Maple Syrup at Westfield- Coming March 2

 

With spring in the air, many families are searching for something fun to do together outside.  Look no further than the Sweet Taste of Spring maple syrup festival at Westfield Heritage Village.  The village’s gorgeous rural setting is a fun place to learn all about how maple syrup is made.  Free horse and wagon rides, a trip to the sugar bush and a chance to taste one of Canada’s sweetest traditions make for a great day out.

In the village’s Early Settlement area, visitors can learn how maple sugar was first produced by Canada’s First Nations communities, and how these techniques were shared with early European immigrants.  At the D’Aubigny Inn, find out how early 19^th century pioneers used three iron cauldrons to produce large quantities of delicious syrup.  A picturesque walk into the sugar bush leads to the modern sugar shack, where you can sample some of Westfield’s very own maple syrup.  This year, Westfield is very pleased to have a brand new maple syrup evaporator, recently funded by the Friends of Westfield.  The tours and demonstrations run from 10 am. to 4 pm. on Sundays March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 and during March Break on two days only - Wednesday March 12 and Thursday March 13.

Modestly priced, delicious pancakes and syrup, with ham or sausage, will be served by the St. George Lion’s Club throughout the day at the Ironwood Hall.  This year, the club will celebrate ten years of flipping pancakes at Westfield!  For more sweet treats, visit the General Store for old-fashioned candy, hot apple cider and baked goods.  The Gift Shop will be selling a variety of maple syrup products and other one-of-a-kind items.  Free horse-drawn wagon rides throughout the day will take you on a lively tour around the village. 

Westfield is a unique place for families, with something interesting to see and do around every corner.  The village’s more than thirty-five heritage buildings are staffed by authentically costumed interpreters, who will take you back to earlier times and places.  Children will enjoy taking their seat in the one-room, log school house, meeting the blacksmith, or visiting the Jerseyville Train Station.

Admission to the Sweet Taste of Spring Maple Syrup Festival is $11.00 for adults, $10.00 for seniors and people with disabilities and $6.50 for children ages 6-12.  Little ones 5 and under are free.  For more information regarding the Sweet Taste of Spring and future Westfield events, call 519-621-8851 or visit Westfield online at www.westfieldheritage.ca .

Westfield Heritage Village is located in Rockton, Ontario on Kirkwall Road (Regional Road 552), just off Hwy 8, between Hamilton and Cambridge.