LUCAS — Perfect weather greeted the first day of Malabar Farm’s traditional Maple Syrup Festival.
The annual event returns this spring after a haitus last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers presented a virtual event, but judging by the large crowd Saturday, visitors much preferred the in-person show.
On an afternoon that featured 70-degree temperatures, bright sunshine and perfect conditions, the festival provided a great opportunity to get outside and enjoy the splendor of nature after a long stretch of winter.
Visitors from as far as Texas walked the trails over the farm’s property on the first day of the four-day event. Youngsters toured the barnyard with goats, chickens and more strolling the fields. Horse-drawn wagons continuously brought folks up toward Pugh Cabin and dropped them off behind the famed Sugar Shack.
Approximately 1,000 trees were tapped this year, up from 750 last season. According to guides, it takes about 45 gallons of sap to create a gallon of syrup.
A trip through the Sugar Shack offers free maple syrup in short paper cups, as officials discuss the superior taste to corn syrup available in stores.
One can see buckets on several trees collecting sap and a bevy of facts are posted around the attractions explaining the process of turning that sap into syrup. For instance, Ohio ranks fourth in the U.S. maple syrup production, churning out 100,000 gallons each year. Approximately 900 syrup producers create a $5 million industry for the state’s economy.
Presenters explain how Native American Indians taught settlers to extract sap and boil it down, with the tools and methods used. Early settlers slowly improved on that process to the point syrup was created.
The festival will continue on Sunday and again next weekend, March 12, and 13, from noon to 4 p.m. Chicken sandwiches, hot dogs and beverages are available at a Bellville Lions food truck, while a donut truck also features pastries and coffees.
The Big House at Malabar Farm is also open for tours as part of the event.
