2025 Maple Festival : A Sweet Celebration

Mark your calendars, grab your sweet tooth, and get ready for two weekends of maple magic in Harrow!

The annual Maple Festival at John R. Park Homestead, happening on March 8-9 & 15-16, is the ultimate celebration of all things maple. Whether you're a foodie, a history buff, or just looking for a fun family outing, this festival has something for everyone.

Weekend 1: Lumberjack Weekend March 8-9 | 11AM - 4PM

The first weekend kicks off with an exciting tribute to traditional maple syrup production and the rugged charm of lumberjacks.

Sweet Traditions & Hands-On Experiences

• Science of the Maple Exhibit & Modern Maple Evaporation Demonstrations: Watch the transformation from sap to syrup and learn about the history and science behind maple production.

• Local Maker’s Market & Maple Market: Browse handmade goods from local artisans and take home delicious maple-themed treats.

• Pioneer-Themed Activities & Games: Step into the past with hands-on experiences that bring history to life.

• Make Maple Taffy on Snow (12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm): A fan favorite! Warm maple syrup is poured onto fresh snow, creating a delicious, chewy treat.

Fun & Competition

• Family-Friendly Axe Throwing (11am - 3:30pm): Test your aim and see if you can hit the target!

• Maple Song and Story (11:30am, 1pm, 3:45p): Gather ‘round for traditional tales and songs from the past.

• Blacksmithing Demonstrations (11am - 3:30pm): Watch skilled artisans at work, shaping metal into historic tools and decor.

Special Contests

• Moustache Contest (Saturday, March 8 | Judging from 12pm - 3pm): Show off your best facial hair for a chance to win in categories like "Best Full Beard" and "Best Waxed Creation." Click here for full details.

• Best Dressed Lumberjack (Sunday, March 9 | Judging at 2pm): Whether you're a traditional woodsman or a modern hipster, don your best flannel and enter to win! Click here for full details.

• Tap My Trees Talk (Saturday, March 8 | 10am): Learn from an ERCA forester about tapping your own trees for syrup.

Weekend 2: Taster’s Weekend March 15-16 | 11AM - 4PM

Food lovers, this weekend is for you! Indulge in maple-infused delights from local vendors and explore the variety of flavors maple has to offer.

Tasting Highlights

• Maple Sugar & Maple Butter – Try these classic maple treats, perfect for spreading on toast or pairing with pretzels.

• Maple Popcorn – A sweet and salty crunch that’s simply irresistible.

• Maple Coffee & Maple Tea – Cozy up with these warm, maple-infused beverages.

Special Guests & Local Vendors

Enjoy maple-inspired treats from:

• The Iron Kettle

• Richmond Popcorn Company

• Christine’s Bake Shop

• Little Foot Foods

  
  

More Maple Fun!

• Maple Grading (12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm): Learn how maple syrup changes throughout the season and taste the differences.

• Best Maple Butter Tart Contest (Saturday, March 15 | Winner announced at 3pm): Bakers compete in traditional and creative categories for the title of best butter tart! Click here for full details.

• Backyard Maple Contest & Award (Sunday, March 16 | Winner announced at 3pm): Home syrup makers can have their creations judged by experts. Click here for full details.

• Make Maple Taffy on Snow (12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm)

• Blacksmithing Demonstrations (11am-4pm)

• Maple Song and Story (11:15am, 1:00pm, 3:45pm)

Don’t Miss The Maple Trail!

Extend your maple adventure beyond the festival grounds by visiting participating local businesses offering special maple-themed dishes and drinks:

• Paglione Estate Winery – Wood-fired maple pizza and dessert

• Oxley Estate Winery – Maple-infused drinks for adults and kids

• Viewpointe Estate Winery – Lunch specials and butter tarts

• North 42 Degrees Estate Winery & Bistro 42 – Maple blueberry tea and maple nuts

• Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery – Maple Sangria

• Heritage Brewery & FRATE Street Food – Maple-inspired menu items

• Walnut Grove Bed & Breakfast – Maple syrup tours and tastings

• Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards & The Vines Restaurant – Special maple treat

• Priscilla’s Presents – Locally made maple syrup available for purchase

• Ruscom North Shore Maple Farms – Homegrown maple syrup and products

Download the Map

Festival Location:

📍 John R. Park Homestead 915 County Road 50 East, Harrow, ON

Whether you’re tossing axes, tasting maple treats, or competing for the best moustache, the Maple Festival at John R. Park Homestead is the perfect way to celebrate the sweet taste of spring. Don’t miss out on this delicious tradition!