The tapping of maple trees is a sure sign that winter is winding down in Western New York and the sweetest time of the year – maple sugaring season – is at hand. At Genesee Country Village & Museum, visitors can join the celebration during the Maple Sugar Festival and Pancake Breakfast. Or, for a twist on happy hour, attend the Maple Sugar Soiree, an entertaining evening of maple-themed food and drinks, along with dancing, music, games, and an up-close look at the museum’s modern sugarhouse in action.
Coinciding with New York State’s Maple Weekends, the Maple Sugar Festival and Pancake Breakfast is scheduled for March 21, 22, 28, and 29. Guests can explore the Maple History Trail, where costumed interpreters demonstrate how various tree tapping and sap collecting methods evolved from the 19th Century to today, and try tapping for themselves. In the museum’s modern sugarhouse, the evaporator demonstrates how sap is made into thick, amber maple syrup. In addition to sampling the chilly, taffy-like treat “sugar on snow,” guests will be able to purchase treats like maple popcorn, maple cotton candy, maple cream, and GCV&M’s own syrup produced on site.
During the Maple Sugar Festival, Haudenosaunee storytellers share tales about early settlers in Western New York, who learned about Native American sap collecting techniques. The museum’s Historic Village will share maple-inspired food samples from the historic kitchens and will host a Cooking with Maple contest open to all, featuring maple-infused culinary creations vying for the top spot in youth and adult categories. In addition, there will be demonstrations of crafts and trades like coopering, blacksmithing, and candle-making, plus lunch will be available for purchase in the historic Hosmer’s Inn from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests can round out the day with games like “Flapjack Flip” and enjoying an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast served with plenty of New York State maple syrup.
Maple enthusiasts can take advantage of a discount on Maple Sugar Festival tickets as children 12 and under are free when you pre-purchase a $12 adult ticket (ages 13+) online. At the door, the price for children 12 and under will be $5. GCV&M members receive free admission to the Festival. Breakfast tickets are separate from Festival tickets, and are $12 per person for ages 13 and above; $10 for children ages three to 12; free for all children two and under.
On Saturday, April 4, GCV&M kicks off its new Night at the Museum series with a celebration of all things maple at the annual Maple Sugar Soiree from 6 to 9 p.m. The Museum invites old and new friends to toast the end of the maple season with a special party that gives visitors a unique opportunity to see the museum’s sugarhouse in a more intimate setting. This indoor/outdoor celebration features live music and Contra-style folk dancing with members of the Flint Hill Dancers joining the fun in 19th Century period costume.
World-champion lumberjack Dave Jewett of Pittsford will once again demonstrate his chainsaw carving skills. Trivia games, s’mores around the bonfire, and drink tastings from local craft beverage makers like Flying Bison and Katboocha, round out this night of festivities.
This 21-and-over event is taking reservations now, as tickets are limited. Tickets to the soiree will include themed hors d’oeuvres and one free drink coupon. Reservations are encouraged, and there is a discount on pre-sale tickets: $20 for GCV&M members, $25 general admission, versus $25 for GCV&M members, $30 general admission at the door.
Support for these events is provided by Market New York through I LOVE NY/ New York State’s Division of Tourism as a part of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative.
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