County maple producers highlight alternatives for cancelled festival

Maple mascot jumping for joy that, although altered due to COVID-19 pandemic, the celebration of maple will happen this month in an adapted way. – Sue Capon file photo

The County’s popular sweet celebration of spring is cancelled again this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic – but an adaptation of the festival will move forward at local sugar bushes.

2021 would have marked the 20th anniversary of the much-loved Maple in the County Festival that traditionally welcomed thousands of visitors.

“Maple in the County producers felt strongly that they needed to support the health and safety of the community,” said Michelle Nyman, on behalf of the Maple in the County Marketing Committee. “With the festival itself not taking place this year, there are still many ways to enjoy Maple in the County products.”

About a dozen producers will be offering curbside pickup of favourite maple products.

Some will be offering altered activities throughout the month to aid in social distancing.

For example, Waupoos Estates Winery plans a month-long Maple Madness celebration of maple, on weekends throughout the month.

Its restaurant will serve a maple-inspired brunch each weekend. The sugar shack will be operational but is small, so will will not permit visitors inside this year. Their popular petting zoo will be open at limited capacity, as will the barn, for a walk-through one family at a time. Masks are required.

There are 125 Maple To-Go Bags filled with local maple treats (syrup, pancake mix, activities and more) will be available for $40/bag with all proceeds benefiting the Back the Build campaign in support of the new hospital in Prince Edward County.

Maple lovers can order bags online beginning today with pick-up at participating sugar shacks on March 27 or 28.

A complete list of Maple in the County producers is available at mapleinthecounty.ca