Genesee Country Village Maple Sugar Festival Begins March 18th

In celebration of the return of maple sugaring season in New York State, Genesee Country Village & Museum in Monroe County will host its annual Maple Sugar Festival on Saturday and Sunday, March 18th and 19th, and Saturday and Sunday, March 25th and 26th.

Visitors can tap into the history of maple in the 19th century by following the tap lines from sugar maple trees along the Maple History Trail to the Sugarhouse in the Genesee Country Nature Center; see how the wood-fired evaporator transforms fresh, clear sap into thick, amber maple syrup and learn from GCV&M naturalists about the tree tapping process and history of sap collection. Plus, learn about sugar maples and the collection techniques employed to keep the sugar bush sustainable.

Visitors to the Maple Sugar Festival can tap into the history of maple in the 19th century by following the tap lines from sugar maple trees along the Maple History Trail to the Sugarhouse at GCV&M’s Nature Center. See how the wood-fired evaporator transforms fresh, clear sap into thick, amber maple syrup and learn from GCV&M naturalists about the tree tapping process and history of sap collection. Plus, learn about sugar maples and the collection techniques employed to keep the sugar bush sustainable.

Food offerings will incldue a Pancake Plate (think a “garbage plate,” but maple-themed),  historic maple-themed confections in the D.B. Munger & Co. Confectionery, maple-themed hot snacks or beverages in the Depot Restaurant, and Rohrbach’s Griddle Cake Ale, on tap in the Freight House Pub.

The Historic Village will feature kitchen fires roaring, and costumed interpreters sharing insight into life in 19th century New York. Visitors will have the opportunity to get hands-on with maple games, try out a two-man saw, and explore tree tapping tools. Local timber sportsmen will provide a look into the life of a lumberjack with demonstrations of skills, and Haudenosaunee storytellers will share tales of Western New York’s first sugaring traditions.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the GCV&M website.

Photo of Genesee Country Village Maple Sugar Festival provided.