by Sylene Argent
Over the weekend, area residents flocked to the Feed Store in Harrow to enjoy its 6th annual Maple Syrup Festival. The event was designed as a way for local families to get out of the house to enjoy the slowly warming weather, while learning about the maple syrup making process.
Ryan, McGuire and his wife, Stacey were busy making maple syrup flavoured treats and explaining the maple syrup process over the course of the weekend event. He and his family produce maple syrup locally.
McGuire enjoys taking the time to speak with event visitors about the minerals and vitamins found in the natural sweetener, how the syrup is made, and what kind of treats can be maple flavoured.
Making maple syrup is something McGuire has enjoyed since he was a young boy. During the event, he shared fond memories of learning the trade from his grandfather. This family-based tradition is one he happily carries on through teaching his own kids abut the process.
Preparing for the rather short four-to-six-week maple syrup season is something McGuire looks forward to, as, to him, it is a sign spring is on the way.
Inside the Feed Store, members of the 4-H Club’s Essex County Royal Dairy Team hosted a pancake breakfast, which was complemented with face painting for the kids and a vendor market area.
Sherry Wright, the leader for the Essex County Royal Dairy Club, said the team members are always enthusiastic to host the fundraiser every year. The funds they raise help to supplement the expenses associated with attending dairy cattle shows outside of Essex County, including the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in London.
Though Saturday morning provided a brief blizzard, Wright was pleased with the turnout after the weather cleared. She was sure the community would show continued support on Sunday’s version of the event.
The 4-H youth members involved with the Essex County Royal Dairy Club did all the work in hosting the pancake breakfast, Wright noted. Some of the club’s aged-out members even returned to help out at the event, knowing how important the fundraiser is to the club.
She said the Club is very appreciative of everyone’s support.
In addition to the maple making demonstration and the pancake breakfast, local chainsaw woodworker Rusty Baton was onsite, creating works of art from pieces of plain wood.