LUCAS — Malabar Farm will host its annual Maple Syrup Festival the first two weekends in March.
This free festival gives people the chance to learn the history of Ohio syrup-making with demonstrations of sugaring techniques from past to present. It will be March 5, 6, 12 and 13 from noon to 4 p.m.
According to Siera Marth, assistant park manager at Malabar Farm State Park, the syrup festival is one of Malabar Farm’s biggest attractions, second to the Ohio Heritage Days Festival.
“This is such a classic event, so we really don’t try to change too much about it,” Marth said. Â
A family favorite is the horse-drawn wagon rides to the sugar camp, she said, which are provided by the Central Ohio Draft Horse Association.
A self-guided tour of the sugar camp and sugarhouse will reveal the evolution of sugaring equipment and how maple sap is transformed into maple syrup.
“We’re finding ways to tap more trees and make our process a little more efficient, Marth said. “It has come a long way. It’s quite amazing.”
Pure Ohio maple syrup, homemade maple walnut fudge, maple cotton candy, maple popcorn, and other maple products will be on sale during the event, and in the Malabar Farm Gift Shop throughout the season. Free samples of maple syrup will also be available.
The festival will feature live musical entertainment, along with light refreshments and snacks in the Pugh Log Cabin.
Bromfield’s historical 32-room mansion will be open for hosted, self-paced tours from noon to 4 p.m.
The Malabar Farm Restaurant will also be open. For reservations or more information call 419-938-5205.
Additionally, overnight accommodations for individuals, groups and families are available at the Malabar Farm Hostelling International. Call 419-892-2055 for reservations.
“I think people enjoy the festival altogether,” Marth said. “It’s nice thing to do with the whole family and a good way to get outside.”
