Syrup, fun to flow at Sunderland festival
Event has reached 15-year milestone
March 12, 2010
SUNDERLAND -- The syrup, and the entertainment, is on tap in Sunderland this month.
Organizers are gearing up for the 15th annual Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival, to take over downtown Sunderland from Friday, March 26 to Sunday, March 28. The festival starts at 6 p.m. on March 26 with a Battle of the Bands competition and a "loonie twoonie" night at the Gable Bros. Midway. Activities will be offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 27 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 28, featuring bed races, doggie fashion show, pancake-eating contest, 4-H tractor pull and more, according to organizers.
New to the festival this year is an art show at Sunderland Town Hall on March 27, plus a Timbersport chain saw competition all weekend. The Haliburton Woodcarvers will also be showing off their skills to spectators.
While much of the entertainment is in the heart of town off River Street, bus tours are available to the Harlaine Sugar Bush for a maple syrup-making demonstration, and to Salem Alpaca Farm and Koi Fish Farm. Bus tickets are $3 for adults and $1 for children.
Admission to the festival is free, with food and goods for sale throughout the weekend. The annual event has raised more than $50,000 for various local charities and projects, according to organizers, who added the list of recipients include Brock's food bank, Sunderland Skateboard Park and Sunderland Public School.
For a complete schedule of events and more information, visit www.maplesyrupfestival.ca.