick up your heels and bring your sweetie to the Sugar Shack Soirée for a beavertail in the Waring Hall on Saturday night and enjoy the sounds of The Reasons. Join indie song writing duo The Family Creative Workshop on Friday night and hear storytelling and song writing at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. Take the whole family to a special performance and workshop for children on “music building” at the Bloomfield United Church with David & Kimberly Maracle from the Tyendinaga Reserve.

Our 10th Anniversary Maple in the County Family Event will be taking place on March 26th at The Wellington Arena, in the Hall from 11-4pm. Join old time performers Sheesham and Lotus in an interactive performance and workshop, hear live music from Andy Forgie and Jeannette Arsenault, and be amazed at the papier mache building, stilt walking and puppet show from Small Pond Arts. Make maple themed crafts with Spark Box studio, and enjoy a celebratory free 10th anniversary cupcake from Just Sweets Retro Bakery. Free fun for the whole family!

A full list of activities, events and locations can be found at the Maple in the County website, www.mapleinthecounty.ca, by calling 613-393-2796 or in the brochure and map available at any one of the Maple in the County participating locations.

Get Sap Happy!