MALABAR FARM STATE PARK HOSTS ANNUAL MAPLE SYRUP FAMILY FESTIVAL
Festival features sugaring demonstrations, horse-drawn wagon rides, free samples of maple syrup
COLUMBUS, OH - Join a celebration of Ohio’s rich agricultural history during the annual Maple Syrup Family Festival at Malabar Farm State Park on March 5-6, and March 12-13. The festival features maple sugaring demonstrations, tours of the sugar camp and horse-drawn wagon rides, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
“This festival is a great opportunity for family and friends to step back in time and learn about a slice of Ohio history,” said Louis Andres, manager of Malabar Farm State Park. “There will be something for everyone to enjoy.”
This free event, from noon to 4 p.m. each weekend, includes demonstrations of sugaring techniques from present day to the early days when Ohio was home to Native Americans. A self-guided tour of the sugar camp and sugarhouse reveals the evolution of sugaring equipment and how maple sap is transformed into maple syrup.
Horse-drawn wagons, provided by the Central Ohio Draft Horse Association, will be available to transport visitors to the sugar camp, where free samples of maple syrup can be enjoyed. Live musical entertainment, including Jim Blackstone & the Spring Mountain Boys, along with light refreshments will be available during the festival in the Pugh Cabin located near the event.
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 throughout the season in the Malabar Farm Gift Shop.
The historical home of Louis Bromfield, a world-renowned novelist and conservationist, also will be open for guided tours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the festival.
Bromfield created Malabar Farm in the early 1940s as a demonstration farm for progressive conservation practices. Malabar Farm State Park is the only working farm in the Ohio State Park system.
The Malabar Inn Restaurant, just down the road, will be open throughout March on Saturdays 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The restaurant will offer brunch and dinner specials featuring Malabar Farm maple syrup. For reservations or more information call 419-938-5205.
Overnight accommodations are available at the Malabar Farm Hostelling International by calling 419-892-2055 for reservations.
Malabar Farm is located 12 miles southeast of Mansfield, just one mile west of State Route 603 on Pleasant Valley Road. Programs and special events are offered at the farm year-round. For more information about the park, call 419-892-2784 or visit malabarfarm.org