Experience the process of maple sugaring past and present at Hale Farm & Village March 13, 14, 20 and 21, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day.
Visitors can step into the sugar bush to experience the history of the maple syrup process. The 19th Century village features outdoor demonstrations including tree tapping, oxen talks, a sugaring camp and the process of boiling sap into syrup.
Historic crafts and trades including glassblowing, blacksmithing, spinning and weaving are also demonstrated throughout the day.
Admission includes a breakfast (on site or carry out) of pancakes, sausage links, fruit, coffee, juice and milk.
For centuries, the maple trees on the Hale’s family farm provided sap to be processed and sold or consumed. C. O. Hale, the grandson of Western Reserve pioneer Jonathan Hale, had a keen interest in all aspects of farming, including tapping the sugar maple trees on this farm. He supervised maple syrup production from his sugaring chair, on display during this event. Custom-built to his specifications, the tall chair allowed C. O. to view the boiling of sap from the perfect vantage point, high above the steaming evaporation pan.
“This year will look a little different, but we are happy to welcome guests back to this fun family event,” says Catherine Sterle, acting director at Hale Farm & Village. “We are taking extra safety precautions by requiring advance reservations with timed admissions, face coverings and social distancing. Most programming will also take place outdoors and we are offering a carry-out option for breakfasts.”
The Marketplace at Hale Farm & Village will be open for shopping during the event, featuring Ohio-made maple products including syrup, candy, sauces and snacks. Hand-blown glass, pottery, ironworks and wool items will also be available along with many other Ohio-made and maple sugar souvenirs.
Breakfast and admission to all activities is $17 for adults, $11 for children 3 – 12 years of age, and $7 for pancake breakfast-only tickets (breakfast is served until 3 p.m.). Museum-only rates are available. Reservations are required and a limited number will be sold for admission each hour with final admission at 2 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting halefarm.org. For more information contact Hale Farm at 330-666-3711 or visit the website.
Hale Farm & Village is a property of the Western Reserve Historical Society. For GPS directions, use 2686 Oak Hill Rd., Peninsula, Ohio.
Photo: The Shire team from Trail Light Farms-Drafts helps in the sap collection process. (Nancy Balluck)
