The first annual Fall In Love With Maple - North Grenville weekend event was held September 25 and 26, 2021 at the Kemptville Campus - Agroforestry Centre.
This event, presented by On The Bend Sugar Shack and the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association in partnership with the Kemptville Campus - Agroforestry Centre is part of a 10-day, province wide campaign running September 25 until October 3 by the OMSPA to encourage exploration of and education about Ontario maple sugar operations.
“We are thrilled to see a local maple event being organized alongside several others across the province,” said Mayor Nancy Peckford. “Due to the COVID pandemic, we were unable to make it happen before now.”
Guided Tours, Live Music and Syrup Demonstrations
Over 600 people came out to see the evaporator in operation, enjoy the glorious maple colours, live music, and walk the trails with professionally guided forest tours. Maple products produced from the Campus Forest were available for sale on site during the event. A pancake breakfast was hosted by the Knights of Columbus 5333 to support the local food bank.
About the Agroforestry Centre
The 18-acre Kemptville Campus sugarbush is part of the larger 360-acre Forest Stewardship Council ® (FSC®) certified Kemptville Campus woodlot. On Sunday, September 26th, a dedication ceremony was held to rename the maple forest in honour of the late Peter Wensink, former Kemptville Campus forester.
“The Agroforestry Centre at the Kemptville Campus is a wonderful space to celebrate all things maple with the leadership of Frank Heerkens, local maple syrup producer. We highly encourage members of our community to come out and enjoy a wonderful weekend outdoors surrounded by the glorious fall colours,” added Karen Cooper, Chair of Kemptville Campus.
For more on the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association Fall in Love With Maple Weekend visit: www.ontariomaple.com/fall-in-love-with-maple/