The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Businesses offering Maple Festival alternatives
Spear Chardon Tractor, Ransom Sage Farm starting off fair season
Kelly Spear lost both her jobs to the pandemic last year.
Her family lost more than that.
But as much as the coronavirus has taken, she said there is still much to be thankful for.
So when the traditional Geauga County Maple Festival was cancelled for the second year in a row, she decided to expand on the food truck visits that have proved popular at Spear Chardon Tractor Sales during the past year.
“Some of the vendors have reached out to me, (saying) ‘There’s no Maple Festival, would you be willing to use your place of business?’ and, ‘Let’s get something going,’ “she said. “So I reached out to other vendors. … It’s kind of snowballed into this nice, big event.”
She is referring to the Maple Celebration/Open House planned on the premises — 12600 US Route 6 in Hambden Township, across from King Kone — from noon until dark, April 29 through May 1.
Along with several food vendors, live bands will perform each day, tractor test drives will be available and some major prizes will be given away during a raffle.
In addition, Mapledale Farm is offering maple stirs and donating syrup to the food truck vendors to make maple-themed recipes throughout the three days.
Mask and social-distancing guidelines will be in effect.
The raffle drawing will be held May 2 and proceeds will go to the MS Society of Ohio — the charity of choice of Bill Spear Sr., who died of COVID-19 complications in January.
There will be no charge for admission or parking.
“We’ve been here 84 years,” Spear said, noting that business is booming. “(We thought) let’s give back.”
Maple Mile
Spear Chardon Tractor Sales isn’t the only local business boosting vendors and bringing the fun.
Ransom Sage Farm in Chardon is bringing back the Maple Mile drivethrough farmer’s market, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., April 24 and 25, and May 1 and 2.
The property will host about 30 vendors/food trucks, including those that offer fair food classics.
The event began last year after the Maple Festival was cancelled amid crowd-gathering restrictions.
“We can still do farmers markets,” said farm owner Ben Sage.
Visitors are directed to enter at 10295 Auburn Road, as the Center Street entrance will be used for an exit.
“We should have it streamlined better this year,” he said, adding that attendees are encouraged to enjoy all the vendors and the drive-through experience, which can be slowmoving at times.
“The customers stay warm and can carry all they want,” he said. “Last year, the problem was people bought gyros for everyone they knew . ...
“So we have more vendors this year to help keep people happy while they wait. It works great as long as people expect to visit each vendor. The ones who just want elephant ears don’t like waiting. … In general, it works great.”