By 1812Blockhouse
Next month at Malabar Farm State Park, the 47th Annual Maple Syrup Festival will present a perfect blend of tradition, nature, and culinary delight. Scheduled for the first two weekends of March (March 2, 3, 9, 10) from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, this event promises a journey back in time with its array of live historical demonstrations, alongside the charm of horse-drawn wagon rides. But the festival is more than just a nod to the past; it’s a celebration of the present, offering visitors the chance to savor and purchase a variety of maple products, engage in self-guided tours of the historic Big House, and even enjoy the sweet melodies of live music.
From Tree to Table: The Art of Maple Syrup Making
The heart of the Maple Syrup Festival lies in its educational sugar camp, where the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) takes visitors through the fascinating process of transforming sap into syrup. This immersive experience not only showcases the traditional methods used for generations but also highlights modern advancements in syrup production. As Chief Glen Cobb of the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft puts it, the festival is an invitation to “shake off the winter blues” and immerse oneself in a cherished Ohio tradition. With guided hikes, live demonstrations, and the irresistible allure of sweet samples, attendees are offered a rare glimpse into the labor of love behind every bottle of Ohio-made maple syrup.
A Legacy of Sweetness: The Bromfield Connection
Malabar Farm’s connection to maple syrup production is deeply rooted in its history, with its late proprietor, author Louis Bromfield, having been an avid producer of maple sugar and syrup. The festival pays homage to Bromfield’s legacy, echoing his sentiments on the excitement and communal spirit of sugar making. Visitors will find themselves transported into the pages of his book “Pleasant Valley,” experiencing firsthand the “ceremony of sugar making” that Bromfield so vividly described. The event serves not only as a celebration of Ohio’s maple syrup heritage but as a tribute to the enduring legacy of Malabar Farm and its contributions to sustainable farming and local culinary traditions.
Plan Your Visit
With free admission for all and special event parking readily available, the Maple Syrup Festival is an accessible event for families, history enthusiasts, and foodies alike. For those planning to attend, cash is recommended for purchases, ensuring that everyone can bring home a taste of Ohio’s maple heritage. Further details can be obtained by contacting the park office, making it easy for visitors to plan their trip to this iconic Ohio event.
Image by Touka hogimoto from Pixabay
