Essex County's Only Maple Syrup Festival
Did you know that the John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area is the only place in Essex County that you can see the maple trees tapped, the sap evaporating and maple syrup being made in the pioneer way? Many special events are planned so that the public can participate in this exciting spring ritual, and school and group maple programs are available anytime by advance appointment.
Kick off March Break week with Essex County's only maple syrup festival, on Sunday, March 9th from 10am - 4pm. Costumed guides will be boiling the sap down in an iron cauldron, finishing the syrup in the 1842 kitchen and making maple taffy on the snow. Staff will be on hand to answer your questions about maple trees and "Science of Maple" sessions will be offered featuring a film and exhibit. Children can participate through various hands-on activities; get up close and see the trees tapped, try the brace and bit, carry pails of sap using an old-fashioned yoke and make a maple craft to take home. Pure maple syrup, butter and sugar will be for sale in the Homestead gift shop, so take home a tasty treat. Don't forget to dress warmly and to wear boots. Family admission is $16.00
More maple fun will follow through the March Break! Attend one of the "Maple March Break for Families" Programs on Tuesday, March 11th and repeated again on Friday, March 14th at 1:30pm sharp. Tour the site with a costumed interpreter; see the trees tapped and lend-a-hand with the maple chores. Sample some pure maple sugar in our 1842 kitchen, learn the "Science of Maple" and get hands-on in this fun and educational program for the whole family to enjoy. Family Admission is $16.00
Attend the exciting 5th Annual "Maple Moon" evening program on Tuesday March 11th at 7:30pm. Attend this sugaring off party by candlelight! Pre-registration is required for this program. Admission: $8.00 per person.
The Homestead is located at 915 County Road 50, east of Colchester - a 45 minute drive southeast of Windsor. For more information, to make a group booking or to register for Maple Moon, please call: (519) 738-2029 or email jrph@erca.org.
