The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Sap festival adds folk music to sweetness
There may still be a bit of snow on the ground, but the annual Sap’s-a-Risin! event at Swine Creek Reservation in Middlefield Township is a sure sign that spring is just around the corner.
People of all ages gathered March 11 to learn how maple sugaring methods have evolved from the Native American tradition to modern, high-tech methods.
Besides free horse-drawn wagon rides, guests also saw a state-of-the-art sap boiling method inside the sugar house.
There were also free maple stirs, syrup for sale and live music from the Oak Island Sunk Jumpers by the fire inside the lodge to get cozy.
“Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves,” said Grace Hickox, visitor services representative for the Westwood Nature Center. “People just love (this event). It has a great atmosphere with the music playing, and everyone seems to be having a good old time.”
Morgan Kistler decided to drive more than 50 miles from her Columbiana city home just to take her 5-year-old daughter, Ruby, to see the picturesque sights and smell the delicious aromas.
“I found out about this from my aunt who used to work for Geauga Parks, so I decided to go,” said Kistler. “It was really interesting to learn how they make syrup.”
Sap’s-a-Risin! will be held again noon to 4 p.m. on March 18 at Swine Creek Reservation, 16004 Hayes Road. Registration is not required.