Maple Syrup Season Continues At John R. Park Homestead

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This past Sunday, 600 people enjoyed a first taste of spring during the John R. Park Homestead’s Maple Syrup Festival, but if you missed out, don;t worry, there’s still a chance to enjoy some maple.

On Tuesday, March 17th the Homestead will host the exclusive Maple Moon evening program. Join in the sugaring off party by candlelight; participate in pioneer maple sugar making, and – exclusive to this evening program – enjoy a barn dance, listen to the age-old maple legends and make taffy on snow. Numbers are limited and you must register and pay in advance.

Homestead Curator Kristin Ives says, “This is a great opportunity to create special March Break memories with your family. Maple Moon always sells out – it is a popular spring tradition.”

You can register for Maple Moon online here.   The cost for this exclusive evening program is $15 per person; advanced registration only.

If you have younger children, or would prefer a daytime program, the Homestead is offering a 90 minute Maple March Break tour on Tuesday, March 17th and repeated again on Friday, March 20th. The program starts at 1:30pm.  Admission is $20 per family. You are asked to dress warmly and wear boots.

Costumed guides will be leading families through the steps to make maple syrup and sugar the pioneer way. Outside, families will get up-close and see the trees tapped and the sap boiling down in a large iron cauldron. Inside the 1842 kitchen the maple products are finished and each visitor can enjoy a sweet maple treat. The science of maple will be discussed as well as the origins of maple and a comparison between the traditional and modern methods of maple making.

Children can participate through various hands-on activities; try a brace and bit, carry pails of sap using an old-fashioned yoke and lend a hand with log sawing. After the program visitors are welcome to stay and play with pioneer toys and games, explore the conservation area, and find a tasty maple souvenir in the Homestead’s gift shop.